Wuhan (武汉; Wǔhàn) is the capital of Hubei Province in China and a major port on the Yangtse River.
Wuhan once consisted of three cities; Hanyang, Hankou (formerly known as Hankow), and Wuchang. Hanyang was a busy port as long as 2,000 years ago in the Han Dynasty. Yellow Crane Tower was built in 223 BCE and gained fame throughout China through the poetry of Cui Hao during the Tang Dynasty. Wuchang has been a center of learning for centuries, especially in the field of the arts. It became a provincial capital in the Yuan Dynasty.
Hankou was considered to be one of China's top four cities during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was the busiest inland port, first opened as a treaty port in 1861. During the 19th century, as a result of concessions granted in the aftermath of the Opium Wars, large areas of Hankou's riverfront were carved up into foreign mercantile divisions with port and rail facilities and the area's economy expanded rapidly. There remain many grand buildings along Hankou's riverfront clearly European in design as a result.
The city is perhaps most famous for its pivotal role in the formation of modern China. On October 10, 1911 the Wuchang Uprising, led by Sun Yat-Sen, took place, sparking the Xinhai Revolution throughout the nation which resulted in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty (China's last) and the formation of the Republic of China. The event is commemorated in many place names beginning with "Shouyi", literally "First Revolution", including a public square with an attached museum. In the ensuing chaos of the Republic of China, Wuchang was the capital of a leftist Guomindang government ruled over by Wang Jingwei in direct opposition to Chiang Kai-shek.
In 1927, Hanyang, Hankou, and Wuchang were united to form the city of Wuhan. In 1938, during the Japanese invasion of China, Wuhan briefly became the temporary capital of the Republic of China, after the government had been moved here from Nanjing, which had been captured by the invaders. In the late 1938, however, Wuhan fell to the Japanese as well, and the ROC government moved further west to Chongqing. During the rest of World War II, fighting shifted to the western part of Hubei, Wuhan being liberated from the invaders only with the surrender of Japan in 1945.
With the opening of China, Wuhan was reopened in 1992 for the first time since the revolution. Today, Wuhan is one of China's largest cities and remains an important center of commerce. While many visitors overlook Wuhan as just another city, beneath its industrial exterior a rewarding tapestry of history and cultural arts awaits.
Wuhan is an amalgamation of three smaller cities, Hankou, Hanyang and Wuchang, each separated from the other by a river. Hankou is the business center and it sits to the northwest with the Yangtze River separating it from Wuchang and the Han River separating it from Hanyang. Wuchang is the education center hosting a bewildering variety of universities, institutes and colleges. It is separated from both Hankou and Hanyang by the Yangtze River. Hanyang is the industrial center, separated from Hankou by the Han River and from Wuchang by the Yangtze River.
As of 2018, vehicles can cross the Yangtze over nine bridges and a tunnel within the legal limits of the City of Wuhan. Only two of these bridges, the oldest ones, are accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists as well.
The Number One Yangtze River Bridge. This old, Soviet-era colossus of engineering incorporating both rail and automobile traffic in a dual-layer setup, connects Wuchang with Hanyang. There are sidewalks for pedestrians and bicycles on both sides of the bridges; walk or ride on the right side of the bridge, although that apparently is not enforced. On the Hanyang sides, the sidewalks start at the corner of Guishan S. Rd and Yingwu Ave; there is also pedestrian access to the norther sidewalk from the park outside the TV tower. On the Wuchang side, pedestrians can enter the bridge over one of several stairways west of the Yellow Crane Tower.
The more graceful Number Two Yangtze River Bridge is only open to automobile traffic and pedestrians (bicycles are prohibited, although some cyclists use it anyway), connects Wuchang with Hankou to the north.
Over half a dozen bridges across the Han River shuttle automobile traffic between Hanyang and Hankou. Several of those (including those closest to the city center) have sidewalks as well.
The Number One Yangtze River Bridge. This old, Soviet-era colossus of engineering incorporating both rail and automobile traffic in a dual-layer setup, connects Wuchang with Hanyang. There are sidewalks for pedestrians and bicycles on both sides of the bridges; walk or ride on the right side of the bridge, although that apparently is not enforced. On the Hanyang sides, the sidewalks start at the corner of Guishan S. Rd and Yingwu Ave; there is also pedestrian access to the norther sidewalk from the park outside the TV tower. On the Wuchang side, pedestrians can enter the bridge over one of several stairways west of the Yellow Crane Tower.
Travellers not accustomed to high heat and humidity should avoid visiting Wuhan in the summer months. As the hottest of the "Three Furnaces" of China (the others are Chongqing and Nanjing), Wuhan often gets summer temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F). Combine the heat with humidity, a lack of wind, and heavy urban pollution typical for most of the rapidly industrialized cities in China, and you has a recipe for a cloudy yet simmering day.
- Yellow Crane Tower. Snake Hill Park from the Yellow Crane Tower.
The single largest tourist attraction in Wuhan, the tower is a modern construction built on the site of twelve previous incarnations. It is considered one of the four great towers in China. The tower sits atop Snake Hill near the Number One Yangtze River Bridge and affords a commanding view of the Yangtze River as well as the mouth of the Han River where it connects. The view of the city is very impressive, although at times made slightly hazy by smog. On the clearest days, one can see practically the entire city of Wuhan and far up and down the Yangtze River. Entering the park costs ¥80 (as of Dec 2010) which gives access to Snake Hill Park, Yellow Crane Tower and the Mao Pavilion (in which many of the poems of Chairman Mao are etched into stone for viewing pleasure).
The park as a whole is nicely landscaped with many charming buildings. Of particular interest is the enormous bronze bell behind Yellow Crane Tower and a teahouse on the premises which features regular performances of traditional Chu-era music. The performance is free, but it is expected that patrons enjoying it order at least a beverage or a small snack The current tower was completed in the 1980s using modern materials. Most notably, concrete is used instead of wood for all supporting members so as to prevent yet another disaster, since the twelve previous towers were all destroyed by fires and war. The ground floor of the tower contains a large entrance hall, two stories tall, with enormous decorative lamps and a giant ceramic fresco displaying the quasi-mythical story of the tower's initial construction. The second story, essentially a balcony around the entrance hall, contains a souvenir shop as well as displays of traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy. The third story has a residence done up in the very ancient, Chu style modelled after the kinds of sitting rooms used by nobility greeting guests in the ancient period. The fourth story contains another souvenir shop and a set of models displaying the tower in five of its previous incarnations. This latter display shows the fascinating development of an essentially military watchtower into an increasingly residence/tourist-oriented showpiece. The top accessible story has pay telescopes and some nice art displays. Yellow Crane Tower (and, in fact, Snake Hill Park in general) is wheelchair-accessible in most areas of interest. The tower even has two elevators suited to the elderly and the handicapped who would otherwise not be able to climb the stairs to the top. Ramps abound in most of the areas of interest. 80 CNY (as of 2012). - Memorial Hall of Wuchang Uprising in 1911 Revolution. On October 10, 1911 the Wuchang Uprising started the Xinhai Revolution, which led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the election of Sun Yat-Sen as the provisional president. This was one of the biggest events that shaped modern China, making its headquarters a must-see for anyone interested in historical travel. The Revolutionary Army was here, and inside the Red Chamber (the main building) they issued the edict to bring down the Qing Dynasty. In the outside Uprising Plaza (首义广场), stands a statue of Sun Yat-Sen. Free.
