
The predecessor of Wuhan University was the Self-Strengthening Academy founded by Zhang Zhidong, the Governor-General of Huguang in the late Qing Dynasty. In 1928, it was renamed "National Wuhan University".
Wuhan University is located on the bank of East Lake and embraces Luojia Mountain. The campus is shaded by green trees. The palace-style buildings that combine Chinese and Western styles are simple, elegant, majestic and spectacular. A number of buildings, such as the Songqing Gymnasium, the Yingyuan Old Dormitory, the Library, and Banshanlu, have been listed as national key cultural relics protection units. The accommodation area also has four famous gardens: Guiyuan, Fengyuan, Yingyuan, and Meiyuan.
Wuhan University has been recognized online as one of China's ten most beautiful universities. Its quaint buildings are nestled among lush trees, and flowers bloom year-round. Walking around the campus, you'll be greeted by the fragrance of flowers and the chirping of birds. Grab a book, find a quiet spot, and relive your youth.
Spring and Autumn Period
As one of the oldest universities in China, Wuhan University is known as "the most beautiful university campus in China", and 26 early buildings on campus have been listed as "National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units".
Cherry blossoms
Wuhan University's campus is most famous for its cherry blossoms, boasting attractions such as the Cherry Blossom Castle, Cherry Blossom Avenue, Cherry Peak, and Luojia Square. Every spring, in mid-March, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the campus attracts millions of visitors from across the country. The campus boasts over 800 seed plant species across 120 families and 558 genera, including 17 species from 11 families and 13 ancient and renowned trees. Additionally, the campus boasts numerous small shrubs, wild flowers, medicinal plants, and rock plants, including Panlong ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, Lygodium japonicum, Curculigo agaricus, Herba scutellariae, and Ranunculus jiangnanensis. Luojia Mountain is known as a national arboretum. The Wuhan University campus, home to numerous first-class protected tree species, is affiliated with the Botanical Gardens Branch of the Chinese Society of Botany.
architecture
Wuhan University, nestled between East Lake and Luojia Mountain, boasts a magnificent, palatial-style architecture, a blend of Eastern and Western influences. Its campus boasts a quaint, elegant architecture, hailed as a masterpiece and model of modern Chinese university campus architecture. Several of its early buildings, including the Songqing Gymnasium, the Yingyuan Old Residence, the Old Library, the Science Building, the Banshan Residence, and Building 18, have been designated as National Key Cultural Relics Protection Sites by the State Council. Landmark buildings such as the Law Building, the Business Administration Building, and the Foreign Languages Building are imposing, complementing the old and new.
The campus of Wuhan University has successively built cultural landscapes such as the "June 1st Memorial Pavilion", the "Memorial Statue of Mr. Wen Yiduo", the "Kunpeng Spreading Its Wings", the "Li Da Statue", the "Einstein Statue", the "Alain Peyrefitte Statue", the "Li Siguang Statue", the "Wang Shijie Statue", and the "Confucius Bronze Statue".
free
All day
Founded in 1893, Wuhan University is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The campus is renowned for its blend of traditional Chinese and modern architecture, historic libraries, and scenic landscapes, making it a cultural and educational landmark in Wuhan.
Located in Wuchang District, Wuhan. Accessible via Metro Line 2 or Line 4 (exit at Wuhan University Station), local buses, taxis, or rideshares. Walking within the campus is recommended to fully explore its scenic areas.
The campus is generally open to visitors from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is spring (March–April) during the cherry blossom season, and autumn for pleasant weather and foliage.
Entrance to the main campus is free for general visitors. During cherry blossom season, a ticket fee of around 10–20 CNY may apply at specific entrances. Tickets can be purchased onsite.
For the cherry blossom season, advance booking online may be required, typically 1–2 weeks ahead, due to high visitor numbers. For general campus visits, no advance booking is needed.
2–4 hours are sufficient to see the main highlights and enjoy a leisurely campus walk. A full day may be needed during peak seasons or for detailed exploration.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese and occasionally English, especially during the cherry blossom season. Audio guides are not commonly provided but self-guided exploration is popular.
Enter through the main gate, walk along the central avenue to see historic buildings, continue to Luojia Hill for panoramic views, visit the Cherry Blossom Garden if in season, and finish with a stroll near East Lake.
The campus is generally closed to night visits. Special seasonal events or university exhibitions may be available during the day, but no regular light shows exist.
The campus can be crowded during cherry blossom season and weekends. Weekdays outside peak bloom times are quieter and recommended for casual visits.
Basic facilities include public restrooms, campus cafes, small snack vendors, and benches for resting. No large commercial shops are present.
Main campus areas are mostly walkable, but some hilly sections may be challenging. Limited wheelchair access is available near main buildings and gates.
Cash is rarely needed; campus cafes and ticket counters often accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards.
Campus cafes offer light meals and snacks. Nearby Wuchang District has numerous restaurants serving local Hubei cuisine, fast food, and international options.
Vegetarian options are available at campus cafes and nearby restaurants. Halal options may require specific search in Wuchang area.
Several hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are available in Wuchang District and near East Lake, ranging from budget to mid-range options.
Campus gift shops sell stationery, university-branded items, postcards, and small cultural souvenirs.
Taxis, rideshares, and buses are convenient to explore nearby attractions. Metro Line 2 connects to central Wuhan and other districts.