Wuhan Botanical Garden

What are the most recommended things to do in Wuhan Botanical Garden?

Explore themed gardens such as the Rose Garden, Camellia Garden, and Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse.
Visit the bonsai and aquatic plant exhibits for unique botanical displays.
Attend seasonal flower festivals and horticultural exhibitions.
Enjoy walking or cycling along scenic trails and lake areas within the garden.
Participate in educational programs about plant conservation and ecology.

Introducing Wuhan Botanical Garden

Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences was founded in 1956. It is one of the three core botanical gardens in the country, integrating scientific research, species conservation, popular science education and leisure tourism. It has collected and cultivated more than 10,293 species of plants, mainly resource plants in central China and inland aquatic plants in my country. It is the richest plant species diversity and germplasm resource conservation base in central China, and has the world's largest aquatic plant resource garden and kiwi germplasm resource garden.

Wuhan Botanical Garden is a national AAAA-level scenic tourist area and has been successively rated as a national science popularization education base, a national youth science and technology education base, and a Hubei Province and Wuhan City science popularization education, environmental education and patriotism education base.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

January: plum blossoms, orchids, camellias, wintersweets, sasanquas, daffodils

February: Magnolia, Osmanthus fragrans, Magnolia purpurea, Cyclamen, Amaryllis

March: tulips, Clivia, purslane, peach blossoms, lilies

April: Peonies, azaleas, poppies, gloxinia, poppies

May: Strelitzia, Bauhinia, Poinsettia, Pyracantha

June: Chinese lotus, daylily, canna, albizzia, impatiens

July: Trumpet creeper, gladiolus, crape myrtle, five-color plum, sunflower

August: Water lily, Mirabilis jalapa, Magnolia, Lycoris radiata, Ginger flower, Cymbidium orchid

September: Osmanthus, Cockscomb, Asters, Hibiscus, Globe amaranth

October: Chrysanthemum, crocus, nasturtium, Pilea, Camellia oleifera

November: Dahlia, Saxifraga, Calla Lily, Camellia sasanqua, Camellia oleifera

December: Camellia, orchid, daffodil, loquat, wintersweet, calla lily

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Flower Path Square

Huajing Square is the first scene of the innovative renovation project of Wuhan Botanical Garden. It is located in the central area of the botanical garden's axis, with traffic connected on all sides. Visitors can walk through the corridor to enter various specialized parks such as the tropical plant greenhouse, azalea garden, and medicinal garden.

Kiwifruit Specialty Garden

The kiwifruit garden covers an area of 4 hectares, and has collected and preserved 51 species and subspecific taxonomic units of the genus Actinidia, 20 variants and 88 domestic and foreign varieties (lines) of soft dates and hairy flowers, and obtained nearly 20,000 innovative germplasm resources of intraspecific and interspecific hybridization; in 2008, in cooperation with Lushan Botanical Garden and Yunnan Horticultural Research Institute, a germplasm resource sub-garden was established to preserve species adapted to different ecological conditions. The aquatic plant garden is mainly composed of multiple exhibition areas. The aquatic plant community display area gradually deepens from the slope to the center of the pond with the water depth gradient, and is arranged in sequence with the slope ground cover plant community of round-leaved knotweed and ovate-leaved lilac Polygonum, wetland plants and emergent plants, floating plants of Salvinia and Eichhornia crassipes, floating leaf plant community of water poppy and water shield, submerged plant community of Potamogeton, Water Chestnut, Water Plantain and other 110 species of aquatic plants of different ecological types; the submerged plant community display area is the first in China to integrate species conservation and popular science display, with 3 The park features a display area for more than five aquatic plant species. The wetland plant community display area simulates a marsh habitat and showcases wetland plant communities such as Alisma, Cyperus, Juncus, Pleurotus, and Sagittaria, as well as rare and endangered aquatic plants such as water ferns, Isoetes, wild rice, water grass, and honeysuckle. The lake ecological zone includes lakeshore amphibians such as Metasequoia, large communities of emergent plants such as Phragmites australis and Cattail, floating-leaf water lilies, and submerged plants such as Ceratophyllum, Hydrilla, and Potamogeton crispus. There is also a lotus variety preservation and display area, an aquatic greenhouse, an aquatic plant germplasm resource garden, and a water lily variety preservation area.

