Top 10 Best Things to Do in Hubei

Hubei is a land brimming with charm, where both natural landscapes and cultural sites radiate a unique Jing-Chu allure. On this enchanting land, visitors can marvel at majestic mountains and rivers, immerse themselves in profound historical and cultural heritage, and experience vibrant local customs. Hubei awaits your arrival to embark on an unforgettable journey. Following are the best things to do in Hubei.

Top 1: Cycle along the East Lake Greenway

Cycling is not only a journey of self-dialogue, but also an experience of deeply blending with a city. The East Lake Greenway, a path that winds like a green ribbon around Wuhan's "lung of the city", guides you through the changing seasons and ever-surprising landscapes, creating unforgettable youthful memories.

Located within Wuhan's East Lake Scenic Area, the East Lake Greenway links five major scenic zones of the lake. Stretching over 100 kilometers, the entire route is smooth asphalt, with various themed sections that allow you to pick a segment suited to your stamina and interests.

As sunlight bathes East Lake and a gentle breeze stirs, the greenway curves ahead like an emerald ribbon in the embrace of mountains and water. Cycling here, you find yourself surrounded by shimmering lake surfaces and rolling distant hills. The water is so clear it mirrors the blue sky, white clouds, and drooping willows along the banks, unfolding like a living painting. Occasionally, a few egrets skim the water, stirring ripples that bring added vitality to this calm scene. In these moments, you might simply slow down, breathe in nature's freshness, and let your soul rest in this pure tranquility.

When the sun sets and the sky is tinged with orange, East Lake reveals another kind of charm. Golden light dances across the water, and the greenway is bathed in the glow of the evening, as if overlaid with a soft luster. Riding along the causeway across the lake at this hour, it feels as though the whole world is cloaked in warm gold, calming the heart.

Setting out at dusk and riding into the night has a special allure of its own. As darkness falls, lights illuminate the shore, casting a new play of light and shadow over East Lake. From Liyuan to the One Tree spot of East Lake, night riding brings you through gentle breezes and mirrored waters, where the scenery unfolds like a painting, filling you with a sense of serenity and timelessness.

Top 2: Watch the Sunset Glow at East Lake

At Wuhan's East Lake, one of the sights not to be missed is the evening glow at dusk. As the last rays of the sun spill across the water, the Ferris wheel slowly begins to turn, infusing the scene with even more poetry. Standing on a boardwalk or in a lakeside pavilion, you can gaze out at the vast misty waters, take in the clear outlines of distant hills, and see reflections on the lake like poetic paintings. For Wuhan locals, East Lake is undoubtedly a sanctuary of gentle, healing beauty.

At dusk, the sky over East Lake turns a warm amber, whispering stories of clear sky. As night falls preliminarily, East Lake is bathed in splendid hues of orange and deep purple that spread freely across the horizon. The East Lake greenway and the city skyline appear and fade in the hazy twilight. The shimmering lake mirrors the dazzling sky, water and heavens weaving a shared dreamscape. Beyond Lingbomen, figures crowd the boardwalk, intertwining with the lake in the gentle breeze, as if you can sense the breath and pulse of East Lake. Drifting on a boat, feeling the light breeze and watching ripples dance across the surface, you find a calm that melts away all cares. In this moment, every worry and trace of fatigue vanishes, leaving only the breathtaking dusk of East Lake, impossible to leave behind.

When the sun finally sinks beneath the lake, the romance of daylight comes to an end, making way for starlight and the moon. Night descends, and East Lake slips into a world of tranquility and mystery. The rippling surface of lake sparkles, mirroring the starry sky in perfect harmony.

Top 3: Take a Night Cruise on Yangtze River

Wuhan was born with the water and thrives by the river. The mighty Yangtze not only nourishes this magnificent city but also bestows upon it the name "City of Rivers". Taking a ferry across the Yangtze, watching the vast rippling waves and feeling the breeze on your face, is the perfect way to savor Wuhan's unique charm. But it's when night falls that the city's true allure emerges, a dazzling river cruise awaits, ready to be explored.

Boarding a cruise ship, you feel the gentle cool of the river breeze as the boat glides forward. The first sight to captivate you is the breathtaking Yangtze light show. Towers on banks seem to come alive, vivid lights dancing across their façades, weaving into stunning picture, at times like a flowing galaxy, at others like blossoming flowers, turning Wuhan's skyline into a dreamscape. The Yangtze River Bridge, Guishan TV Tower, Yellow Crane Tower, and Jianghan Customs House all unfold before your eyes.

As the ship slowly passes under the grand Yangtze River Bridge, this majestic structure, illuminated at night, resembles a steel dragon spanning the river. Above, the stream of traffic and twinkling lights echo the boats below, together pulsing with the vibrant heartbeat of the city.

