Liangzi Lake (Ezhou / Jiangxia)

Hubei's second-largest freshwater lake ("Liangzi Lake crab", Sept-Oct), ferry to Liangzi Island in the lake's center. Hubei's second-largest freshwater lake, with water so clear it meets drinking-source standards; Liangzi Island mid-lake connects to land by ferry, and its fishing-village relics and lakeside seafood stalls preserve an unspoiled lake-dwelling life; Liangzi Lake crabs and Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs rank as the twin champions of south and north — in the Sept-Oct crab season when "crabs fatten and chrysanthemums yellow", the aroma of crab drifts from eateries all around the lake, and Wuhan foodies drive out specially for the lakeside "all-crab feast". The wetlands around the lake are a migratory-bird habitat, where swans and flocks of geese and ducks can be seen in winter; the open lake dotted with sails suits both cycling the lakeshore road and cruising on the water. Entry to the scenic area is free; self-driving from the Jiangxia side is the most convenient access, ideal as an autumn day trip from Wuhan's suburbs for "crab eating + lake viewing".

Getting there: Jiangxia, self-drive / bus