"Explore East Lake for just 50 RMB per person! Cycling, picnicking, and photography all included, with a detailed budget list"
Wuhan is crowded during Labor Day? Here’s a local’s secret “anti-crowd” guide to East Lake that helps you avoid 99% of the tourists!
"Going to Wuhan for Labor Day to see the sea? No, it’s to see the sea of people!"
Every year during Labor Day, the number of visitors to East Lake in Wuhan can overwhelm the Third Ring Road—the crowds at Yellow Crane Tower line up from morning till night, the stalls selling doupi in Hubu Alley are packed, and even the Yangtze River ferry is “occupied” by tourists. But did you know? East Lake actually hides a “secret realm”: it has 28.7 kilometers of greenways connecting six major scenic areas, lakeside cafes with a Dali vibe, a mountain park with a Ferris wheel and slides, and even camping sites and flower valleys cherished by locals.
As someone who has lived near East Lake for ten years and visited over a hundred times, I spent three days compiling this in-depth, ad-free, pure practical guide covering hidden activities in the six scenic areas, comparisons of four cycling routes, lesser-known photo spots, and even how to enjoy East Lake for the price of a cup of coffee!
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1. How to explore the six major scenic areas of East Lake? Locals help you avoid the pitfalls!
East Lake is divided into six major scenic areas, each with a unique style, but some may be crowded during Labor Day. Choosing the right activities helps you avoid the crowds.
1. Tingtao Scenic Area: Dali-style café + koi carp in Hanfu, a must for art lovers!
• Lakeside café: At the entrance is “East Lake Coffee Town” with several hidden gems. Recommended is the Osmanthus Latte (32 RMB) at “Lakeside Coffee,” with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake. Afternoon sunlight filters through the leaves onto wooden tables, creating a perfect atmosphere.
• Quyuan Fenghe koi carp photoshoot: Although lotus flowers aren’t blooming in summer, the koi in the pond are plump and adorable. Wear Hanfu or light-colored dresses and use “portrait mode” to blur the background for photos comparable to classical style portraits.
• Lawn picnic: The large central lawn allows picnic mats. Bring your own snacks and fruit, lie under the trees listening to the wind—ten times more comfortable than being in the crowd.
• Hidden photo spot: At the end of the water pier is a crooked-neck tree with low branches you can sit on, backed by shimmering lake water, making photos look like movie stills.
2. Moshan Scenic Area: Ferris wheel + slides + Chu culture, perfect for families and romance!
• Forest micro-adventure hike: Enter through the Chu City Gate and follow the “Forest Micro-Adventure” route. You’ll encounter a giant statue of Yu Xiong (legendary ancestor of Chu), a stele engraved with “Li Sao,” and a suspended treehouse walkway, like stepping into a fairy tale forest.
• Colorful cable car and mountain slides: Cable car one-way is 30 RMB; choose the colorful cabins for better photos. The slide (40 RMB per ride) is like a giant slide rushing down the mountain—thrilling for kids and young people alike.
• 1314 Ferris wheel: Lights up after 6 PM, cabins filled with couple messages. One rotation takes 13 minutes and 14 seconds, symbolizing “forever,” perfect for couples to check in.
• Chutian Terrace bronze bell performance: Climb 288 steps to the top for an amazing view of East Lake! Performances at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM (50 RMB per person) are more niche than those at the Hubei Provincial Museum.
3. Luoyan Scenic Area: Little Guilin + bamboo rafts + sunset, a photographer’s paradise!
• Nine-bend bridge mist installation: Mist sprays on the hour, koi swim under the bridge. Wear white dresses for photos that look like a fairyland (mist lasts 10 minutes, arrive early to secure a spot).
• Bamboo rafts and suspension bridge: Deep in the area, bamboo rafts (20 RMB per person) can take you to the lake center. The suspension bridge sways gently, with karst rock formations behind, known as “Wuhan’s Little Guilin.”
• Best sunset spot: The rock formations at the Die Shi viewing platform. At low tide, you can walk to the lake edge. After 6:30 PM, the sun sets into the lake, turning the sky pink and purple—softer than a seaside sunset.
4. Chuidi Scenic Area: Café + forest trail, full chill vibes!
• Hidden café: Inside the “Shijianlu Bookstore” is a forest café. Order a “Forest Mocha” (38 RMB), sit by the floor-to-ceiling window reading, occasionally a squirrel jumps by.
• Forest trail: Enter from the “South Gate of Forest Park,” follow the “Songgeping” route. Along the way is a pigeon-feeding square (pigeon food 5 RMB per bag), kids can play for hours.
5. Baima Scenic Area: Camping + flower valley, perfect for Labor Day!
• East Lake camping base: The area has an official camping site offering tent rentals (150 RMB/day). Bring your own gear and pay only 50 RMB for the site fee. You can stargaze at night.
