On October 5th, the weather was clear and sunny, with bustling crowds throughout Wuhan. The Yellow Crane Tower was packed with visitors, Jianghan Road was shoulder-to-shoulder with people, and East Lake echoed with cheerful laughter.

If we zoom out from the bustling crowds, a grander picture unfolds along the two rivers and four shores—the Hundred-Mile Yangtze River Ecological Corridor has been fully connected, welcoming visitors in its complete form for the first time.

From an aerial view, this 82.89-kilometer ecological corridor stretches along the river like a century-long scroll. The tranquility of Nan’an Zui, the liveliness of Hankou River Beach, the vitality of Yangsigang, the historical richness of Wuchang Bay, the natural charm of Hongshan River Beach… During this Golden Week holiday, each section of the riverfront tells its own unique story to visitors.

River landscape

“Enjoying the river breeze and scenery while tasting authentic Wuhan cuisine—this is the perfect place to relax!” exclaimed a visitor from Changsha on the evening of October 3rd at the Guanlu Boardwalk near Yongqing Gate of Hankou River Beach. Behind her, the Yangtze River Second Bridge and skyscrapers on the opposite shore were silhouetted against the sunset, with crowds of tourists enjoying the view.

This marks the starting point of Wuhan’s Hundred-Mile Yangtze River Ecological Corridor and where Wuhan residents’ “riverfront dream” began.

From the management of the Dragon King Temple danger zone after the 1998 catastrophic flood, to the opening of Hankou River Beach Phase I in 2002 that sparked a citywide trend of “going to the riverfront,” to the launch of the Wuhan Hundred-Mile Yangtze River Ecological Corridor project in 2020—Wuhan has spent nearly 30 years transforming from “flood control barriers” to a “world-class waterfront space.”

During this Golden Week, Hankou River Beach served as a welcoming “urban living room,” showcasing the perfect integration of waterfront space and urban functions through mature, convenient services and vibrant atmosphere. With art exhibitions, opera carnivals, and open-air cinemas, it warmly embraced every visitor, telling the story of Wuhan’s transition from “defending against the river” to “embracing the river.”

Waterfront view

Moving downstream, the scene shifts from urban integration to the vibrant renewal of industrial heritage. Yangsigang River Beach in Hanyang, once a noisy old dock with roaring machinery, has transformed into a “urban catwalk” for sports and leisure. Under the massive gantry cranes, the sound of basketballs hitting the ground echoes powerfully. “Playing basketball with the river breeze—what a delight!” exclaimed a local resident during the National Day holiday, reuniting with old classmates and sweating it out as if back in their school days.

What was once a somewhat desolate industrial site just a few years ago has now transformed into an artistic sports paradise. Under the golden Yangsigang Bridge, visitors marvel at the “curtain of rain” spectacle; at the foot of the bridge, the Zhiyin Culture Market fills the old industrial area with new life, blending coffee aromas with the river breeze.

As the landscape continues, Hongshan River Beach and Qingshan River Beach intentionally preserve elements of natural wilderness and authenticity in this long scroll.

As part of the central urban area’s riverfront development, Hongshan River Beach doesn’t pursue refined elegance but instead preserves farmland enclosed by carbonized wood fences and tranquil spaces with autumn-reflecting metasequoia trees, offering urban residents a rare glimpse of rural memories.

“Here, you can both witness the mighty river and find pastoral tranquility,” noted a local citizen, highlighting the area’s unique value. Together with the connected Qingshan River Beach, they form a complete slow-traffic corridor, allowing residents to experience the Yangtze River from different perspectives. Whether it’s the Reed Sea Boardwalk at Hongshan River Beach or Qingshan River Beach’s renowned “sponge city” ecological concept, they enrich the corridor’s ecological diversity, showcasing Wuhan’s unadorned openness and ease within its “river-lake character.”

Where the landscape reaches its misty water-ink wash, the brush

Yellow Crane Tower

The Yellow Crane Tower is a famous historical tower in Wuhan, China, originally built in the year 223 AD during the Three Kingdoms period. It has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history, with the current structure dating from 1985. The tower is celebrated in Chinese poetry and culture as a symbol of longevity and spiritual elevation.

Jianghan Road

Jianghan Road is a historic commercial street in Wuhan, China, known for its European-style architecture dating back to its concession era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it serves as a bustling shopping and business district, blending its colonial past with modern urban life. It remains a key landmark reflecting Wuhan’s development as a major river port and trading hub.

East Lake

East Lake is a famous freshwater lake located in Wuhan, China, known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Historically, it has been a cherished retreat since ancient times, with many classical Chinese gardens and pavilions built along its shores. Today, it remains a popular public park and recreational area, blending natural landscapes with historical elements.

Nan’an Zui

I am unable to find any information on a significant cultural or historical site named “Nan’an Zui.” It is possible the name may be misspelled, translated differently, or refer to a very local or lesser-known place. Could you please verify the name or provide any additional context?

Hankou River Beach

Hankou River Beach is a scenic urban waterfront park along the Yangtze River in Wuhan, China, developed in the early 2010s as part of the city’s urban renewal efforts. It transformed former industrial docks and flood-prone areas into a vibrant public space featuring parks, promenades, and recreational facilities. Today, it serves as a popular leisure destination for both locals and tourists, offering activities like cycling and river gazing while symbolizing Wuhan’s modernization.

Yangsigang

Yangsigang is a major urban area in Wuhan, China, best known for the Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge. This impressive cable-stayed bridge, which opened to traffic in 2019, is one of the longest of its kind in the world and was built to alleviate the city’s chronic traffic congestion. Its construction represents a significant milestone in Wuhan’s modern infrastructure development.

Wuchang Bay

Wuchang Bay is a scenic waterfront area located along the Yangtze River in Wuhan, China. Historically, it was part of the Wuchang district, one of the three towns that merged to form modern Wuhan, and it has long been a hub for river transport and commerce. Today, it is known for its beautiful riverwalks, parks, and views of the city skyline.

Hongshan River Beach

Hongshan River Beach is a popular recreational area located along the Hongshan River in China, known for its scenic waterfront and natural landscapes. While specific historical details are limited, the area has been developed to promote tourism and outdoor activities, offering visitors a peaceful retreat with walking paths and green spaces.