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
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
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
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
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.
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