- Hubei Provincial Museum, +86 27 86794127. Exhibit of ancient Chinese artifacts excavated from throughout Hubei Province. Displays range from pottery, jewelry, clothing, and even ancient human skulls. One of the highlights are the well-preserved musical instruments, and a brief concert is played daily on replica instruments. Also houses one very famous weapon: the Sword of Goujian. Free.
- Changchun Taoist Temple, 269 Wuluo Rd, ZhongNan ShangQuan, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072 (NE of downtown Wuchang (NE corner of Wuluo Lu and Zhongshan Lu). A wall painting in Changchun Temple
A large Taoist temple. ¥5. - Baotong Temple, 549 Wuluo Rd, HongShan JieDao Kou ShangQuan, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072 (Baotong Subway station (Line 2) in Wuchang. A large Chan Buddhist temple, although ancient in origin, had most of its buildings constructed fairly recently. The Hall of 500 Arhats is worth seeing. There are two bixi turtles on premises, although one of them is fairly new, carrying a stele commemorating the temple's renovation in 2006. Hongshan Pagoda (洪山宝塔), although not at Hongshan Hill's top, provides the best viewpoint around. Climbing the pagoda over steep, narrow winding stairs is an interesting experience. ¥10; ¥2 for admission to Hongshan Pagoda.
- Wuhan University, Luojiashan, Wuchang District (take bus no 519 or metro line 2 (Stations Jiedaokou or Guangfutun). If you are in Wuhan in the spring, be sure to check out the cherry blossom (sakura) in Wuhan University, a famous tourist attraction. Any time of the year, you can also take a tour among the palatial buildings in "one of the most beautiful campuses." ¥20 during sakura festival; free otherwise.
- China University of Geosciences. This is the Wuhan campus of a national university that also has a campus in Beijing. The campus has three sections: the eastern and western ones are connected by a pedestrian bridge over Lumo Rd, the western and northern, by a pedestrian tunnel under Fujiashan/Nanwangshan. The well landscaped area around the university's main buildings (on both sides of Lumo Lu) also has the university museum, with a large collection of minerals and an impressive display of dinosaur skeletons.
Yellow Crane Tower.
The single largest tourist attraction in Wuhan, the tower is a modern construction built on the site of twelve previous incarnations. It is considered one of the four great towers in China. The tower sits atop Snake Hill near the Number One Yangtze River Bridge and affords a commanding view of the Yangtze River as well as the mouth of the Han River where it connects. The view of the city is very impressive, although at times made slightly hazy by smog. On the clearest days, one can see practically the entire city of Wuhan and far up and down the Yangtze River. Entering the park costs ¥80 (as of Dec 2010) which gives access to Snake Hill Park, Yellow Crane Tower and the Mao Pavilion (in which many of the poems of Chairman Mao are etched into stone for viewing pleasure).
The park as a whole is nicely landscaped with many charming buildings. Of particular interest is the enormous bronze bell behind Yellow Crane Tower and a teahouse on the premises which features regular performances of traditional Chu-era music. The performance is free, but it is expected that patrons enjoying it order at least a beverage or a small snack The current tower was completed in the 1980s using modern materials. Most notably, concrete is used instead of wood for all supporting members so as to prevent yet another disaster, since the twelve previous towers were all destroyed by fires and war. The ground floor of the tower contains a large entrance hall, two stories tall, with enormous decorative lamps and a giant ceramic fresco displaying the quasi-mythical story of the tower's initial construction. The second story, essentially a balcony around the entrance hall, contains a souvenir shop as well as displays of traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy. The third story has a residence done up in the very ancient, Chu style modelled after the kinds of sitting rooms used by nobility greeting guests in the ancient period. The fourth story contains another souvenir shop and a set of models displaying the tower in five of its previous incarnations. This latter display shows the fascinating development of an essentially military watchtower into an increasingly residence/tourist-oriented showpiece. The top accessible story has pay telescopes and some nice art displays. Yellow Crane Tower (and, in fact, Snake Hill Park in general) is wheelchair-accessible in most areas of interest. The tower even has two elevators suited to the elderly and the handicapped who would otherwise not be able to climb the stairs to the top. Ramps abound in most of the areas of interest. 80 CNY (as of 2012).
Memorial Hall of Wuchang Uprising in 1911 Revolution. On October 10, 1911 the Wuchang Uprising started the Xinhai Revolution, which led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the election of Sun Yat-Sen as the provisional president. This was one of the biggest events that shaped modern China, making its headquarters a must-see for anyone interested in historical travel. The Revolutionary Army was here, and inside the Red Chamber (the main building) they issued the edict to bring down the Qing Dynasty. In the outside Uprising Plaza (首义广场), stands a statue of Sun Yat-Sen. Free.
Hubei Provincial Museum, +86 27 86794127. Exhibit of ancient Chinese artifacts excavated from throughout Hubei Province. Displays range from pottery, jewelry, clothing, and even ancient human skulls. One of the highlights are the well-preserved musical instruments, and a brief concert is played daily on replica instruments. Also houses one very famous weapon: the Sword of Goujian. Free.
Changchun Taoist Temple, 269 Wuluo Rd, ZhongNan ShangQuan, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072 (NE of downtown Wuchang (NE corner of Wuluo Lu and Zhongshan Lu).
A large Taoist temple. ¥5.
Baotong Temple, 549 Wuluo Rd, HongShan JieDao Kou ShangQuan, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072 (Baotong Subway station (Line 2) in Wuchang. A large Chan Buddhist temple, although ancient in origin, had most of its buildings constructed fairly recently. The Hall of 500 Arhats is worth seeing. There are two bixi turtles on premises, although one of them is fairly new, carrying a stele commemorating the temple's renovation in 2006. Hongshan Pagoda (洪山宝塔), although not at Hongshan Hill's top, provides the best viewpoint around. Climbing the pagoda over steep, narrow winding stairs is an interesting experience. ¥10; ¥2 for admission to Hongshan Pagoda.
Wuhan University, Luojiashan, Wuchang District (take bus no 519 or metro line 2 (Stations Jiedaokou or Guangfutun). If you are in Wuhan in the spring, be sure to check out the cherry blossom (sakura) in Wuhan University, a famous tourist attraction. Any time of the year, you can also take a tour among the palatial buildings in "one of the most beautiful campuses." ¥20 during sakura festival; free otherwise.
China University of Geosciences. This is the Wuhan campus of a national university that also has a campus in Beijing. The campus has three sections: the eastern and western ones are connected by a pedestrian bridge over Lumo Rd, the western and northern, by a pedestrian tunnel under Fujiashan/Nanwangshan. The well landscaped area around the university's main buildings (on both sides of Lumo Lu) also has the university museum, with a large collection of minerals and an impressive display of dinosaur skeletons.
Occupying much of the north-eastern part of Wuchang, the East Lake Scenic Area (东湖风景区, Donghu fengjing qu) is larger than either New York City's Central Park of Hangzhou's West Lake. In 2017-2018, its system of landscaped trails ("the East Lake Greenways", 东湖绿道) has been expanded. Most of the area is now free, with the exception of certain specific attractions (such as the Botanic Garden), where admission is charged.
The most easily accessibly areas of the park (close to subway stations, bus line, or parking lots) may get very crowded on good-weather weekends.
The park is huge, and can be accessed from many directions. From the northwest, the Liyuan Subway Station (on Line 8 of the Wuhan Metro) is the easiest access. From the north, the Wuhan Railway Station Subway Station and, even more, the nearby Yangchun Hu Subway Station are, in theory, within the walking distance from the park's bounds; however, as of early 2018, due to construction, pedestrian access is somewhat difficult; instead, you can take No. 643 from Wuhan Railway Station. From the southwest, you can walk to the lake from Wuhan University (see below). From the south, several buses go to Molu Street Moshan stop (鲁磨路磨山站), including 401,402, 413. From the east and southeast, the park can be accessed from several stops of bus route 513, which runs from Wuhan Railway Station to Guanggu Circle (光谷广场) along the park's eastern and southern border. More bus routes for individual sites in this article (in Chinese). See also listings below for individual sites.
