The Pyramids of Wuhan – 万国公园

Abandoned Amusement Parks

In 1996 investors in Wuhan broke ground on the location for a theme parking showcasing the world’s most iconic landmarks. The first structures of 10,000 Country Park （万国公园）were built in 1996 on the banks of the East Lake. Unfortunately, the dream of an international amusement park was not meant to be. In 1999 construction was halted due to lack of funds and accessibility to the site. The plaster castles and concrete pyramids were slowly reclaimed by the marshes and weeds by the lake. These monuments, over time, turned into nothing more than an urban legend. It wasn’t until 2013 that these ruins resurfaced, becoming a popular camping site for university students. I too journeyed out to the outskirts of the city, to pay pilgrimage to the Great Pyramids of Wuhan.

Discovering 10,000 Country Park

Taking my friends motorbike, we road along the Third Ring Road (三环线) until finally reaching our exit. The busy highway turned into a dirt trail leading into a dense forest.  The road winded, going in between trees and following the edge of the marshes. The only sign of human life was a few farmers, knee deep in mud, working in the murky water. As we continued down the road, the remnants of  10,000 Country Park began to peek out from behind the bushes and overgrowth.

Monuments from Around the World

Lilly pads and lotus flowers crowded the marshes, making it unclear where the land stopped and the lake began. I dismounted the bike to get a closer look at the pyramids hidden behind lumps of tall weeds. We found them. These replicas of Egypt’s most iconic landmark stand a mere two and a half meters tall, making them less impressive in person. Further down the path was a copy of the famous Egyptian Luxor Temple, complete with mock hieroglyphics and all.

Some other attractions left behind at the failed attempt to create a one-stop shop for all your world traveling was a replica of a “Harry Potter Castle”, some awkward windmills, and various other structures whose resemblance is up for interpretation.

Camping at the East Lake

The Pyramids of Wuhan and the 10,000 Country Park is a popular location for college kids to set up their tents. At the end of the park, there is a small camping ground smack between the East Lake and the ruins of Luxor Temple. The only visible neighbor was a water buffalo, lazily chewing away at his grass. If one was to camp overnight, the cows would be the least of one’s worries. Mosquitoes and snakes would sure to be making an appearance, emerging from the still water.

How do I get to 10,000 Country Park

The 10,000 Country Park is a bit of a hassle to get to. For those who do not have a strong desire to see these concrete structures, I would recommend exploring elsewhere. On the other hand, if you are looking for a bit of an adventure and exploring the far ends of Wuhan. The Pyramids of Wuhan await you. Travelers without their own transportation will have to take bus 513 from Optics Valley (光谷广场）getting off at QingWang Road BinHu Village. (青王路滨湖村站), from there, it is a mere kilometer and a half until you have reached the park.