Surrounded by mountains and rivers, Hubei boasts an endless array of stunning natural landscapes. It is also a sacred land of Jingchu culture with a history spanning thousands of years. Here, you can embrace the blend of prosperity and profound heritage in Wuhan, the River City, where breathtaking nightscapes take your breath away. You may also explore the primeval natural heritage of Shennongjia, experience the immortal Taoist charm of Wudang Mountain — crowned the foremost among China’s Five Great Mountains — and witness the Three Gorges Dam in Yichang, a national landmark project.
This 7-day itinerary features boundless natural scenery and breathtaking ancient architecture from successive dynasties. Local folk performances are spectacular, with historical marks deeply rooted in every corner. The elegance of ancient poetry and the wisdom of ancient battlefields intertwine across time, showcasing profound humanistic spirit, while modern civilization adds unique and wonderful travel experiences.
Day 1 | Wuhan
Itinerary: Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street → Yellow Crane Tower → Hubu Lane → Zhonghua Road Ferry → Gude Temple → Hankou River Beach Night View
Attraction Highlights
Jianghan Road Pedestrian StreetKnown as “China’s No.1 Pedestrian Street”, it is located in the heart of Hankou, Jianghan District, Wuhan. Stretching from Yanjiang Avenue in the south to Jiefang Avenue in the north, it ranks among China’s top five iconic urban commercial streets alongside Wangfujing in Beijing and Nanjing Road in Shanghai.
Boasting 13 well-preserved historical buildings featuring European, Roman and Byzantine architectural styles, it is hailed as the “20th-Century Architecture Museum of Wuhan”. Landmark structures include the Jianghan Customs House and Siming Bank Building.
Yellow Crane TowerPerched atop Snake Mountain overlooking the Yangtze River in Wuchang District, Wuhan, it is the city’s iconic landmark. First built in 223 AD during the Three Kingdoms period, it has been rebuilt numerous times through dynasties. The current structure, reconstructed in 1985, replicates the design of the Tongzhi-era tower of the Qing Dynasty.
Hubu LaneOfficially named Hubu Lane Han-style Cultural Food Street, it is situated near Simenkou in Wuchang District, connecting Minzhu Road and Ziyou Road. Nestled close to Yellow Crane Tower and the Yangtze River, this 150-meter-long, 8-meter-wide alley is celebrated as “the No.1 Lane for Hubei Snacks”.
Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, it got its name in the Qing Dynasty for its proximity to the provincial government, equivalent to the ancient Ministry of Revenue. A local saying goes: “Savor breakfast at Hubu Lane and late-night snacks at Jiqing Street”. It is listed as one of Wuhan’s Top Ten Scenic Spots.
Zhonghua Road FerryZhonghua Road Wharf, located on Linjiang Avenue in Wuchang, serves as a vital transportation and sightseeing hub across the Yangtze River. Built as a modern terminal with six berths capable of docking 5,000-ton cruise ships, it handles up to 4.75 million passengers annually.
Adopting a three-story pontoon structure, it integrates waiting lounges, catering and cultural and creative services. Regular routes connect Hankou Wuguan Wharf and Qingchuan Pavilion, offering premium river sightseeing cruises.
Gude TempleLocated at No.74 Huangpu Road, Hankou, it was founded in 1877 and expanded twice in the early 20th century, renamed Gude Temple, meaning “upholding ancient virtue and universal salvation with benevolence”, with its horizontal inscribed board inscribed personally by Li Yuanhong.
Uniquely blending European, Asian and religious architectural styles, it combines Mahayana, Hinayana and Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism, making it a rare wonder among Han Chinese Buddhist temples. As one of Wuhan’s Four Great Buddhist Temples, it features distinctive Zen architecture and high historical, cultural and artistic value.
Hankou River BeachThe largest riverside landscape belt in Wuhan and Asia’s largest riverside cultural park, it stretches along Yanjiang Avenue in Jiang’an District. Integrating flood control, sightseeing, tourism and leisure, it links Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street and faces Yellow Crane Tower across the river, serving as the core area to experience Wuhan’s charm as the River City.