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, +86 27 87510290. The Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences was established in 1956 and is known today as one of China's top research botanical gardens. There is an impressive variety of gardens and greenhouses within the grounds of the botanical garden. It is in the Moshan Hill area south of the East Lake, next to a number of other scenic sites. ¥40.
- Moshan Hill Scenic Area. A large park area filled with monuments, temples, and various shops. While most of the monuments in the area were built in the 1990s, Moshan Hill is still a great place to go hiking and enjoy the natural scenery. The Botanical Garden (separate admission) is nearby. Free.
- Chuidi Scenic Area (Ma'anshan Forest Park). Monkeys at Houshan (Monkey Mountain), Chuidi Scenic Area
Another large forest park area, with lots of walking and biking trails, hilltop gazebos, and various waterfront attractions (many of them set up in 2017-2018). Yujia Lake (喻家湖 Yujiahu), a bay of the East Lake west of the park, is regularly used by dragon boat teams for training; their shore base is on the west side of the bay (outside of Chuidi's limits). A group of monkeys resides in an enclosure near the appropriately named Monkey Hill (猴山); a few particularly trusted individuals are allowed to roam outside and interact with visitors.
There are a couple of villages inside the park, but the trail network is laid out in such a way that the visitors don't need to cross the villages; they just see them and their fields from the outside, without interfering with the residents' life too much. Free. - Mao Zedong's Summer Villa (Maozedong Donghu Jiuju). Wuhan is home to one of the villas of Chairman Mao. He returned here annually and typically stayed a few months. The decor was designed in the 1950s fashion, which strikes many visitors as odd, yet there are plenty of indicators that it is no ordinary person's home. One of the most interesting sites is Mao's large indoor swimming pool. Mao's pool seems to no longer be accessible. Also, the villa is not where Google Maps says it is, and it is difficult to find since there are no signs (not even in Chinese). To get there, get to Hubei Museum first. As you face the museum main entrance, turn left and walk along the main street. Immediately a street will branch off to your right - take it (the museum will be on your right). The street will lead to a roundabout, on which you should turn right, into a narrow shaded alleyway with some dilapidated houses and chicken coops. Eventually you will come to a gate (may look closed but will have an opening). Continue through the gate and straight along a causeway with water on both sides. You will get to an intersection - turn left. You will come to a parking lot in front of a large building complex - you want to get behind that complex, i.e. pass it so that it's on your left (there's a road with a blue forward-pointing arrow going there - take that road, then turn left). You will see an unremarkable-looking building with Mao's old car in a glass enclosure - this is Mao's villa. In March 2019, it seemed to be closed for the public, and not possible to visit. ¥50.
- Liyuan Park, Donghu Rd, Wuchang District (Liyuan subway station (Line 8). Or take bus no 401 or 402. One of the oldest and most accessible parks on the East Lake, all summer long it is a popular swimming area for the youths and families alike. Elsewhere on the lake, there are fancier beaches where admission is charged.
- Famous People's Culture Park (名人文化公园), Entrance from Shimenfeng St (石门峰路), about 1.5 km NE from the crossing of Senlin Rd (森林大道) and Qingwang St (青王路). The slopes of the Stone Gate Peak (石门峰) are occupied by a large cemetery whose owners apparently are very serious about sponsoring public art. As a result, the hill's foothills are home to what may be the largest sculpture park this side of Skopje. The 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution were commemorated by a series of monuments to its participants. Another memorial complex commemorates the heroes of the war against Japan (1931-1945), and, closer to the entrance, yet another sculpture garden honors the marshals and generals of the People's Liberation Army. The famous personages of more ancient history are not forgotten either: deeper in the park, forty-plus statues of China's kings and emperors, from the earliest beginnings and to Empress Dowager Cixi (apparently, the only woman in this alley), not omitting Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan, have lined up a mountain path in the style reminiscent of a tradtional spirit way (神道). And, of course, there is plenty of more light-hearted statuary around the park.
You can also walk up the steep stairs, through the actual cemetery to the top of the hill (marked by a tower with a star on top), for a fairly decent view of the surroundings.
Wuhan Botanical Garden, +86 27 87510290. The Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences was established in 1956 and is known today as one of China's top research botanical gardens. There is an impressive variety of gardens and greenhouses within the grounds of the botanical garden. It is in the Moshan Hill area south of the East Lake, next to a number of other scenic sites. ¥40.
Moshan Hill Scenic Area. A large park area filled with monuments, temples, and various shops. While most of the monuments in the area were built in the 1990s, Moshan Hill is still a great place to go hiking and enjoy the natural scenery. The Botanical Garden (separate admission) is nearby. Free.
Chuidi Scenic Area (Ma'anshan Forest Park).
Another large forest park area, with lots of walking and biking trails, hilltop gazebos, and various waterfront attractions (many of them set up in 2017-2018). Yujia Lake (喻家湖 Yujiahu), a bay of the East Lake west of the park, is regularly used by dragon boat teams for training; their shore base is on the west side of the bay (outside of Chuidi's limits). A group of monkeys resides in an enclosure near the appropriately named Monkey Hill (猴山); a few particularly trusted individuals are allowed to roam outside and interact with visitors.
There are a couple of villages inside the park, but the trail network is laid out in such a way that the visitors don't need to cross the villages; they just see them and their fields from the outside, without interfering with the residents' life too much. Free.
Mao Zedong's Summer Villa (Maozedong Donghu Jiuju). Wuhan is home to one of the villas of Chairman Mao. He returned here annually and typically stayed a few months. The decor was designed in the 1950s fashion, which strikes many visitors as odd, yet there are plenty of indicators that it is no ordinary person's home. One of the most interesting sites is Mao's large indoor swimming pool. Mao's pool seems to no longer be accessible. Also, the villa is not where Google Maps says it is, and it is difficult to find since there are no signs (not even in Chinese). To get there, get to Hubei Museum first. As you face the museum main entrance, turn left and walk along the main street. Immediately a street will branch off to your right - take it (the museum will be on your right). The street will lead to a roundabout, on which you should turn right, into a narrow shaded alleyway with some dilapidated houses and chicken coops. Eventually you will come to a gate (may look closed but will have an opening). Continue through the gate and straight along a causeway with water on both sides. You will get to an intersection - turn left. You will come to a parking lot in front of a large building complex - you want to get behind that complex, i.e. pass it so that it's on your left (there's a road with a blue forward-pointing arrow going there - take that road, then turn left). You will see an unremarkable-looking building with Mao's old car in a glass enclosure - this is Mao's villa. In March 2019, it seemed to be closed for the public, and not possible to visit. ¥50.
Liyuan Park, Donghu Rd, Wuchang District (Liyuan subway station (Line 8). Or take bus no 401 or 402. One of the oldest and most accessible parks on the East Lake, all summer long it is a popular swimming area for the youths and families alike. Elsewhere on the lake, there are fancier beaches where admission is charged.
