Wuhan University Cherry Blossoms
武汉大学樱园
China's most beautiful university campus, with a cherry-blossom avenue and the pink-white sea of blossoms around the Old Study Hall “Cherry Castle.” It draws visitors from across the country every March.
Wuhan University is located on Luojia Hill in Wuchang. It traces its roots to the Self-Strengthening Academy founded by Zhang Zhidong in 1893. The older campus, built into the hills in the 1930s and planned by American architect Kerr, is known for its green glazed roof tiles and stone-built complex. It is a nationally key cultural heritage site and is widely regarded as China's most beautiful university. Cherry trees on campus date back to 1939. After diplomatic ties between China and Japan were established in 1972, more trees were gifted. Today there are over a thousand cherry trees, concentrated in the Cherry Garden in front of the Old Study Hall and along Cherry Blossom Avenue. Highlights: Cherry Blossom Avenue is about 200 m long, with blossoms forming canopies on both sides. At its end stands the Old Study Hall, known as the “Cherry Castle.” Climb to its terrace for a view of the blossoms and the distant East Lake. Also visit the old library (1935, a palace-style building blending Chinese and Western architecture), the Science Building, Song Qing Gymnasium, and Kunpeng Square. The campus also has Luojia Hill trails and Lingbo Gate, a causeway leading from campus out to East Lake, good for watching sunrise and sunset. The blossom season usually runs from mid to late March, lasting about two weeks. Early cherries (early March) and late cherries (early April) differ. Entry is free, but during the blossom season online real-name reservations are required through the official Wuhan University booking platform. Daily numbers are capped, and weekend slots go fast, usually released a few days in advance. Outside blossom season, entry generally requires only ID registration or a reservation. Transport: about a 15-minute walk from Jiedaokou station on Metro Line 2, or from Guangbutun station, to the campus gate. For the fewest crowds at the Cherry Garden, arrive before 8:00 a.m. After leaving campus, you can visit Lingbo Gate for views of East Lake, or follow the East Lake greenway to the Moshan Cherry Garden. That is also central China's largest cherry garden, with admission of about 60 yuan and night cherry blossoms. Notes: picking flowers and climbing trees are prohibited on campus. Crowds are heavy during cherry season, so please observe respectfully.
Opening hours
Cherry blossom season 08:00–18:00, reservation required (outside blossom season, register with ID)
Nearby sights
- Hubei Provincial Museum
- Hubei Museum of Art
- Baotong Temple
- Chu River & Han Street
- East Lake
- Changchun Temple
- Optics Valley Walking Street
- Tanhualin