Jiqing Street, in the heart of Hankou, is the Wuhan night-food strip — a single long block of restaurants, bars, and food stalls that turns into a packed open-air dining hall every evening. The street has been a Wuhan night-life institution since the early 20th century, when the surrounding concession area boomed.
Tables spill out onto the pavement, beer is sold by the crate, and the speciality is xiaolongxia (crayfish) served by the kilogram with a choice of garlic, chilli oil, or thirteen-spice seasoning. Live musicians wander between the tables. Best after 8 pm; the atmosphere is loud, chaotic, and excellent.