Famous People's Culture Park (名人文化公园), Entrance from Shimenfeng St (石门峰路), about 1.5 km NE from the crossing of Senlin Rd (森林大道) and Qingwang St (青王路). The slopes of the Stone Gate Peak (石门峰) are occupied by a large cemetery whose owners apparently are very serious about sponsoring public art. As a result, the hill's foothills are home to what may be the largest sculpture park this side of [[Skopje/Centar|Skopje]]. The 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution were commemorated by a series of monuments to its participants. Another memorial complex commemorates the heroes of the war against Japan (1931-1945), and, closer to the entrance, yet another sculpture garden honors the marshals and generals of the People's Liberation Army. The famous personages of more ancient history are not forgotten either: deeper in the park, forty-plus statues of China's kings and emperors, from the earliest beginnings and to Empress Dowager Cixi (apparently, the only woman in this alley), not omitting Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan, have lined up a mountain path in the style reminiscent of a tradtional spirit way (神道). And, of course, there is plenty of more light-hearted statuary around the park.
You can also walk up the steep stairs, through the actual cemetery to the top of the hill (marked by a tower with a star on top), for a fairly decent view of the surroundings.
- Guiyuan Temple, +86 84-842-298. 09:00-17:00. Built in 1658, Guiyuan Temple is known as the first zen temple to be built in Hubei Province. The most famous and impressive building in the complex is the Arhats Hall, which contains 500 arhat (Buddhist saints) statues. When you enter, from whichever part you choose to begin exploring, you are supposed to count the arhats. When you have counted to your current age, you are then supposed to write down the number above the statue that you stopped on and you can then present it to the small shop outside to purchase a golden card with your fortune, as well as a depiction of that statue. The statues inside are all quite different and intricately designed, so it's well worth the time to thoroughly explore the temple. Entrance is ¥10.
- Wuhan Zoo. Although it is a zoo, there is more to this zoo than just animals. The zoo contains a small area of amusement park rides, and a beautiful bonsai garden. Of course, those who are interested in seeing the animals will not be disappointed, as the zoo features a Giant Panda (be aware that they occasionally take the panda out to travel to other parts of the country), red pandas, hippos, wolves, zebras, and many other popular zoo animals. No visit to this zoo would be complete without seeing one of the daily shows! Well-trained animals performing unbelievable stunts, from puppies doing tricks to bicycling bears.
- Qingchuan Pavilion and Temple of Yu the Great. A temple complex dedicated to Yu the Great, a legendary ancient emperor who overwhelmed the great flood and, with the help of a yellow dragon and black turtle, created the geographical features of today's China. Includes a stele-bearing bixi turtle (one of the few such creatures within Wuhan's urban area; see also Baotong Temple and Longquanshan); good views over the river.
Guiyuan Temple, +86 84-842-298. 09:00-17:00. Built in 1658, Guiyuan Temple is known as the first zen temple to be built in [[Hubei|Hubei Province]]. The most famous and impressive building in the complex is the Arhats Hall, which contains 500 arhat (Buddhist saints) statues. When you enter, from whichever part you choose to begin exploring, you are supposed to count the arhats. When you have counted to your current age, you are then supposed to write down the number above the statue that you stopped on and you can then present it to the small shop outside to purchase a golden card with your fortune, as well as a depiction of that statue. The statues inside are all quite different and intricately designed, so it's well worth the time to thoroughly explore the temple. Entrance is ¥10.
Wuhan Zoo. Although it is a zoo, there is more to this zoo than just animals. The zoo contains a small area of amusement park rides, and a beautiful bonsai garden. Of course, those who are interested in seeing the animals will not be disappointed, as the zoo features a Giant Panda (be aware that they occasionally take the panda out to travel to other parts of the country), red pandas, hippos, wolves, zebras, and many other popular zoo animals. No visit to this zoo would be complete without seeing one of the daily shows! Well-trained animals performing unbelievable stunts, from puppies doing tricks to bicycling bears.
Qingchuan Pavilion and Temple of Yu the Great. A temple complex dedicated to Yu the Great, a legendary ancient emperor who overwhelmed the great flood and, with the help of a yellow dragon and black turtle, created the geographical features of today's China. Includes a stele-bearing bixi turtle (one of the few such creatures within Wuhan's urban area; see also Baotong Temple and Longquanshan); good views over the river.
- The Yangtze River waterfront. Armed with the ideas of Mao Zedong, the people of Wuhan are fighting the flood of 1954
Note the tall monument which, from far away, appears to be a monument to Mao Zedong, but which actually commemorates Wuhan's complicated relationship with its great river. Erected in 1969, tt's inscribed with Mao's poem "Swimming" (which not only celebrates the Yangtze in Wuhan, but also foresees the creation of the mighty hydro dams farther upstream), and decorated with reliefs depicting the citizens fighting the flood of 1954. Free. - 10th China (Wuhan) International Garden Expo. This is a large (a mile across) exhibition grounds on Wuhan's northwestern outskirts. Constructed from scratch on the site of a former landfill, it opened in the fall of 2015. There are two large exhibition buildings on site; at the time (Nov 2015) one has a garden expo running, the other has exhibits from the collections of various museums (jade carvings, coins, furniture, porcelain, etc.) The rest of the grounds are landscaped, divided into a hundred or so themed sections: a dozen or so dedicated to various foreign countries, the rest, to various cities of China.
Overall, although the landscaping is nice, one can visit plenty of similarly nice landscaped sites for free (or for a nominal admission fee) elsewhere in Wuhan, in city parks or on university campuses.
The most crowded place at the site seems to be the huge, but rather overpriced cafeteria (which is also divided into themed sections, dedicated to various regions' cuisine). Many visitors choose to bring their own snacks - there are plenty of benches around the site for picnicking! ¥100 (during the 10th Garden Expo; may change for future events). - Wuhan Museum, 武汉市汉口青年路373号 (Metro Line 2: Hankou Railway Station. 9:00-17:00; closed on Fridays. A major museum in a park-like setting. Closed for repair through April 30, 2018.
The Yangtze River waterfront.
Note the tall monument which, from far away, appears to be a monument to Mao Zedong, but which actually commemorates Wuhan's complicated relationship with its great river. Erected in 1969, tt's inscribed with Mao's poem "Swimming" (which not only celebrates the Yangtze in Wuhan, but also foresees the creation of the mighty hydro dams farther upstream), and decorated with reliefs depicting the citizens fighting the flood of 1954. Free.
10th China (Wuhan) International Garden Expo. This is a large (a mile across) exhibition grounds on Wuhan's northwestern outskirts. Constructed from scratch on the site of a former landfill, it opened in the fall of 2015. There are two large exhibition buildings on site; at the time (Nov 2015) one has a garden expo running, the other has exhibits from the collections of various museums (jade carvings, coins, furniture, porcelain, etc.) The rest of the grounds are landscaped, divided into a hundred or so themed sections: a dozen or so dedicated to various foreign countries, the rest, to various cities of China.
Overall, although the landscaping is nice, one can visit plenty of similarly nice landscaped sites for free (or for a nominal admission fee) elsewhere in Wuhan, in city parks or on university campuses.
The most crowded place at the site seems to be the huge, but rather overpriced cafeteria (which is also divided into themed sections, dedicated to various regions' cuisine). Many visitors choose to bring their own snacks - there are plenty of benches around the site for picnicking! ¥100 (during the 10th Garden Expo; may change for future events).
Wuhan Museum, 武汉市汉口青年路373号 (Metro Line 2: Hankou Railway Station. 9:00-17:00; closed on Fridays. A major museum in a park-like setting. Closed for repair through April 30, 2018.
- Longquanshan Scenic Area. The resting place of 9 members of the local branch of the Ming Dynasty (starting with one of the sons of the first Ming Emperor), decorated with temples, pavilions, and 3 stele-bearing turtles (bixi), set in the countryside a few miles to the southeast of Wuhan, proudly described as Wuhan's answer to the Ming Tombs of Beijing. A trail leads to a hilltop tower, from which great views of the area could be seen if the visibility were better. ¥36. Some areas don't require payment..
