Top 5 Tips for Wuhan

I grew up in Wuhan and have returned many times over the years, including my most recent trip this summer before my honeymoon. Wuhan has incredible food and plenty to see, but it does take a little preparation. Here are my top tips to make your trip smoother if you’re visiting Wuhan for the first time!

1. Plan Around the Seasons and Holidays

Wuhan is famous as one of China’s 三大火炉 (Three Furnaces) because summers can hit 95–105°F (35–40°C) with heavy humidity. Winters also get chilly with a 湿冷 (humid cold) that feels colder than the temperature suggests. For the most comfortable trip, visit in spring or fall. Also try to avoid major national holidays like 春节 (Chinese New Year), 劳动节 (Labor Day), and 黄金周 (Golden Week) since many locals travel during that time and attractions get very crowded.

2. Set Up a VPN Before You Arrive

China’s Great Firewall blocks many Western apps and sites, and you’ll need a VPN to access them. Make sure to set up your VPN before you arrive since you won’t be able to download or activate one in China. LetsVPN has always worked for me, but it’s good to have two providers in case one becomes unavailable. My husband used Mullvad with no problems.

3. Bring Cash and Get WeChat/Alipay

Most local restaurants don’t accept foreign credit cards. Cash works everywhere, but mobile payments dominate daily life in Wuhan. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay now allow foreigners to link international credit cards. Once set up, you can use them for everything, from scanning restaurant menus to paying for tickets.

4. Use AMap, the Metro and DiDi to Get Around

高德地图 (AMap) works much better than Google Maps in China and has an English mode. The 武汉地铁 (Wuhan Metro) is fast, clean, inexpensive, and great for reaching major sights while avoiding traffic. You can pay by scanning a QR code in WeChat Pay or Alipay at the gate to enter and exit, or buy single-journey tickets from the station machines, which accept cash and have an English option. For places not near a metro station, use 滴滴出行 (DiDi), China’s main ride-hailing service similar to Uber.

5. Eat at the Malls

In China, malls are a food paradise unlike U.S. food courts. Wuhan’s malls often have entire floors of excellent restaurants, dessert shops, and local specialties. They’re clean, air-conditioned, and perfect when you want lots of options in one place. Popular areas include 武广 (Wuhan International Plaza), 汉街 (Han Street), and 光谷天地 (Optics Valley). Every time I visit China, my parents would take me to different restaurants at the nearby mall for most of our meals.