Hubei Theatre

On October 10, 1911 the Wuchang Uprising started the Xinhai Revolution, which led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the election of Sun Yat-Sen as the provisional president. This was one of the biggest events that shaped modern China, making its headquarters a must-see for anyone interested in historical travel. The Revolutionary Army was here, and inside the Red Chamber (the main building) they issued the edict to bring down the Qing Dynasty. In the outside Uprising Plaza (首义广场), stands a statue of Sun Yat-Sen.

It has repeatedly burned down, so the present tower completed in 1980 is mostly concrete, on the site of twelve previous wooden incarnations. Tower and associated buildings are atop the ridge of Snake Hill, looking down on Number One Yangtze River Bridge and the confluence of Yangtze and Han rivers. The complex includes Snake Hill Park, the Yellow Crane Tower, and the Mao Pavilion into which many of the poems of Chairman Mao are etched for your pleasure and erudition.
The ground floor of the tower has a large entrance hall, two stories tall, with enormous decorative lamps and a giant ceramic fresco displaying the mythical story of the initial construction. The second story, essentially a balcony around the entrance hall, has a souvenir shop as well as displays of traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy. The third story has a residence in the ancient Chu style, the sort of sitting room used by nobility to receive guests. The fourth story contains another souvenir shop and a set of models displaying the tower in previous incarnations, as it morphed from a watchtower into today's showpiece. The highest accessible story has pay telescopes and some nice art displays. There are lifts for those who can't use the stairs. An enormous bronze bell is just behind the tower, and ¥30 buys you nine bongs - it doesn't have a clapper, you swing a log against it. The teahouse has performances of Chu-era music (free, but you should order at least a drink or small snack.)

A comprehensive museum about the Xinhai Revolution.

The Wuhan Revolution Museum's newest branch. The sign out the front is in Chinese only. However, there are some English explanations inside.

Considered to be one of Wuhan's most beautiful churches. It was designed by Vincenzo Epiphane Carlassare, an Italian missionary, and completed in 1889.

Mao stayed here with his family in 1927 while carrying our revolutionary activities in Wuhan. The building was demolished in 1957 and rebuilt 10 years later. It is now a branch of the Wuhan Revolution Museum. This was not Mao's only residence in Wuhan. Another one can be found near the East Lake (see listing below).