Ultimate Guide On What To Do In Wuhan

Hidden Under Your Nose

Wuhan is a name that you are sure to skim over on a list of Chinese cities. This sprawling metropolis is still lacking a certain “punch” that comes along with more famous hubs such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Despite the provincial capital’s lack of exposure both domestically and internationally, Wuhan is a town that deserves a slot amongst the great tourist destinations of China.

Due to the city’s central location, Wuhan was even once considered by Mao Zedong to become the capital of all of China. As fate would have it the country’s seat of power remained in Beijing. One could not help but think, however, at what could have been.

Being constantly overlooked has made Wuhan into one of those megacities which can be considered a bit off of the beaten track. Unfortunately, the capital of Hubei province doesn’t seem to even plaster much on an advertisement other than the famous Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼). As mesmerizing as this tower may be, there is so much more to Wuhan than climbing up this pagoda’s steps.

Here is a guide that will have you exploring Wuhan like a local.

For a closer look at where to go in Wuhan check out this neighborhood guide!

Wuhan Essentials

The entire city of Wuhan is built along the banks of the mighty Yangtze River. For any traveler visiting this lesser-known megacity, your adventure will have to start with the bridges and promenades along the gushing waters. Other than the blinding Yellow Crane Tower looking over the city from its perch, the Yangtze River Bridge, Hubuxiang Food Street, as well as all of the best museums and temples are located a short walk from the water.

It is not just the Yellow Crane Tower and the half a century-old bridge that tops the list of must do’s in Wuhan. Places such as the East Lake and nearby Wuhan University are some of the first places that come to mind when a Chinese person conjures up images of the city.

If you just make a beeline from the Yellow Crane Tower to the East Lake and call it a day, you will ultimately be disappointed with your trip to Wuhan. Hubei’s capital city is not a place that you can just check off historical and famous places one by one. To truly enjoy the soul of Wuhan you will have to take it slow and bask in life on the streets between each destination.

Here is a list of some of the essential things to see in Wuhan:

Yellow Crane Tower
Yangtze River Bridge
Hubuxiang (户部巷)
Wuhan University
East Lake Park

You can get a ferry across the Yangtze River from Zhonghan Road Dock (中华路码头)

The Temples of Wuhan

Over the last century, China has had a difficult relationship with local religions. During the cultural revolution, everything from temples to churches were reduced to rubble. This destruction was all in order to create a pure society that knows nothing but the teachings of the State.

Despite the efforts of the Red Guard and anyone swept along with patriotic fervor during these ten years of mindless destruction, much of Wuhan’s most holy sites survived the purge. Those temples which did meet the wrecking ball or the torch are slowly being rebuilt.

While you may find several temples spread out across this massive city, it is difficult to see their relevance in modern Chinese society. These pagodas and shrines, which are maintained by a small number of monks They fail, however, to see any visitors other than tourists or students praying for good luck on their exams.

The revival of traditional Chinese culture will take time. For now, these temple’s halls are only frequented by those wishing for luck in their own personal lives or picture-snapping tourists. Any sense of the true philosophy behind Buddhism or Daoism is kept with the few older people found praying before the gleaming faces of the golden deities.

Here is a list of some of the best temples in Wuhan:

Looking to really get off the beaten track in Wuhan, check out Tie Fo Temple!

Museums of Wuhan

A country with a history as long as China’s, there is not an inch of land that doesn’t have some story behind it. From the time of batteling warlords to the civil war between communists and nationalists, Wuhan has always played a major role.

Being at the meeting point of the great Yangtze River and the Han River, Wuhan is located in an extremely strategic position. Due to its location, you have watchtowers such as the Yellow Crane Tower spring upon its banks as well as countless city walls.

There are little traces of ancient China to be found in Wuhan’s neon-lit streets. Most of the relics of the past have been moved to the massive provincial museum in Wuchang.

Other than Wuhan’s feudal history, the city played a major role in the 1911 Revolution which was the spark that inspired the whole nation to rise against the Emperor.

Here is a list of some of the best museums in Wuhan:

While in Wuhan you won’t want to miss the Gude Temple!

