Ezhou

Ezhou is known as the “City of a Hundred Lakes.” It was the capital of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period and is the home of Wuchang fish. Most local attractions offer free admission, and the relaxed pace makes the city a good choice for a weekend trip from Wuhan and nearby cities.

• Xishan Scenic Area: Admission is free. Sun Quan once came here to escape the summer heat and study. Walking routes up the mountain pass historic sites such as Gulingquan Temple and Jiuqu Pavilion. From Wuchang Tower at the summit, you can look out over the Yangtze River and central Ezhou. The quiet woodland is ideal for walking.

• Guanyin Pavilion Park: This park offers free admission and views from the riverbank of Guanyin Pavilion, known as the “Foremost Pavilion on the Yangtze.” Built on a rocky outcrop in the river, the pavilion has a history of more than 700 years. Its interior is closed to visitors. For a full view in photographs, use the riverside viewing platform; around sunset is a good time to visit.

• Ezhou Museum: Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. The museum is closed on Mondays. Its extensive collection of ancient bronze mirrors and artifacts related to the Wu capital offers an introduction to Ezhou’s thousand-year history and Wu culture.

• Lianhua Mountain Tourist Area: Admission is free. This peaceful area features a collection of inscribed stone tablets, pavilions and towers. Climb the 80-meter-tall Yuanming Pagoda for views of Yanglan Lake and the city. An evening visit also offers a chance to watch the sunset.

• Liangzi Lake Ecotourism Area: This expansive lake is the home of Wuchang fish and is well suited to an autumn visit. Take a boat to Liangzi Island to experience fishing village life and sample Liangzi Lake hairy crabs and farmhouse dishes featuring fresh fish and other lake produce.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: History and River Views: Spend the morning at Xishan Scenic Area, learning about Three Kingdoms history as you walk up the mountain. After descending, have lunch with dishes such as steamed Wuchang fish and Dongpo pastries. In the afternoon, walk to Ezhou Museum to see its ancient bronze mirrors and other exhibits. Head to Guanyin Pavilion Park in the early evening to watch the sunset along the river. For dinner, visit Nanpu Road Night Market or Mingtanghou Road Night Market to try Guige stir-fried rice noodles and Yahui braised snacks.
• Day 2: Lakeside Scenery and Leisure: Visit Lianhua Mountain Tourist Area in the morning and climb the pagoda for views of Yanglan Lake, then walk or cycle along the lakeside greenway. If time allows in the afternoon, drive about an hour to Liangzi Lake for lake views and fresh local fish and other lake specialties. Alternatively, stay in the city and visit Fankou Wuchang Fish Park for a walk along its 4.2-kilometer riverside greenway before heading home.

Ezhou Local Specialties

Local food draws on produce from the rivers and lakes as well as the culinary traditions of the former Wu capital. Choose from these dishes and snacks according to your tastes:

• Steamed Wuchang Fish: This signature Ezhou dish uses blunt-snout bream from Liangzi Lake. Its flesh is tender with relatively few bones, and steaming brings out the fish’s natural flavor.

• Yahui Duck Necks: This long-established local brand specializes in braised snacks with a sweet and spicy flavor. The duck heads and necks are well infused with seasoning and can also be taken home as gifts.

• Dongpo Pastries: These crisp, hollow pastries are sprinkled with sugar for a moderate sweetness and pair well with tea. Said to have been created by Su Dongpo, they are sold at the vegetarian snack shop at the ancient temple on Xishan.

• Taihe Tofu Sheets: Made by hand using a technique recognized as intangible cultural heritage, these thin tofu sheets have a distinct soybean flavor and a supple, chewy texture. They can be served in cold salads or added to soups.
• Guige Stir-Fried Round Rice Noodles: This night-market snack combines thick rice noodles and shredded meat, stir-fried over high heat with a rich sauce and a tangy, spicy flavor.

• Haotang Malatang: Prepared much like the local fried snack known as zhazha, the ingredients are deep-fried and then topped with a thick sauce. Tofu skin and sliced potatoes are popular choices.

Transport and Accommodation

• Getting There: High-speed trains from Wuhan Railway Station to Ezhou Railway Station take about 25 minutes, with frequent departures. Driving from Wuhan via the Wuhan–Ezhou Expressway usually takes about 1–1.5 hours each way.
• Getting Around: The main sights in the city center are fairly close together, and taxi rides between them often cost only the minimum fare. Shared electric bikes are another option for sightseeing.
• Where to Stay: First-time visitors can choose accommodation near Yanglan Lake or the riverfront in central Ezhou, where dining and taxis are convenient. Accommodation is relatively affordable: budget hotels cost around RMB 150–200 per night, while hotels with river views cost around RMB 200–300 per night.

Visiting Tips and Practical Information

• Guanyin Pavilion: View the pavilion from the riverbank. The interior is closed, and visitors cannot enter or climb it. The light around the evening rise in water level is good for photography; use a telephoto lens to capture the historic pavilion against the sunset sky.
• Museum: Avoid Mondays, when the museum is closed, and reserve in advance using your ID card. Look out for the ancient bronze mirror exhibits during your visit.
• Walking on Xishan: The mountain paths have many steps, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Leave through the north gate after your visit to continue on foot to the museum.
• Liangzi Lake: If you plan to take a boat to the island and fully enjoy the local lake cuisine, allow a full day for Liangzi Lake. Plan it as a separate outing rather than fitting it into a two-day city itinerary.
• Wudu Qiao Street: This Three Kingdoms-themed district is good for photography when its lights come on at night. Some shops may be closed outside holiday periods, so check opening arrangements before making a special trip.