I was born in Wuhan and lived there for 11 years before emigrating. I’ve also returned many times since, most recently in August right before my honeymoon in Indonesia. While Wuhan is now known globally for an unfortunate reason, to me it has always been the city with the best food! Here are my pick for the top things to do in my hometown:
1. Eat All the Local Dishes
Why Visit:
Wuhan is famous for street food and Hubei cuisine, which has a history of over 2000 years!
Highlights:
- 热干面 (Hot Dry Noodles) → noodles with sesame paste, Wuhan’s most iconic dish and my go to breakfast whenever I visit.
- 莲藕排骨汤 (Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup) → Hubei lotus roots are famous nationwide and this soup is one of my favorites — so nourishing and comforting!
- 清蒸武昌鱼 (Steamed Wuchang Fish) → the most famous dish from Wuchang district.
- 洪山菜薹 (Hongshan Caitai) → a unique purple-green vegetable from Hongshan district, so tasty but only available in the winter.
- 米粑 (Fermented Rice Pancake) → traditional snack from Hubei and my favorite dessert.
How to Go:
蔡林记 (Cai Lin Ji) is the OG brand for hot dry noodles, but there are so many other good options and literally amazing food everywhere. Just go to the place that’s nearby with the biggest crowd!
2. 黄鹤楼 (Yellow Crane Tower)
Why Visit:
The famous landmark that symbolizes Wuhan, Yellow Crane Tower features five stories of golden eaves that resemble crane wings. It also served as a muse for several famous poets and was celebrated in numerous ancient poems and stories.
Highlights:
- Climb the tower for great panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the Wuhan skyline.
- Explore the historical and culture exhibits on every level.
How to Go:
You can buy tickets at the entrance using cash or WeChat/Alipay, or online on WeChat or Trip.com.
3. 东湖 (East Lake)
Why Visit:
East Lake is China’s largest urban lake and feels like an ocean! It’s peaceful and one of Wuhan’s most beautiful natural areas.
Highlights:
- 东湖绿道 (East Lake Greenway) → walk or bike the vast, scenic network of paths encircling the lake.
- 东湖樱花园 (East Lake Cherry Blossom Park) → one of China’s top cherry blossom spots (late March – early April) with over 10,000 cherry trees.
- Enjoy various activities like cruises, paddleboating, and cable car.
How to Go:
East Lake is divided into several scenic areas, with 磨山 (Moshan) and 听涛 (Tingtao) being the most famous and visited. Most of East Lake is completely free, but some specific sub-areas require tickets. You can buy tickets at the entrance using cash or WeChat/Alipay, or online on WeChat or Trip.com.
4. 湖北省博物馆 (Hubei Provincial Museum)
Why Visit:
This museum holds one of China’s most important archaeological finds, the tomb artifacts of Marquis Yi of Zeng, along with thousands of treasures from Hubei’s long history.
Highlights:
- 曾侯乙编钟 (Chime Bells of Marquis Yi) → the centerpiece of the collection, a massive bronze bell set from 433 BC that’s well-preserved and fully functional. You can watch a live performance of replica bells if you want to hear what it would sound like!
- View the other artifacts excavated with the bells, such as lacquerware and jade ornaments.
How to Go:
Entry is free but you must reserve it online in advance.
5. 汉口江滩 (Hankou Riverfront)
Why Visit:
A scenic promenade and park area along the Yangtze River in the historic Hankou district. It’s great for sunset walks, people-watching, and enjoying Wuhan’s skyline.
Highlights:
- 长江灯光秀 (Yangtze River Light Show) → visit at night to see hundreds of buildings along the river sync up to create a spectacular LED show reflected on the water.
- Enjoy the wide, landscaped promenade on foot or by bike.
- Relax in the park with cool braided trees.
How to Go:
To explore the riverfront, you can walk, bike, or even take a night cruise.
Planning a trip to Wuhan? Check out my 5 essential tips for first-time visitors!