Dozens of century-old historical buildings line the bank, including the former German Consulate and HSBC Hankou Branch. The bell tower of Jianghan Customs House chimes every hour, witnessing the city’s long history.
Day 2 | Wuhan
Itinerary: Hubei Provincial Museum → East Lake Ecotourism Scenic Area → Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge → Qingchuan Pavilion → Guishan TV Tower → Dayu Myth Park → Tan Hualin → Lihuangpi Road → Two-River Night Cruise
Attraction Highlights
Hubei Provincial MuseumNestled beside East Lake, founded in 1953, it is a national first-class museum and 5A-level scenic area. Housing over 240,000 cultural relics, including nearly 1,000 national first-grade treasures, it is famous for Shang and Zhou bronzes, lacquer wares, bamboo slips and royal jades.
Its ten national treasures include the Sword of Goujian, Zeng Houyi Chime Bells, Yuan Blue and White Plum Vase and Yunmeng Qin Bamboo Slips. It is universally recognized as one of China’s most influential provincial museums and a landmark cultural attraction of Wuhan.
East Lake Ecotourism Scenic AreaCovering 88 square kilometers with a 33-square-kilometer water surface, it consists of Tingtao, Moshan, Luoyan and Chuidi scenic zones. Surrounded by 34 mountains and covered with over 3 million trees of 396 species, it is known as a green treasure house.
Home to China’s largest plum garden, one of the world’s three major cherry blossom gardens, a fable sculpture park and bird sanctuary, it features blooming flowers all year round and diverse natural scenery.
Wuhan Yangtze River BridgeKnown as “the First Bridge over the Yangtze River”, it is the first combined road-rail bridge across the Yangtze River after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Connecting Hanyang and Wuchang, it is an iconic historical landmark of Wuhan.
Qingchuan PavilionBuilt during the Ming Dynasty and reconstructed in 1984, it stands on Yugongji at the eastern foot of Guishan Mountain, facing Yellow Crane Tower across the Yangtze River. Its name derives from the famous Tang poem line “Clear rivers stretch over Hanyang’s trees”.
Praised as “the Top Tower of Chu”, it fully embodies the architectural characteristics of Chu people and carries profound Jingchu cultural heritage.
Guishan TV TowerChina’s first self-designed reinforced concrete TV tower, standing 221.2 meters high at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers. Nicknamed the “Asian Mast”, it overlooks the Yangtze River Bridge and Yellow Crane Tower, offering a panoramic view of urban scenery.
Dayu Myth ParkA free open scenic spot between Qingchuan Pavilion and the Yangtze River Bridge, covering 24,000 square meters. Centered on 14 groups of sculptures about Dayu’s flood-control legends, it features flood culture exhibitions and is an ideal viewpoint to admire the bridge and ancient tower.
Tan HualinA 600-year-old historical block in old Wuchang, preserving more than 50 century-old historical buildings. It completely retains the original style of ancient Wuchang and records the politics, culture, religion and folk customs of old times, serving as a precious cultural heritage specimen.
Lihuangpi RoadNamed after former President Li Yuanhong, this century-old road features Gothic and Rococo-style European buildings from the former concession era. It gathers revolutionary memorial halls, former residences and historical sites, forming a distinctive retro cultural block.
Two-River Night CruiseA signature night tour project cruising along the Yangtze and Han Rivers. Visitors can enjoy stunning light shows blending historical architectures and modern landmarks. The shimmering river and bright night views create cinematic scenery, known as the pinnacle of Wuhan river scenery.
Day 3 | Jingzhou – Shiyan
Itinerary: Jingzhou Ancient City → Wudang Mountain
Attraction Highlights
Jingzhou Ancient CityAlso known as Jiangling City, its existing city wall was reconstructed in 1646 on the Ming Dynasty foundation, adopting glutinous rice lime mortar for reinforcement. With 9 city gates and double-layer water and brick city defenses, it is the only well-preserved ancient city wall in China that evolved from earthen to brick and water defenses over thousands of years.
Key attractions include Binyang Tower, soldier hiding caves, artillery platforms, ancient character bricks and City Wall Museum, hailed as an intact historical treasure along the Yangtze River.
