Wuhan, Are You Okay?

The 2019 pandemic made us develop a bond with Wuhan. We agreed to visit together after it was over. I knew about the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, the Yellow Crane Tower, and Wuhan University, but when I actually arrived on site, I was incredibly excited. After taking the second dose of the vaccine, I packed my bags and headed for this now-free place.

After a night on the train, I arrived in Wuchang at seven in the morning the next day, took a taxi to the booked Wuhan InterContinental Hotel.

First stop: Hubu Alley. Hungry after a night of travel, I couldn't wait to get there and try the three-fresh-ingredient tofu skin and fresh meat soup dumplings—they were quite tasty.

With a full stomach, it was time to set off!

The Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge was opened to traffic in 1957. Over the past half-century, it has endured strong winds, floods, and more than 70 collisions, including a head-on collision with a 10,000-ton oil tanker. Yet the bridge remains standing strong. Standing here, gazing at the Yangtze River Bridge, I recalled Chairman Mao's poem: "A bridge spans north and south, turning a chasm into a thoroughfare." What boldness and grandeur! A sense of pride welled up inside me. I couldn't help but exclaim: Truly the first bridge over the mighty Yangtze.

The Yellow Crane Tower—one of the three famous towers south of the Yangtze River—stands on Snake Hill. It was first built during the Three Kingdoms period (223 AD). By the first year of Yongtai in the Tang Dynasty (765 AD), it had taken initial shape. However, due to frequent wars and fires, the tower was built and destroyed many times. The only thing left was a bronze roof from the original tower. In 1981, the Yellow Crane Tower was rebuilt on the peak of Snake Hill, completed in 1985. It is now a national 5A-level scenic spot, renowned as "the unparalleled scenic wonder of the world." I recalled the classic line: "The yellow crane once gone, never returns; white clouds drift aimlessly for a thousand years."

First picture: Millennium Auspicious Bell. Completed in 1999. Fourth picture: Mural: White Clouds and Yellow Crane.

"In the mist and rain, the vast land is hazy; Tortoise and Snake Hills lock the great river. Raising a toast to the surging waves, my heart rises with the tide." Watching the slowly flowing Yangtze River, I felt the passage of time like the river flowing east. After crossing the 1,670-meter-long Yangtze River Bridge, I reached Tortoise Hill. Tortoise Hill is one of the hills in Wuhan with many historic sites, boasting a long history as a strategic battleground for generations. Entering from the south gate, I saw Lu Su's tomb, statues of Three Kingdoms figures, Xiang Jingyu's Martyrs' Cemetery, and the Red Soldiers' Cemetery.

Exhausted from walking, I took a taxi to Jianghan Road to grab some food. Jianghan Road, stretching 1,210 meters, is the longest pedestrian street in China, renowned as the world's top pedestrian street. It's also a museum of 20th-century architecture in Wuhan, integrating shopping, leisure, tourism, and culture—a vital calling card of the city. Transportation is convenient, especially by subway.

That day was exhausting. I checked my WeChat steps—over 27,000. I really admired my own endurance. Returning to the hotel to rest, I stood on the 18th-floor balcony and saw the breathtaking night view of greater Wuhan. The lights shimmered and changed endlessly, offering infinite beauty and reverie. Recalling the days and nights of that year, what sleepless nights the people of Wuhan must have endured. I sincerely wish them peace and happiness.

Day two: Wuhan University, Chu River and Han Street, Hubei Provincial Museum.

Wuhan University is a key institution under the national 985 and 211 projects, with strong research capabilities and a gathering of talents.

The old library of Wuhan University is considered an iconic building and a spiritual symbol, mainly holding historical documents.

Next stop: Chu River and Han Street.

Chu River and Han Street is not just a commercial area but also a project showcasing the city's historical culture and ecological landscape. The main architectural style is that of the Republic of China period, interspersed with modern elements and European-style buildings. As soon as we entered the street, it started raining, and it got heavier. Unfortunately, we couldn't go further. What a pity.