• May flower valley: Poppies, daisies, and evening primroses cover the hills. Wear light-colored dresses for photos with “flowers + lake” backgrounds, guaranteed to get hundreds of likes on social media.
6. Luohong Scenic Area: Lingbo Gate sunrise + Wuhan University stroll, a must for artsy youth!
• Lingbo Gate sunrise: Arrive before 5 AM; the pier is already full of people. When the sun rises from the lake, the sky turns orange-red, and the pier’s wave patterns reflect golden light, like walking on the sea.
• Pier café: After sunrise, visit “East Lake Coffee Lab,” order a “Lingbo Gate Special” (35 RMB), sit by the window watching a handsome guy play piano—maximum romance.
• Wuhan University back gate stroll: A 10-minute walk from Lingbo Gate to Wuhan University. Though it’s not cherry blossom season, the red walls of the old dorms and the spiral staircase at Wanlin Museum are still great photo spots.
2. How to cycle the East Lake greenway? Comparison of four routes, choose wisely to avoid pitfalls!
The East Lake greenway is 28.7 kilometers long, connecting six scenic areas. For Labor Day, it’s best to cycle early (before 7 AM) or in the evening (after 5 PM) to avoid midday heat and crowds.
1. Lake Central Route (classic must-choose)
• Route: Liyuan Square → Lake Light Overture → Jiunü Dun → Wetland Park → Lake Heart Island → Moshan Scenic Area
• Features: Most crowded but most beautiful scenery, wide lake views, great for photos; shared bikes available but may be out during Labor Day, so bring your own bike.
• Duration: 1.5 hours cycling, 3 hours walking.
2. Countryside Route (fewer people, beautiful scenery)
• Route: Botanical Garden → Qinghe Bridge → Luoyan Gui Xia → Luoyan Scenic Area → High-speed Rail Race → Baima Scenic Area
• Features: Close to Wuhan Station, quiet with fewer people, has a “Heart-shaped cycling route” (Qinghe Bridge to Luoyan Gui Xia), perfect for couples; along the way are reed beds and wetlands, like walking into a painting.
• Duration: 2 hours cycling, 4 hours walking.
3. Moshan Route (family-friendly)
• Route: Forest Park → Forest Micro-Adventure → Moshan Scenic Area
• Features: Steeper slopes, suitable for cyclists who like challenges; along the way are treehouses and slides, families with kids can ride and play.
• Duration: 1 hour cycling, 2 hours walking.
4. Lake Mountain Route (half mountain, half lake)
• Route: Meiyuan → Panorama Square → Fengduo Mountain → Yikeshu → Lingbo Gate
• Features: Least crowded, mountains on the left, lake on the right, greenway winds in the middle; Lingbo Gate at the end offers sunrise views, ideal for early rides.
• Duration: 1.5 hours cycling, 3 hours walking.
3. East Lake food map: from street snacks to artsy cafés
• Near Tingtao Scenic Area: “Hubin Guesthouse” lotus soup (68 RMB/serving), simmered in a clay pot for 4 hours, thick and glutinous; “East Lake Flavor” spicy and sour lotus root strips (38 RMB), a local secret.
• Near Moshan Scenic Area: “Chu Weixuan” Mianyang three-steamed dishes (58 RMB), steamed pork + steamed fish + steamed lotus root, soft and not greasy; “Ferris Wheel Snacks” grilled squid (15 RMB/skewer), with secret sauce from the owner.
• Near Luoyan Scenic Area: “Bamboo Raft Family” steamed Wuchang fish (88 RMB/fish), freshly caught and cooked, tender meat; “Die Shi Restaurant” osmanthus rice wine (28 RMB/pot), homemade, low alcohol, perfect for women.
• Hidden gem: Next to Lingbo Gate, “East Lake Coffee Lab” offers “Lingbo Gate Special” (35 RMB), made with East Lake water + coffee + osmanthus sugar, sweet and refreshing.
4. Labor Day practical tips: smart choices to avoid crowds
1. Get up early! Arrive at Lingbo Gate before 6 AM for sunrise, Tingtao Scenic Area café before 7 AM, Moshan cable car before 9 AM to avoid 80% of tourists.
2. Eat off-peak: Restaurants are busiest 11:30 AM–1 PM and 5:30 PM–7 PM. Eat at 10:30 AM or 2 PM, or bring your own snacks.
3. Transportation: East Lake area is prone to traffic jams during Labor Day. Take Metro Line 8 to “Liyuan Station” or “Hubei Daily Provincial Museum Station,” then ride shared bikes; if driving, park at “Chufengyuan Parking Lot” (10 RMB/hour).