Night Markets and Walking Streets of Wuhan

If you have spent any time in South East Aisa, you will be accustomed to traveling to the many night markets that line the streets of some of the most famous tourist traps of Thailand and Laos. Like Pavlov’s dogs, you will be foaming at the mouth wondering where the night markets are in Wuhan. While Wuhan does have tons of sprawling markets that open after dark, you will find them far different from the bazaars you are accustomed to in Chaing Mai.

While Southeast Asia’s markets offer more local handicrafts and tourist souvenirs, the night markets of Wuhan cater more to local tourists and university students. On top of the pushcarts cooking up greasy street food, you will also find loads of stalls selling clothing, smartphone accessories, and makeup.

Traveling to the night markets of Wuhan is an experience on its own, but be prepared to be swimming in a sea of people to get from point A to point B. Most of the time you will be so concerned with keeping the crowd moving to even take a look at all the wares being sold on the side of the street.

Here is a list of some of the best night markets in Wuhan:

If you are wanting to get off the beaten path, be sure to check out this abandoned water park in Wuhan!

Universities of Wuhan

If you have spent any amount of time in China you would know that many local tourists travel to a city such as Wuhan with the sole purpose of visiting the universities. Wuhan University is renowned throughout the country as having the most beautiful campus. Situated on the side of a heavily wooded mountain, the mix of traditional and brutalist architecture makes the entire university one of the best places in the country to take in Chinese culture and nature.

While Wuhan University tops the list of most beautiful places in the whole country, the city as a whole has far many more campuses that are worth a visit. The city of Wuhan nabs the title of most university students in the entire world. Therefore you can imagine that it is not only Wuhan University that is home to lush gardens and rounded bridges.

Other Universities such as the Wuhan Sports University is situated on the banks of the East Lake, offering beautiful views of the water and parks within the university itself. Other universities such as Fengzhi University and the University of Nationalities offer their own unique modern architecture and classical Chinese pavilions.

Here is a list of some of the best universities in Wuhan:

Wuhan University
Huashi University
Fengzhi University 纺织大学
The University of Nationalities 中南民族大学
Wuhan Sports University 武汉体育学院

Wanting a good day trip from Wuhan? Check out the Tang Dynasty City of Xiangyang!

Parks of Wuhan

Like any other city in China, most of the traditional culture revolves around the parks. Being the largest city in China by land area, you can expect Wuhan to have gorgeous parks along the Yangtze River, East Lake, and in the middle of the sprawling city itself.

The most popular and beautiful park in all of Wuhan is East Lake Park. Not being confined by four walls, this stretch of hiking and biking trails follows the banks of the East Lake. With its perfectly manicured gardens, park benches, and breathtaking views of the water, this is the best place in Wuhan for those looking to escape the hassles of the city.

Other than just natural beauty, there are several other gardens and parks around Wuhan dedicated to history and art. Hanyang’s 824 Art District is home to some of Wuhan’s quirkiest cafes and best up and coming artists. What was once a dilapidated warehouse has now been transformed into a hub for Wuhan’s youth.

Here is a list of some of the best parks in Wuhan:

You can read more about Wuhan’s Cherry Blossom Park here!

Getting Off The Beaten Path In Wuhan

Wuhan is a city that is reinventing itself every day. One day you may be strolling through a park or touring a museum, and the next the entire city block has been reduced to nothing but rubble. As many of the older and more cultural neighborhoods meet the demolition crew, the face of Wuhan is getting younger and sleeker with each passing day.

From the Yellow Crane Tower to East Lake Park, there are millions of ways you can go about exploring the massive city of Wuhan. But, at the end of the day, it is the moments that curiosity overwhelms you and you find yourself ducking down back alleys that will make you fall in love with Wuhan. The museums and temples are remarkable in their own way, but it is the relationships you build with people and the candid looks at city life that will make you fall in love with Wuhan.

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November 21, 2019 @ 1:13 pm

[…] Get off the beaten path in Mainland China by checking out the overlooked city of Wuhan! […]
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November 30, 2019 @ 7:18 am

[…] Want to know what to do in Wuhan? You can read my ultimate guide to the city here! […]