8am: Donghu Lake
Early morning on Donghu Lake is not to be missed. The calm mirror-like lake reflects vivid autumn colors of nearby trees. It’s so quiet you can hear your own breathing. Fallen leaves are scattered on the surface and on the path.
On the bank, fishermen are trying their luck. Art students from nearby Wuhan University have set up easels and are painting the scene.
“I feel as though I am standing in a harmonious water color painting,” said one young woman.
1pm: Lunch
Many restaurants along the lake shore serve freshwater fish, such as longsnout catfish and silver carp. The freshly caught fish is braised, steamed or boiled. Winter is the best time for pork chop soup with lotus root because the lotus roots have become glutinous. Simmering for several hours makes the lotus melt in the mouth; the soup is slightly sweet. The soup is popular because herbalists consider it a good tonic, especially for a weak stomach. According to traditional Chinese medicine, lotus root is good for women, especially during menstruation, because it nourishes the blood. Lotus root with pork chop soup is said to be good for the complexion and general health.
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| Hubei Provincial Museum |
3pm: Hubei Provincial Museum
Ten minutes’ drive from Donghu Lake, the provincial museum provides a musical and visual experience in culture and history. The collection includes more than 200,000 items, including the sword used by the King of Yue, Gou Jian, in the late Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), an ancient set of bronze bells (bian zhong) and many artifacts from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng in the Warring States Period (476-221 BC). Ancient porcelain and bronze is also exhibited. Musicians in traditional Han costume play a replica set of bronze concert bells and stone chimes.
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