Arriving at Yellow Crane Tower, Wuhan China pre corona virus

After a long and confusing journey, I finally made it to the Yellow Crane Tower. Well, the entrance anyways. When you get there, the first thing you notice are all the traditional Chinese architecture. Believe or not, Wuhan is a very modern city. You don’t really see much of the traditional buildings around the city. You might see them as landmarks but not as normal everyday buildings. Wuhan can be mistaken as any major city in the USA. To me, the city of Wuhan kind of looks like a flat San Francisco mixed with Chicago.

Once at the entrance, you are greeted by a Chinese lion. Fun fact, lions never lived in China. They only heard of them from their trades with the Persians and Indians. To the Chinese, lions means strength and superiority. The statues were used for scaring off evil spirits and harmful people. The male Lion was always shown to be with a ball and the female lion with her cubs. The lion statues were usually used for imperial Chinese places and tombs.

Traditional Chinese lion with ball statue photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Traditional Chinese Building with writing photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The entrance fee is about 12 usa dollars per person. They also offer river rides for an additional cost. The river tour is on the Yangtze River. The Yangtze River is actually the second largest river in the world. Only behind the Nile river, the Yangtze River is a world wonder.  It starts in Shanghai and passes through Wuhan. After Wuhan, the river continues further into China.  So if you have the time, I would recommend going on that tour. It would be an experience of a lifetime. Of course, travel to Wuhan after the virus has been controlled!

You aren’t allowed to bring luggage or big bags in. I had to put my bag in a holding office for a fee. Also, forget about bathrooms. It’s literally a hole in the ground with no toilet paper. Tons of fun..

As I was getting ready to walk up the steps, I found a little cat hiding. In facts, I saw a few cats running around. Animals just put a smile on my face! Tried to petting the little one but it wouldn’t let me. It just kept meowing with it’s baby voice. If sneaking a cat on airplane wasn’t so hard, I might’ve brought the little one with me. I would be that weird person smuggling animal in my luggage. Sadly, this is actually a thing. A lot people smuggle live animals in their carry on and even in their pockets.

Once I got over the steps, you are greeted with a pond. I saw Chinese people from every part of the country. Saw some that looked Muslim. I found out later than Wuhan has a Muslim community. They are minorities to the Han Chinese. The Uighur Muslims is what they are called. Uighur Muslims are a Turkic ethic group. The Chinese government has been criticized heavily for putting the Muslim minorities into working camps and reprogramming schools. However, the guy I saw was extremely peaceful. He had the brightest smile. I knew what was happening to the Muslim community in China then. Seeing this guy smiling peacefully made me smile as well. It went to show you, even with all the negativity there is always a reason to smile bright. Currently what is happening now in Wuhan, I’m sure this guy is at peace.

Thank you so much for reading! Much love and safe travels!