East Lake Scenic Area of Wuhan — Chu Culture in Picturesque Landscapes

East Lake, also known as the East Lake Scenic Area of Wuhan, stands as the center of ancient Chu Culture.

It is a large city lake adorned with picturesque natural views and surrounded by rich cultural sites, including ancient ruins, grand museums, universities, and more.

East Lake Scenic Area of Wuhan, Photo by Xinxin Lee.

Brief Introduction to Chu Culture

East Lake Facts and Important Data

Important Cultural Sites and Natural Scenic Views of East Lake

Bamboo Raft on East Lake, Photo from Official Site of East Lake Scenic Area of Wuhan.

Bamboo Raft on East Lake Park, Photo from Official Site of Donghu Scenic Area of Wuhan.

Brief Introduction to Chu Culture

Chu Culture is a regional culture of China, mainly in today's Hubei, Hunan, and Henan provinces, where descendants of the Yellow Emperor established the over 800-year-long Chu State (? — 223 BC).

Later in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC — 403 BC), Chu State became a powerful kingdom and obtained hegemony for decades, when the East Lake area was its capital city.

After Wu Qi's Reform (386 BC — 381 BC), the Chu State peaked when the kingdom continued expanding and flourishing and created glorious Chu Culture.

Chu Style Gate and City Wall on East Lake, Photo from Official Site of East Lake Scenic Area of Wuhan.

Chu Style Gate and City Wall on East Lake, Photo from Official Site of Donghu Scenic Area of Wuhan.

In 223 BC, Chu State was perished by General Wang Jian and then merged as a part of the unified Qin Dynasty (221 BC — 207 BC).

The Chu Culture, including literature (Chu Ci), dialect, music, dance, custom, and art, have been inherited by locals throughout history or are displayed in grand museums.

Unearthed Lacquerware Food Container of the Chu State — Hubei Museum (Photo by Dongmaiying)

East Lake Facts and Important Data

It is located in Hubei Province, the middle-south of China.

The water area is 33 square kilometers, and the entire East Lake Scenic Area of Wuhan is 88 square kilometers.

The whole Scenic Area consists of 12 smaller lakes scattered with over 120 islands.

East Lake Greenways that string famous sites of the scenic area are 6 meters wide and 101.98 kilometers long.

Part of East Lake Greenways, Photo from Official Site of East Lake Scenic Area of Wuhan.

Part of East Lake Greenways, Photo from Official Site of Donghu Scenic Area of Wuhan.

There are around 67 types of fish and 234 bird species.

There are 13 specialized botanical gardens, such as plum blossoms, lotus, and cherry blossoms, with rich species and large numbers.

The Hubei Museum by East Lake preserves over 260,000 invaluable relics.

Sword of Gou Jian (? — 464 BC) the King of Yue State — Hubei Museum

Important Cultural Sites and Natural Scenic Views

Moshan Scenic Area or Mo Hill

Moshan Area has the largest Chu Culture site, which presents history, architecture, music, performance, art, customs, legends, folklore, etc.

Besides, tens of thousands of flowers in specialized botanical gardens, including plum blossoms and cherry blossoms, are also located in this beautiful area.

Cherry Blossom Garden of East Lake of Wuhan, Photo by Lu Xiaomo.

Flute or Chuidi Scenic Area

This is where Zhu Zhen (1364 — 1424), the sixth son of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, played the flute after subinfeuded in this area as the King of Chu.

Flute or Chuidi Scenic Area, Photo from Official Site of Donghu Scenic Area of Wuhan.

Luoyan or Landing Wild Goose Scenic Area

In the picturesque natural view of the Luoyan area, many species of ancient trees are growing, and large numbers of aquatic birds are inhabiting there.

Luoyan or Landing Wild Goose Scenic Area, Photo from Official Site of Donghu Scenic Area.