If you are wondering if you should include a trip to Wuhan in your next China trip, look no further - this post will give you all relevant tips on when to go, where to stay and what to do to make the most of your trip!
Introduction
Ever heard of Wuhan? You certainly have - for all the wrong reasons! This fairly untravelled city has become a centre of everyone's attention during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is unfortunate, because the city has so much to offer - we simply fell in love with it after spending just few hours there.
Imagine a city where the old meets the new, where you can slurp down some tasty sesame noodles for breakfast and then take a leisurely stroll around a beautiful lake in the afternoon. That's Wuhan for you!
Nestled at the intersection of the mighty Yangtze and Han rivers, Wuhan is like the heart of China – quite literally! It sits quite in the middle of the country, making it a melting pot of culture, food, and experiences.
With over 11 million people calling it home, Wuhan is a bustling metropolis, full of energy and exciting night life. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the crowd one minute and find a peaceful corner the next. From the iconic Yellow Crane Tower that has watched over the city for centuries (although technically it was rebuilt relatively recently), to the futuristic skyscrapers that pierce the sky, Wuhan is a city of contrasts that will keep you exploring.
Buckle up as we take you on a journey through this exciting city – I promise it'll be a ride you won't forget!
Ready to discover Wuhan? Let's dive in!
When to Visit: Getting to Know Wuhan's Weather
Let's talk about Wuhan's weather - it's quite the mix! This city experiences all four seasons, and each one brings something different to the table. Here's what you can expect:
Spring (March to May):
Spring is a fantastic time to visit Wuhan. The weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from about 10°C to 23°C (50°F to 73°F). You'll see cherry blossoms and azaleas blooming all over the city, which is pretty spectacular. Just remember to pack an umbrella - spring showers are pretty common.
Summer (June to September):
Now, I've got to be honest with you - Wuhan's summers are hot. Really hot. We're talking temperatures often above 35°C (95°F), and it gets pretty humid too. The locals even call Wuhan one of China's "Three Furnaces" during summer. But don't let that put you off - the city has a special energy during these months.
Autumn (October to November):
If you're not a fan of the heat, autumn might be your best bet. The weather cools down nicely, with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C (59°F to 82°F). It's perfect for exploring the city, and the fall colors around East Lake are beautiful.
Winter (December to February):
Winters in Wuhan are on the chilly side. Temperatures can drop close to freezing, usually hanging out between 1°C and 10°C (34°F to 50°F). It doesn't snow much, but you might see some frosty mornings.
We visited Wuhan in September, and it was still very hot - we even postponed our trip by few days due to a heatwave - it was 37°C (due to the humidity feeling more like 40°C). But once we got there, luckily it was "only" 29°C, and evening were quite pleasant. Probably beginning of October is a better time to visit, but not sure if it still have this same party atmosphere once the summer is over.
A few more things to keep in mind:
- Wuhan's weather can be a bit unpredictable, so it's a good idea to check the forecast before you pack.
- It rains quite a bit throughout the year, especially in June and July.
- Some days can be pretty polluted, particularly in winter.
Most people find spring and autumn the most comfortable for sightseeing and being outdoors. But honestly, there's something to enjoy in every season here. It all depends on what you're looking for in your trip. No matter when you come, Wuhan will have something interesting to show you!
Getting to Wuhan
Wuhan's central location makes it incredibly accessible from all corners of China and beyond. Here's how you can reach this vibrant city:
High-Speed Rail: Wuhan is a major hub in China's extensive high-speed rail network. Here are some travel times from major cities:
- Beijing - 4 hours
- Shanghai - 5 hours
- Changsha - 1.5 hours
- Guiyang - 5 hours
- Hong Kong - 5 hours
These speedy connections make Wuhan an excellent stop on any China itinerary. The trains are comfortable, punctual, and offer a great view of the Chinese countryside.
Air Travel: Wuhan Tianhe International Airport serves the city with numerous options:
- Domestic flights: Connect Wuhan to all major Chinese cities
- International flights: Primarily serve destinations in South-East Asia
Whether you're coming from within China or from abroad, you'll find that getting to Wuhan is convenient and often quite affordable. The city's transport links make it not just a destination in itself, but also a perfect jumping-off point for exploring central China.
Pro tip: For domestic travel, consider the high-speed rail. It's often faster than flying when you factor in airport procedures, and it delivers you right to the city center.
Getting around Wuhan
Wuhan is well connected via an extensive and modern metro system, which is very cheap and convinient - just a few Yuan for a single ride
You can also get around using buses.
Ride hailing services like taxi and DiDi (Chinese Uber) are available and make it an easy alternative to metro.
