Things to Do in Wuhan in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Wuhan
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Clear winter air provides stunning views of the Yangtze River - visibility reaches 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on most days, perfect for photography at Yellow Crane Tower
- Hot pot season peaks in December with locals gathering for communal meals - restaurants stay open later and offer winter specialty ingredients like lamb and root vegetables
- Lowest tourist crowds of the year mean no queues at major attractions - Hubei Provincial Museum and East Lake can be explored at your own pace
- Winter plum blossoms begin blooming in late December at Plum Garden - one of China's most celebrated seasonal displays happens right here
Considerations
- Cold temperatures require significant layering - indoor heating is inconsistent in older buildings and some attractions have limited heated areas
- Short daylight hours (7am-6pm) compress sightseeing time - outdoor activities must be planned carefully around limited sunlight
- Occasional light snow and rain make outdoor walking slippery - many of Wuhan's historic sites have stone surfaces that become treacherous
Best Activities in December
Yellow Crane Tower Winter Photography Tours
December's crystal-clear air provides the best visibility for photographing Wuhan's iconic tower and Yangtze River confluence. Winter light creates dramatic contrasts perfect for both sunrise (7:30am) and sunset (5:30pm) shots. The cold keeps crowds away, giving you unobstructed views from all five floors.
Traditional Hot Pot Cultural Experiences
December is peak hot pot season when locals gather for communal winter dining. Traditional Wuhan-style hot pot features split broths and regional specialties like river fish and lotus root. Evening tours (6pm-9pm) combine cooking classes with cultural insights about winter food traditions.
East Lake Winter Garden Walks
December transforms East Lake into a serene winter landscape with bare trees creating intricate silhouettes against the water. Early morning walks (8am-10am) avoid the coldest temperatures while capturing misty lake views. The 6 km (3.7 mile) scenic loop takes 2-3 hours at a comfortable pace.
Hubei Provincial Museum Cultural Deep-Dives
December's low tourist numbers mean intimate access to China's most significant archaeological collections. The famous Chime Bells of Marquis Yi performances happen daily at 11am and 3pm with better acoustics in winter's dry air. Plan 3-4 hours for comprehensive exploration.
Yangtze River Winter Cruise Experiences
Winter river cruises offer unique perspectives of Wuhan's three-city confluence without summer heat and crowds. December's clear air provides excellent visibility of industrial heritage and modern skylines. Evening cruises (5pm-7pm) capture city lights reflecting on calm winter waters.
Guqin Terrace Traditional Music Sessions
December's crisp air enhances the acoustics at this historic music site where ancient Chinese instruments are demonstrated. Indoor pavilions provide warmth while maintaining connection to winter gardens. Sessions run 90 minutes and include tea ceremony elements.
December Events & Festivals
Wuhan Winter Plum Blossom Festival
Late December marks the beginning of plum blossom season at East Lake Plum Garden, featuring over 30,000 trees of 300 varieties. Local photographers and artists gather for early morning sessions capturing the delicate pink and white blooms against winter backgrounds.
New Year Cultural Performances
Traditional opera and music performances increase in frequency leading up to New Year, with daily shows at Hubei Theater and weekend performances at Yellow Crane Tower. These feature local Chu opera traditions unique to Hubei province.