4. Dress guide: In May, Wuhan daytime is 28°C, wear short sleeves + sun protection; evenings 20°C, bring a light jacket; wear sneakers for cycling, and non-slip shoes for the rocky area in Luoyan Scenic Area.
When the crowds at Yellow Crane Tower flood your camera, and long lines form at the doupi stalls in Hubu Alley, East Lake’s six scenic areas and 28.7 kilometers of greenway still hide Wuhan’s gentlest side. Here, the lake glows, the mountains tell stories, and even the wind carries the scent of coffee.
This Labor Day, why not spend a day walking from the café in Tingtao to the sunset at Luoyan, cycling from the Ferris wheel in Moshan to the pier at Lingbo Gate? Don’t forget a picnic mat—East Lake’s spring is worth your slow indulgence.
East Lake Moshan Scenic Area is Wuhan's natural oxygen bar, surrounded by water on three sides and boasting stunning scenery. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, osmanthus blossoms in autumn, and plum blossoms in winter – a truly unique and picturesque destination for all seasons. Replicas of ancient buildings, such as the Chu City and Chu Market, vividly capture the charm of Jingchu culture. Climbing Moshan offers breathtaking views of East Lake and lush greenery up close, creating a truly refreshing and relaxing experience. The expansive area is perfect for cycling and hiking, making it a rare urban leisure destination. Free admission makes it a truly accessible destination, making it well worth a visit.
The East Lake Moshan Scenic Area, a core component of the Wuhan East Lake Ecological Tourism Scenic Area, is renowned for its rich Chu culture, stunning natural scenery, comprehensive recreational facilities, and profound historical heritage. In-Depth Chu Culture Experience: Chu City: The imposing, replica-style ancient city gate serves as the scenic area's iconic entrance, recreating the grandeur of the Chu capital, Ying. Chu Tiantai: Standing atop the main peak of Moshan, it serves as the scenic area's commanding height and spiritual symbol. Its architectural style is modeled after the ancient Chu State's Zhanghua Terrace. Inside, visitors can discover Chu culture, including chime bells, and often enjoy chime music and dance performances (please note performance times). Chu City: A replica of an ancient commercial street, recreating the life of a Chu market, visitors can purchase unique handicrafts and sample local snacks. Li Sao Stele: Engraved with the full text of Qu Yuan's "Li Sao," the powerful calligraphy is a significant symbol of Chu culture. Chucai Garden: This garden showcases numerous statues of famous figures related to Chu history (such as Qu Yuan, Laozi, and Zhuangzi), as well as sculptures depicting idioms and stories, offering both educational and entertaining experiences. Phoenix Mark: A giant phoenix sculpture. The phoenix was the totem of the Chu State, symbolizing good fortune and soaring. Natural scenery: Mountains and Water: Moshan is surrounded by water on three sides (East Lake), with six winding peaks, the lake and mountains complement each other, and the scenery changes with each season. One of China's largest cherry blossom gardens (East Lake Cherry Blossom Garden): Although relatively independent, the cherry blossom garden is often considered a highlight of the Moshan area. Every spring (mid-to-late March to early April), when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the mountainside is covered in a cloud-like rosy cloud, making it one of Wuhan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. East Lake Plum Garden, home to the China Plum Blossom Research Center and one of China's four largest plum gardens, is a nationally renowned plum blossom viewing destination. Lotus Garden: A diverse array of lotus varieties bloom in the summer, making it a great place to admire and savor the blossoms. Botanical Garden (Wuhan Botanical Garden): Adjacent to the Moshan Scenic Area, it is affiliated with the Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It boasts a rich variety of plant species and specialized gardens (greenhouse, medicinal plant garden, aquatic plant garden, etc.), making it a great place for scientific research and flower viewing. Abundant Vegetation: The mountain's lush vegetation and fresh air create a natural oxygen bar within the city. Extensive Recreational Facilities: Mountain Climbing and Sightseeing: Hiking or electric car rides are available. Summiting Chutian Terrace offers magnificent panoramic views of East Lake. Ropeway and Slide: A mountain ropeway and an exciting slide (dry bobsleigh) provide convenient and fun ways to ascend and descend the mountain, making them particularly popular with young people. The East Lake Ferris Wheel offers panoramic views of East Lake and Wuhan. Highlights: In-depth Chu Culture Experience: A rare large-scale theme park showcasing Chu culture in China. Seasonal Flower Sea: Cherry blossoms in spring, lotus in summer, red leaves in autumn, and plum blossoms in winter – enjoy blossoms every season. High-Rise Views: Chutian Terrace and the East Lake Sky Eye Ferris Wheel offer some of the best vantage points for panoramic views of the vast East Lake. Activity and Peace: Enjoy the tranquility of Chu culture and natural beauty, or take a cable car, slide, or cycle along the greenway. Comprehensive Experience: Combining culture, nature, history, entertainment, and science, it's suitable for visitors of all ages and interests. In short, the East Lake Moshan Scenic Area is the essence of Wuhan's East Lake. It has become
Families, went to the East Lake Moshan Scenic Area to play, really beautiful to lose words! As soon as I entered, my eyes were green, and the air was full of the fragrance of grass and trees. On the Chu rooftop, overlooking the East Lake, the vast lake was sparkling, the surrounding mountains were undulating, and the trees were shaded, like a beautiful landscape painting.