- Zhongshan Warship Museum, About 1 km north of Jinkou Town (金口街道), Jiagxia District. 9:00-17:00; entrance closes at 16:00. Closed on Mondays (unless a public holiday).. This museum, located near the right bank of the Yangtze in the far southwestern suburbs of Wuhan, commemorates a naval battle that happened here, hundreds of miles from the sea, in October 1938. Sunk by the Japanese aviation - just three years before the Pearl Harbor attack on the US fleet - the Chinese warship Zhongshan was raised from the bottom of the Yangzte in 1997, restored, and is now displayed in this museum's main hall. Adjacent are exhibits on the history of the ship, as well as the process of its lifting from the river bottom and its restoration. On the top of a hill across the small lake from the museum is a memorial to the 25 sailors, including the ship's captain, who found their watery grave in the Yangtze, far from their hometowns on Fujian's northern coast. The lake is surrounded by sculptures commemorating various aspects of the Battle of Wuhan in 1938, as well as of the city's eventual liberation after the surrender of Japan in 1945. Various other exhibits of military and patriotic nature, such as a sampling of PLA's older weaponry, can be seen here as well. Free.
- Wood lion sculpture, Fortune Plaza Times Square. A large carving of a lion. The world's largest redwood sculpture, at 14.5 meters long and 5 meters high, carved from a single tree trunk.
Longquanshan Scenic Area. The resting place of 9 members of the local branch of the Ming Dynasty (starting with one of the sons of the first Ming Emperor), decorated with temples, pavilions, and 3 stele-bearing turtles (bixi), set in the countryside a few miles to the southeast of Wuhan, proudly described as Wuhan's answer to the Ming Tombs of Beijing. A trail leads to a hilltop tower, from which great views of the area could be seen if the visibility were better. ¥36. Some areas don't require payment..
Zhongshan Warship Museum, About 1 km north of Jinkou Town (金口街道), Jiagxia District. 9:00-17:00; entrance closes at 16:00. Closed on Mondays (unless a public holiday).. This museum, located near the right bank of the Yangtze in the far southwestern suburbs of Wuhan, commemorates a naval battle that happened here, hundreds of miles from the sea, in October 1938. Sunk by the Japanese aviation - just three years before the Pearl Harbor attack on the US fleet - the Chinese warship Zhongshan was raised from the bottom of the Yangzte in 1997, restored, and is now displayed in this museum's main hall. Adjacent are exhibits on the history of the ship, as well as the process of its lifting from the river bottom and its restoration. On the top of a hill across the small lake from the museum is a memorial to the 25 sailors, including the ship's captain, who found their watery grave in the Yangtze, far from their hometowns on [[Northern_Coast_(Fujian)|Fujian's northern coast]]. The lake is surrounded by sculptures commemorating various aspects of the Battle of Wuhan in 1938, as well as of the city's eventual liberation after the surrender of Japan in 1945. Various other exhibits of military and patriotic nature, such as a sampling of PLA's older weaponry, can be seen here as well. Free.
Wood lion sculpture, Fortune Plaza Times Square. A large carving of a lion. The world's largest redwood sculpture, at 14.5 meters long and 5 meters high, carved from a single tree trunk.
- Jiqing Street. An ordinary-seeming street by day, becomes transformed by night into a bewildering maze of streetside restaurants and buskers performing music, dance, opera and stand-up comedy. It is a strongly-recommended experience. Food is plentiful and cheap, and it features a lot of unique local cuisine. The performances can be enjoyed by proxy as performers work other tables or they can be purchased. One can expect to pay about ¥10 per song performed. Other performances are more based on contributions—the more you contribute, the longer the performers will do their routines and the more daring/interesting/funny the routines will be.
- Dragon Boat Festival. fifth day of the fifth lunar month at the East Lake. The famous Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated throughout China however, it's origins lie with the ancient Chu Kingdom that resided in Hubei Province and surrounding provinces during the Warring States Period. The festival was brought about from the story of Qu Yuan, advisor of King Huai, who had made many predictions about the dangers of the surrounding kingdoms to their own. Qu Yuan had advised the king on ways to protect the Chu Kingdom, but the king refused to listen and instead banished his advisor from the court. Years later, when word reached Qu Yuan that all of his predictions had come true, he committed suicide in the river out of despair over the fall of his kingdom. It is said that the people of the town loved him so much that they paddled down the river in dragon boats making music and throwing rice into the river so that the fish would not eat his body. This event is believed to have occurred on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, and the festival is celebrated in much the same way today as the event had occurred with the dragon boats and music in the river. People eat zongi, special rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, on this holiday. Although Qu Yuan is said to have drown himself in the Miluo River, just outside of Hubei Province, the festival is believed to have originated in Wuhan.
Throughout the rest of the year, one can often see teams of dragon boat paddlers exercising on the city's lakes and rivers. For one of the sites, see Chuidi Scenic Area in the "See" section. - Happy Valley Wuhan, Crossing of Happy Avenue (named after the Valley) and Renhe Road. (Take subway line 4 and transfer to a bus. Bus numbered 534, 566, 545, 810, 782, 108, and 536 come here.. 09:00 to 18:00. If you like roller coasters or just rides in general, be sure to check out this amusement park. It has some of the fastest and most scary rides in Asia. The gem is a Strata Coaster 30-story tall and reach 135km/h when it launched. Other notable rides include a wooden coaster and 3 other steel ones. ¥150 for General Admission.
Jiqing Street. An ordinary-seeming street by day, becomes transformed by night into a bewildering maze of streetside restaurants and buskers performing music, dance, opera and stand-up comedy. It is a strongly-recommended experience. Food is plentiful and cheap, and it features a lot of unique local cuisine. The performances can be enjoyed by proxy as performers work other tables or they can be purchased. One can expect to pay about ¥10 per song performed. Other performances are more based on contributions—the more you contribute, the longer the performers will do their routines and the more daring/interesting/funny the routines will be.
Dragon Boat Festival. fifth day of the fifth lunar month at the East Lake. The famous Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated throughout China however, it's origins lie with the ancient Chu Kingdom that resided in Hubei Province and surrounding provinces during the Warring States Period. The festival was brought about from the story of Qu Yuan, advisor of King Huai, who had made many predictions about the dangers of the surrounding kingdoms to their own. Qu Yuan had advised the king on ways to protect the Chu Kingdom, but the king refused to listen and instead banished his advisor from the court. Years later, when word reached Qu Yuan that all of his predictions had come true, he committed suicide in the river out of despair over the fall of his kingdom. It is said that the people of the town loved him so much that they paddled down the river in dragon boats making music and throwing rice into the river so that the fish would not eat his body. This event is believed to have occurred on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, and the festival is celebrated in much the same way today as the event had occurred with the dragon boats and music in the river. People eat zongi, special rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, on this holiday. Although Qu Yuan is said to have drown himself in the Miluo River, just outside of Hubei Province, the festival is believed to have originated in Wuhan.
Throughout the rest of the year, one can often see teams of dragon boat paddlers exercising on the city's lakes and rivers. For one of the sites, see Chuidi Scenic Area in the "See" section.
Happy Valley Wuhan, Crossing of Happy Avenue (named after the Valley) and Renhe Road. (Take subway line 4 and transfer to a bus. Bus numbered 534, 566, 545, 810, 782, 108, and 536 come here.. 09:00 to 18:00. If you like roller coasters or just rides in general, be sure to check out this amusement park. It has some of the fastest and most scary rides in Asia. The gem is a Strata Coaster 30-story tall and reach 135km/h when it launched. Other notable rides include a wooden coaster and 3 other steel ones. ¥150 for General Admission.
