Wuhan Lakes

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Biking anywhere in Donghu is a good idea with the park offering 101km of biking trail! There are so many entrances to East Lake but I normally start my biking adventure at Liyuan Square (梨园广场）or Moshan (东湖磨山). Rent a bike and pedal your way around the lake for a perfect mix of exercise and sightseeing. The Moshan area itself is a bit "meh," but hop on the cable car for a ride that’ll give you views worth the detour. 

 Craving a BBQ? East Lake has you covered, whether you bring your own food or let someone else do the grilling. You’ll find pre-set tents and ready-to-go restaurants around Qu Donghu 趣东湖, which is deep in the forested area. For a more scenic route to your feast, enter through Forest Park South Gate (森林公园南门) and take a leisurely 1-2 hour walk through the forest. It’s the perfect way to work up an appetite before you fire up the grill. 

Move over drive-in-theatre and say hello to pool-in-theatre! Donghu beach offers an artificial beach in the middle of the park, and plenty of entertainment and BBQ options.

Relax and enjoy the cityscapes by taking a boat ride in the massive lake. Entrance by Dong Hu Lao Da Men 东湖老大门 and a 5 minute walk to the lake.

Dreamy, romantic ferris wheel located in the Mo Hill or Moshan scenic area, surrounded by beautiful gardens and the lake. Perfect place for a picnic date.

Take a stroll through the different corners of East Lake and discover its natural beauty.

One of the biggest cherry blossom parks in China, it's a great place to visit during spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom but look out for the crowds!

With over 4000 species of flora, the garden has an area of 70 hectares and has several landscapes, and different types of gardens. It's a nice place for a stroll, but not a must considering the free natural eye candy most of Donghu offers. 

Instagram worthy small petting zoo appropriate for toddlers and trendy parents who appreciate the picturesque setup.

 Got little ones (think 10 and under)? Then Dinosaur Park is a must. Imagine a jungle full of dino-themed activities, nestled in a lush forest by the lake. It's like stepping into a spacious prehistoric playground, and it’s conveniently near the BBQ area, so you can easily work up an appetite between roaring dinosaurs and grilled meats. 

 For those with younger kids, Squirrel Park is a great outdoor playground. Located in the scenic Luoyan Area, it’s a short (but beautiful) 10-15 minute walk to the playground. Entrance fee? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. You’re surrounded by forest and, of course, the lake, making it the perfect spot for a family picnic. Plus, you can hop on a shuttle boat to explore other parts of the lake, including Moshan. 

 Calling all animal lovers—Flying Bird World is a great place for families with young children. It’s not just a zoo; it’s a feathered frenzy. You’ll find yourself hand-feeding giraffes, deer, llamas, and, of course, an army of birds. But the real fun starts when you brave the parakeets. Hold out a cup of seeds, and watch a rainbow of tiny birds descend on you like a feathery flash mob. They’ll land on your hands, your head, your shoulders—basically anywhere they please. Kids adore it, but if you’re into quirky, up-close animal experiences, you will too