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Walk through the “Red Building” (the restored military government site) and view its historical rooms and relics; Visit the adjacent Xinhai Revolution Museum (integrated with the site) and explore its exhibition halls covering the late Qing era, the revolution’s origins, the Wuchang Uprising, the founding of the Republic, and centennial reflections; Stroll the surrounding grounds and Square (Shouyi Square) for memorial sculptures (e.g. Sun Yat-sen bronze statue, “Bai Jiangtai” monument) and open-air displays; Combine the visit with a walk to nearby landmarks such as Yellow Crane Tower (east of the site) and the Snake Hill area for scenic views and historical context.
This is where the first shot of the Xinhai Revolution was fired. The main part of the square is divided into two squares, the north and south. The north square was originally the Hubei Provincial Advisory Council in the late Qing Dynasty. After the success of the Wuchang Uprising, the revolutionaries established a military government here, which temporarily acted as the "Central Government of the Republic of China". It is now the Xinhai Revolution Wuchang Uprising Memorial Hall.
Because its main building is red, it is also called the "Red Building". The South Square was newly built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution. A red triangular building stands in the middle of the square, which is the Xinhai Revolution Museum.
Suitable for all seasons
free
08:00-18:00
This was the site where, in October 1911, revolutionaries took control of Wuchang and declared the Hubei Military Government (the “E-Army Dudu Mansion”), effectively launching the Xinhai Revolution and signaling the end of Qing dynastic rule. The building—called the “Red Building” (红楼)—was originally built in 1909–1910 as the Hubei Provincial Advisory Council under Qing rule, then repurposed as the military government seat after the uprising. As a memorial museum, it preserves parts of the original architecture and exhibits relating to the revolution, serving as a key “red tourism / patriotic education” site in modern Wuhan.
It is located in Wuchang District, Wuhan, on Wuluo Road (武珞路) near the north side of Shouyi Square (首义广场), at the north end of the parade-ground (阅马场) area. By public transport: you can take the Wuhan metro (line/station depending on your starting point) to Shouyi Station (首义站), exit via Exit E, and walk to the square. By taxi or ride-hailing, simply ask for “武昌起义军政府旧址” or “红楼 / 辛亥革命博物馆（南北馆）” as they are well known. On foot, the site is adjacent to or within walking distance of Yellow Crane Tower and the Snake Hill area, so you can plan a walking route linking them.
The museum complex (the integrated “The 1911 Revolution Museum”) is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission around 4:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays (or “not open all day on Monday”) in many periods. The best times are early morning right after opening or late afternoon before closing, to avoid peak visitor flows midday.
Admission is free (though you need to register / get a ticket with your ID at the entrance). Tickets are collected on site (ID registration) rather than purchased far in advance.
No formal advance booking is usually required. You obtain a free entry ticket on the spot (often via ID registration). However, during high-demand dates (e.g. October 10th anniversary) crowds may be large, so arriving early is wise.
Typically 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to see the Red Building, its exhibitions, and the adjacent museum halls.
The restored rooms of the old military government: meeting halls, offices, living quarters (e.g. Li Yuanhong’s residence) in the Red Building. Exhibits in the museum halls: sections such as “Late Qing China,” “Origin of the Revolution,” “Wuchang Uprising,” “Founding of the Republic,” and “100 Years of Revolution.” Outdoor memorials: Sun Yat-sen bronze statue, Bai Jiangtai (monument where Li Yuanhong “appointed Huang Xing as general”), and the layout of Shouyi Square.
I did *not* find confirmed information about guided tours or audio guides in English. The museum is part of a national education base, so guided / interpretive services may be offered (primarily in Chinese). Visitors often rely on exhibit labels, multimedia displays, and signage.
The front façade of the Red Building (its red brick façade) is a classic photo spot. The entrance / gate and memorial sculptures in Shouyi Square provide good framing with the building behind. From the museum’s upper floors or terraces, you may get views over the square and toward Snake Hill / Yellow Crane Tower.
Enter via the Red Building (north / original site), walk through historical rooms first, then proceed south (or cross the square) to the newer museum halls (South Hall) for the broader context of the revolution. Follow the exhibition chronologically, from Qing decline → revolution build-up → uprising → establishment of the republic → historical reflection. End by stepping out into the square, viewing the monuments, then optionally heading onward to Yellow Crane Tower.
I did not find any credible evidence of regular night visits, light shows, or after-hours special tours at this site. The museum closes in the evening (5:00 PM). On the anniversary day (October 10), there may be special commemorative events or exhibitions.
The site is moderately popular with local visitors, students, and tourists, especially around national holidays and October 10. The least crowded times are early mornings (shortly after opening) or late afternoons before closing, and on non-holiday weekdays (excluding Monday when it is closed).
The museum complex is equipped with visitor amenities including restrooms and rest areas (museum standard). There may be a small gift / souvenir counter inside or near the exit; vending machines or kiosks may supply water or light refreshments. For full meals or cafés, one may need to step outside into the surrounding Wuchang district commercial areas.
The site is a museum with indoor and outdoor areas. Some stairs or steps are present in the historic structure. For those with limited mobility, certain exhibition halls and ground-level areas should be accessible, but access to upper floors or steep stairs may be challenging. Children are welcome; exhibits are visual and historical, so older kids will benefit more.
Since admission is free, you won't need a ticket purchase. If any small purchases (souvenirs or refreshments) are made, they will likely accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay / Alipay) or card, as is common in Wuhan museums. Carrying small cash is wise just in case some vendors accept only cash.
There is no major full-scale restaurant inside the museum, but snack kiosks or light refreshment stalls may exist near the museum exit. In the surrounding Wuchang district, especially near Shouyi Square and the Yellow Crane Tower area, you will find many local cafés, noodle shops, and Wuhan specialties.
Yes — as this is an urban area, many restaurants offer vegetarian or simple vegetable dishes (stir-fries, noodles). Halal options may be more limited in this specific area, but Wuhan has Muslim eateries in broader districts (you might need to walk or take short transport).
There are quite a few hotels in Wuchang near the riverfront, near Yellow Crane Tower, or along major roads like Peng Liuyang Road or Wuluo Road. Some known ones mentioned in guides include Best Western Mayflower Hotel Wuhan, Sunsky New Jingchu Hotel, New Beacon Sunyee International Hotel.
Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼): Just east of the site; a major Wuhan icon with panoramic views. Snake Hill / Sheshan (蛇山), the hill area behind the site. East Lake (东湖): Wuhan’s large urban lake area, a bit further east. Hubei Provincial Museum: To the north in the Wuchang area. Hubu Alley (户部巷): Famous snack street, good for local food. Yangtze River Bridge (Wuhan Yangtze Bridge): Iconic bridge linking Wuchang to Hanyang; worth a walk along the riverside in evening.
Yes — the museum or its exit area usually has a souvenir counter offering branded items: postcards, posters, miniature models, commemorative books, badges, and historical memorabilia related to the 1911 Revolution and Wuhan. In the nearby streets you can also find general tourist gift shops with local Wuhan specialties (local snacks, tea, calligraphy scrolls, locally themed items).
From the museum area you can take metro, bus, or taxi to your next destination (Yellow Crane Tower, East Lake, Hubei Museum, or across to Hanyang side). The metro system in Wuhan is well developed, so walking to the nearest station and hopping to your next stop is efficient. For riverside views, you may walk toward the Yangtze River Bridge or take a river cruise from nearby piers.
