Things To Do
in Ezhou

Ezhou sits on the Yangtze and Han rivers in eastern Hubei, blending ancient Chu heritage with modern industry. The city offers riverside scenery, historic streets, and a relaxed pace distinct from Wuhan's bustle. Visitors can explore traditional markets, riverfront views, and modest temples that reveal local customs and craftsmanship.

Ezhou serves as a convenient gateway to the Yangtze river region with easy day trips from Wuhan or the surrounding countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Ezhou Museum, where you can delve into the rich history of the region. The museum opens early, allowing you to admire artifacts dating back to the Han Dynasty while enjoying a quiet morning atmosphere. Afterward, stroll through the nearby ancient streets, taking in the traditional architecture and vibrant local life.

afternoon
:

For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant known for its famous Ezhou rice noodles. Post-lunch, visit the Ezhou Confucius Temple, an important cultural site where you can learn about Confucian teachings and appreciate the serene gardens. Spend some time exploring the nearby old city walls, which offer a glimpse into the city's historical fortifications.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy tea house where you can relax and enjoy traditional Chinese tea while watching the locals engage in evening games. Take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade as the lights come on, illuminating the beautiful scenery. End your evening with a delightful dinner at a restaurant that specializes in local cuisine.

day 2
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge Adventure
morning
:

Begin your day early with a scenic drive to the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, one of China’s most iconic landmarks. Once there, take a leisurely stroll across the bridge, enjoying breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Capture stunning photographs while appreciating the engineering marvel that connects the two sides of the river.

afternoon
:

After exploring the bridge, visit the nearby Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall to understand the profound historical significance of the area. A local restaurant offers a chance to savor authentic Nanjing-style cuisine, known for its rich flavors and unique dishes. Spend the afternoon wandering through Nanjing’s historical sites, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

evening
:

Return to Ezhou in the evening, where you can unwind at a local café, reflecting on the day’s experiences over a warm drink. If you're up for it, find a night market where you can taste a variety of local street food delicacies. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk, enjoying the night lights of Ezhou.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🚎One-way public transport ticket$0.30-0.60
🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel$40-70
Coffee or tea$2-4
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant per person$8-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich riverside scenery and relaxed pace
  • Closer access to Yangtze-Han confluence
  • Delicious local cuisine and markets
  • Historic Chu heritage and crafts
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Fewer English-speaking services in some areas
  • Transport connections can be slower than Wuhan
  • Seasonal weather with high humidity in summer
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "请问洗手间在哪里?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "多少钱?" - How much is this?
  • "可以刷卡吗?" - Can I pay by card?
  • "你会说英语吗?" - Do you speak English?
  • "很高兴认识你" - Nice to meet you

Places to Visit in Ezhou

Visit one of these nice places.

Riverside Promenade

Wide river views with the city skyline at sunset; ideal for long-exposure and golden-hour photography.

Old Town Gate Ruins and Streets

Historic lanes and wall remnants provide texture-rich backdrops and human-scale scenes.

City Temple Complex Courtyard

Quiet courtyards and stone carvings—great for architectural details and calm portraits.

Lakeside Green Corridor

Tree-lined canal with reflections and seasonal blossoms along the water.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ezhou

Ezhou’s cuisine reflects Hubei flavors—savory, hearty, and seafood-forward, with generous use of fresh river fish, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Expect comforting bowls, braises, and stir-fries that emphasize balance between salty and umami notes.

Ezhou Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Steamed River Fish with Ginger

Freshwater fish steamed with ginger, scallions, and a light soy glaze to showcase delicate flavors of the river.

Must-Try!

Spicy Hubei Tofu Pot

A hearty dish of braised tofu and vegetables in a robust chili and garlic sauce (vegetarian option available).

Wok-Braised Pork with Chestnuts

Pork braised with chestnuts and aromatic spices, a comforting staple found in many eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ezhou Old Market

Busy morning market offering fresh river fish, dumplings, noodles, and local snacks.

Riverfront Night Market

Evening stalls serving grilled skewers, steamed buns, fried snacks, and local sweets along the water.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ezhou experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. Spring and autumn are mild, with changeable conditions throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and Etiquette

Begin with a polite greeting like Ni hao; queue patiently, and avoid raising voices in public spaces.

Table Manners

Share dishes with others, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in bowls, and show appreciation for hosting hosts.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travel safely by keeping an eye on belongings in crowded markets, using reputable transportation, and staying aware of local emergency numbers. Water-based tours should be taken with licensed operators.

Tipping in Ezhou

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not traditionally expected in most facilities, but small tips may be appreciated in tourist-oriented venues.

Payment Methods

Cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted; some smaller vendors may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with occasional showers; carry a light jacket and small umbrella to enjoy blossoms and park walks.

Summer

Hot and humid with sudden rains; stay hydrated, seek shade near rivers, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.

Autumn

Pleasant weather with clear skies; comfortable for long walks and photography at dusk.

Winter

Cool to chilly air; layers recommended and indoor dining and tea houses are popular refuges.

Nightlife Guide

Ezhou at Night

The nightlife in Ezhou is relatively low-key, centered on riverside snack streets, tea houses, and modest bars. Expect relaxed evenings with neighborhood chatter and local music rather than large club scenes.

Hiking in Ezhou

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Riverside Nature Trail

Flat, scenic trail along the river suitable for easy hikes and sunset photography.

Hillside Green Corridor Trail

Gentle climbs through wooded areas with city views and seasonal scenery.

Green Belt Park Loop

Longer loop around parklands with ponds, birds, and quiet picnic spots.

Airports

How to reach Ezhou by plane.

Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH)

Main international gateway for the region; about a 1.5-2 hour drive/train ride to Ezhou depending on transport and traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center is walkable with riverside paths and compact historic streets; some older neighborhoods have uneven pavements and hills, so a hat and comfortable shoes help.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Urban residents

A bustling mix of families, students, and workers in the city center.

Migrant workers

People moving to Ezhou for jobs in manufacturing and services.

Students

University and college students contribute to the city’s youthful energy.

Retirees

A substantial elderly population who enjoy public parks and tea houses.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Widely played in schools and community centers; local courts are common.

Table Tennis

A staple pastime across ages with clubs and public tables.

Badminton

Popular in parks and sports centers; easy to pick up for visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport includes bus networks and taxis; traffic can congest near riverfront areas during peak hours. Ride-hailing services are available, and trains connect Ezhou with Wuhan and other cities. Buses and metro-style lines are expanding gradually.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ezhou.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in many places; look for tofu, mushrooms, and vegetable stir-fries, and request oil-light preparations or no meat stock.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities include public hospitals and clinics in Ezhou; for complex care, Wuhan’s larger hospitals offer advanced services. Bring travel insurance and carry translation cards; English-speaking staff may be limited. In emergencies dial 120.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

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