- Jianghan Road. Of potential interest to a visitor, a pedestrian mall almost as long as Shanghai's famed East Nanjing Road. During the day it is an interesting look at rampant consumerism in China's rapidly-growing middle class. At night, starting at 19:00, it is the same but is expanded on each side a few blocks deep by a night market with literally thousands of little stalls hawking every variety of goods imaginable: makeup, souvenirs, clothing, housewares, food, music, movies, etc.
Jianghan Road. Of potential interest to a visitor, a pedestrian mall almost as long as Shanghai's famed East Nanjing Road. During the day it is an interesting look at rampant consumerism in China's rapidly-growing middle class. At night, starting at 19:00, it is the same but is expanded on each side a few blocks deep by a night market with literally thousands of little stalls hawking every variety of goods imaginable: makeup, souvenirs, clothing, housewares, food, music, movies, etc.
- Guanggu Book City (光谷书城), Guanggu Plaza (Guanggu Guangchang subway station (Line 2). A major book store, next to the numerous shopping malls of Guanggu Circle (Guanggu Guangchang 光谷广场). Has a small section with books China in foreign languages (mostly English), and books for foreigner studying Chinese. The actual book store is, as of 2018, part of the national Xinhua chain. This is the part of the city where all the universities are, so if you look like a Westerner, you'd occasionally encounter a student who'd like to practice his/her English.
- Changjiang Book City (长江书城), Xiongchu Avenu (Xiongchu Dajie) (Near Loushi South Road (Loushinanlu), about 3km east of Wuchang Train Station. 09:00-24:00. Two separate medium-sized book stores run by the same company, on two separate floors of the same building. While pleasant enough, these two stores combined are much smaller than the huge Chongwen Book City (崇文书城) that used to occupy an entire floor of this distinctive building (Chongwen Plaza) a decade ago.
- Hubei Province Foreign Languages Book Shop (外文书店), Zhongnan Road (Zhongnan Lu subway station (Lines 2 and 4). Just north of Wulou Road, no English sign. Another big book shop. The "foreign languages" in its name seems to refer mostly to the textbooks and dictionaries of foreign languages for the Chinese audience and the books translated into Chinese from foreign languages, but they carry some literature in English as well.
Guanggu Book City (光谷书城), Guanggu Plaza (Guanggu Guangchang subway station (Line 2). A major book store, next to the numerous shopping malls of Guanggu Circle (Guanggu Guangchang 光谷广场). Has a small section with books China in foreign languages (mostly English), and books for foreigner studying Chinese. The actual book store is, as of 2018, part of the national Xinhua chain. This is the part of the city where all the universities are, so if you look like a Westerner, you'd occasionally encounter a student who'd like to practice his/her English.
Changjiang Book City (长江书城), Xiongchu Avenu (Xiongchu Dajie) (Near Loushi South Road (Loushinanlu), about 3km east of Wuchang Train Station. 09:00-24:00. Two separate medium-sized book stores run by the same company, on two separate floors of the same building. While pleasant enough, these two stores combined are much smaller than the huge Chongwen Book City (崇文书城) that used to occupy an entire floor of this distinctive building (Chongwen Plaza) a decade ago.
Hubei Province Foreign Languages Book Shop (外文书店), Zhongnan Road (Zhongnan Lu subway station (Lines 2 and 4). Just north of Wulou Road, no English sign. Another big book shop. The "foreign languages" in its name seems to refer mostly to the textbooks and dictionaries of foreign languages for the Chinese audience and the books translated into Chinese from foreign languages, but they carry some literature in English as well.
- Vegetable seed shops, The west side of Zhongshan Road (中山路) between Ziyang Road and Wuluo Road (One block north of Wuchang Railway Station. If you are interested in the origin of all the produce you see in Chinese markets and restaurants, you can visit the stores from which farmers and amateur gardeners buy vegetable seeds. There are several dozens seed shops in Wuhan, mostly having the word 种苗 zhongmiao ("seedling") in their names, and they all are concentrated on one block of Zhongshan Road, conveniently located next to a train station and a bus station (to better serve rural customers). Seeds are packaged in somewhat larger bags than those you typically see in North American or European retail shops; some are sold in bulk as well. If you actually plan to buy some seeds and take them outside of China, be aware about any applicable customs and quarantine regulations in your home country.
Vegetable seed shops, The west side of Zhongshan Road (中山路) between Ziyang Road and Wuluo Road (One block north of Wuchang Railway Station. If you are interested in the origin of all the produce you see in Chinese markets and restaurants, you can visit the stores from which farmers and amateur gardeners buy vegetable seeds. There are several dozens seed shops in Wuhan, mostly having the word 种苗 zhongmiao ("seedling") in their names, and they all are concentrated on one block of Zhongshan Road, conveniently located next to a train station and a bus station (to better serve rural customers). Seeds are packaged in somewhat larger bags than those you typically see in North American or European retail shops; some are sold in bulk as well. If you actually plan to buy some seeds and take them outside of China, be aware about any applicable customs and quarantine regulations in your home country.
Wuhan is famous for its morning xiaochi - a variety of breakfast foods. Hubuxiang in Wuchang is Wuhan's famous breakfast alley where you will find all of Wuhan's famous breakfast dishes. Reganmian (热干面) (literally, "hot dry noodle") is the epitome of Wuhan's breakfast food. It is noodles with peanut sauce, tossed in sesame paste and other seasonings. You will find these noodles for ¥2 from street vendors. Other Wuhan breakfast specialties include mianwo, a type of savory donut; tangbao (汤包), small dumpling-buns filled with pork and soup; mibaba, a lightly sweetened pancake made with rice flour; and mijiu tangyuan (米酒汤圆), a sweet soup of rice wine (fermented from glutinous rice) with rice flour dumplings stuffed with sesame paste.
Real men find their fuel on the streets betwixt the hours of 12:00-05:00. On these streets there are generous and well-meaning folk selling dumplings, noodles, wok food, and foies gras. On the odd occasion that the lounge is closed, one is able to sit outside and enjoy the night air, the delightful local dialect, and any foods you order. If you are in the mood for a more romantic night on the town, there are countless 3-wall restaurants with candle lights upon the tables, live music flowing from the muses' mouths, and 4-star restaurants' finest fair at a reasonable and sanitary locale.
Since Wuchang is an education center with many universities hosting so many international students, therefore, a number of South Asian and Arabic cuisine restaurants have opened in the city. These restaurants are equally popular among Chinese and the foreigners, especially the international students.
- Desi Masala, Subway Line 2, Jiedaokou 147, Loushi South Road, Future City Building, F1-002 (exit from Jiedaokou Subway Station, Line 2, B Exit, take U-turn towards main square and turn left towards Future City Building (Joy Park). Enter inside the Future City Building and come upstairs to F1 floor. (WeChat: DesiMasala), +86 2787560708. All week 10AM-10PM. Traditional Pakistani dishes such as Chicken/Mutton/Beef Karahi, Vegetable Pakora and Samosa, Cheese Naan, Garlic Naan, Shahi Kheer, Seekh Kebab, Chicken Tikka, Raita, Daal Makhni, Beef Handi, Pizza, Burger, Salad, Soup and Tandoori BBQ with a vegan option. The restaurant also hosts a weekly buffet on Saturdays for which the price for lunch is 52¥ and the dinner for 68¥. The restaurant is co-owned by Pakistani and Chinese owners. Its environment has a Mughal Empire theme. The staff speaks both English and Chinese. 50-60¥ for a reasonable meal.
