Located in Huangpi District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, the Mulan Cultural Eco-Tourism Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering approximately 78 square kilometers. It consists of four main scenic spots: Mulan Mountain, Mulan Tianchi (Heavenly Pool), Mulan Grassland, and Mulan Yunwu Mountain (Cloud and Mist Mountain). Combining natural scenery, historical culture, and ecological leisure, this area themed with Mulan culture integrates rich ecological resources with profound historical heritage, making it an important eco-tourism destination in Wuhan metropolitan area.
History and Culture
The area is named after Hua Mulan, the legendary Chinese heroine who disguised herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. It's believed to be Mulan's hometown, preserving many historical relics and folk legends related to her.
Huangpi has a long history dating back to the Neolithic Age. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became an important military stronghold and cultural exchange center. The ancient architectural complex on Mulan Mountain is listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit.
The story of Mulan is household in China. The area showcases Mulan culture through various facilities like Mulan Temple and Mulan Memorial Hall, as well as regular Mulan Cultural Festival activities.
Main Attractions
Mulan Mountain
With its main peak at 582 meters above sea level, Mulan Mountain is the core attraction. It features Mulan Hall built in the Tang Dynasty and ancient architectural complexes from Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can enjoy peculiar pines and rocks while climbing, and get a panoramic view of Wuhan from the summit.
Mulan Tianchi (Heavenly Pool)
This alpine lake at about 400 meters elevation covers 130,000 square meters. Known as "Wuhan's Jiuzhaigou" for its crystal-clear water surrounded by green mountains, it's 5-8℃ cooler than downtown Wuhan in summer, making it a perfect summer retreat.
Mulan Grassland
A rare grassland landscape in central China spanning 20,000 mu (about 1,333 hectares). Visitors can experience Mulan-themed activities like horseback riding and archery, plus stay in yurts and enjoy bonfire parties.
Mulan Yunwu Mountain (Cloud and Mist Mountain)
Famous for its sea of clouds, the main peak reaches 709 meters. With dense vegetation and high negative oxygen ion concentration, it's called a "natural oxygen bar". The scenery varies by season, with spectacular azalea blooms in spring.
Cuisine
Huangpi Three Delicacies
A traditional Huangpi dish with centuries of history, consisting of fish balls, meat balls, and meat cake, known for its tender texture and rich nutrition.
Bean Threads
A Huangpi specialty snack made from mung bean milk, which can be stir-fried or boiled, often served with cured meat and vegetables for unique flavor.
Glutinous Rice Fish
Local fresh fish marinated and pan-fried to create crispy outside and tender inside with subtle rice wine aroma, representing authentic rural flavor.
Nearby Cuisine
Farmhouse restaurants around the area offer various country dishes like free-range chicken soup, bamboo shoots with cured pork, and wild vegetables, all prepared traditionally with fresh ingredients.
Ticket Information
Separate tickets for each attraction: Mulan Mountain 80 yuan, Mulan Tianchi 60 yuan, Mulan Grassland 65 yuan, Mulan Yunwu Mountain 70 yuan. Combo tickets available, like the four-attraction package for 220 yuan. Discounts for students and seniors.
Opening Hours
Open year-round with slightly different hours: Mulan Mountain 7:30-17:30; Mulan Tianchi 8:00-17:00; Mulan Grassland 8:30-17:00; Mulan Yunwu Mountain 8:00-17:30. Some seasonal activities may extend opening hours.
Recommended Itinerary
Two-day tour: Day one morning at Mulan Mountain, afternoon at Mulan Tianchi; Day two morning at Mulan Grassland, afternoon at Mulan Yunwu Mountain. One-day visitors can focus on Mulan Mountain and Mulan Tianchi.
Transportation
- Self-drive: About 1 hour from downtown Wuhan via Daihuang Expressway or Wuhan Ring Expressway
- Bus: Direct tourist shuttles from Hankou Railway Station and Wuhan Railway Station
- Subway: Take Wuhan Metro Line 1 to Hankou North Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle
Must-see Attractions
- Mulan Mountain: Cultural core with rich historical relics and humanistic landscapes
- Mulan Tianchi: Beautiful alpine lake, ideal summer retreat
- Mulan Grassland: Rare grassland in central China with horseback riding experiences
- Mulan Yunwu Mountain: Spectacular cloud seas with seasonal scenery changes
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn (March-May, September-November)
- Wear comfortable sports shoes as some areas require mountain climbing
- Try characteristic homestays to experience rural life
- Participate in Mulan Cultural Festival for deeper cultural understanding
- Combo tickets offer better value for visiting multiple attractions
Precautions
- Mountain weather changes quickly - bring rain gear and warm clothes
- Some steep paths require extra caution for elderly and children
- Protect ecosystem - don't pick plants or disturb wildlife
- Follow staff instructions for horseback riding and other activities
- The area is vast - plan your route in advance
- Book accommodation early during peak seasons