Wuhan University Cherry Blossom Festival

Introducing Wuhan University Cherry Blossom Festival

The cherry blossoms at Wuhan University are in full bloom from mid-March to early April.

Climate and best time to travel

Spring cherry blossoms

Tickets

　　Reservation period: March 17th - March 30th (tickets for bookings for three days after opening will be available at 20:00 daily)

　　Reservation website: http://www.huodongxing.com/go/whuyh or official WeChat

　　Reservation process:

　　①Log in to the reservation website three days in advance

　　②Fill in the information to make an appointment

　　③Enter the school with valid ID

　　Reservation Instructions:

　　1. Wuhan University will implement a limited number of free online real-name reservations for visits starting March 20, 2018 (approximately two weeks).

　　15,000 appointments are accepted daily on weekdays (9,000 in the morning and 6,000 in the afternoon);

　　30,000 reservations are accepted daily on weekends (20,000 in the morning and 10,000 in the afternoon);

　　2. Reservations will be open from 20:00 on the evening of March 17th. Real-name reservations will be valid for the third day of visit (i.e. March 20th).

　　Each person can only make one successful reservation. You can enter up to 3 ID numbers each time and make reservations for 3 people.

　　3. You must make a reservation online with your real name and receive a message on the page that says "Reservation successful" or "You have successfully made a reservation for the 2018 Wuhan University Cherry Blossoms..." to prove that your reservation is successful.

　　The original second-generation ID card (military ID card, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Resident Permit or passport) is the only proof of admission to the school, so please be sure to bring it with you.

Attraction opening hours

Weekdays: 8:30-14:00, 12:00-17:00

Weekends: 8:00-14:00, 12:00-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Wuhan University Cherry Blossom Festival

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Wuhan University Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the annual bloom of cherry trees planted on the campus since the 1930s (initially by the occupying Japanese troops). Over the decades, more trees have been added, including donations from Japan after the normalization of diplomatic relations. The festival is a major spring cultural event in Wuhan and symbolizes renewal, beauty, and cross-cultural heritage.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Location: Wuhan University campus, No. 299 Bayi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei.
• By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to “Wuhan University ( 武大 ) / Yingwuzhou Station” (or the nearest station serving the university area), then walk or take campus shuttle or local bus.
• By Bus: Many local buses stop near the campus gates (check local transit maps for Wuchang district lines).
• By Taxi / Ride-hail: Convenient, especially from central Wuhan or the railway stations. The campus is well known to drivers.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• The campus is generally open to the public during designated viewing periods (often in March). The university publishes a “Viewing Manual” each year.
• The best time to visit is during peak bloom, typically mid-March to late March / early April.
• Morning and weekdays tend to offer a more comfortable experience with fewer crowds and softer light for photography.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

During the festival period, access is often free but subject to visitor quotas and registration. The university may require online registration or ticketing for entry to manage crowd flow.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Yes, during peak cherry blossom festival periods, registration is required. Wuhan University has implemented reservation systems: for example in 2024, quotas were set (20,000 on weekdays, 40,000 on weekends).

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allow 1.5 to 3 hours to walk through the main blossom avenues, visit key buildings, take photos, and enjoy campus events.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Cherry blossom avenue near the library / administration building — often the most photographed stretch.
• Buildings with classical / European-influenced architecture framed by blossoms (lecture halls, old dormitories).
• Areas around Yingyuan Student Dormitory, where early blossoms often bloom.
• Events and exhibition spaces during the festival (photography displays, musical performances).
• Crossing paths to East Lake Cherry Blossom Garden for larger scale viewings.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

The university and festival organizers sometimes provide guided tours (mainly in Chinese). English-language resources are limited, so independent exploration supplemented by translation apps is common.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The stretch of cherry trees along the main campus road leading to the library/ administration building.
• Under arching branches over walkways and near classical campus facades.
• Paths around the dormitories where blossoms plunge overhead.
• Camouflage viewpoints from slight elevation on Luojia Hill to shoot panoramas of campus bloom.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Enter via the main campus gate closest to the cherry avenues.
• Head toward the library / administration building area, walking slowly under blossoms.
• Proceed onto dormitory zones and side pathways where quieter blossoms may be found.
• Attend any scheduled events or exhibitions along the route.
• If time allows, exit toward East Lake Cherry Blossom Garden to contrast scale and environment.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Typically, night illumination of cherry blossoms is not a standard feature on university grounds (the campus may close after dusk). However, some adjacent areas or East Lake Cherry Garden may offer evening viewing. Always check that year’s festival schedule.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Yes, the festival attracts many visitors. The most crowded times are weekend afternoons during peak bloom.
• Least crowded: weekday mornings or early afternoons before crowds build. Avoid peak weekend days if possible.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, and campus cafés are available across the university. During the festival, snack booths or temporary stalls may be set up near popular viewing zones. Exhibition areas may have event support facilities.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The campus paths are generally walkable and accessible, though some historic buildings may have stairs. For disabled visitors, accessibility may depend on specific halls; contacting the university ahead of time is advisable.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Most campus shops, café counters, and stalls accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) in Wuhan. Cash is accepted in some small vendors if needed. Event registration or ticketing may also accept online/mobile methods.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

The university hosts several campus cafés and student canteens. Around the Wuchang district near the campus, many local restaurants and cafés serve typical Wuhan cuisine (hot dry noodles, local snacks). During the cherry festival, additional snack and souvenir stalls often appear near viewing zones.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, many campus canteens and local Wuhan eateries offer vegetarian options (rice, vegetable dishes). Halal options are more limited but can be found in parts of Wuhan, especially in Wuchang and Hankou districts.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Many hotels in the Wuchang and Hongshan districts are convenient for accessing Wuhan University. Options include mid-range and boutique hotels near Bayi Road, or near Luojia Hill / East Lake. Booking early is recommended during cherry blossom season.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• East Lake Cherry Blossom Garden (Donghu area) — large scale cherry viewing experience.
• East Lake scenic area, Moshan Hill.
• Dongsi Road cherry blossom route in Wuchang.
• Qingchuan Pavilion by Yangtze River.
• Wuhan University itself has historical architectures and classical campus grounds to explore beyond cherry season.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes — festival souvenir booths often sell cherry blossom-themed postcards, prints, stationery, enamel pins, tote bags, and blossom-patterned accessories. Campus bookstores may also offer university-branded merchandise.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Use the Metro network (Line 2, and connecting lines) to reach other parts of Wuhan (e.g. Yellow Crane Tower, Hankou, Jianghan).
• Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to East Lake or other scenic zones.
• Bus connections from campus to lakeside, parks, or neighborhood attractions.