Wuhan Off The Beaten Path

When I visited the Jiefang park the big pagoda took my interest. I went there and suddenly I found myself in a kind of pagoda forrest. I never read about it before, so it was a nice surprise. Of course I climbed up to the top floor to have a good view of Wuhan. And... what a wonder, a guy started a conversation. He took the tiny chance to talk with a foreigner.

I just left the pagoda and I saw the next two couple waiting to be photographed. (not by me, of course). I asked the photographer if I also can take a photo of the couple and as you see, it was possible.

To marry seems to be very popular in China. Everywhere I saw couples which were photographed. In Wuhan the couples were photographed in the Jiefang Park. (at least I didnt see it anywhere else). I have to admit, the background of the pic with those pagoda is no bad idea.

I have to admit, I dont have any information about those pagoda but its a very nice place. And I was surprised, almost no people. Maybe because of the admission fee. To enter the park itself costs 2 or 3 RMB, the same if you want to enter that pagoda forest.

Probably because of that fact there are much more people in the Zhangshan Park.

Tingtao scenic spot is one of the central part of The East Lake National Park. The beautiful natural environment create many beautiful scenes. In addition, within the scenic spot there are many different kind of special food. When I was there, there was was a Festival of Xinjiang people. Some dancer, acrobats and of course many shops where you could by anything from Xinjiang ( a province in the West of China)

We got the opportunity to visit a cotton mill. The mill is located near a cotton farm and quite far from the city. It is a small one and, although mechanized, most of the machines are antiquated. It is advisable for anyone entering the mill to wear a mask to avoid inhalation of "flying" cotton.

Wuhan's river front park and market offers visitors a taste of local culture. Check out the open air market for exotic animals, spices and foods. At the end of the market, retired men trade fancy pigeons. Continue out of the market toward the river front where Wuhan locals unwind on the weekend by flying kites, working out in the fitness parks and getting haircuts. Be aware that they don't get many western visitors in this region and you may be asked to sing at an open air concert as an honored guest.

The Wuhan Botanical Garden is a large botanical research center specializing in plant conservancy. There are several sections to the gardens. There is almost always something in bloom. The lotus collection is of special note. I hope to return when the new lotus gardens built above ground like a glass aquarium are finished. These were under construction. When completed this will allow the visitors to view the underwater growing plants as well as the blooms above.