How to spend one Wuhan-derful day

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Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province and the political, cultural, educational, economic and transportation hub of central China, is strategically located at the confluence of the Hanjiang and Yangtze Rivers. But what if you only have 24 hours?

Grab breakfast on the go

Wuhan locals are famous for their ability to chow down their first meal of the day while multitasking. The breakfast tradition came about due to the city’s fast-paced port culture, but be assured speed does not compromise taste.

The three must-eats are: hutangfen – rice noodle cooked in fish broth; reganmian – dry noodles mixed with sesame paste; and doupi – glutinous rice with pork and other ingredients sandwiched in bean curd skin and then fried. These goodies can be picked up from roadside vendors or at the breakfast street known as Hubu Alley.

Hubu Alley is perhaps Wuhan’s most famous snack street. /CGTN Photo

Burn those morning calories

Visit Wuhan’s most revered landmark – Yellow Crane Tower – and climb up to the fifth floor for an unfettered view of the riverside metropolis.

The current pagoda was built in 1981 after being destroyed around 12 times in the last six centuries and 30-plus times altogether, although the original structure is said to date back 1,800 years ago.

The iconic Yellow Crane Tower of Wuhan. /CGTN Photo

Kill two birds with one stone

Tick off two attractions in one go by visiting Wuhan University, which sprawls along the picturesque banks of East Lake.

With its palatial architecture fusing East and West design set against a botanical backdrop, it’s regarded as one of the most beautiful campuses in China. Afterwards, stroll along the edge of the largest urban freshwater lake in the country.

Wuhan University /CGTN Photo

Dive and jive into the ’20s and ’30s

Pick up your tickets, don your qipao, or cheongsam, and embark on an unforgettable night-time journey aboard Zhiyin for the world’s first “drifting multidimensional immersive drama”.

Aboard Zhiyin for China’s first interactive drama on the Yangtze River. /CGTN Photo

You’ll be whisked back in time as a passenger on an early 1900s steamship, boasting four decks, 98 cabins, and thousands of antique props amidst holographic imaging technology, but the highlights are the real-life, talking, singing and dancing actors you can mingle with. It’s a living museum and an interactive musical all in one.

Wuhan is made up of Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang. /CGTN Photo

Make plans to return

Well, there’s no way you can do Wuhan in a day. Sorry, but you’re just going to have to come back – you know you Wuhan’t to.

Meantime, discover Wuhan’s wonders with Travelogue host Min-Zhui Lee. “The Spirit of Wuhan” broadcasts on CGTN on Sunday, February 4 at 7:30 a.m. (Beijing Time). Rebroadcast times: Sunday 4:30 p.m., Monday 2 a.m. and Thursday 1:30 p.m.