North Travel Guide (Wuhan/Hubei/South-central China/China/East Asia/Asia)

North, located in Wuhan in Hubei province, South-central China, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, North has something to offer for every traveler. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, where to stay and eat, local customs and culture, and much more.

Introduction to North

North is located in the heart of Hubei province, surrounded by scenic mountains and rivers. With a population of approximately 12 million people, it’s a bustling cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage. The city is famous for its spicy cuisine, diverse architecture and ancient historical sites.

List of Places to Visit in North

North boasts a host of cultural and natural attractions suitable for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Here are some must-visit places in North:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Yellow Crane Tower: Famous for its elegant architectural style and rich history, the Yellow Crane Tower is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Wuhan.
Hubei Provincial Museum: A must-visit destination for history buffs, the museum showcases Hubei’s diverse history and culture, from prehistoric times to the present day.
Guiyuan Temple: Built during the Ming Dynasty, Guiyuan Temple is one of Wuhan’s most famous Buddhist temples. The temple grounds are home to several ancient buildings, including the Main Hall and the Thousand Buddha Hall.

Natural Attractions of North: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

East Lake: Boasting picturesque scenery and crystal-clear water, East Lake is the largest urban lake in China. The lake is an ideal destination for boating, hiking, and bird watching.
Wuhan Botanical Garden: Spread over an area of 90 hectares, the botanical garden is home to over 4,000 plant species, including rare and endangered plants.
Jiufeng National Forest Park: Known for its stunning natural scenery, the park is a great destination for hiking, bird-watching, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North

North offers numerous hiking and biking routes for adventure seekers. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Wuhan Greenway: A 105-km bike path running along Wuhan’s Yangtze River, it’s a great way to explore the city’s scenic beauty.
Panlongcheng National Archaeological Park Hiking Trail: A 4-km trail that takes you through the ancient city of Panlongcheng, showcasing its rich history.
Xiongchu Avenue: A scenic 5-km bike path that runs along the Xiongchu River.

Best Things to Do in North: Activities and Tours

North has an array of activities and tours to offer its visitors. Here are some popular things to do:

Hot Spring Bathing: North is famous for its hot springs. There are several hot spring resorts dotted around the city, offering visitors a relaxing bath in warm mineral waters.
Night Cruise on the Yangtze River: A romantic way to experience the beauty of Wuhan at night; the Yangtze River Cruise offers stunning views of the city’s skyline.
Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge: Take a walk or bike ride over the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, which is one of the longest and most beautiful bridges in the world.

Week-Long Itinerary for North

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to North:

Day 1: Visit the Yellow Crane Tower and Hubei Provincial Museum.
Day 2: Spend the day hiking along the Jiufeng National Forest Park hiking trails.
Day 3: Explore the East Lake Scenic Area and Wuhan Botanical Garden.
Day 4: Take a bike trip to the Xiongchu River and experience the Xiongchu Avenue.
Day 5: Visit Guiyuan Temple and take a stroll in the nearby Huazhong Park.
Day 6: Take a hot spring bath at one of the hot spring resorts located in North.
Day 7: Enjoy a night cruise on the Yangtze River and visit the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge.

Food and Drink Scene of North

No trip to North is complete without sampling its local food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Hot Dry Noodles: A popular local dish made with wheat noodles seasoned with sesame sauce, soy sauce, and chili oil.
Doupi (Bean-curd Skin Roll): A tofu skin roll stuffed with glutinous rice, mushroom, and pork.
Re Gan Mian (Hot and Sour Rice Noodles): A spicy noodle dish that can be found at many street food stalls throughout North.

Local Beverages

Jiupingjiu: A famous local brand of rice wine, best served with hot pot or spicy food.
Mijiu: Another popular rice wine, with a sweet and mild taste.

Where to Stay in North: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North has a variety of accommodation options catering to all budgets. Here are some popular choices:

Shangri-La Hotel: A luxury hotel, offering top-notch amenities and services.
7 Days Inn: A budget hotel chain with clean, modern rooms and excellent location close to major attractions.
Blues Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse with a homely atmosphere, known for its warm hospitality.

What to Buy in North: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North is famous for its local products, including:

Wuhan Bamboo Paper Umbrellas: A traditional craft unique to Wuhan, featuring intricate designs, hand-made from bamboo and paper.
Hubei Embroidery: A unique type of embroidery with a long tradition, dating back over 1,000 years.
Yellow Crane Tower Miniatures: Miniatures of the famous Yellow Crane Tower make great souvenirs, ideal for remembering your visit to North.

Local Culture and Customs of North

North has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of customs and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting North:

Greeting Customs: It’s customary to greet locals with a simple nod or smile. Handshakes are not common.
Dining Etiquette: Wait for the host or elder to start eating before you begin. Do not leave any food on the plate, and use chopsticks carefully.
Language: Mandarin is the official language, but locals in North speak Wuhan dialect, which is quite different from standard Chinese.

Best Time to Visit North

The best time to visit North is from March to May and September to November. The weather during these months is mild, and the scenery is at its best.

Do’s and Don’ts of North

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting North:

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Carry small change, as not all shops accept credit cards.
Try the local cuisine and specialties.

Don’t:

Take pictures of military installations or sensitive locations.
Disrespect local customs or traditions.
Bargain excessively when shopping at stores, as it’s not customary in North.

Safety and Health

Safety in North is generally not a problem, but visitors should be cautious of pickpockets and scams in touristy areas. As with any foreign travel, visitors should take basic health precautions, such as eating at clean restaurants, drinking bottled water, and carrying sunscreen and insect repellent.

Getting to North: Transportation Options and Logistics

North can be easily accessed via several transportation modes, including:

Airports Near North

Wuhan Tianhe International Airport: Located 26 km northeast of downtown Wuhan, it’s the busiest airport in Central China.

Bus Stations Near North

Wuchang Railway Station: A major railway station in Wuhan, offering extensive train routes to various destinations within China.
Hankou Railway Station: Another major railway station in Wuhan, servicing long-distance trains to several cities across China.

Other Options

Metro: Wuhan has an efficient metro system, with several lines connecting major areas within the city.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available, but make sure to have your destination written in Chinese to avoid communication errors.

How to Get Around in North

The best way to get around North is by taking a taxi or public transportation, such as buses or the metro. Visitors can also rent a bike to explore the city’s scenic places.

Where to Go Next from North: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time in North, here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth visiting:

Shennongjia National Park: Known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife, Shennongjia National Park is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Jingzhou: A historic city located on the banks of the Yangtze River, Jingzhou is famous for its ancient ruins and scenic spots.
Xianning: Located in the southern part of Hubei province, Xianning is popular for its beautiful scenery and hot spring resorts.

Conclusion

North is a beautiful city with a rich and varied cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a lively food and drink scene. We hope this travel guide helps you plan your visit to this hidden gem in Wuhan. From breathtaking views to delicious cuisine and cultural experiences, North has plenty to offer to travelers of all ages and interests.