Wuhan's East Lake (东湖, Donghu) is the largest urban lake in China, covering 33km² within the city limits. The East Lake Greenway (东湖绿道) is a 105km network of dedicated, car-free cycling and walking paths that circles the lake and connects its many parks, gardens, and scenic areas — making it the longest lakeside greenway in a national 5A-level scenic area. Recognized by UN-Habitat as a model urban public space project, the greenway features wide, well-paved paths that wind through forests, along lakeshores, over bridges, and through gardens. The greenway passes through several distinct scenic areas: Tingtao Scenic Area (listening to the waves), Moshan Scenic Area (mountain views and cherry blossoms), Luoyan Scenic Area (wild goose habitat), and Chu City cultural area. In spring (March-April), the cherry blossom avenue at Moshan is spectacular. In summer, lotus gardens bloom across the lake's shallow edges. The greenway is entirely flat, making it accessible for all skill levels. Bike rental stations are available at multiple entry points along the route.
The best of East Lake in one ride. This loop follows the most scenic sections of the greenway, starting from the Liyuan area, cycling across the lake on the Huzhong Dao (湖中道) — a 6km causeway with water on both sides — to Moshan Scenic Area, then returning via the Hushan Dao (湖山道), a beautiful tree-lined path that passes the iconic Lingbo Gate (凌波门) boardwalk between the lake and Wuhan University.
Route:
Liyuan Square (梨园广场, Metro Line 8) → Huzhong Dao lakeside causeway → Nine Women's Monument (九女墩) → Moshan North Gate (磨山北门) → Chu City cultural area → Moshan South → Hushan Dao → Lingbo Gate (凌波门, the iconic boardwalk) → Hongbo Gate (洪波门) → Shuanghu Bridge (双湖桥) → return to Liyuan
Why we recommend it: This route covers the most photogenic and diverse sections of the greenway — open lake views, forest canopy, cherry blossom avenues (in spring), the famous Lingbo Gate boardwalk, and the cultural area around Chu City. It's entirely flat, well-shaded, and has rest stops and bike rental return points along the way. Perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon ride.
A wider loop connecting the core scenic areas. Starting from Liyuan, ride through Tingtao Scenic Area, continue along Huzhong Dao to Moshan, then follow Hushan Dao past Lingbo Gate and Shuanghu Bridge. This route covers more of the greenway's themed sections and passes additional scenic viewpoints. Rest stations with drinks and snacks are spaced every 3-5km along the route.
For those who want the full East Lake experience, this extended circuit adds the Jiaoye Dao (郊野道, 10.7km) — a countryside-themed greenway that extends into the Luoyan Scenic Area (落雁景区), a wetland habitat for wild geese and migratory birds. The route combines the recommended scenic loop with the northern and eastern sections of the greenway, giving you a comprehensive tour of the lake's diverse landscapes — from cultural areas to wild wetlands. Still entirely flat, but the distance requires reasonable fitness. Start early to avoid the midday heat in summer.
Note: The complete East Lake Greenway network totals 105km across seven themed routes. The distances above cover the most popular cycling circuits. You can exit the greenway at any point and return to the city.
Easy. The recommended scenic loop is entirely flat on dedicated, well-paved, car-free greenway paths with no significant elevation. The greenway is 6 meters wide, with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including families with children and seniors. The longer routes (20-33km) are still flat but require more endurance. Electric bikes are available for rent if you prefer assisted cycling. This is one of the most accessible cycling experiences in China — perfect for rest days, casual cyclists, or families.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this cycling route in China.
Official greenway rental — 'Little Red Deer' (小红羚): The greenway's own bike share system. Single bikes, tandem bikes, and family options with child seats and safety belts available. Well-maintained fleet with many return points along the greenway. First 30 minutes free. Rental stations at major entry points including Liyuan Square (梨园广场), Chufengyuan (楚风园), Moshan North Gate (磨山北门), Baima Station (白马驿站, near Moshan East Gate), and Luoyan Station (落雁驿站).
