East Lake

Why it's worth it

Thirty-three square kilometres of lake — six West Lakes in one — with a 100-kilometre greenway threading cherry groves, plum hills and reed marshes along the shore. This is Wuhan's weekend body and soul.

Don't miss

• Moshan's cherry blossom corridors in late March — the city's pinkest fortnight
• Cycling the greenway from Listening-to-Waves shore towards the opera stage on the water
• The sightseeing steam-train ride for when legs give out

Getting there

Line 8 to Liyuan (Tingtao scenic area) for the main shore; Moshan is a shuttle or long walk east along the greenway.

Tips

• Rent bikes at the greenway stations; the loop segments are signed and car-free
• Cherry season means crowds at Moshan gates — arrive at opening or visit the campus groves instead
• The lake is bigger than it looks: pick one shore per visit rather than orbiting