East Lake Scenic Area
The East Lake Scenic Area, China’s largest urban lake park, spans 88 square kilometers in Wuhan, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. Designated a National 5A-Rated Tourist Attraction in 2013, it features six scenic zones: Listening to the Tide, Moshan, Luoyan Island, and more. Renowned for its cherry blossoms, wetlands, and historic temples, it attracts over 16 million visitors annually, offering cycling trails, boat tours, and seasonal festivals.
Historical Overview
First recorded during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), East Lake became a favored retreat for poets and scholars. Modern development began in the 1930s, transforming it into a public park. In 1982, it was declared a national scenic area, and recent efforts have preserved its wetlands while adding modern amenities like the 101-kilometer East Lake Greenway.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into six zones:
Listen to the Tide (Tingtao): Lakeside promenades, the East Lake Marina, and the iconic Nine Female Bends.
Moshan: A forested peninsula with botanical gardens and the Moshan Pagoda.
Luoyan Island: Connected by bridges, known for its peony gardens and migratory bird habitats.
Whipping a Boy’s Buttocks (Dianfengdi): A hilltop pavilion with views of the entire lake.
Hubei Museum Zone: Nearby cultural sites like the Hubei Provincial Museum.
Wetland Reserve: A sanctuary for rare plants and aquatic birds.
Major Attractions
East Lake Cherry Blossom Garden: Over 10,000 cherry trees blooming in mid-March.
Moshan Botanical Garden: China’s largest, featuring orchids, cacti, and a tropical greenhouse.
Luoyan Island Bridges: Nine arched bridges modeled after Hangzhou’s West Lake.
East Lake Marina: Rent paddleboats, electric yachts, or cruise on the East Lake Queen.
Liubi Pavilion: A Ming-era lakeside pavilion restored in 1985.
Wuhan Botanical Garden: A sub-garden with bamboo forests and lotus ponds.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 Hours):
Listen to the Tide Entrance → East Lake Marina → Nine Female Bends → Liubi Pavilion → Moshan Pagoda → Exit via Subway.
Highlights: Cherry blossoms, lake cruises, and pagoda views.
- Extended Route (5–6 Hours):
Listen to the Tide → Moshan Botanical Garden → Luoyan Island Bridges → Wetland Reserve → Dianfengdi Pavilion → Hubei Museum.
Highlights: Birdwatching, peony gardens, and cultural exhibits.
- Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Morning: Moshan Botanical Garden + Wetland Reserve.
Afternoon: Luoyan Island + Cherry Blossom Garden + Marina Cruise.
Evening: Night cycling on the East Lake Greenway.
Highlights: Full immersion in nature, culture, and recreation.
Ticket Purchase
Free Entry: Main park access is free.
Paid Attractions:
Cherry Blossom Garden: ¥60 (peak season).
Moshan Botanical Garden: ¥40.
Wetland Reserve: ¥70 (includes boat tour).
Online Booking: Via Ctrip, Fliggy, or WeChat (武汉东湖).
Transportation
Subway: Line 8 to Liyuan Station (Exit A) for Listen to the Tide; Line 2 to Guanggu Station for Moshan.
Bus: Routes 401, 402, or 413 to East Lake Stop.
Taxi: Direct to any entrance; address varies by zone.
Bike Rentals: Dockless shared bikes (HelloBike, Meituan) available at all entrances.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Seasons: Mid-March (cherry blossoms) and October (autumn foliage).
Avoid Crowds: Weekdays; weekends draw 200,000+ visitors.
Essentials: Wear waterproof shoes (uneven trails), apply insect repellent, and bring a reusable water bottle.
Prohibited: Swimming outside designated areas, drones, and littering.
FAQ
What are the must-see attractions in the Moshan Scenic Area?
There are many. For example, the Chu City Wall which showcases the historical charm of the Chu State. The East Lake Cherry Blossom Garden is also wonderful, especially when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. And the Zhuoyue Pavilion on the top of Moshan offers a panoramic view of the whole lake area.
How long does it usually take to tour the whole East Lake Scenic Area?
It depends on your pace and which areas you want to focus on. If you just visit the main scenic spots in each area, it may take about one to two days. But if you want to explore every corner and enjoy the scenery slowly, three to four days would be more appropriate.
What are the opening hours of the East Lake Scenic Area?
The opening hours are usually from 08:00 to 18:00, but some scenic areas may have slightly different opening hours during special periods or seasons. It's best to check the official website or the entrance notice before visiting.
Are there catering services in the scenic area? What are the special delicacies recommended?
Yes, there are various restaurants and snack bars in the scenic area. You can try local specialties like hot dry noodles, which are famous in Wuhan. There are also some fish dishes made with the fresh fish from the East Lake, such as braised fish in brown sauce.
Can I rent a bicycle in the scenic area? How much does it cost?
Yes, you can rent bicycles in the scenic area. The rental fees usually range from 10 to 30 yuan per hour depending on the type of bicycle. It's a great way to explore the scenic area at your own pace.
