East Lake
东湖风景区
China's largest urban lake, with 33 square kilometers of water and 100 km of greenway. Moshan Cherry Garden, Tingtao Scenic Area, and sunrise at Lingbo Gate make it Wuhan's backyard.
East Lake lies in eastern Wuchang and has a water area of 33 square kilometers. It is one of China's largest urban lakes and a national 5A scenic area. It is made up of six sections: Tingtao, Moshan, Luoyan, Chuidi, Baima, and Yuguang. More than 100 km of greenway encircles the lake, making it Wuhan's most popular leisure spot. Highlights: Tingtao Scenic Area, near Wuhan University, has a statue of Qu Yuan at Xingyin Pavilion, Changtian Tower, and a lakeside camping lawn, and is free. Moshan Scenic Area includes the East Lake Cherry Garden, the largest cherry garden in central China, which has night cherry blossoms during the March season and charges about 60 yuan for admission. It also has Chutian Terrace, the Plum Garden, the Lotus Garden, and views over East Lake from the top of Moshan. Luoyan Scenic Area has wetlands and reeds, good for autumn scenery and birdwatching. Lingbo Gate is a jetty leading from Wuhan University out into the lake, a popular spot for sunrise and sunset. Boats also run between the scenic areas. The greenway is free to use. You can rent public bicycles or electric scooters (about 20–40 yuan per hour) to ride the lakeside and countryside paths. From Liyuan to Moshan is about 10 km, passing lake views, cedar groves, and the north gate of Moshan. Tickets: the greenway and Tingtao Scenic Area are free, while the cherry garden, plum garden, and other gardens are charged separately. Transport: Metro Line 8 Liyuan station leads directly to the start of the East Lake greenway. Alternatively, take Metro Line 2 to East Lake South Road station (Chuidi). Rentals are available near Dongting station on Line 4. It is best to plan half a day to a full day. In the morning, start from the Hubei Provincial Museum and walk to Liyuan on East Lake, then bike to Moshan and return in the afternoon. Or go to Lingbo Gate for sunset in the evening. The whole trip takes 3–5 hours. Notes: the lake area has no shade, so protect yourself from the sun and drink water in summer. On weekends, electric bikes on the greenway sell out quickly, so arrive early.
Opening hours
Open all day (Moshan, Cherry Garden and other areas approx. 07:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Hubei Museum of Art
- Hubei Provincial Museum
- Happy Valley Wuhan
- Wuhan University Cherry Blossoms
- Wuhan Botanical Garden
- Chu River & Han Street
- Baotong Temple
- Optics Valley Walking Street