Wudang MountainA sacred Taoist mountain in China, honored as “the Supreme Mountain” and “Imperial Taoist Temple” in the Ming Dynasty. World-famous as the head of the Five Great Mountains, it is the birthplace of Wudang martial arts and Taoism.
Listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, its ancient building complex enjoys global fame. Rated as a 5A-level scenic area, national forest park and top summer resort, it features magnificent Taoist temples and profound Taoist culture.
Travel Tips
- Morning Tai Chi practice at Zixiao Palace (6:00–7:00): free public Tai Chi lessons
- Exclusive experience: 2-hour Wudang swordsmanship crash course at Yuxu Palace
- Classic one-day route: Prince Slope (Winding Wall) → Qiongtai (cable car up) → Golden Summit → Nanyan Palace (cliff-side temples)
Day 4 | Shiyan
Itinerary: Shennongjia National Forest Park → Shennongding Scenic Area → Dajiuhu
Attraction Highlights
Shennongjia National ParkLocated in northwestern Hubei, it features 500,000 mu of primeval forest and 42% undeveloped wilderness. Boasting the richest diversity of deciduous woody plants in the world, it is a 5A-level scenic area protecting rare species such as golden snub-nosed monkeys and giant salamanders.
Shennongding Scenic AreaKnown as the “Roof of Central China”, it has six peaks over 3,000 meters above sea level. Shennongding Peak, at 3,106.2 meters, is the highest peak in central China, offering spectacular sea of clouds and alpine natural scenery.
Dajiuhu Scenic AreaA rare alpine plain covering 17 square kilometers, surrounded by high mountains. Reputed as “Hubei’s Hulunbuir” and “Jiangnan of Shennongjia”, it features vast wetlands, clear lakes and numerous historical legends. The morning mist over the lake creates fairyland-like scenery.
In-depth Travel Experience
- Secret route: Guanmenshan (Panda Museum) → Shennongding Sea of Clouds Observation Deck → Dajiuhu Deer Garden at dawn
- Accommodation: secluded wooden cabins in Pingqian Ancient Town with lake views
- Scientific hiking: “Wild Man Exploration” outdoor trekking (guide required)
Day 5 | Enshi
Itinerary: Tenglong Cave → Enshi Grand Canyon
Attraction Highlights
Tenglong Cave Scenic AreaLocated in Lichuan, Enshi, it is one of the world’s super-grade cave clusters with five layers and a total explored length of 59.8 kilometers. Composed of water caves, dry caves and unique rock formations, it features magnificent underground landscapes and grand ethnic cultural performances.
Enshi Grand CanyonAt the junction of Hubei, Chongqing and Hunan, stretching 108 kilometers. Known as a “natural museum of karst landforms” and “the most beautiful scar on Earth”, it integrates sinkholes, ground fissures, cliffs, peak clusters, caves and underground rivers, presenting stunning and magnificent geological wonders.
Day 6 | Yichang
Itinerary: Three Gorges Dam → Three Gorges Tribe Scenic Area
Attraction Highlights
Three Gorges DamThe world’s largest water conservancy hub project, located in Yiling District, Yichang. Completed in 1994, it integrates flood control, power generation, shipping and water resource regulation, serving as the core landscape of the Three Gorges tourist area and a national key landmark project.
Three Gorges Tribe Scenic AreaNestled in Xiling Gorge between the Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Dam, it is a 5A-level ecological scenic area. It perfectly blends natural landscapes, video technology and regional culture, displaying Ba culture, Chu culture, Tujia customs and ancient wharf culture, with unique canyon scenery and folk performances.
Day 7 | Xianning
Itinerary: Three Kingdoms Chibi Ancient Battlefield Scenic Area
Attraction Highlights
Chibi Ancient BattlefieldThe only well-preserved original site among China’s seven famous ancient battles winning victory with inferior forces. Centered on Three Kingdoms history, Han-style architecture, cliff carvings, statues and military relics, it features folk shows, martial arts performances and historical exhibitions.
With over 50 cultural and natural attractions including Zhou Yu Statue, Wind Worship Platform and Millennium Ginkgo Tree, it is a vital stop on the Three Kingdoms cultural travel route, allowing visitors to travel back to the turbulent Three Kingdoms era.