Wuhu Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Wuhu

Wuhu is a prefecture-level city situated on the southeastern bank of the Yangtze River in southeastern Anhui province, China. Located approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Nanjing, it borders Xuancheng, Chizhou, Tongling, Hefei, Ma'anshan, and Jiangsu province. The city forms part of a growing urban conurbation along the Yangtze alongside neighboring centers such as Nanjing and Ma'anshan. Historically recognized as a major commercial hub and river port, Wuhu has long been prominent for its role in the national rice trade.

Human settlement in the region dates back to at least 570 BCE, originating from an ancient site called Jiuzi before being organized as Wuhu County during the Han dynasty period. Over time, the administrative seat shifted and the area developed into a key trading station. In 1876, Wuhu was established as a treaty port, leading to further commercial growth along its Yangtze riverfront. The surrounding landscape historically attracted famous literary figures, including the poets Li Bai and Du Mu, while a preserved local stone tablet features calligraphy attributed to Mi Fu.

Visitors to Wuhu can explore several historical and cultural landmarks. Guangji Temple, located on Barren Hill, dates back to the Tang dynasty and features the Zhe Pagoda from the Northern Song dynasty. Dating from the late nineteenth century, St. Joseph's Cathedral stands near the riverfront, while Yichisan Hospital represents the oldest continuous Western medical facility in Anhui province. Local folklore links nearby Reddish Brown Hill (Zhe Shan) and Sacred Hill (Shen Shan) to the ancient sword-maker Gan Jiang. Wuhu is also recognized for traditional local crafts, most notably wrought-iron pictures, alongside embossed lacquerware and rice straw pith patchwork.

Regional dining in Wuhu features Yanjiang cuisine, which focuses on freshwater fish and poultry prepared with specialized techniques such as precise chopping, shaping, sweetening, and smoking. In addition to its historical trade status, Wuhu is a modern manufacturing center producing items such as automobiles, HVAC units, glass, cement, steel, and copper. It serves as the fifth largest port along the Yangtze River, with its Yuxikou Pier operating as China's largest inland river coal harbor.

Travel to and around Wuhu is supported by multiple transit options. The city is served by Wuhu Xuanzhou Airport and high-speed train services that connect to Shanghai in approximately two and a half hours. Local transportation includes municipal buses, taxis, and a monorail network operating two lines. The Wuhu Yangtze River Bridge provides direct roadway and railway passage across the river.