- Kebab Kingdom （烤巴巴王国）, 武汉市武昌区桂园路72号华师文化街52号, +86 27-87880981. 11:00-21:30. kebabs in Turkish style plus some Indian dishes. Deliveries from 11:30-21:00, free a 2-km radius and ¥4 for orders more than ¥30 for a 3-km radius. ¥20.
- Real Taste, shop 2-8-9 Ruihu world no 80, shizishan street, luo shi road (south) (near Huazhong Agricultural University in Hongshan district, +86 18271813481. All week 10AM-10PM. Traditional Pakistani dishes such as Biryani, Chicken Curry, Cheese Naan, Gol Gappay, Seekh Kebab, Chicken Handi. The restaurant also hosts a weekly buffet for ¥55 per person which is quite popular in international students of Wuhan. 50¥ for a decent meal with a soft drink.
- Indian Marka. Traditional Indian cuisine with a vegan option. Indian Marka is a quite popular chain of restaurants in Wuhan with at least three franchises in the City. 60¥ for a decent meal.
- , 5th Floor, World City Plaza, Optics Valley Square, Luoyu Road, Hongshan District (Guanggu) 洪山区珞瑜路光谷世界城广场负一楼, +86 17839167207.
- Indian Marka Jiedaokou, 7F002, Luojia Creatire City (Near New world department Store), Jie Dao Kou. 街道口珞珈创意体验城7F002, +86 27-8788842.
- Indian Marka (IKEA), 4-13-08-SU, LIVAT Shopping Center, Wuhan 武汉市硚口区宜家荟聚·竹叶海购物中心，4-13-08-SU, +86 27-83387787. A well-known place is Hubu Xiang (户部巷)], where you can find all kinds of famous foods, including Reganmian (热干面) and mianwo (面窝).
Desi Masala, Subway Line 2, Jiedaokou 147, Loushi South Road, Future City Building, F1-002 (exit from Jiedaokou Subway Station, Line 2, B Exit, take U-turn towards main square and turn left towards Future City Building (Joy Park). Enter inside the Future City Building and come upstairs to F1 floor. (WeChat: DesiMasala), +86 2787560708. All week 10AM-10PM. Traditional Pakistani dishes such as Chicken/Mutton/Beef Karahi, Vegetable Pakora and Samosa, Cheese Naan, Garlic Naan, Shahi Kheer, Seekh Kebab, Chicken Tikka, Raita, Daal Makhni, Beef Handi, Pizza, Burger, Salad, Soup and Tandoori BBQ with a vegan option. The restaurant also hosts a weekly buffet on Saturdays for which the price for lunch is 52¥ and the dinner for 68¥. The restaurant is co-owned by Pakistani and Chinese owners. Its environment has a Mughal Empire theme. The staff speaks both English and Chinese. 50-60¥ for a reasonable meal.
Kebab Kingdom （烤巴巴王国）, 武汉市武昌区桂园路72号华师文化街52号, +86 27-87880981. 11:00-21:30. kebabs in Turkish style plus some Indian dishes. Deliveries from 11:30-21:00, free a 2-km radius and ¥4 for orders more than ¥30 for a 3-km radius. ¥20.
Real Taste, shop 2-8-9 Ruihu world no 80, shizishan street, luo shi road (south) (near Huazhong Agricultural University in Hongshan district, +86 18271813481. All week 10AM-10PM. Traditional Pakistani dishes such as Biryani, Chicken Curry, Cheese Naan, Gol Gappay, Seekh Kebab, Chicken Handi. The restaurant also hosts a weekly buffet for ¥55 per person which is quite popular in international students of Wuhan. 50¥ for a decent meal with a soft drink.
Indian Marka. Traditional Indian cuisine with a vegan option. Indian Marka is a quite popular chain of restaurants in Wuhan with at least three franchises in the City. 60¥ for a decent meal.
- , 5th Floor, World City Plaza, Optics Valley Square, Luoyu Road, Hongshan District (Guanggu) 洪山区珞瑜路光谷世界城广场负一楼, +86 17839167207.
- Indian Marka Jiedaokou, 7F002, Luojia Creatire City (Near New world department Store), Jie Dao Kou. 街道口珞珈创意体验城7F002, +86 27-8788842.
- Indian Marka (IKEA), 4-13-08-SU, LIVAT Shopping Center, Wuhan 武汉市硚口区宜家荟聚·竹叶海购物中心，4-13-08-SU, +86 27-83387787.
Indian Marka. Traditional Indian cuisine with a vegan option. Indian Marka is a quite popular chain of restaurants in Wuhan with at least three franchises in the City. 60¥ for a decent meal.
- , 5th Floor, World City Plaza, Optics Valley Square, Luoyu Road, Hongshan District (Guanggu) 洪山区珞瑜路光谷世界城广场负一楼, +86 17839167207.
- Indian Marka Jiedaokou, 7F002, Luojia Creatire City (Near New world department Store), Jie Dao Kou. 街道口珞珈创意体验城7F002, +86 27-8788842.
- Indian Marka (IKEA), 4-13-08-SU, LIVAT Shopping Center, Wuhan 武汉市硚口区宜家荟聚·竹叶海购物中心，4-13-08-SU, +86 27-83387787.
Indian Marka. Traditional Indian cuisine with a vegan option. Indian Marka is a quite popular chain of restaurants in Wuhan with at least three franchises in the City. 60¥ for a decent meal.
- , 5th Floor, World City Plaza, Optics Valley Square, Luoyu Road, Hongshan District (Guanggu) 洪山区珞瑜路光谷世界城广场负一楼, +86 17839167207.
- Indian Marka Jiedaokou, 7F002, Luojia Creatire City (Near New world department Store), Jie Dao Kou. 街道口珞珈创意体验城7F002, +86 27-8788842.
- Indian Marka (IKEA), 4-13-08-SU, LIVAT Shopping Center, Wuhan 武汉市硚口区宜家荟聚·竹叶海购物中心，4-13-08-SU, +86 27-83387787.
There are a few drinks that are associated with the city. Included in this list is Jingjiu (a healthy alternative to regular wines), Baijiu. If you would like to taste something slightly more low key, there is a local micro-brew called Singo (Xingyinge), that will be the beginning of every good night, at ¥1.5 per bottle.
- VOX live house, Luxiang, Lumo lu（鲁磨路）, +86 13437251621 (Chinese), +86 13163308577 (English). The most popular bar in Wuhan for non-Chinese, VOX is a small bar which regularly has shows on the weekend playing host to underground Chinese acts ranging from rock/punk/indie/experimental. Has a DJ after shows playing electro, indie-dance-rock among other things. Beers start at ¥5.
- Wuhan Prison, Next to the BBQs and Vox on Lumo Lu（鲁磨路）. A dirty, frenzy free for all anything goes dive bar. They have absinthe. Good luck getting out of there sober. Staff is friendly (by Chinese standards); clientele includes locals as well as European and (to a slightly lesser extent) Anglophone expats.
- Grammy International, Just south of Luxiang on Minzu Dadao (民族大道）. One of Wuhan's International Clubs, playing R'n'B, Hip-Hop, Rap.
- Topone Bar, On the north end of Luoshi Lu（珞狮路） close to Wuhan University （武汉大学）, +86 13016464840. Chinese style 'club', lots of tables, live entertainment and not a lot of dance floor. Beers start at about ¥30.
