Stories from China (Part 10)

This entry is part 10 of 40 in the series Stories from China

May 24, 2023

Stories from China (Part 10)

By Simon J. Lau

This morning, I explored East Lake in Wuhan. It’s one of the city’s main attractions and also one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. The shoreline stretches for miles, with walking paths that weave through willow trees and pavilions where locals gather to play cards or practice tai chi. Every so often, the trees would open up to reveal sweeping views of the lake, the water shimmering under a pale morning sun. It felt calm and unhurried, a quiet pocket of nature right in the middle of the city.

Nearby, I visited the Wuhan Botanical Gardens, one of China’s three main research gardens. The grounds were beautifully maintained, with winding trails leading through sections dedicated to everything from medicinal herbs to rare orchids. There were plenty of benches tucked into shaded corners for visitors to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

Later, I made my way to Wuhan University, only to find the gates closed. Since COVID, many Chinese colleges and universities no longer allow the public on campus. It’s a shame because this one is often described as one of the most beautiful campuses in all of China. Instead of tree-lined paths and historic buildings, all I have to show for my visit is a less-than-flattering photo of me standing in front of the entrance.

For food, I indulged in some local favorites. Hot dry noodles are a staple of Hubei cuisine, served with a rich, flavorful hot sauce that gives the dish its signature kick. The noodles were chewy, the sauce nutty and spicy, and everything came together in a simple but addictive bowl.

I also tried duck neck and head, both coated in a fragrant spice mix, along with a fiery bullfrog dish for good measure. Each one brought its own kind of spice, the kind that sneaks up on you.

In the evening, I took night photos from the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, watching the city lights ripple across the water as boats moved slowly below. The bridge glowed in soft yellow light, stretching endlessly in both directions, while the skyline flickered in neon across the river. It reminded me how much I enjoy photographing cities at night. Out there on my own with my camera, I felt completely in my element and, more than anything, happy.

Feeling good, I kept exploring the neighborhood. Eventually, I wandered into a small bar where the owner invited me to join him and his friends outside. We sat together late into the night, talking about life, work, and travel, and I was thrilled to hold my own in meaningful conversations in Chinese. Moments like these make me realize how far my Mandarin has come.