Moshan Scenic Area is located in the East Lake Scenic Area of Wuhan City. It is one of the core scenic areas of the East Lake Scenic Area. It is surrounded by water on three sides and has a total area of 12 square kilometers. The tourist area has Chu Tiantai, Chu City, Fengbiao and other Chu cultural attractions. Moshan Scenic Area has flowers blooming all year round, spring cherry, summer lotus, autumn osmanthus, and winter plum, each with its own characteristics. Especially in the cherry blossom season, it is a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms. Play experience: Visitors can hike and ride here, enjoy the lake and mountains, and feel the charm of nature. In addition, Moshan cableway, slide and other projects are also a good experience.
Moshan Scenic Area is one of the core attractions of East Lake 5A Scenic Area. Its characteristics are: it is a world of flowers, with world-famous cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas at the turn of spring and summer, lotus fragrance in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn, and plum fragrance in winter. It is a world of four seasons. There are lakes and mountains here, with different scenery in each season. The East Lake Greenway here is an important part of the annual Wuhan Marathon track, and it is also a good place for tourists and citizens to exercise, keep fit, and camp. There is a large parking lot here, which is very convenient for self-driving and public transportation. There are food and beverage supply points inside and outside the scenic spot, and there are coffee and snack supply stores along the greenway. There is a large children's playground here, which is very suitable for parent-child travel. It is complete with everything from sightseeing, eating, drinking, playing, taking photos, and exercising and keeping fit.
Moshan Scenic Area is the core scenic area of East Lake 5A Scenic Area. It has Moshan Cherry Garden, one of the world's three major cherry blossom viewing spots, Moshan Plum Garden, one of the four major plum blossom viewing bases in the country, the world-famous East Lake Greenway, the East Lake Eye Moshan Ferris Wheel and Moshan Cableway, well-equipped children's amusement park, Chucheng, Chutian Terrace... In early winter, the lakes and mountains in Moshan Scenic Area are colorful, rippling, and vast. In particular, the metasequoia forms a bright red landscape in early winter. Fishing boats cruise in the vast waters of East Lake, rowing athletes cut through the waves, seagulls soar, and bicycles shuttle on the East Lake Greenway. Tourists are crowded, and the scene of harmony between man and nature is beautiful. You can take a cruise on East Lake to enjoy the gorgeous scenery of East Lake, and it is very convenient to take a scenic bus to visit other attractions in East Lake Scenic Area. There are coffee shops and gourmet snack bars in the scenic area. The washrooms in the scenic area are also five-star.
Give you ten miles of cherry blossoms. May you go in mid-March with great joy. There are many people here. It feels very far. But it's really suitable for relaxation. Self-driving is the best. Moshan Scenic Spot is 60 yuan, but we are student tickets. Hey. The rain roads were muddy and grey on those days. But I still insist on seeing cherry blossoms. Uh huh. There's no reason to want to go. Forget about taking a few buses, and remember that it's very far away. If there's a subway, that's fine. After all, the subway in Wuhan is super convenient. It's much more convenient than bus. It seems to be a bit embarrassing to put off writing until now. Uh huh. It's just a sudden attempt to record it. I'm afraid I've forgotten it for too long. It's a particularly unreasonable requirement to live a life of one's own free will without any big dream. So you must go where you want to go, meet the people you want to see, eat what you want, because it's youth. To live is to be born and let us live well. Suddenly I like that sentence: I hope you come out of half your life and come back as a teenager.
Moshan Scenic Area of East Lake, 5A Scenic Spot, is located on the shore of East Lake, adjacent to Meiyuan Garden and Botanical Garden. Multi-way bus direct, Han Street cruise boats can also dock. Moshan is a must-play scenic spot in Wuhan. The scenic spot is very large, but there are not many climbing roads and it is relatively easy. In the scenic spot, the trees are shady and the eyes are full of vigorous scenery. Zhu Stele Pavilion and Chu Tiantai must go to see, Chu Tiantai there are bells on the performance do not miss. Every year, the cherry blossoms in March, the azaleas in April, the lotus blossoms in August, and the evergreen plants throughout the year, Moshan is indeed a beautiful place.