Beyond the stunning river views and dazzling light shows, the cruises themselves offer a rich array of experiences. Some cruises feature performance areas where actors in splendid costumes put on captivating song and dance shows, incorporating elements of Chu culture. Some cruises provide gourmet services, serving authentic local delicacies, offering a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Top 4: Admire the Cherry Blossom at WHU

Spring in Wuhan is awash with cherry blossoms, the city filled with their fragrant clouds. Come March, an encounter with the cherry-covered Luojia Hill at Wuhan University (WHU) becomes a promise of youthful romance, a dreamlike rendezvous beneath the blossoms.

The cherry trees bloom in brilliant masses, radiant as sunset glows. Petals drift down in the breeze like a bewitching shower, while gently swaying branches resemble graceful young maidens, breathtakingly beautiful. To stand amid this enchanting spring landscape, beholding the delicate splendor of cherry blossoms, is truly one of life's great fortunes.

Strolling beneath the trees, the blossoms burst forth in white, pink, and crimson clusters, soft, elegant, like floating clouds, drawing people into this most beautiful of seasons. Each bloom seems a tiny spirit of spring, swaying lightly. Petals curve tenderly around their stamens, and under the sunlight, they become all the more radiant and captivating, lifting the heart and spirit.

And Wuhan's flowerage goes far beyond WHU. At East Lake, cherry blossoms dance like poetry and dreams. As one of the world's three great cherry blossom destinations, the East Lake Cherry Blossom Park steals the show each year, famous across China for its enchanting "night blossoms". At Qingchuan Pavilion, blossoms blanket ancient buildings like drifting snow. Petals from cherry trees gather on the mighty First Yangtze Bridge. In Hankou, the riverbank awash in cherry blossoms, the riverside cherry corridor at Jiangtan lives up to its name.

Top 5: Cruise in Two Dams and One Gorge

Among China's vast landscapes of mountains and rivers, the Yangtze River stands out with its grandeur and majesty, crafting countless breathtaking natural chapters. Along this mighty, ever-rushing river lie several gorges that resemble classical Chinese ink paintings, poetic and picturesque, these are the Three Gorges. Among them, Xiling Gorge, known as the "First Gorge of the Yangtze", remains famed for its imposing and rugged beauty.

Xiling Gorge marks both the starting point of the Three Gorges and the longest of the three. Divided by the Three Gorges Dam into upper and lower sections, today's Xiling Gorge, after extensive water management, no longer roars with the same turbulent and perilous force of the past; its waters have grown calm. The once tumultuous rapids and dangerous shoals have transformed into tranquil lakes nestled among high gorges, yet the gorge's scenery remains as stunning as ever.

Departing from Yichang Wharf, the journey passes through the Gezhouba Dam, offering a firsthand experience of the marvel of "ships ascend by water rising". As the cruise ship glides forward, the vistas of Xiling Gorge unfold like paintings on both banks. The gentle current may lack the urgency and unrestraint of old, but it brings a new sense of freedom and ease. The stilted houses of Three Gorges Tribe nestle gracefully amid emerald mountains and clear waters. Finally, the cruise arrives at the towering Three Gorges Dam, stretching across the Yangtze like a colossal barrier.

Top 6: Enjoy a Sunrise on Wudang Mountain

Before the first rays of sunlight break over the horizon, the silhouette of Mount Wudang already emerges faintly through the morning haze. Here, nature unveils its grandeur and tenderness in the purest form, and the breathtaking spectacle of the sea of clouds at sunrise is a precious gift reserved for early risers.

As night recedes, Wudang Mountain reveals its dreamlike charm in the dim light. The sunrise plays out like a magician's show, ever-changing, awe-inspiring. With towering peaks shrouded in mist, the sky gradually brightens, dawn breaks, and at the edge of the cloud sea, a red dot suddenly leaps out, swiftly transforming into a fiery orb ascending the sky. Beams of light radiate in all directions, illuminating cliffs and strange rocks, bathing Wudang in a magnificent glow.

The sea of clouds is Wudang's mystical veil, sometimes surging like waves, sometimes soft as cotton, stretching endlessly, ever shifting. As the sun rises, golden rays brush across the landscape, painting the canvas. Light pierces through the clouds, tinting them orange and crimson, dreamy and surreal. Under the sunrise, Wudang appears even more imposing. Peaks stand like sculpted blades, rocks etched with the marks of time. Some peaks bloom like lotus flowers, others soar like suspended swords. Sunlight traces their outlines, making them stand out brilliantly amid the rolling clouds.

