Things to Do in East Lake, 中国

East Lake (Donghu) in Wuhan, China, is one of the country's largest urban lakes and a cherished natural oasis in the heart of Hubei Province's capital city. Spanning over 33 square kilometers, this scenic area combines pristine waters, lush gardens, cultural landmarks, and recreational facilities, making it a perfect escape from Wuhan's bustling urban environment. The lake has been a source of inspiration for poets and scholars for over 2,000 years, with its tranquil beauty and cultural significance earning it recognition as a national scenic area. The East Lake Scenic Area is divided into six distinct regions, each offering unique attractions from traditional Chinese gardens and ancient temples to modern recreational facilities and cherry blossom groves. Visitors can explore the Moshan Cherry Blossom Garden, one of China's three major cherry blossom viewing spots, wander through the classical Tingtao Scenic Area with its pavilions and walkways, or visit the Hubei Provincial Museum located on the lake's shores. The area seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering everything from peaceful boat rides and hiking trails to historical sites and art exhibitions.

Top Things to Do in East Lake

Cherry Blossom Viewing at Moshan

Experience one of China's most spectacular cherry blossom displays at Moshan Cherry Blossom Garden, featuring over 10,000 cherry trees of various species. The peak blooming period transforms the area into a pink and white wonderland, attracting visitors from across the country for hanami-style picnics and photography.

Booking Tip: Visit during mid to late March for peak blooms. Entry tickets cost around 60-80 RMB during cherry blossom season. Book accommodation well in advance during this period as it's the busiest time of year.

Boat Cruise on East Lake

Take a leisurely boat cruise across the expansive waters of East Lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills, gardens, and city skyline. Various boat options are available, from traditional Chinese-style boats to modern sightseeing vessels, providing different perspectives of this massive urban lake.

Booking Tip: Boat tickets range from 30-80 RMB depending on the route and boat type. Best times are early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Sunset cruises offer particularly beautiful views.

Hubei Provincial Museum Visit

Explore one of China's premier museums located on the shores of East Lake, housing an impressive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts including the famous Marquis Yi of Zeng's tomb treasures. The museum features exquisite bronze vessels, ancient musical instruments, and jade artifacts spanning thousands of years of Chinese history.

Booking Tip: Free admission with advance online reservation required. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00-17:00. Book the ancient music performance (additional fee of 30 RMB) to hear replicas of 2,400-year-old instruments.

Tingtao Scenic Area Walking

Stroll through the classical Chinese garden landscape of Tingtao, featuring traditional pavilions, winding pathways, and carefully manicured gardens that exemplify Chinese landscape design principles. This area offers the most authentic traditional Chinese garden experience within the East Lake complex.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is around 30 RMB. Best visited in early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon for peaceful atmosphere and good photography lighting. Wear comfortable walking shoes as paths can be uneven.

Cycling Around East Lake

Rent a bicycle and explore the extensive network of cycling paths that circle East Lake, offering an active way to see multiple scenic areas while enjoying fresh air and exercise. The well-maintained bike paths provide safe access to various attractions around the lake's perimeter.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals available at multiple locations around the lake for 20-40 RMB per day. Electric bikes cost slightly more but are recommended given the large distances. Start early to avoid crowds and heat in summer.

Getting There

East Lake is easily accessible from Wuhan's city center and transportation hubs. From Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, take Airport Bus Line 2 or the subway Line 2 to reach the lake area in about 1 hour. The most convenient subway stations are Donghu High-tech Zone Station (Line 2) and Hubei Provincial Museum Station (Line 8). Multiple bus lines including 14, 108, and 401 serve various entrances around the lake. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Didi are readily available throughout Wuhan and provide direct access to specific scenic areas within the East Lake complex.

Getting Around

Getting around East Lake is best accomplished through a combination of walking, cycling, and the scenic area's internal transportation system. Electric shuttle buses operate between major attractions within the scenic area for 10-20 RMB per ride. Bicycle rentals are widely available and highly recommended for covering the large distances between different sections of the lake. Boat services provide transportation across the water between certain points. For those preferring to walk, well-maintained pedestrian paths connect all major attractions, though the full circuit can be quite lengthy. Electric scooters and golf carts are also available for rent at higher prices for visitors with mobility concerns.

Where to Stay

East Lake Scenic Area Hotels

Wuchang District Lakefront

Hongshan District Near University

Optics Valley High-tech Zone

Wuhan City Center

Hankou Riverside Area

Food & Dining

The East Lake area offers diverse dining options ranging from local Hubei cuisine to international fare. Traditional Wuhan specialties like hot dry noodles (reganmian), duck neck, and lotus root soup can be found at numerous local restaurants around the lake. The scenic area itself has several restaurants offering lake views, though prices tend to be higher. For more authentic and affordable options, venture into nearby neighborhoods like Wuchang or the university area where street food stalls and family-run restaurants serve excellent local dishes. Many hotels around East Lake feature restaurants specializing in fresh lake fish and regional Hubei cuisine. The nearby Optics Valley area has modern shopping centers with food courts and international restaurants for those seeking familiar flavors.

When to Visit

The best time to visit East Lake is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Spring is particularly popular due to the cherry blossom season in March-April, though this is also the most crowded period. Autumn offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds and beautiful fall foliage. Summer (June-August) can be hot and humid with frequent rain, but early morning and evening visits are still enjoyable. Winter (December-February) is the least popular time due to cold temperatures, but the lake can be quite serene and beautiful, especially if there's occasional snow. Avoid major Chinese holidays like Golden Week (October 1-7) and Spring Festival when domestic tourism peaks.

Insider Tips

Visit the lake at sunrise for the most peaceful experience and best photography opportunities with soft morning light reflecting off the water

Download the East Lake official app for detailed maps, real-time cherry blossom updates, and information about special events and exhibitions

Bring insect repellent during warmer months as the lake environment can attract mosquitoes, especially in the evening hours near the water

Things to Do in East Lake