Home › Destinations › Moshan Hill
Moshan Hill, 中国 - Things to Do in Moshan Hill

Things to Do in Moshan Hill

Moshan Hill, 中国 - Complete Travel Guide

Moshan Hill (磨山) is one of Wuhan's most beloved natural attractions, located on the shores of East Lake in Hubei Province. This scenic hill rises 118 meters above sea level and offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational activities. The area is particularly famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring, making it one of China's premier cherry blossom viewing destinations with over 10,000 cherry trees of various species. As part of the larger East Lake Scenic Area, Moshan Hill provides panoramic views of China's largest urban lake and the surrounding cityscape of Wuhan. The hill features well-maintained hiking trails, traditional Chinese gardens, pavilions, and temples that showcase classical Chinese landscape architecture. Throughout the year, the area transforms with seasonal beauty - from spring cherry blossoms to autumn maple leaves, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Top Things to Do in Moshan Hill

Cherry Blossom Festival Experience

Visit during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival (typically March-April) when over 10,000 cherry trees bloom across the hillside. The festival features cultural performances, traditional music, and food stalls alongside the spectacular pink and white blossoms that create a dreamlike landscape.

Booking Tip: Festival tickets cost around 60-80 RMB during peak bloom season. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Book accommodations well in advance as this is peak tourist season.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Explore the network of well-maintained trails that wind through bamboo groves, past traditional pavilions, and up to scenic viewpoints. The main trail to the summit takes about 45 minutes and offers spectacular views of East Lake and Wuhan's skyline.

Booking Tip: No booking required for hiking trails. Entrance fee is typically 30-60 RMB depending on season. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. Early morning hikes offer cooler temperatures and clearer views.

East Lake Boat Tours

Take a leisurely boat cruise on East Lake to see Moshan Hill from the water while enjoying the expansive lake views. Various boat options are available, from traditional Chinese-style boats to modern tour vessels, offering different perspectives of the scenic area.

Booking Tip: Boat tours cost 40-80 RMB per person depending on boat type and duration. Tours run frequently during daylight hours, but sunset cruises offer the most scenic experience. Book at the lakeside piers near the scenic area entrance.

Traditional Garden and Temple Visits

Explore the classical Chinese gardens and ancient temples scattered throughout Moshan Hill, including beautifully designed pavilions, rock gardens, and meditation spaces. These cultural sites showcase traditional Chinese architecture and provide peaceful spots for reflection.

Booking Tip: Most temples and gardens are included in the main entrance ticket. Some special exhibitions may require additional fees of 10-20 RMB. Visit during weekday mornings for a more serene experience and better photo opportunities.

Photography and Seasonal Viewing

Capture stunning photographs throughout the changing seasons, from spring cherry blossoms to summer lotus flowers in nearby ponds, autumn maple colors, and winter snow scenes. Professional and amateur photographers alike find endless inspiration in the diverse landscapes.

Booking Tip: Best photography times are during golden hour (sunrise and sunset). Spring and autumn offer the most dramatic seasonal colors. Consider hiring a local photography guide for 200-300 RMB to access the best viewpoints and learn about optimal timing.

Getting There

Moshan Hill is easily accessible from downtown Wuhan by public transportation. Take Metro Line 8 to Liyuan Station, then transfer to bus routes 413, 515, or 643 to reach the East Lake Scenic Area entrance. Alternatively, take bus route 14, 36, or 118 directly from the city center. Taxis from Wuhan Railway Station take about 30-45 minutes and cost approximately 40-60 RMB. For international visitors, fly into Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, then take the airport express to the city center before connecting to local transportation.

Getting Around

The Moshan Hill area is best explored on foot via the well-marked hiking trails and walkways. Electric shuttle buses operate within the scenic area during peak seasons, connecting major attractions for 10 RMB per ride. Bicycle rentals are available near the main entrance for 20-30 RMB per hour, offering a pleasant way to explore the flatter areas around East Lake. For longer distances within the broader East Lake Scenic Area, local buses and tourist shuttle services connect different sections of the park.

Where to Stay

East Lake Scenic Area
Wuchang District
Hongshan District
Optics Valley (Guanggu)
Wuhan University Area
Hankou Central District

Food & Dining

The Moshan Hill area offers various dining options ranging from local Hubei cuisine to casual snacks. Within the scenic area, you'll find traditional tea houses serving local specialties like Re Gan Mian (hot dry noodles) and lotus root soup. Several restaurants near the main entrance offer fresh lake fish dishes and seasonal specialties. For more extensive dining options, the nearby Guanggu (Optics Valley) area features numerous restaurants, international cuisine, and modern shopping centers. Street food vendors during cherry blossom season offer festival treats and local snacks at reasonable prices.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Wuhan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Carat Fine Indian and Mediterranean Cuisine

4.8 /5
(1652 reviews)

Bouillon Bistro Parisien

4.5 /5
(1078 reviews)
bar

QUE (MOKO)

4.7 /5
(515 reviews)

Gaddi's

4.5 /5
(331 reviews)

Abbraccio

4.6 /5
(266 reviews)

L'Envol

4.7 /5
(244 reviews)

When to Visit

The best time to visit Moshan Hill depends on your interests. Spring (March-May) is the most popular season due to the spectacular cherry blossom festival, with peak bloom typically occurring in late March to early April. Autumn (September-November) offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall foliage with fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and humid but features lush greenery and lotus blooms in the lake. Winter visits offer a peaceful atmosphere and occasional snow scenes, though some facilities may have reduced hours. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds, especially during cherry blossom season.

Insider Tips

Visit the hilltop pagoda at sunrise for breathtaking views and perfect photography lighting with fewer tourists around
Download the East Lake Scenic Area mobile app for detailed trail maps, real-time cherry blossom bloom updates, and audio guides in multiple languages
Pack insect repellent during summer months and wear layers in spring as weather can change quickly near the lake

Explore Activities in Moshan Hill