Live Your Best Lives
If you're a student visiting Wuhan, don't just go to the Yellow Crane Tower. 🤦♀️ Even Li Bai would shed tears if he knew about that 40-year-old idea! Wuhan actually has tons of attractions perfect for a student budget (without getting crushed), from Republican-era architecture to European-style retro neighborhoods. It's truly breathtaking!
Today I’m going to take stock of the most worthwhile places to visit and outline my ideal 3-day itinerary! This is also a final summary of my four years of university life in Wuhan. 🤗🤗
Wuhancheck the details
Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, is the largest city and central urban area in Central China. Li Bai's poem, "A jade flute blows in the Yellow Crane Tower, plum blossoms fall in the river city in May," gave Wuhan its nickname, "River City." The confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers here lends Wuhan its identity. As a major hub for both land and water transportation in my country, Wuhan controls the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and serves as a crucial link between north and south, earning it the reputation of "the thoroughfare of nine provinces." Blooming cherry blossoms, stunning lake and river views, a rich culinary scene, and a rich history all add to Wuhan's unique charm. The cherry blossoms at Wuhan University and Moshan Mountain, at their peak bloom, shimmer like a shimmering haze, attract visitors from all over. Whether boating or strolling along the lakeside, the beauty of East Lake captivates visitors. Whether from the bridge or a boat, the nightscape of the two rivers captivates visitors. Wuhan is a veritable culinary capital, with Han-style breakfasts being particularly enticing. A bowl of hot dry noodles or a box of duck necks is enough to leave you wanting more. Streets such as Jianghan Road and Lihuangpi Road record the humiliation of the concession era, while relics such as the Military Government and the Uprising Gate bear witness to the heroic spirit of the modern revolution.
Recommended months: Spring and Autumn
6424 recommendations, 5522 visits
This guide follows Wuhan's three towns—Hankou, Wuchang, and Hanyang—in order, focusing on how to fully experience Wuhan's unique character and charm within three (or two and a half) days. However, due to time constraints, I've omitted some overly popular attractions (like the Yellow Crane Tower) and some overly large ones (like East Lake). This doesn't mean they aren't worth seeing; time is limited, and choices must be made. With the goal of exploring more authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations, let's embark on this guide!
Part 1. Hankou District ➡️️North to south.️️️️️️️️️️️️
Hankou, a prosperous international metropolis, is an important part of Wuhan City. It is the financial, commercial, foreign exchange center and major transportation hub of the Greater Wuhan area. Since ancient times, it has been known as the "most prosperous place in Chu" and is famous at home and abroad as the "Oriental Chicago".
✔️Recommended route: Gude Temple - Jiangtan Park - (Lunch) - Lihuangpi Road - Zhongshan Avenue - Zhiyinhao
"Love the ancients and save everyone with virtue"
Gude Temple was built in 1877, the third year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. Originally named Gude Thatched Hut, it was later renamed Gude Temple. The temple, a blend of European and Asian religious architectural features, boasts a rich, exotic architectural style. It is considered one of the four major Buddhist monasteries in Wuhan, along with Guiyuan Temple, Baotong Temple, and Lianxi Temple.
The core building, the Yuantong Hall, incorporates ancient Roman architecture, with its circular corridors and numerous square columns between the inner and outer walls. The round and long windows on the facades are reminiscent of Christian churches. The finials of the nine pagodas, resembling both weathervanes and crosses, are unique in Chinese pagoda culture.
Post a beautiful photo on your Moments and others will think you have gone abroad. This is the legendary magical temple where you can be in Prague without leaving the province.
Ticket price: 8 yuan (including incense)
Recommendation index: 5 stars ️️✨✨✨✨✨️✨
"Two rivers, four embankments, and eight forest belts, a night of fireworks and silver flowers"
Hankou River Beach, adjacent to Yanjiang Avenue and facing the Wuchang Yellow Crane Tower, is nestled against the backdrop of the Yangtze River's vibrant waters. It forms a uniquely charming centerpiece of Wuhan's downtown area and a renowned scenic spot. The name "Hankou River Beach" encompasses more than just a park; it encompasses numerous historical sites, including the former residence of Soong Ching Ling, the former site of the American Consulate in Hankou, the former site of the Han-Russia Concession Police Station, the reed marshes of Hankou River Beach, the Yuehan Wharf Gate, and the River Viewing Platform.
