In the past few months, Wuhan has been on everyone’s map as it’s often associated with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Unfortunately, this has made most people unaware of the city’s beautiful sides.
Wuhan is one of the fastest growing cities in Central China and the sprawling capital of Hubei Province. Nicknamed the “Chicago of China” Wuhan is the central hub for transportation, rail, trade and steel, and home to more than 11 million people (significantly more than New York City and Tokyo).
Here are some of Wuhan’s charms that everyone should know about!
- Yellow Crane Tower
The Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan is the city’s most revered landmark. It was built in 220 AD by Emperor Sun Qian. However, the current building that’s still standing today was built in 1981 and the historical pagoda was torn down and rebuilt several times. No trip to Wuhan is complete without climbing up to the fifth floor to admire the cityscape. In the sun, the Yellow Crane Tower shines like gold.
- Hubu Alley
Positioned in the shadows of the Yellow Crane Tower, Hubu Alley is Wuhan’s most beloved snack street. If you’re in Wuhan for a short time but would love to try the local specialties as much as you can, here’s where you should go! There are more than 100 permanent vendors offering all kinds of street food. Don’t skip on dou pi, sticky rice with bits of vegetables and meat wrapped in bean skin and fried in a large wok, as well as re gan mian, hot and dry noodles in sesame paste which is often served for breakfast.
- Wuhan University
You don’t have to enroll as a student to visit one of the most prestigious universities in China, positioned strategically on the picturesque banks of East Lake. Every year, tourists from far and wide flock to the university in March when cherry blossoms in full bloom, lush rolling hills and the university’s majestic architecture form a beautiful and poetic scenery.
- Baotong Temple
This charming ancient temple in Wuhan was built during the periods of the Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty (420-499 AD). Located on the south hillside of Mount Hong, the magnificent Baotong Temple is one of the “Four Buddhist Temples” in Wuhan. If you’re visiting, be sure to grab the opportunity to meander your way up the historical winding staircases to the seventh floor and take a look out over the grounds from the balcony.
- East Lake
Located on the south bank of the Yangtze River, East Lake is the largest city lake in China, and divided into four areas: Ting Tao, Mo Shan, Luo Yan and Chui Di Scenic Areas. The East Lake is rich in botanical resources with a large stretch of metasequoia forest. Locals and tourists come here to admire orchids in spring, water lily in summer, sweet osmanthus in autumn and plum blossoms in winter.
