GUIDE OF VISIT
Jianghan Road, located in the heart of Hankou, Wuhan, is a renowned century-old commercial street and a symbol of the city's historical and modern fusion. Stretching between 1,210 meters and 1,600 meters in length, it is celebrated as the "20th-Century Architectural Museum of Wuhan" for its eclectic mix of European, Roman, Byzantine, Renaissance, Classical, and Modernist buildings. Since its establishment in 1861, it has evolved from a boundary between Chinese and foreign concessions into a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and tourism . Today, it blends high-end shopping, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife, attracting over 500,000 daily visitors during peak holidays.
Jianghan Road
Historical Evolution
Jianghan Road traces its origins to the late Qing Dynasty, initially named "Foreigners' Street" during the British concession era. After land reclamation projects in 1906 and the formal recovery of the concession in 1927, it was renamed Jianghan Road. Historically, it marked the divide between Chinese-owned businesses (west side) and foreign banks, shops, and colonial enterprises (east side), earning it the nickname "HanKou’s Wall Street" . Over the decades, it underwent multiple renovations, including a major transformation in 2000 that redefined it as Wuhan’s first modern pedestrian street integrating shopping, leisure, and tourism.
Architectural Splendor
The street showcases 13 preserved historical buildings, including the iconic Jianghan Customs House (a classical structure with Corinthian columns) and former banks like Yokohama Specie Bank and Shanghai Bank, which reflect a blend of Western and Chinese architectural styles . These structures, spanning over 20 architectural genres, narrate Wuhan’s modernization and colonial past.
Commercial and Cultural Vibrancy
Divided into three segments, Jianghan Road offers diverse experiences:
Financial District (south): Historic banks and the grandeur of Jianghan Customs House.
Traditional and Modern Brands (central): Time-honored shops like Center Department Store (established in 1937) alongside domestic and international labels.
Modern Shopping Malls (north): Contemporary retail complexes and entertainment venues. Since 2021, it has emerged as a pilot zone for "first-store economies," hosting flagship stores, duty-free shops, and cultural events. At night, over 10,000 advanced lighting installations illuminate the street, creating a dazzling "open-air mall" ambiance.
Tourist Experience
Visitors can explore historical alleys, savor local delicacies like hot dry noodles and duck necks, and shop at vibrant night markets . The area is easily accessible via Metro Line 2 (Jianghan Road Station) or buses, with landmarks such as the Xunli Gate flower market adding to its charm.
A testament to Wuhan’s resilience and cosmopolitan spirit, Jianghan Road remains a must-visit destination where history and modernity coexist.
