Transfer Guide at Tianhe Airport: Speedy Visit to the Yellow Crane Tower (6h)

Time: March 2024. Flight arrives in Wuhan at 11 a.m., next flight departs at 5:10 p.m., with a 6 hour 50 minute transfer time.

Wuhan is one of the important transfer hubs in China, with many flights having long layovers. The Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan is famous worldwide and is directly connected by subway to the airport. During a layover, you might as well pay a quick visit to the Yellow Crane Tower.

I. Airport Preparation

Follow the WeChat account “Transfer Passenger Service” —— Transfer services offer free transfer meals and luggage storage. You can also book transfer luggage straight through (seamless托运).

• Luggage Straight Through: Requires advance booking and allows seamless transfer of luggage.
• Transfer Meal: Click to obtain a QR code. Located in the departure hall outside security, at the end of corridor A, the restaurant can be used, and a meal voucher worth 30 yuan or a souvenir can be redeemed. I chose the “Food Pavilion” 30 yuan chicken set meal, which also came with an egg and soy milk. My同行ordered a 26 yuan hot dry noodles set (completely lost compared to the chicken set meal!).

• Luggage Storage: Click to obtain a QR code. Located in the departure hall outside security, at the end of corridor F, JD Express. Storage requirements: same as airport security, ID registration required, no storage of items not allowed in luggage such as power banks.

This quick visit did not use the luggage straight through service. After landing at 11 a.m., retrieving luggage, storing it, and finishing lunch, it was exactly 12 p.m.

II. Subway to the Yellow Crane Tower

Subway route: Take line rail transit → Jiyuqiao → Peng Liu Yang subway exit → walk to the Yellow Crane Tower.

Peng Liu Yang subway exit: Both exits A and C lead directly to the Yellow Crane Tower. Exit C is recommended as it is the location of the Internet celebrity wall.

At 12 p.m., board the airport subway, and arrive at the Yellow Crane Tower entrance at 1:10 p.m.

III. Visit the Yellow Crane Tower

Purchase tickets via WeChat mini program, student tickets are half price at 35 yuan. Without a student ID, proof can be obtained through the Education Link (WeChat mini program). Special thanks to classmate [@leland](https://blog. yllhwa.com/) for guiding.

The Yellow Crane Tower has one path up, with each floor requiring a full circle to the next staircase, and a continuous corridor downstairs.

From the higher floors of the Yellow Crane Tower, you can see both the new (red) and old (white) Yangtze River bridges. (Forgot to take a photo.)

After visiting the Yellow Crane Tower, walk back to the subway exit, taking no more than 40 minutes, at which time it is 1:50 p.m.

Take the subway for one hour back, arriving at the airport around 3 p.m., leaving one hour to retrieve stored luggage, pass through security, and complete the quick visit by 4 p.m.

IV. Quick Summary: 5 hours are sufficient for a speedy visit to the Yellow Crane Tower

Upon arrival at the airport,

• Spend one hour completing luggage storage and having lunch.
• Spend one hour taking the subway and walking to the Yellow Crane Tower.
• 40 minutes is sufficient to visit the Yellow Crane Tower.
• Spend one hour returning to the airport.
• Spend one hour at the airport handling return procedures.