- Queens Bar/Pin Club, Luoshi Road（珞狮路）. Wuchang's own little club district, refurbished. Limited dance floor, plenty of tables, liquor by the bottle. Friendly atmosphere towards foreigners. Beers start at about ¥30.
- Sawa, Opposite Wuhan Prison on Lumo lu（鲁磨路）(near CUG中国地质大学), +86 15072306120 (Chinese and English). Opens in afternoon. Opposite Wuhan Prison, and around the corner from VOX, Sawa is a small Hookah/shisha bar that serves a wide range of alcohols (that are cheap) and also does food (which is all foreign-styled), it's a really good place to start before heading to Vox. During the day, they sell coffee and food. Beer from ¥5, cocktails are mostly ¥20, Shisha starts at ¥35 for 2 pipes.
- Burton / La Provence. 14:00-close. Adjoining cafes with good coffee and food which transform, as the night comes along, into a packed, wild place to party. Music is heavy on popular rap, hip hop and dance with a bit of African and Caribbean. Closes with the last customer, its where the party people retreat to the place to go after everyone else has closed. wild party atmosphere. students, students, students. its a student place! during the day nice pizzas and coffee. oh and its two places adjoining one another! cheap.
- Helen's Cafe. 14:00-04:00. Pizza, Pasta, Hamburgers that are fine for the taste and great for the price. Beer, shishah and a wide variety of cocktails means the dance floor fills up as the night gets on. Wednesday Night is ladies night and it is the place to be. Lots of foreigners, good pizza, good drinks. Can play your own music if you like - sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse. Ladies night Wednesday night - a weekly highlight. cheap.
VOX live house, Luxiang, Lumo lu（鲁磨路）, +86 13437251621 (Chinese), +86 13163308577 (English). The most popular bar in Wuhan for non-Chinese, VOX is a small bar which regularly has shows on the weekend playing host to underground Chinese acts ranging from rock/punk/indie/experimental. Has a DJ after shows playing electro, indie-dance-rock among other things. Beers start at ¥5.
Wuhan Prison, Next to the BBQs and Vox on Lumo Lu（鲁磨路）. A dirty, frenzy free for all anything goes dive bar. They have absinthe. Good luck getting out of there sober. Staff is friendly (by Chinese standards); clientele includes locals as well as European and (to a slightly lesser extent) Anglophone expats.
Grammy International, Just south of Luxiang on Minzu Dadao (民族大道）. One of Wuhan's International Clubs, playing R'n'B, Hip-Hop, Rap.
Topone Bar, On the north end of Luoshi Lu（珞狮路） close to Wuhan University （武汉大学）, +86 13016464840. Chinese style 'club', lots of tables, live entertainment and not a lot of dance floor. Beers start at about ¥30.
Queens Bar/Pin Club, Luoshi Road（珞狮路）. Wuchang's own little club district, refurbished. Limited dance floor, plenty of tables, liquor by the bottle. Friendly atmosphere towards foreigners. Beers start at about ¥30.
Sawa, Opposite Wuhan Prison on Lumo lu（鲁磨路）(near CUG中国地质大学), +86 15072306120 (Chinese and English). Opens in afternoon. Opposite Wuhan Prison, and around the corner from VOX, Sawa is a small Hookah/shisha bar that serves a wide range of alcohols (that are cheap) and also does food (which is all foreign-styled), it's a really good place to start before heading to Vox. During the day, they sell coffee and food. Beer from ¥5, cocktails are mostly ¥20, Shisha starts at ¥35 for 2 pipes.
Burton / La Provence. 14:00-close. Adjoining cafes with good coffee and food which transform, as the night comes along, into a packed, wild place to party. Music is heavy on popular rap, hip hop and dance with a bit of African and Caribbean. Closes with the last customer, its where the party people retreat to the place to go after everyone else has closed. wild party atmosphere. students, students, students. its a student place! during the day nice pizzas and coffee. oh and its two places adjoining one another! cheap.
Helen's Cafe. 14:00-04:00. Pizza, Pasta, Hamburgers that are fine for the taste and great for the price. Beer, shishah and a wide variety of cocktails means the dance floor fills up as the night gets on. Wednesday Night is ladies night and it is the place to be. Lots of foreigners, good pizza, good drinks. Can play your own music if you like - sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse. Ladies night Wednesday night - a weekly highlight. cheap.
- Toucan, On the ground floor of the Holiday Inn Wuhan Riverside on Qingchuan jie (晴川街). Irish bar, pool table, watch sports, Guinness on tap. ¥25 for a something which resembles a pint..
Toucan, On the ground floor of the Holiday Inn Wuhan Riverside on Qingchuan jie (晴川街). Irish bar, pool table, watch sports, Guinness on tap. ¥25 for a something which resembles a pint..
- Blue Sky Cafe, On Xibeihu Lu (西北湖街）.
- Brussels Beer Garden, Also on Xibeihu Lu, directly below Blue Sky Cafe. A good range of Belgian and German beers on draft and bottled. (西北湖街）
- Jianghan Riverside Club District, Set among the main entrance to the Riverside area (汉口江滩门)next to Hankou's Ferry port (汉口江滩轮船). Multiple Chinese style clubs with limited dancefloors but plenty of lounges and tables for lively and expensive drinking. As of 2012 Return 97 and Muse are highlights. Venues generally close between 02:00-04:00, later on holidays such as Western New Years Eve. Wuchang residents can stay to 06:00 and catch the ferry across the river for breakfast at hubuxiang
Blue Sky Cafe, On Xibeihu Lu (西北湖街）.
Brussels Beer Garden, Also on Xibeihu Lu, directly below Blue Sky Cafe. A good range of Belgian and German beers on draft and bottled. (西北湖街）
Jianghan Riverside Club District, Set among the main entrance to the Riverside area (汉口江滩门)next to Hankou's Ferry port (汉口江滩轮船). Multiple Chinese style clubs with limited dancefloors but plenty of lounges and tables for lively and expensive drinking. As of 2012 Return 97 and Muse are highlights. Venues generally close between 02:00-04:00, later on holidays such as Western New Years Eve. Wuchang residents can stay to 06:00 and catch the ferry across the river for breakfast at hubuxiang
- France France, New World International Trade Tower Room 1702, 568 Jianshe Ave, Jianghan District, +86 27 6579-7900.
- United Kingdom United Kingdom, 33F, Pingan Finance Centre, 1628 Zhongshan Avenue, Jiang'an District, +86 27 8270-3600.
- United States United States, Room 4701, New World International Trade Tower I, 568 Jianshe Ave, Jianghan District, +86 27-8555-7791.
- South Korea Republic of Korea, 4F, Pudong Development Bank B/D, 218, Xinhua Road, Jianghan District, +86 27-8556-1085.
France France, New World International Trade Tower Room 1702, 568 Jianshe Ave, Jianghan District, +86 27 6579-7900.
United Kingdom United Kingdom, 33F, Pingan Finance Centre, 1628 Zhongshan Avenue, Jiang'an District, +86 27 8270-3600.
United States United States, Room 4701, New World International Trade Tower I, 568 Jianshe Ave, Jianghan District, +86 27-8555-7791.
South Korea Republic of Korea, 4F, Pudong Development Bank B/D, 218, Xinhua Road, Jianghan District, +86 27-8556-1085.
There are two train stations in Wuchang (Wuchang station and Wuhan station, the latter for high speed trains) and one in Hankou. There are also long-distance bus stations; one in Hankou, and two (Fojiapo 傅家坡长途汽车站 http://fjp.hbglky.com/ and Xiongji 宏基长途汽车客运站) near the Wuchang train station.