Ezhou

Ezhou is an underrated thousand-year-old capital of Wu, with both deep Three Kingdoms history and the natural scenery of the Yangtze River and lakes. It is also budget-friendly, with attractions clustered close together, making it ideal for a short weekend trip. Here is a classic 2-day, 1-night itinerary and practical guide.

Classic 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: History and Riverside Views: In the morning, head to Xishan Scenic Area and climb to the top for views over the Yangtze River. In the afternoon, visit the Ezhou Museum to learn about the history of the Wu capital. At dusk, watch the sunset in Binjiang Park and view Guanyin Pavilion from afar. In the evening, go to Wudu Qiao Street to enjoy the night scenery or sample night-market snacks.

• Day 2: Lake Views and Leisure Getaway: In the morning, visit Lianhua Mountain Tourist Area and climb the tower for panoramic views. In the afternoon, choose according to your interests: go to Liangzi Lake for fresh lake seafood, or visit Lingling Wildlife Kingdom for family-friendly interaction, then return home.

Must-Visit Attractions

Most attractions in Ezhou are free and not far from one another, making the trip relaxed and easy.

• Xishan Scenic Area: A national 4A-rated scenic area and the summer retreat of Sun Quan, King of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. Climb Wuchang Tower for sweeping views of the Yangtze River and Ezhou. Gulingquan Temple and Xiuyuan Garden are also very photogenic. Free admission.
• Ezhou Museum: A national first-class museum with free admission (ID required). Its bronze mirrors and Three Kingdoms artifacts are especially distinctive, and the bronze mirror exhibition on the second floor is well worth seeing. Closed on Mondays.

• Guanyin Pavilion Park: Known as the “First Pavilion on the Ten-Thousand-Li Yangtze River,” this 700-year-old ancient pavilion stands in the middle of the river. The pavilion is currently not open for climbing, but viewing its imposing form from the riverbank is already impressive. It is most beautiful for photos at sunset.

• Liangzi Lake Ecotourism Area: The birthplace of Wuchang fish. Take a boat to Liangzi Island, where you can cycle around the lake and eat fresh lake delicacies. In autumn, the hairy crabs and water caltrops are especially not to be missed. Boat tickets are about 80 yuan, including the round trip.

• Lianhua Mountain Tourist Area: Designed in the style of Jiangnan gardens. Climb the 80-meter-high Yuanming Tower for a panoramic view of Yanglan Lake. The stele forest corridor is well suited for taking ancient-style photos in Hanfu. Admission is 35 yuan.

Local Food and Time-Honored Eateries

In Ezhou, besides the must-try Wuchang fish, you will also find all kinds of affordable old eateries full of everyday local flavor.

Transportation and Practical Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• Intercity Transport: From Wuhan, high-speed rail or the Xincheng Express Line takes only 20-30 minutes, with tickets around 20 yuan. Driving takes about 1 hour, with direct expressway access, making it very convenient.
• Getting Around the City: Attractions are relatively concentrated. Taxi fares start at 7 yuan, and shared electric scooters are the most flexible and convenient option. To visit Liangzi Lake, you need to drive to Changling Wharf and take a boat.
• Pitfall-Avoidance Tips: Ezhou Museum is closed on Mondays and stops admission at 16:00. Guanyin Pavilion currently cannot be climbed, so do not trust scalpers. Wudu Qiao Street may be rather quiet on non-weekend and non-holiday evenings, so consider going at a better time or switching to a night market for food. Be cautious about buying “wild mountain goods” near scenic areas; for local specialties, it is better to buy vacuum-packed products from supermarkets.