Wuhan’s event calendar follows the lunar rhythm of traditional Chinese festivals while mixing in modern sporting events and seasonal celebrations. The city comes alive during cherry blossom season in spring and slows down during the summer heat, but there’s something happening in every season if you time your visit right.
Wuhan Events and Festivals: Spring (March to May)
Wuhan Cherry Blossom Festival (mid-March to mid-April) , The crown jewel of Wuhan’s event calendar. Over 10,000 cherry trees bloom across Wuhan University, East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, and Moshan. The university’s Cherry Blossom Avenue is the most photographed spot, but East Lake’s Cherry Blossom Park covers 33 hectares with over 50 varieties including early-blooming Kawazu-zakura and late-blooming Kanzan. Entry to the university requires a free reservation that opens 3 days in advance; East Lake charges CNY 60 (about US$8). This is the busiest period in Wuhan by far, hotels sell out and prices double. Arrive at venues before 8am to beat the crowds. For more on this, see our Wuhan travel guide. See our Wuhan travel guide for more details.
Wuhan Marathon (April) , Held on the second Sunday of April, the Wuhan Marathon attracts over 20,000 runners from across China and abroad. The course crosses the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge and passes landmarks including Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake. Road closures affect the Wuchang and Hankou waterfront areas from 6am to 2pm. Spectating is free along the route; the finish line at East Lake is the best viewing spot. For more on this, see our Wuhan weather by month. See our Wuhan weather by month for more details.
Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day, April 4 or 5) , A traditional holiday when locals visit ancestral graves and enjoy spring outings. Temples like Guiyuan see increased visitors. It’s a 3-day public holiday, so domestic travel picks up and train tickets can be tight. Many families fly kites along the Yangtze riverbanks. For more on this, see our best time to visit Wuhan. See our best time to visit Wuhan for more details.
Wuhan Events and Festivals: Summer (June to August)
Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu, fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually June) , Dragon boat races take place on East Lake and the Yangtze River, with teams from across Hubei province competing in colourfully decorated boats. The races run from about 9am to 4pm on the festival day. Vendors sell zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves with meat or sweet fillings) everywhere, CNY 5 to 15 each. The East Lake Tingtao area is the best place to watch. Expect heat and humidity; bring water and sun protection. For more on this, see our things to do in Wuhan. See our things to do in Wuhan for more details.
Wuhan International Yangtze River Crossing Festival (July 16) , Commemorating Mao Zedong’s famous 1966 swim across the Yangtze at age 73, this mass participation event sees thousands of swimmers cross the river from the Wuchang side to Hankou. Registration for swimmers opens in May and fills quickly (you need a health certificate and swimming proficiency proof). For spectators, the best viewing is from the Hankou riverbank near the Wuhan Customs House from 8am to 11am. Free to watch. For more on this, see our Wuhan neighbourhoods guide. See our Wuhan neighbourhoods guide for more details.
Wuhan Events and Festivals: Autumn (September to November)
Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually September or early October) , A major family reunion holiday marked by mooncake giving and evening lantern displays. In Wuhan, the Hankou riverfront promenade hosts lantern installations and the East Lake area holds moon-viewing gatherings. Mooncake prices range from CNY 10 for simple lotus seed paste varieties to CNY 100+ for gift boxes. If the festival falls close to National Day (October 1), expect massive crowds everywhere. For more on this, see our where to stay in Wuhan. See our where to stay in Wuhan for more details.
Wuhan Optics Valley International Tennis Centre tournaments , The WTA Wuhan Open (usually late September) is a Premier 5-level tournament that draws top-ranked women’s tennis players to the Optics Valley complex. Tickets range from CNY 100 for early rounds to CNY 500+ for finals. The 15,000-seat central court is covered, so rain doesn’t stop play. For more on this, see our Wuhan travel tips. See our Wuhan travel tips for more details.
Wuhan Events and Festivals: Winter (December to February)
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival, late January to mid-February) , Wuhan’s temples, especially Guiyuan Temple, fill with worshippers burning incense and praying for the new year. Temple fairs pop up around the city with traditional snacks, handicrafts, and performances. The 15th day (Lantern Festival) brings tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) and lantern displays. Note that many independent restaurants and shops close for 1 to 2 weeks during the holiday; large hotels and malls stay open.
Wuhan International Ice and Snow Festival (December to February) , Held at the East Lake Moshan area, this smaller-scale ice sculpture exhibition features illuminated ice carvings and a snow play area. Entry costs CNY 80 to 120. It’s nowhere near Harbin’s scale but is Wuhan’s only winter-specific attraction. Open daily 9am to 9pm.