Recommendation index: 5 stars✨✨✨✨✨
Lihuangpi Road and Huangpi Road are one road with a total length of 604 meters. It was built in 1900 (the 26th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu). Because Li Yuanhong, the two-term president of the Republic of China, was from Huangpi, Wuhan, and was known as Li Huangpi, this road was named after the leader of the Xinhai Uprising, called Lihuangpi Road.
Today, approximately 17 European-style buildings from the concession era still remain on both sides of Lihuangpi Road. These include the former Russo-Asiatic Bank, the former Russian Police Station, the former China Christian Church Xinyi Building, the former YMCA of the United States, the former Russian Concession Municipal Council, the former Gao's Hospital, the YMCA, the Shunfeng Foreign Trade Company, Bangke Garden, the Huiluo Company, the Bagong House, the Shoushan Hall, and the former site of the International Hospital.
So, this isn't a tourist attraction, but a street museum. Buy one, get ten free! Lihuangpi Road is a renowned "slow-life" neighborhood in Wuhan, a continuation of the charm and spirit of Hankou. It's a small, backstreet street, devoid of the bustle of Zhongshan Avenue or the commercial bustle of Jianghan Road. Walking along this street, you'll still see buildings and houses of varying styles, though they're smaller and more refined than those on the street above. They also offer a more tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, bringing them closer to the locals.
Recommendation index: 5 stars✨✨✨✨✨
Zhongshan Avenue in Wuhan, originally built in 1906, was the most important commercial thoroughfare in old Hankou. Open to the public, it has become a scenic thoroughfare integrating commercial culture and local customs, gradually becoming a world-renowned commercial avenue. After undergoing renovations in 2016, Zhongshan Avenue welcomes visitors with a brand new look.
Like the Hankou River Beach above, Zhongshan Avenue is not an isolated tourist attraction. Walking on Zhongshan Avenue, you will pass by a series of attractions worth stopping by, such as the Wuhan Art Museum, Wuwai Bookstore, and Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street. It is a sure-win choice when visiting Wuhan!
Recommendation index: 4 stars✨✨✨✨
"Zhiyin" is a situational performance created by director Fan Yue's team in which the audience can participate. The performance is held on a steamship in the style of the last century. It aims to create two museums: one is the urban memory of Wuhan; the other is the long-lost spiritual emotions in people's hearts.
Visitors can dress up in period costumes and recreate Wuhan during the Republican era with actors. While most attractions in Wuhan are free, the Zhiyinhao ticket price is a bit higher, but after all, the actors are real, so I believe it will provide a unique experience.
Performance duration: about 1.5 hours
Ticket price: 228 yuan on weekdays, 298 yuan on holidays
Recommendation index: 5 stars✨✨✨✨✨
Part 2. Wuchang District ➡️South to north.️️️️️️️️️️️️
Wuchang, which belongs to Wuhan City, Hubei Province, is located in the southeast of Wuhan City, on the south bank of the Yangtze River, across the river from Hanyang and Hankou. It is adjacent to Qingshan District in the north to Yujiatou and Luojiagang, borders Hongshan District in the southeast, faces the Yangtze River in the west, and embraces East Lake in the east. It is one of the central urban areas of Wuhan.
✔️Recommended route: Yellow Crane Tower (exterior view) - Red Tower - Tanhualin (lunch) - Wuhan University - Han Street - Wuchang River Beach (night view)
Located atop Snake Mountain, it overlooks the Yangtze River. A national 5A-level tourist attraction, it is one of the "Three Famous Towers of Jiangnan." A landmark of Wuhan, it is considered one of the "Three Famous Scenic Spots of Wuhan," along with Qingchuan Pavilion and Guqin Terrace.
