How to Get Around Wuhan

Wuhan is famous for its many bridges that cut across the Yangtze River. The newest bridge was finished in 2000, and it was created to relieve the regular congestion of the city's traffic. Visitors to the city usually arrive by crossing one of three main bridges, either by bus or taxi.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Take the Wuhan Subway, an extremely efficient system with trains reaching any particular station every 90 seconds. The subway system is especially useful if you're moving around the Hankou District, as many of the attractions there would be hard to reach otherwise.
2. Take a riverboat tour while you're there. It is possible to move from one corner of the city to the opposite one by hopping onto one of the many available boats on the Yangtze River. You can arrive by ferry from Shanghai, or you can simply use the boats to move around the area once you're in Wuhan.
3. Avoid taxis if possible. There are many types of public transportation available in Wuhan, including trolleys, buses and trains. There are actually three railway lines that make it all the way from Shanghai into Wuhan, and several small lines that cut through the city districts.
4. Get around the city on foot if you're only visiting a few sights. Traffic is still difficult in Wuhan, and the city's green spaces make it worthy to travel on foot. September is an especially good time for walking, as the weather is cooler but still sunny.
5. Hop on and off the subway to visit the many historical attractions in Wuhan, including the Yellow Crane Tower, Jiqing Street (for food and street performances) and the Rock and Bonsai Museum. Once you get off at a particular station, explore the area by foot as much as possible to discover hidden treasures among the high buildings.
6. Rent a bicycle through your hotel concierge, but keep in mind that bike theft is common in Wuhan. It may not be worth the added stress of looking over your shoulder every time you park your bike.

Tips & Warnings

• Wuhan is one of the hottest cities in China. Average summer temperatures hover around 99°F (37.2°C), with many days reaching into triple digits. September tends to be cooler, but bring lightweight summer clothes with you just in case.
• Get into the habit of protecting your valuables as you're shopping the main business district. Pickpockets abound.