Medicinal Plant Garden

The specialized garden was built in 1956 and covers an area of about 3.5 hectares, including a 1,000-square-meter shade plant conservation area, a 500-square-meter rock area and a 1,000-square-meter Li Shizhen Medicine Culture Science Exhibition Area. It has collected and conserved more than 1,500 species of medicinal plants mainly from central China.

Bamboo Garden

The bamboo garden is located on the north bank of the lake, covering an area of about 3 hectares. Nearly 100 species of bamboo have been introduced and cultivated, including large qin bamboo, pink single bamboo, spotted bamboo, square bamboo, etc.

Orchid Plant Garden

This specialized garden is a research group that integrates scientific research, plant germplasm resource conservation and popular science display. It includes a 150-square-meter institute-level laboratory, a 1,000-square-meter experimental greenhouse for orchid germplasm resource conservation, and an orchid island covering an area of more than 20 acres for orchid popular science display. It has collected and conserved 266 species of orchids in central and southern China, and preserved more than 60 species of orchids and other rare and endangered plants in vitro.

Landscape greenhouse

The large landscape greenhouse, built in early 2006, is the landmark building of Wuhan Botanical Garden. It covers a total area of 3,188.17 square meters and consists of three parts: tropical rainforest area, orchid room and tropical desert plant area. It preserves and displays more than 1,500 species of plants.

rock plant area

The rock plant area, built in 2005, covers an area of 0.2 hectares and mainly collects and cultivates nearly 300 species of rock-growing medicinal plants from Shennongjia and the Three Gorges Reservoir area, creating a diverse living environment for these plants.

Pine and Cypress Garden

The pine and cypress garden, located in the center of the park, covers an area of about 1.5 hectares. It is the oldest existing "primeval forest" in the botanical garden and is home to a variety of subtropical pine and cypress plants.

Ornamental plant area

This three-hectare area focuses on the collection, cultivation, and display of landscape plants. It comprises specialized plant gardens and landscaped landscapes, including a plum garden, azalea garden, shade plant area, camellia garden, peony garden, Shuiyun Stream, and Lotus Pavilion. Over 2,000 species (including varieties) of ornamental plants are cultivated in the ornamental plant area. The landscape is inspired by Jiangnan gardens and courtyards.

Tickets

1. Basic Tickets

Full price ticket: 40 yuan/person

Half-price ticket: 20 yuan/person. Conditions for enjoying this discount: students (excluding graduate students, non-regular students, and adult education students) can present their student ID cards, and senior citizens aged 60 to 70 can present their senior citizen ID cards or ID cards.

Free admission to the park. Conditions for enjoying this discount: children under 1.2 meters (accompanied by parents); senior citizens aged 70 and above with their senior citizen ID or ID card; disabled people with their disability certificate; active military personnel with their officer ID, non-commissioned officer ID or soldier ID; journalists with their press card issued by the State Administration of Press and Publication; tour guides with their tour guide certificate issued by the National Tourism Administration.

2. Membership Card

Annual pass for one person: 98 yuan, available to all people who purchase full-price tickets. After purchasing the membership card and receipt, take a photo on site to apply for it. Annual pass holders can enjoy unlimited entry to the park throughout the year.

Single (discounted) annual pass: 58 yuan, open to all card-holding college students (excluding graduate students) and seniors aged 60-69. After purchasing the membership card ticket, take a photo on site to apply. Annual card holders can enjoy unlimited entry to the park throughout the year.

Couple Annual Pass: 168 yuan, suitable for couples (one man and one woman). After purchasing the membership card and receipt, take a photo on site to apply. The annual pass holder can enjoy unlimited entry to the park throughout the year.