From ancient times to the present day, the Yellow Crane Tower's fame has spread far and wide. Even if you haven't heard of Wuhan, you've undoubtedly heard of it. Perhaps this is why Yellow Crane Tower is a must-see for most people visiting Wuhan.
Sadly, the Yellow Crane Tower we see today is no longer the same tower that inspired the poet Cui Hao's poem, "The ancients have departed on the yellow crane, leaving only the Yellow Crane Tower here." After several generations of vicissitudes, the Yellow Crane Tower has become a fake antique that has undergone numerous facelifts. Tickets are quite expensive, so students are advised to just wander around and observe the surrounding area.
Of course, even with the renovations, it's still a representative of Wuhan, and its status is undeniable. Friends with a fondness for the famous building should definitely stop by to show their support! However, if you visit during a holiday, there might be a lot of people, which might significantly reduce the travel experience, so it's up to you to decide.
Tickets: 70 yuan for adults, half price with student ID
Recommendation index: 2 stars✨✨
The Wuchang Uprising Memorial Hall of the 1911 Revolution is not far from the Yellow Crane Tower. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. The main building is a two-story red building, so it is also called the "Red Building". It houses a large collection of cultural relics, literature and photographic materials, and is a national first-class museum.
Back in the day, as a hard-working gardener, I even came here to draw a pen-and-ink sketch of the building, from the perspective shown above! Since the teacher chose this building as our model out of so many other buildings in Wuhan, it shows that this building is truly beautiful. I have to recommend it!
Recommendation index: 4 stars✨✨✨✨
Tanhualin combines internet-famous art shops with a decadent snack street! It's home to numerous coffee shops and specialty stores. Its 1,200-meter street is home to dozens of century-old buildings, each brick and tile bearing the historical memory of old Wuhan. Architectural styles of various styles converge here, and Chinese and Western cultures converge. This century-old street, unchanging through the years, has become a popular spot for photo opportunities in Wuhan.
While Tanhualin isn't strictly a Wuhan snack street (as it's often called, not often frequented by locals), it's more like a place where you can find local specialties from around the country, plus a few popular online snacks from around the country. Take some photos at the art street first, and then come back to fill your stomach when you're hungry.
Recommendation index: 5 stars✨✨✨✨✨
National Wuhan University is located on the banks of East Lake and surrounded by Luojia Mountain. The campus is shaded by green trees.
Wuhan University's cherry blossoms are renowned, but they're only viewable from March to April, as they're generally gone by mid-April. Besides the cherry blossoms, the university's historic buildings are even more worth seeing. The faculty and staff housing complex, nestled southeast of Luojia Mountain, is designed in the style of English country houses, each with its own distinct character. It's a must-see for architecture students in Wuhan!
According to incomplete statistics, students' enthusiasm for Wuhan University is quite high. During my four years in college, I brought many friends from other places to visit Wuhan University, and none of them was dissatisfied!
Recommendation index: 5 stars✨✨✨✨✨
As its name suggests, East Lake, located east of Wuchang, Wuhan, is China's second-largest urban lake. It's divided into four distinct areas: Listening to the Waves, Moshan, Falling Wild Geese, and Chuidi. (The following appears unrelated to the preceding text:) Listening to the Waves for leisure, Moshan for flower viewing, Falling Wild Geese for birdwatching, and Chuidi for mountain touring.
The scenic area is quite large, with greenways built and no motor vehicles allowed. It is very suitable for taking a separate day to relax and exercise with family and friends, using cycling as a means of transportation. However, it is not recommended for out-of-town friends who are short on time. Of course, if you have more time, spend a day in East Lake, and its beauty will definitely conquer you.
Recommendation index: 4 stars✨✨✨✨
China's most architecturally distinctive urban commercial pedestrian street, "China's No. 1 Commercial Street".