Where to Stay
Chosing the right place to stay is important in any big city. Even more so in Wuhan, since the city is split in half by Yangtze River. We stayed in Wuhan Mariott Hotel in Wuchang district near the East Lake. And while the views spectacular, and the hotel very comfortable, it is not the most convinient location.
I highly recommend staying in the West part of the Yangtze River - this is where most of the walkable neighbourhoods, street food streets and major new hip cafés and bars are.
Food and Dining
Let's talk about something exciting - food in Wuhan! Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Wuhan is a street food paradise. Seriously, you can find something delicious on almost every corner. It's like a never-ending food festival out there!
The star of the show? It's got to be 热干面 (règānmiàn), or Wuhan hot dry noodles. These noodles are tossed in a rich sesame paste and are absolutely addictive. Don't be surprised if you find yourself craving them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - we certainly did! In fact, we ended up eating them every single day of my trip, sometimes even twice a day. They're that good!
But Wuhan's culinary scene isn't just about local dishes. The city is like a melting pot of flavors from all over China. For instance, in the Hankou district, we stumbled upon some amazing Chongqing 小面 (Xiaomiàn). It's a spicy noodle dish from another province, but Wuhan does it justice.
Here's a pro tip: Don't be afraid to explore. Each little food stall or hole-in-the-wall restaurant might be serving up the best meal of your trip. The locals are usually pretty friendly and happy to recommend their favorites.
A few more local specialties to keep an eye out for:
- 豆皮 (dòupí): A local snack made of tofu skin filled with rice and other goodies
- 武昌鱼 (Wǔchāng yú): A famous local fish dish
- 鸭脖 (yābó): Spicy duck necks - don't knock it till you've tried it!
Remember, part of the fun of traveling is trying new things. So even if something looks unfamiliar, give it a shot. You might just discover your new favorite food!
And don't worry if you're not feeling adventurous every day. Wuhan is a big, modern city, so you can find all sorts of international cuisines too. But with street food this good, why would you want to?
Top Things to do in Wuhan
Yellow Crane Tower
This is Wuhan's postcard-perfect icon. It's been watching over the city for centuries (well, the original version has). Climb to the top for amazing views of the Yangtze River and the city skyline. Even if you're not big on history, the tower's golden eaves against the blue sky make for some killer photos.
East Lake
It's a massive green oasis in the middle of the city. You can rent a boat, have a picnic, or just stroll around and enjoy the peace and quiet. There's even a new adventure park for the kids. It's the perfect escape when you need a break from the urban hustle.
Hubei Provincial Museum
History buffs, this one's for you! This place is packed with cool artifacts from ancient China. The star of the show? A set of 2,400-year-old bronze bells that still play music. It's like stepping into a time machine, but with air conditioning.
Guiyuan Temple
Need some zen? This Buddhist temple has got you covered. It's a peaceful spot with beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Don't miss the hall with 500 arhats (enlightened beings) - it's like a Where's Waldo of Buddhist statues!
Wuhan University
Who knew a university could be a tourist attraction? With its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and stunning architecture year-round, Wuhan University is like a little town of its own. Even if you're not planning on enrolling, it's worth a visit for the scenery alone.
Each of these spots shows a different side of Wuhan, from its ancient history to its natural beauty. Whether you hit all five or just pick a couple, you're in for a treat!
Driverless Sky Train
In Wuhan, the future is already here. In 2023 the first commercial driverless sky train started its operation in Wuhan. While it is more of a tourist attraction, a proof of concept for potential future developments - it is located in the outskirts of the city and requires a trip to get there, it is certainly worth going to if you have a day to spare. If you have only 2-3 days, I would recommend sticking to the more centrally located attractions.
Wuhan with kids
If you're traveling with kids, you're in for a treat - Wuhan is surprisingly family-friendly! Our children absolutely loved their time here, and I bet yours will too.
Here's why:
Relaxed Urban Exploration
Wuhan has this laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for family strolls. The busy nightlife adds a touch of excitement, and let's not forget the 热干面 (règānmiàn) - our kids couldn't get enough of these tasty noodles! It's a great place to simply wander around and soak in the atmosphere.
Wuhan's Incredible Green Spaces
Wuhan is known as a "lake city," and it lives up to the name with plenty of green spaces and parks. It's like having nature's playground right in the middle of the city!
East Lake: The Crown Jewel
The biggest and most impressive is East Lake. They've recently added a playground and adventure park in the surrounding greenery. It's a perfect spot for kids to run around and burn off energy while parents enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Indoor Fun for Hot Days
For those days when the weather isn't cooperating (or the kids just need a change of pace), check out a Meland indoor playground. Our kids had a blast here! It's a great place for them to blow off steam in a safe, controlled environment.
