Orange Hotel (Wuhan Yellow Crane Tower, Yangtze River Bridge)

This traditional Chinese landmark is a great stop if you’re interested in culture and history. It was clean when I visited, though I can imagine it getting pretty crowded in peak season. I’d suggest seeing it at night.

The top-floor view is incredible, so make the trip up if you can. You can use either the stairs or the lift, but the lift costs extra, and on our way back down the guards said only people with physical disabilities could ride it. Maybe others can get permission, but we were told to take the stairs. There’s plenty to look at inside, including huge wall paintings, large porcelain vases, and lots of history. The pagoda-style tower is impressive on its own, and the lighting is striking. In the evening, there’s also a laser show every half hour.

Seeing Tortoise Mountain TV Tower, the Yangtze River Bridge, and Wuhan’s skyline from up here made for a lot of photos. It was my first climb up Yellow Crane Tower, and I came away really loving Wuhan. Getting there by metro from my hotel took a while, but the system was comfortable and convenient. Tickets cost ¥70, and buying online ahead of time seems wise, especially on holidays when the on-site line can take ages. The city feels full of history and life.

Yellow Crane Tower is Wuhan’s No. 1 attraction. Adult admission is ¥70, with half-price tickets for students and anyone under 19. Day and night visits have separate entry fees. Day entry runs until 6 pm, and night entry starts at 7.