The main building adopts the architectural style of the Republic of China, with red and gray brick walls and exquisite brickwork, making it feel like stepping back in time. Interspersed with the Republican-style architecture are modern and European-style buildings with fashionable elements, achieving a perfect fusion of tradition and modernity.
The brands on Han Street are all very suitable for young people. After my picky roommates and I got to know Wuhan, we only went to Han Street for shopping.
This shopping street practically fulfills all my fantasies. The only downside is that the food is a bit pricey for students, so come back after you've had enough. Finally, a friendly reminder: when walking on Han Street, be sure to dress nicely! You'll easily become the focus of street photographers.
Recommendation index: 5 stars✨✨✨✨✨
This place is full of the simple atmosphere of local life. Compared with the Hankou River Beach on the opposite bank, the decoration is plain and the facilities are simple.
On a spring night, it's a pleasure to come here and feel the river breeze, experience the tranquility of Wuhan, and watch the night view of Hankou River Beach across the river.
Recommendation index: 3 stars✨✨✨
Part 3. Hanyang District ➡️South to north.️️️️️️️️️️️️
Hanyang, the birthplace of Wuhan, is home to the Yangtze and Han Rivers, which converge at Nan'anzui. The Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge spans between Turtle Hill in Hanyang and Snake Hill in Wuchang. Hanyang is the birthplace of the "Zhiyin" (meaning "friendship with friends") culture, where the legend of "High Mountains and Flowing Water" originated. The area boasts cultural attractions such as the Guqin Terrace, Qingchuan Pavilion, and Guiyuan Temple. It is also one of the birthplaces of modern Chinese industrial civilization, with its history as a hub for Westernization enterprises such as the Hanyang Ironworks and the Hanyang Arsenal, making its "Hanyang-made" products renowned both domestically and internationally.
✔️Recommended route (half day): Qingchuan Pavilion - Guiyuan Temple - Hanyang Art District - Hubu Lane Snack Street
"The clear river reveals the trees of Hanyang, and the fragrant grass covers the Parrot Island" - Cui Hao
Qingchuan Pavilion, also known as Qingchuan Tower, is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit and a National AAA-level Tourist Attraction. It is also known as the "First Famous Tower in Chutian" and is one of the three major scenic spots in Wuhan, along with the Yellow Crane Tower and Guqin Terrace.
I firmly believe that every building I have painted is the most representative building in Wuhan... 🤪 I remember when I came here to sketch, I met people taking wedding photos, and there were also young ladies wearing Hanfu taking photos...
Recommendation index: 5 stars✨✨✨✨✨
This national AAAA-level scenic spot is also known as "West of Han" for its towering ancient trees and lush flowers and trees. Together with Baotong Temple, Xilian Temple, and Zhengjue Temple, it is known as one of Wuhan's four great jungles.
However, from certain angles, it looks like Qingchuan Pavilion! 🤦♀️So you can choose to visit either of them. If you are more interested in Buddhist culture, you can come and see them, after all, they are close to each other~🤓🤓
Recommendation index: 3 stars✨✨✨
Also known as the "824 Creative Factory", it is located at the foot of Guishan Mountain. The abandoned industrial factory buildings used by the art district were originally part of Zhang Zhidong's Hanyang Arsenal and 824 Factory during China's Westernization Movement. The current Hanyang Arsenal has become one of Wuhan's artistic business cards, and has a similar historical background to Beijing's "798 Factory".
The "Hanyang Zao" art form represents China's "Industrial Revolution." Regardless of its success or failure, it represents the awakening of the Chinese nation. China's rise requires both economic revitalization and, even more so, a "Renaissance." Only this "Renaissance" can propel a new "Chinese civilization," and even an "Eastern civilization." Therefore, the "Hanyang Zao" art district hopes to ignite the flame of cultural and artistic development in central China through the name of the "Hanyang Zao" art form.
Recommendation index: 5 stars✨✨✨✨✨
Instead of regretting something after it's gone, why not take advantage of the moment and go on a spontaneous trip? Everyone here, if you have a place you want to go or someone you want to meet, don't hesitate, go now! ❤️❤️
