Located in the middle of industrious Hubei province in China, Wuhan is home to a population of 9.8 million people, almost two thirds of whom live in the thriving city. Those with an interest in Chinese history might be pleased to know that Wuhan was once the headquarters of a leftist faction of the Kuomintang party that went against leader Chiang Kai-shek, and also served as the backdrop for the Wuchang Uprising—which eventually led to the founding of modern day China—that took place in 1911. Historical significance aside, the city nowadays is also a hub for higher education and technological development, with eight national colleges and more than a dozen public colleges and universities and dedicated development zones established for industry and research.

Wuhan is an amalgamation of three smaller scale districts (Hanyang, Hankou and Wuchang), with the Yangtze River as well as its tributary, the Han River, running through the city. Summers are quite hot and humid in Wuhan, with temperatures reaching high 30s (degrees Celsius) and even 40s. The temperatures start to cool in September, reaching single digits by January and staying low till March.

What To Do

Yellow Crane Tower

The Yellow Crane Tower (Huanghelou) in Wuchang district is one of Wuhan’s most famous landmarks. Standing proudly on top of Snake Hill (Sheshan) inside Snake Hill Park, Yellow Crane Tower’s current reincarnation was built in the 1980s, but the actual tower had been around hundreds of years earlier. The 51.4 meter-tall red-shingled pagoda structure inspired heavyweight poets from historical times, including Li Bai and Cui Hao, to dedicate entire verses to it. Each of the tower’s five stories is adorned with couplets and colorful murals, and the top story boasts a commanding view of the Yangtze River as well as the beautiful scenery below. Yellow Crane Tower is surrounded by a luscious park that covers 133,333 square meters in area.

Hanjie

Material consumerism couldn’t be made any easier with Wuhan’s latest shopping district, the 1.5 kilometer-long Hanjie (Han Street) right by Chuhe River. Newly completed last September and boasting over 200 retail shops that sell everything from home furniture to brand-name clothing, Hanjie is a mix of east and west, old and new—traditional-looking European buildings and Chinese-shingled roofs are all game here, along with hip coffee joints and state-of-the-art lifestyle stores. Snack shops are dotted throughout the two-sided street that runs along the scenic Chuhe River, and restaurants are clustered on one end to serve hungry customers after their day of shopping. Karaoke bars, nightclubs and a skating rink can all be found in this massive entertainment complex created by the Wanda Group.

East Lake

Despite its size and large population, Wuhan’s not all about the big city lifestyle; plenty of ogle-worthy natural wonders are located within arm’s reach, including East Lake (Donghu), China’s largest urban lake, in Wuchang district. Trees, lily ponds and beautiful flora dot the grounds surrounding this tranquil body of water, and one might find solace here any time of day. The East Lake region is essentially a world within a world—a gentle, calm fortress against the harshness of bustling city life. Romantic yet welcoming, lovers are just as likely as children to take comfort in the refreshing scenery here. There are lots of activities to do around East Lake; on the west end is a city park (Liyuan Park) with a public swimming zone and two museums just a block away. There is also the Wuhan University campus close by for scholarly excursions. There are six sections, or vantage points from which to enjoy East Lake, the largest being the Moshan scenic spot with a lush plum garden.

Memorial Hall of Wuchang Uprising in 1911

History buffs can’t miss the Memorial Hall (1 Wuluo Road, Wuchang), which houses artifacts and memorabilia in conjunction with the Wuchang Uprising (the predecessor to the Xinhai Revolution that overthrew China’s last dynastical empire). The hall’s central building, also known as the “Red Chamber,” is where Sun Yat-sen gave his commands during the chaotic times. The structure itself is grand and majestic, with a western architectural vibe that distinguishes it from other cultural landmarks in the city. A large statue of Sun Yat-sen stands tall and proud out front.

Where To Dine

Hu Jin Restaurant

Hu Jin is a very popular branch of restaurants serving authentic Hubei cuisine in a rowdy setting, all at unpretentious prices. The menu is a dizzying display of appetizers, seafood and meat dishes topped with colorful local desserts. A must-try is the mianwo, or the Chinese savory donut, deep-fried and dusted with sesame seeds. Mianwo is a common snack in Wuhan, and typically comes in big batches of a dozen or more. Hu Jin also offers a variety of spicy hot pot dishes—crabs, clams and even bullfrogs (a restaurant staple) are available to be drowned in the broth of choice. Fried noodles, rice and rice puddings round off the menu.
6-8 Sanyang Rd., 027-8271-1798.

Huang Ji Huang

If soupy hotpot isn’t your thing, try Huang Ji Huang’s brand of thick, sauce-like concoctions instead. Begin by choosing either a mild or spicy base, and a server will start preparing your broth right in front of your table. Then take your pick of common and not-so-common ingredients (chicken, lamb, innards, bullfrog), drop them into the brew, and wait. Huang Ji Huang’s dishes are a great way to battle the chilly winter temperatures.
No. 4 Building, 79 Wuhan Tiandi, Phase One, Lugouqiao Rd., Jiangan District, 029-8555-8999.

Where To Stay

Shangri-La

Situated less than half an hour’s drive from Wuhan’s Tianhe International Airport, Shangri-La Wuhan is a 442-room complex in the busy Hankou district. The rooms and suites are newly furnished for maximum comfort, with soft colors, clean lines and generous spaces. An indoor pool, comprehensive gym facilities and complimentary wi-fi are some of the perks that guests will be able to enjoy here. Live music performances can be enjoyed on a regular basis at the hotel’s lobby lounge. Guests will also be able to enjoy great food at each of the hotel’s three restaurants: Shang Palace for delectable Chinese, Café Wu for an international buffet, and Tori-ji for Japanese paired with sake.