We walked along East Lake in light rain toward the Hubei Provincial Museum.

The Hubei Provincial Museum embodies a thousand years of Chu culture, housing national treasures such as the Marquis Yi of Zeng's chime bells and the Sword of Goujian, King of Yue. Advance reservations are required. Fortunately, we were beyond the age limit and got in smoothly. The young men and women who came in the rain stood there disappointed, with no other option.

The weather forecast said there was a 100% chance of rain in Wuhan for the next two days, so we decided to change our plans and head to Xiangtan next.

First stop: Xiangtan Yaowan Historical and Cultural District.

The Yaowan Historical and Cultural District reflects the economic prosperity of its time. Attractions include the Tanbao Bus Station, Wangheng Pavilion, Datang Xing Temple, and riverside scenery. Yaowan Old Street thrived by the water, with the Xiang River flowing gently beside it, along with that quaint old town—quiet, so quiet...

We continued walking to the next site: Wanlou (Ten Thousand Tower).

First built in the 43rd year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1615), "Wan" means the greatest number, signifying that the town would grow from this. The structure has nine inner floors and five outer floors, symbolizing "the supreme status of nine and five." Currently, there is no admission fee for Wanlou. We went in smoothly but only walked around the lowest floor. Standing there looking up, it was very impressive.

If your body allows during a trip, it's good to walk—you'll discover many different scenes along the way. We passed by Qiu Jin's former residence, Renli Street, the North Five Provinces Guild Hall, Guanxiang Gate, etc. Due to limited space, I won't go into detail. The Xiang River at night, under the brilliant lights, was especially charming. The nightlife of Xiangtan people is full of happiness and joy, leaving a deep impression on me. Also, I recommend the Meigao International Hotel in Xiangtan. The bedding was very comfortable, the bathrobe was not too thick, maybe with some silk content. And then there was the huge bathtub, quite unique.

Since we were not far from Shaoshan, we set off again. There is a bus from Shaoshan Railway Station for 3 yuan per person, taking us directly to the Shaoshan Tourist Distribution Center. Then we transferred to a scenic area shuttle for 20 yuan per person, with a ticket stamped by the scenic area, valid for two days. We booked the Shaoshan Hotel, which is inside the scenic area, so we dropped off our luggage and visited some attractions. The reservation slots were full, so we couldn't go inside the main sites.

Last stop: Changsha.

First, we went to Orange Island Head. There was a queue for the tourist carts, so we walked in the rain. Standing in front of the statue of young Mao Zedong, I was still deeply impressed. It rained heavily that day, but visitors kept coming.

Next stop: Yuelu Academy and Scenic Area.

Yuelu Academy is one of the four great ancient academies in China. It was partially destroyed during the Anti-Japanese War. In 1956, it was listed as a provincial cultural relic protection unit, and restoration was carried out in phases after 1981.

"I stop my carriage to sit and admire the evening maple grove; the frost-covered leaves are redder than the flowers of February." The words "Aiwan Ting" (Lovely Evening Pavilion), one of China's four famous pavilions, were inscribed by Chairman Mao.

After that, we also visited Hunan University, Xiao Jinguang's former residence, and Changsha's snack street. We tried the local sweet rice cakes and bought a few bags of stinky tofu. I won't go into all the details.

Last day: Hunan Provincial Museum. We visited the most famous tomb from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty site—the burial pit of Lady Xin Zhui. We saw Shang and Zhou bronze wares, Chu artifacts, plain silk garments, and ceramics from various dynasties. Everywhere we looked, we couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship and wisdom of the artisans of those times.

Thus ended the 9-day trip. It feels like I haven't seen enough. It rained a lot in Hubei and Hunan during these days, which affected my mood a bit. But my husband liked it—he enjoys walking in the rain and savoring that feeling. So I had to go along with him. Ah, I'm just saying; it's not that bad actually. I also like rain, but not too heavy. Looking forward to the next trip. Let's go together again.