Top 7: Play with Snow in Shennongjia Field

Speaking of Shennongjia, you might think of its mysterious "wild men", the forests rich in negative ions, or its reputation as a top summer retreat. Somehow, the winters of Shennongjia are often overlooked. Yet in winter, the mountains come alive with swirling snow and pristine white landscapes. At Shennongding, 3,100 meters above sea level, long icy fringes hang from the branches like crystal-clear silver combs, quietly smoothing away the restlessness deep within visitors' hearts.

If there is one sport that defines winter in Shennongjia, it must be skiing. Clad in bright ski suits, wearing stylish sunglasses, striking dynamic poses, and racing down the slopes, which is a thrill unique to the season, a true encounter of speed and passion.

With a long snow season and excellent snow quality, Shennongjia boasts four ski resorts and two snow parks, offering multiple slopes of varying difficulty. It is the largest destination for skiing, snow play, and snow appreciation in central China, earning the name "Snow Capital of the South". Amid the snow-clad primeval forests, you can race across vast snowy fields, marvel at the rime and icicles adorning the trees, let laughter echo through the jade-like branches, and savor the joy of a blissful wintertime.

Top 8: Raft at the Chaotianhou Scenic Spot

Ride the waves through gorges and streams, and feel the cool, surging pulse of the water. As one of Central China's most popular rafting destinations, Chaotianhou has a 6.5-kilometer winding river course with a vertical drop of 148 meters, crafting a journey that blends thrill with the beauty of nature.

The most striking feature of rafting at Chaotianhou is the rare underground cave segment. When the raft rushes into a naturally formed karst cave, it instantly shifts from blazing sun to a cool hidden realm. In this shadowy waterway, stalactites hang like crystal curtains, while colorful lights cast magical patterns on the rock walls. Sunbeams occasionally pour down like spotlights, making the splashing water glitter like scattered diamonds. This dual experience of rafting both above and below ground makes Chaotianhou truly unique among Central China's rafting sites.

As night falls, Chaotianhou reveals another spectacle. A full lighting system illuminates the riverbanks, where lights mingle with starlight, and rafts speed across a shimmering surface like crossing a dreamlike galaxy. Laser projections create dynamic images on the canyon walls, accompanied by the symphony of rushing water and chirping insects, composing a one-of-a-kind nocturnal concerto.

Top 9: Worship Guan Yu at Guan Yu Temple

Guan Yu is one of the most unique figures in Chinese history, with a transformation from mortal to deity and giving rise to a distinctive cultural phenomenon known as "Guan Gong Culture". In the early Ming Dynasty, to honor Guan Yu, the Jingzhou people built the Guan Yu Temple on Xiejia Mountain, known as the first Guan Yu shrine under heaven, aiming to pass down Guan Yu's virtues of loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and courage, encouraging future generations to "read good books, speak good words, do good deeds, and be good people". Later rulers revered Guan Yu as the "God of War", placing him on par with Confucius, the "Sage of Literature". He came to be respectfully called "Lord Guan", and there arose the saying, "Honor Confucius for Wen, honor Lord Guan for Wu". As a result, Guan temples rapidly spread across cities and villages nationwide. Not only does Taoism revere him as "Emperor Guan the Holy Ruler", but even some Buddhist temples have vied to enshrine him, and he enjoys immense popularity among the people. In folk belief, Guan Yu is also worshipped as the God of Wealth in martial endeavors, so devotees visit to pray both for promotion and wealth, as well as for peace and safety.

At the center of the main hall of the Guan Yu Temple stands an imposing statue of Guan Yu, his long beard flowing, exuding awe and majesty. Visitors tidy their clothing, remove their hats, with focused minds, light three sticks of incense, gently put their palms together, and offer three respectful bows, trusting that Lord Guan will then bestow his blessings.

Top 10: Ascend the Top of Ancient City Wall

The meandering Han River winds around the city, embracing its former splendor, while the ancient walls stand like silent guardians, protecting this "First City of China". The anicent city of Xiangyang, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by the peril of the river, draws strength from its waters to command ten miles of scenic views. Together they forged Xiangyang's legendary reputation as an impregnable stronghold that has stood firm for thousands of years, as solid as iron.

Through countless dynasties and battles, Xiangyang's ancient city walls have remained unyielding, weathering centuries of smoke and fire to develop a distinctive, timeworn charm. Each weathered brick and tile holds profound stories of history. Climbing atop these high ramparts, you almost glimpse the battlefields of the past; the wind seems to whisper tales of bygone eras. Looking out over Xiangyang's landscape, you see endless mountains, the Han River winding gracefully, and the old city bathed in the glow of history under the setting sun. Turning back toward the city, there is a bustling scene of closely packed houses, crisscrossing lanes, and streams of visitors, vibrant with everyday life. Standing on these walls, a single turn feels like stepping between two worlds, stirring deep reflection.