Best Underrated Hiking Routes in East Lake

East Lake in Wuhan is a beautiful scenic spot. Every weekend or during long holidays, many friends come to visit. So besides the popular hiking routes in East Lake, are there any more underrated hiking routes recommended? Let’s take a look!

1、Ma’anshan Forest Park

Hiking time: 1~2h

Recommended route:

For novice hikers, Ma’anshan Forest Park in East Lake is much more friendly than deep mountains in the suburbs.

Entering from the forest park gate located on Luoyu East Road, the towering trees on both sides of the forest path block out the sun. Even at noon, there is no need to worry about the scorching sunlight. It can be called a summer retreat in Wuhan!

Walking forward along the gently undulating forest path, the lush greenery and shady trees are everywhere. Strolling among them, you feel like you have entered a quiet and mysterious green wonderland, playing hide-and-seek with the sunshine.

Most sections of this route are only accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Wherever you look, there are winding paths that lead into the depths of the forest.

You may be attracted by the unexpected scenery along the way. You may find a stream flowing through the forest at a corner of the forest path, or you may linger in the vibrant evening primrose flowers and daisy fields, taking photos non-stop.

Especially the prime section from Lingxiao Pavilion to the flourishing garden, the road surface is neither wide nor narrow, the terrain is slightly undulating, and only scattered tourists pass by.

With the beautiful scenery surrounding you, you slow down your pace.

From the Half-Hill Lotus Garden, walk along the forest path for about 20 minutes and you will see a signpost at the intersection. If you are interested, you can climb up the steps to the vicinity of Lingxiao Pavilion, the second highest point of Ma’anshan Forest Park, and take in the magnificent mountain scenery.

The forest path is equipped with road condition warning signs such as “Steep Slope Ahead” and “Push Downhill”, as well as tips on how to deal with wildlife encounters. It’s both considerate and informative!

If you are looking for a quiet and cool mountain stroll, this place will not disappoint you.

2、Next to Wuhan Botanical Garden

Hiking time: 1.5h

Even if you have been to Wuhan Botanical Garden countless times, you may not know that there is a hidden treasure trail nearby!

Passing through the village opposite the bus stop 625, you will see a fork in the road with a convenience store and public restrooms next to it. Turn left and walk towards the Moshan Scenic Area along the lake, the road becomes wider and the view becomes brighter.

If you think of the East Lake Greenway as a towering tree, then this section of the route is like a “spreading branch” that surprises you, full of beautiful fruits.

Xiaoyue Bridge, Bibo Bridge and Pinghu Bridge, these lakeside walkways are all on this trail. There are not many people usually, giving you a sense of “private ownership” and satisfaction.

The walkway borders the lake on one side, and the other side is dotted with interesting flowerbeds, forests and small ponds. Walking among them, the scenery constantly changes, and your mood brightens along with it.

If you walk straight ahead from the fork in the road, passing Eagle’s Beak Lake Bay, there is another quiet trail. The stone-paved path stretches along the lakeshore, the wind blowing from the lake surface, bringing the rare gentleness of summer.

Ahead, there is a large area of ​​wild daisies in full bloom, bright yellow, very eye-catching under the sun. White geese are swimming around the flowers, and the idyllic life you imagine is easily achieved in East Lake!

Although this route is less crowded and underrated, it has benches along the way just like the Greenway. When you get tired, take a break here, quietly looking at the shimmering lake surface and daydreaming, enough to spend an afternoon.

Pick a weekend, bring your family and friends, and come here to experience the happiness of summer atmosphere.

3、Moshan Scenic Tour

Hiking time: 2h

Recommended route:

Every time I go to Moshan Scenic Tour, I go to the Shan Art Museum to see exhibitions. I didn’t know that there is a hidden secret realm along the tea garden to the right of the museum!

Walk through the path in the lake towards the extension of Bairu Road, and there is a flat lakeside path all the way.

Surrounded by tall and dense camphor and metasequoia trees, the whole road is filled with fresh green, immersing you in the vast expanse of the forest. Various small flowers dot the roadside, transmitting the unique color signals of spring and summer.

If you pay attention, you will keep discovering some natural wild fun, and the unintentional romance that comes from it.

For example, the small white flowers “popping out” from under the bench, they look like pixel people in animated cartoons, and they can’t help but dance with the wind.

Or, the two metasequoia trees isolated in the middle of the lake, like children comparing their height, competing to climb towards the sky.

When the sun is good, you will see mottled shadows gracefully swaying in the middle of the road. Interact with nature by stepping on the shadows and find the joy of playing hopscotch with your childhood friends.

In a few more weeks, the Hydrangea Garden will be full of purple hydrangeas, and then it will be another beautiful scenery like a painting.

Who will you explore the romance in the depths of Moshan with?