Hubei is a central Chinese province straddling the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, known as the 'Province of a Thousand Lakes' and 'Nine Provinces Thoroughfare' for its role as China's inland transport crossroads. Home to the Three Gorges Dam, the sacred Wudang Mountains, the mysterious Shennongjia rainforest, and the buzzing riverside metropolis of Wuhan, Hubei blends Chu-dynasty history, Taoist heritage, and modern engineering on the banks of China's longest river.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Mulan Tianti (Mulan Sky Ladder) Scenic Area
Mulan Tianti is a mountain scenic area in Huangpi District, part of the cluster of Mulan-themed parks that trade on the legend of Hua Mulan, said to have been born in this part of Wuhan. The draw is the ladder-like cliffside stairway and walkways that climb the mountain, giving views back over the Huangpi hills, plus a cable car for those who don't want to walk the whole ascent. It's a half-day-to-full-day outing built around the climb itself rather than a single monument.
Highlights: Suspended steel sky ladder walkway bolted into the cliff face · Waterfalls and hanging bridges along the ascent · Summit lookout platforms over the Dabie Mountains · Sites linked to the legend of Hua Mulan
Xianning Hot Springs
Xianning markets itself as a hot spring destination, with a cluster of resort complexes built around natural geothermal water south of the city. The appeal is straightforward: large outdoor pool circuits, spa treatments and hotel stays built around soaking rather than sightseeing, making it a relaxation day trip rather than a cultural one.
Highlights: Outdoor mineral hot-spring pool parks with dozens of themed pools · Evening soaking sessions under lit pools and rising steam · Mineral mud baths and indoor spa halls for cooler weather · On-site restaurants serving Hubei home-style dishes
Liangzi Lake
Liangzi Lake, on the edge of Ezhou, is one of the larger freshwater lakes near Wuhan and is best known regionally for its bream, the same Wuchang fish that gives Wuhan's signature dish its name - the lake is one of the traditional sources for it. It's a quieter, lower-key day out than the city scenic spots: lakeside walking, boat rides, and fish restaurants rather than monuments.
Highlights: Boat trips across the wetland islets and fish-farming rafts · Freshwater pearl markets near the lakeside fishing villages · Lakeside restaurants serving fresh Wuchang-style fish · Migratory bird viewing in the reed wetlands in autumn
Tianzhu Mountain National Forest Park
Highlights: Hubei's highest peak with granite ridgeline summit views · Rhododendron and wildflower blooms in May and June · Autumn foliage across maple and oak forest in September and October · Hiking trails ranging from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky summits
Jingzhou Ancient City and Museum
Jingzhou's Ming-dynasty city wall is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls left in China, still enclosing the old town and walkable along its ramparts and gates. The city is also inseparable from Three Kingdoms history - it was the strategically fought-over territory associated with Guan Yu's defence of Shu's holdings - and the Jingzhou Museum next to the old town holds tomb finds from the surrounding area, including textiles, lacquerware and an exceptionally well-preserved ancient corpse from a Han-era tomb. Together they make a dense half-day of walking and a serious regional museum.
Highlights: Ming-dynasty city wall circuit with restored gate towers · Jingzhou Museum's Chu and Han-dynasty artifact collection · A well-preserved Han-dynasty mummy on display · Old town restaurants serving Jingzhou-style steamed fish
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Under 100km
100 To 200km
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Overview
- Most Hubei day trips from Wuhan are reachable by a combination of high-speed rail and local taxi/bus, with the Jianghan Plain destinations also servable by long-distance bus.
Multi-day tours from Hubei
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from HubeiWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Book high-speed rail tickets on the 12306 app or Ctrip a day or two ahead during holiday periods
Xianning Hot Springs is best paired with an overnight stay if visiting in winter
Bring cash or a mobile payment app for smaller rural attractions that may not have card readers
Check weather before Tianzhu Mountain or Mulan Tianti trips — mountain trails close in heavy rain