Travel to Hubei in the golden autumn, follow this checklist to check in!
As autumn winds sweep across the land of Hubei, Hubei dons its own unique attire—Wuhan's rivers and lakes are illuminated by lights, Suizhou's ginkgo trees spread a golden carpet, Shennongjia's scenery overflows with vibrant colors 💥, and Enshi's canyons paint the riverbanks red... From natural wonders to cultural feasts, from delicious delicacies to the romance of the starry sky, this guide will help you unlock countless ways to experience autumn in Hubei. There's always a scene that will make you stop and cherish your own unique autumn memories.
1️⃣Wuhan: Autumn in the Rivers and Lakes 🌊
Wuhan's autumn is a perfect fusion of nature and humanity, with romance lingering from dawn to dusk.
✅ East Lake Birdwatching: Autumn is prime birdwatching season in East Lake 🦅. Zou Renqi Bird Island is home to a large population of cormorants, and visitors can experience the beauty of migratory birds up close from birdwatching platforms and boat tours. ✅ Huangpi Qingliangzhai Foliage Viewing: Early November is the peak season for foliage viewing 🍁. Over a thousand acres of maple and tamarisk trees create a vibrant "sea of crimson forest." Stroll along the "Heavenly Ladder" trail and admire the reflections of crimson maples in "Drunken Lake," a breathtaking sight.
✅ Wuhan Two Rivers Night Cruise: Take an autumn night cruise 🚢, enjoying the river breeze and the fragrance of osmanthus. Gaze at landmarks like the Yangtze River Bridge and Yellow Crane Tower, where lights reflect off the ripples of the river, and savor the romantic charm of this river city.
✅ Golden Autumn Performances: Enjoy symphonies at the Qintai Concert Hall 🎻, original musicals at the theater, and band concerts, letting you immerse yourself in the melodies of autumn nights.
2️⃣ Huangshi: Autumn in the Lakes and Mountains 🏞️
Huangshi's autumn is hidden between the lakes and mountains, perfect for those seeking a relaxing and unwinding experience. ✅ Birdwatching at Xiandao Lake: A signature spot for Hubei ecotourism, see egrets, cormorants, and other waterfowl in autumn. 🕊️ The lake is clear and dotted with islands, perfect for birdwatching and scenic views.
✅ Foliage Viewing at Dongfang Mountain: In late autumn, Dongfang Mountain's forests are ablaze with vibrant colors, with crimson maples and ancient ginkgo trees contrasting with each other. 🍂 Fallen leaves form a "golden carpet" beneath the trees, dotted with ancient temples, creating a breathtaking scene.
✅ Weisuwan Campground: Located on the shores of Cihu Lake, you can pitch your tent and bask in the sun. In the evening, watch the sunset paint the lake and mudflats a vibrant red, offering a sense of natural relaxation amidst the city.
3️⃣ Yichang - Autumn Harvest in Xijiang 🍊
Autumn in Yichang offers the beauty of mountains and rivers, the joy of a bountiful harvest, and a rich cultural experience. ✅ Gorges Night Cruise: Cruise along the Yangtze River on an autumn night 🚤 and witness the intertwining of the Yiwu-Wanzhou Railway Bridge, the Natural Tower, and the light show. The river waves reflect the stars, and you'll immerse yourself in the autumn night of the gorge.
✅ Zigui Orange Tasting: Autumn is Zigui navel orange season 🍊. The sprawling orange orchards are filled with golden fruits, allowing you to pick them yourself and savor the refreshing juice. Stroll along the scenic corridor to admire the idyllic autumn scenery.
✅ Yidu Shows: An immersive performance at the Three Gorges Eternal Scenery Area 🎭 recreates the culture of the Three Gorges and the history of Bachu. Take photos in distinctive neighborhoods like Three Kingdoms Street and Gorges Street.
4️⃣ Shiyan - Wudang Autumn Trail 🧘
Autumn in Shiyan is imbued with a celestial charm and a Zen-like atmosphere, perfect for those who enjoy exploring the world from afar.
✅ Wudang Mountain Foliage Viewing: In autumn, the forests of Wudang Mountain are ablaze with vibrant colors 🎨. Listen to Taoist priests lecture on Wudang culture at Zixiao Palace and Taihe Palace, and experience the spirit of "seeking the Tao" amidst the morning and evening bells.
✅ Taste Danjiangkou White Flour: Drive along the Danjiangkou Reservoir Ring Road 🚗 and admire the stunning scenery of "clear water reflecting autumn forests." Savor freshly-caught Danjiangkou white flour, which is even more tender when steamed.
✅ International Wudang Tai Chi Culture Festival: Held from October 22nd to 28th, experience the charm of Tai Chi culture with six special events, including a 1,000-person Tai Chi performance 🧘 and the "Strike the Chimes to Inaugurate Good Luck" ceremony.
5️⃣ Huanggang - Red Maple and Rice Language 🌾
Autumn in Huanggang is a carnival of mountains, forests, and fields, allowing you to experience the joy of a bountiful harvest.
✅ Enjoy foliage viewing at Luotian Tiantangzhai: The mountains are covered in maple trees, cotinus coggygria, and tallow trees, dyed red, yellow, and orange 🍁. The crimson leaves burn like fiery flames on the branches, creating a stunning autumn photo. ✅ Leisure at Huangmei Yuanfu Rice Fields: Golden rice waves undulate in the breeze 🌾. Stroll along the ridges, experience paddy fishing and hand-threshing rice, and savor the relaxing "autumn scenery + coffee" at the Rice Paddy Café.