Family Annual Pass: 198 yuan, open to families, including a couple or a couple with a child under 16 years old. After purchasing a family membership ticket, take a photo on site and apply for it. With the annual pass, all three people can enjoy unlimited entry to the park within one year.

Attraction opening hours

Summer time: (May 1st to October 7th)

Ticket office working hours: 8:00-17:30

Landscape greenhouse opening hours: 8:00-17:30

Winter season: (October 8 to April 30 of the following year)

Ticket office working hours: 8:00-17:00

Landscape greenhouse opening hours: 8:00-17:00

Most Popular FAQs for Wuhan Botanical Garden

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

Wuhan Botanical Garden, established in 1956, is a major research and conservation center in Hubei Province. It preserves a vast collection of native and exotic plant species, promotes botanical research, and offers educational programs to raise awareness about plant biodiversity and environmental protection.

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

Location: Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei Province.
Metro: Take Line 2 to the Botanical Garden Station, then a short walk.
Bus: Multiple local buses stop near the garden entrance.
Taxi or ride-hailing: Convenient direct access from anywhere in Wuhan.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
Best Times: Spring and autumn for blooming flowers and mild weather; weekdays are less crowded.

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

Entrance Fee: Approximately 30 RMB for adults; discounts for students, seniors, and children.
Tickets: Available at the entrance or through official online booking platforms.

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

Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons, especially flower festivals. Booking 1–3 days ahead online is sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

3–4 hours are generally needed to see the main gardens and exhibits; a full day is ideal for leisurely exploration and photography.

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

Rose Garden and Camellia Garden for seasonal blooms.
Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse showcasing exotic plants.
Bonsai and aquatic plant displays.
Scenic lakes, walking trails, and themed horticultural areas.

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

Guided tours are available in Mandarin; limited English tours can be arranged in advance. Audio guides may be available via mobile apps in Chinese and English.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Flower gardens during peak blooming seasons.
Glasshouses and greenhouses with tropical plants.
Lake areas with reflections of trees and bridges.
Scenic walking trails lined with seasonal foliage.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the main entrance and central gardens.
Visit themed gardens in order: Rose Garden → Camellia Garden → Bonsai & Aquatic Plants → Tropical Greenhouse.
Walk or cycle along lake areas and trails.
End with seasonal exhibition areas or educational centers.

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

Night visits are generally not allowed. Special flower exhibitions and seasonal events may feature extended hours, but light shows are rare.

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

Weekends, holidays, and flower festival periods are the most crowded.
Weekdays and early mornings are quieter and ideal for photography.

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

Restrooms and drinking water stations are available throughout the garden.
Cafes, snack kiosks, and small restaurants offer light meals and refreshments.
Rest areas with benches are available near major gardens and lakes.
Gift shops sell souvenirs, plants, and horticultural items.

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

Main pathways are paved and wheelchair accessible.
Gentle slopes and ramps allow access to most gardens.
Suitable for elderly, children, and families; strollers are allowed.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are widely accepted for tickets, food, and shops.
Carrying some cash is recommended for small vendors.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Cafes and snack stalls inside the garden.
Restaurants along South Lake Road and nearby streets serving local and Chinese cuisine.
Tea houses for light refreshments and beverages.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available at most restaurants and snack stalls. Halal options may be limited; it’s advisable to check with local eateries.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Wuhan East Lake hotels: Wuhan East Lake Guesthouse, Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley, and local boutique hotels.
Guesthouses near South Lake and Wangjiadun for mid-range accommodation.
City-center hotels accessible via short taxi or metro ride.

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

East Lake Scenic Area for walking, boating, and cycling.
Hubei Provincial Museum for historical exhibits.
Wuhan University campus and cherry blossom spots.
Yangtze River Bridge and riverside areas.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops inside the garden sell botanical-themed items, potted plants, postcards, and flower seeds.
Local handicrafts and horticultural books are also available.