Cool Hankou District
The Meland indoor playground is located near the modern Hankou district. This area is a hit with Wuhan's young crowd, full of hip eateries and cool cafés. It's a great place for the whole family to hang out - the kids can play, and parents can enjoy some of Wuhan's trendiest spots.
Pro Tips for Families:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes - you'll want to explore a lot on foot.
- Don't hesitate to try street food - our kids loved the adventure of trying new things.
- Consider staying near East Lake or Hankou district for easy access to family-friendly activities.
- Learn a few basic Chinese phrases - locals appreciate the effort and are often more than happy to help families.
Wuhan might not be the first place that comes to mind for a family trip to China, but it really surprised us. The mix of urban excitement, natural beauty, and kid-friendly activities made it a hit with our whole family. So if you're planning a family adventure in China, don't overlook Wuhan - it might just become your kids' favorite stop!
What we enjoyed most in Wuhan
If you have followed my blog already, you might have noticed that we are not massive fans of sightseeing. Yes, seeing some spectacular architecture and centuries-old buildings is great, but it is not what you remember from your trips, it is not what you cherish in your memory forever.
Wuhan is the "new tier 1 city" - an emerging category within China's tier city classification. This means that it is highly developed and attractive for business, living and traveling to, but not yet as popular and as developed as Beijing or Shanghai.
This makes the city very interesting for tourists from abroad, and makes you very interesting to the locals. People are very friendly and as always that was the highlight of our trip.
There are plenty of interesting walkable neighbourhoods, that are interesting to explore on foot, each different from the other.
As Wuhan is very hot in the summer, it has a busy nightlife - everyone seems to be out to embrace slightly more comfortable evening temperatures.
The food is great also, but we had trouble eating anything else than 热干面 (règānmiàn).
Beyond Wuhan: Where to go next
One of the great things about Wuhan is its location. It's not just a destination in itself, but also a perfect jumping-off point for exploring more of China. Here are some exciting options for continuing your journey:
Changsha and Zhangjiajie National Park: Heading southwest from Wuhan, you'll find Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. It's a vibrant city known for its spicy cuisine and as the birthplace of Mao Zedong. But the real gem lies a bit further - Zhangjiajie National Park.
Ever seen those floating mountains in the movie "Avatar"? Zhangjiajie is where the filmmakers got their inspiration! The park's towering sandstone pillars are truly a sight to behold. If you're into nature and breathtaking landscapes, this is a must-visit.
Travel tip: You can reach Changsha in about 2 hours by high-speed train from Wuhan. From there, it's another 2-hour train ride to Zhangjiajie.
Beijing to the North, Guiyang to the South: Wuhan sits conveniently halfway between Beijing and Guiyang, making it a perfect stopover if you're traveling between these cities.
- Beijing: The capital needs no introduction. From the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, it's packed with iconic sights.
- Guiyang: The capital of Guizhou province is less well-known but full of surprises. It's known for its cool climate and as a gateway to exploring China's ethnic minority cultures.
Zhaoxing Ancient Village: Near Guiyang, you'll find Zhaoxing, one of the largest Dong minority villages in China. With its traditional wooden buildings and picturesque setting, it's like stepping back in time. If you're interested in Chinese ethnic cultures, this is a great place to visit.
Travel tip: From Wuha n, you can reach Beijing in about 4-5 hours by high-speed train, while Guiyang is about 5 hours away.
So, as you plan your China itinerary, consider using Wuhan as a central hub. Spend a few days exploring the city itself, then branch out to these other fascinating destinations. China's extensive high-speed rail network makes it easy to cover a lot of ground without breaking the bank.
Remember, each of these destinations could easily warrant its own trip, so don't try to cram too much in. But knowing these options exist can help you shape your China adventure into exactly what you're looking for!
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through Wuhan, it's clear that this city is a delightful surprise for many travelers.
Wuhan is a place of fascinating contrasts, where ancient history and modernity blend seamlessly. The food scene alone is a reason to visit, with the addictive 热干面 (règānmiàn) and other local delicacies offering a tasty adventure on every street corner.
What truly sets Wuhan apart, though, is its people. The locals' warmth and friendliness add a special charm to the city. For families, Wuhan offers a perfect mix of educational experiences and fun activities, with numerous parks and attractions to explore.
Each neighborhood, from historic Hankou to the bustling university district, tells its own unique story. And Wuhan's strategic location makes it an excellent base for further exploration of central China.
In the end, Wuhan is a city that rewards curiosity. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone who enjoys venturing off the beaten path, Wuhan has something special waiting for you. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and prepare to discover one of China's hidden gems. You might just find yourself planning your return visit before you've even left!
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