✅ Dabie Mountain Chestnut and Persimmon Picking Season: When chestnuts and persimmons are ripe 🥜, pick the plump fruits yourself and experience the farm-like joy of "threshing chestnuts and persimmons." You can also take some fresh fruit home.
6️⃣ Suizhou - Ginkgo Starry Sky 🌌
Autumn in Suizhou embodies the romance of time and the starry sky, perfect for those seeking tranquility and a dreamlike experience.
✅ Thousand-Year Ginkgo Valley Foliage Viewing: Millennium ginkgo trees are decked out in golden attire 🍂, their fallen leaves forming a "golden carpet." A stroll through the woods feels like stepping into a golden tunnel of time. You can also visit the Ginkgo Museum to learn about the stories of these ancient trees. ✅ Stargazing at Dahong Mountain: Climb to the summit of "Northern Chu's First Peak," where the autumn sky is crystal clear and the Milky Way stretches across the horizon. 🌌 Watch the twinkling stars from Zhuangyuan Terrace, and sleep under the stars in a mountain B&B. During the day, interact with deer and explore the wonders of Liangwang Cave.
7️⃣ Jingmen - Autumn Exploration of Jingyuan 🚴
Jingmen's autumn offers both dynamic and tranquil experiences, offering both outdoor thrills and a rich cultural experience.
✅ Paragliding at Shengjing Mountain: Soar into the sky with a professional instructor and overlook the peaks of Dahong Mountain and the autumn fields. Next to the first-level takeoff platform is Genting Café and Starry Sky BBQ. Enjoy the romantic feeling of "picking the sunset with your hands" during a sunset flight.
✅ Aifei Ke Geek Park: A paradise for aviation enthusiasts, featuring giant aircraft models, simulated cockpits, wind tunnel flights, go-karting, rock climbing, and more, perfect for families and hardcore enthusiasts. ✅ Zhanghe Reservoir Cycling Tour: Cycle along the Zhanghe Reservoir 🚴 and admire the autumn scenery of Thousand Islands. At dusk, catch the orange sunset. After your ride, enjoy kayaking, ziplining, and other recreational facilities.
✅ Mingling Mausoleum, a World Cultural Heritage Site: Famous for its "One Mausoleum, Two Tombs" 🏯, its red walls and glazed tiles are adorned with ginkgo trees in autumn. During a night tour, lights illuminate the glazed screen walls, and the ancient stele pavilions and autumn sun complement each other, creating a sense of history.
8️⃣ Enshi Gorge Autumn Leaves and Farming 🧗
Autumn in Enshi combines the grandeur of the canyon with the vibrant life of farming, perfect for travelers who enjoy adventure and local customs.
✅ Badong Wuxiakou Foliage Viewing: Climb Lingzhi Fairy Terrace and overlook the 90° bend of the Yangtze River 🌊. Red and yellow leaves on both sides of the canyon intertwine with the green mountains, creating a flowing, colorful wave in the wind. Capture the magnificent autumn scenery of the gorge in every photo. ✅ Jianshi Jigongling Rock Climbing: On the via ferrata route 🧗, hold onto chains and step onto steel ladders as you cross the canyon. Reaching the summit offers panoramic views of cascading forests and the crystal-clear river, a perfect blend of adventure and autumnal delights.
✅ Xuan'en Jingchu Rural Cultural Tourism Festival: The eaves of stilt houses are draped with corn and chili peppers 🌽. Experience the harvest in the fields, sample Tujia cuisine, and enjoy the traditional autumn sun-drying rituals on the bluestone pavements.
9️⃣ Xiantao - Autumn Flavors of Water Village 🦆
Xiantao's autumn is shrouded in the gentle warmth of the waterside village and the delicious aroma of its delicacies, perfect for those who enjoy a slow pace and delicious food.
✅ Savor Yellow Eel in the Land of Fish and Rice: As the "Yellow Eel Capital of China," autumn eels are plump and delicious 🐍. Try steamed eel, Panlong eel, or Mianyang's "Three Steamed" dishes to experience the vibrant flavors of the Jianghan Water Village. ✅Explore the autumn colors of a dreamlike water town: Bluestone pavements are gleaming with autumn rain. Ride a black-sailed boat through the waterways 🚤, listen to the boatwoman sing flower drum opera, and watch pond cypresses reflect the autumn waters, white walls and black tiles hidden among the golden vegetation – it's like stepping into a Jiangnan water town.
1️⃣0️⃣ Shennongjia - Autumn Picking in the Forest 🍎
Autumn in Shennongjia combines the splendor of the forest with the joy of harvest, perfect for nature lovers.
✅ Foliage Viewing in the National Forest Park: Autumn in the National Forest Park resembles a three-dimensional palette 🎨, with meadows and forests bathed in autumnal attire, and the lake reflecting a vibrant hue. In the morning, mist curls over Dajiu Lake, dotted with sika deer 🦌, creating a poetic and tranquil atmosphere.
✅ Autumn Fruit Picking Experience: Wild fruits ripen in the forests 🍎. Pick chestnuts, walnuts, and wild kiwis. Experience the joy of threshing chestnuts with a winnowing basket, and take your fresh harvest home to capture the flavor of Shennongjia's autumn.
As autumn deepens, Hubei awaits your arrival—these are all autumn landscapes that will captivate you.
Image source: Hubei Culture and Tourism