Hello Bike (哈啰单车): City-wide shared bikes accessible via Alipay or WeChat mini-programs. Scan-to-ride, no deposit needed. Best for getting from the metro station to the greenway entrance — note that external shared bikes are restricted in the core greenway area, so switch to 'Little Red Deer' bikes once inside.
E-bikes (小鹿悠游): Shared electric bikes available via their app. Good for riders who prefer assisted cycling. Note: e-bikes have a speed limit of 10 km/h on the greenway and operate within a defined service zone.
Passport may be required for some rental services. No advance booking needed — just show up and scan to rent.
Fly to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) — direct flights from most major Asian hubs. Airport metro to city center: ~40 min. High-speed train from Beijing (4h), Shanghai (4h), Guangzhou (4h).
To the greenway: Metro Line 8 to Liyuan Station (梨园站), Exit C — walk 5 minutes to Liyuan Square, the main greenway entrance. Alternatively, Metro Line 4 to Dongtu Station. Multiple bus routes also serve the area: buses 401, 402, 413, 682 to Lumo Lu Moshan Station (鲁磨路磨山站) for the Moshan entrance.
Wuhan has an excellent metro system. The greenway has multiple entry points accessible by metro — no taxi needed. Wuhan is also a major Yangtze River cruise port.
The recommended scenic loop (Liyuan → Moshan → Lingbo Gate → Liyuan) is about 12km and takes 1.5-2 hours at a relaxed pace with photo stops.
The greenway is well-signed with distance markers and maps at each intersection — navigation is straightforward. The Huzhong Dao (湖中道, 6km) causeway from Liyuan to Moshan is the most direct route across the water. At Moshan, follow signs toward Chu City and the Hushan Dao (湖山道) heading south/west toward Lingbo Gate. From Lingbo Gate, the path continues along the shore past Hongbo Gate and Shuanghu Bridge back to Liyuan.
Rest stations (驿站) with drinks, snacks, and restrooms are spaced every 3-5km along the greenway. The greenway has bike repair stations with free air pumps at several locations.
Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted everywhere — Wuhan is a major modern city. All bike rentals, food stalls, and shops accept mobile payment.
Costs: East Lake Greenway: free (no entrance fee). Moshan Scenic Area: free. Tingtao Scenic Area: free. Some specialty gardens within the scenic area may charge a small fee. Meals at greenway food courts: ~¥20-40. Budget: ~¥50-100 for a half day including bike rental and food. No need for cash — Wuhan is fully cashless.
Wuhan is a major city — English is spoken at major hotels and some tourist sites. The East Lake area has some English signage at major scenic points. Bike rental stations have limited English.
Useful phrases: 东湖 (dōng hú) = East Lake; 绿道 (lǜ dào) = greenway; 磨山 (mó shān) = Moshan; 樱花 (yīng huā) = cherry blossoms; 自行车 (zì xíng chē) = bicycle; 凌波门 (líng bō mén) = Lingbo Gate; 热干面 (rè gān miàn) = hot dry noodles (Wuhan's famous breakfast dish).
Download a translation app for offline use. Wuhan University, adjacent to the greenway via Lingbo Gate, has many English-speaking students.
Excellent 4G/5G signal throughout the entire greenway — Wuhan is a major tech hub. Free public WiFi ('i-Wuhan') is available in many areas around East Lake. All cafes and food courts along the greenway have WiFi. No connectivity concerns.
Apple Maps and Google Maps work but Baidu Maps or Amap (高德地图) are more accurate for cycling routes and greenway navigation. A power bank is still recommended for all-day cycling with GPS and photography.
Wuhan Union Hospital (武汉协和医院): 027-85726114. Zhongnan Hospital (中南医院): 027-67813120. Ambulance: 120.
The East Lake scenic area has tourist information centers and first aid stations at major gates (Liyuan, Moshan). Police patrols are frequent on the greenway. Bike repair: the greenway has repair stations with air pumps along the route. If your rental bike has a problem, return it to any 'Little Red Deer' station along the greenway for assistance or replacement.
This route has been verified by our team and is highly recommended for international travelers.
Last verified: August 1, 2026