Xianning 3-Day Tour | Classic Combination of Hot Springs and the Ancient Battlefield of Chibi・Suitable for All Groups

Xianning, known as the "Fragrant City and Hot Spring Capital" of southern Hubei, offers the warmth of hot springs, the historic grandeur of the ancient Chibi battlefield, and the sea of clouds and pine waves of Jiugong Mountain. Relax your elders in the hot springs to soothe their muscles, let the kids run freely among the bamboo forest, and here, every day brings a chance to encounter nature’s gifts and echoes of history. 🗓️ Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Xianning → Ancient Battlefield of Chibi → Lushui Lake Day 2: Jiugong Mountain → Yinshui Cave Day 3: Xianning Hot Spring Valley → Xiangwu Mountain Park → Return 🏯 Day 1: Chibi Nostalgia · Lakeside Scenery 📍 Ancient Battlefield of Chibi (5A, Admission 120 RMB) Highlights: The site of the famous "Outnumbered Victory" Battle of Chibi, featuring cliff inscriptions of the characters "Chibi," a statue of Zhou Yu, remains of linked warships, and a live horse battle reenactment (11:00, free) that vividly restores the ancient battlefield. Elders can take a sightseeing bus (20 RMB/person) to tour and hear the story of the "Burning of Chibi"; children can dress in Three Kingdoms armor (50 RMB/set) for photos and play "pitch-pot archery" (20 RMB/round) to feel the heroic spirit. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30, recommended 9:00-12:30 💰 Fees: Adults 120 RMB, seniors over 60 half price, children under 1.4 meters free 📸 Photo Spot: In front of the Chibi cliff inscription (capture the characters "Chibi" with the Yangtze River, whose flowing waters tell ancient tales) 💡 Tip: The "Three Kingdoms Cultural Store" inside the park sells Chibi battle puzzles (30 RMB/box), a big hit with kids. 📍 Lushui Lake (4A, Admission 100 RMB + Boat 50 RMB) Highlights: Known as the "Lake of a Thousand Islands," named "Water Margin City" after filming the classic "Water Margin," take a boat to "Phoenix Island" and "Bird Island" to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, with lotus flowers blooming in summer. Elders can relax in the boat cabin while admiring the view; kids can pedal boats in the "Water Park" (40 RMB/hour), feed monkeys (10 RMB/portion), and enjoy the stunning "Lake Island Sunset" in the evening. 🕙 Recommended Time: 14:30-17:30 🍜 Recommended Dining: The "Fisherman’s Restaurant" by Lushui Lake, must-try Chibi fish cake (48 RMB/portion) and Hesheng chicken soup (68 RMB/portion), average 50 RMB per person, rich lake flavors. 🏨 Recommended Accommodation: "Ramada Chibi Hotel" in Chibi city (lake view rooms available, modern facilities), priced 350-500 RMB/night, convenient for the next day’s itinerary. ⛰️ Day 2: Jiugong Mountain Scenery · Cave Exploration 📍 Jiugong Mountain (4A, Admission 70 RMB + Sightseeing Bus 60 RMB) Highlights: Known as "Hubei’s top summer resort mountain," featuring Cloud Lake, Tonggu Hill (altitude 1583 meters, ideal for watching sea of clouds and sunrise), and the tomb of rebel leader Li Zicheng (Chuang Wang Mausoleum). Average summer temperature is 22°C. Elders can take the sightseeing bus to Cloud Lake for a stroll and pray at the "Zhenjun Temple"; kids can play in the "Ski Resort" (open in winter, 180 RMB/2 hours), walk the "Suspended Plank Road" (free), and enjoy the picturesque autumn red leaves covering the mountain. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30, recommended 8:30-14:00 📸 Photo Spot: Tonggu Hill viewing platform (best at 6:00 AM for sea of clouds) 💡 Tip: Mountain temperature is about 8°C cooler, bring a windbreaker; try the smoked pork with bamboo shoots (38 RMB/portion) at the farmhouse restaurant near Cloud Lake. 📍 Yinshui Cave (4A, Admission 110 RMB) Highlights: "Central China’s most beautiful karst cave," 5180 meters long, featuring spectacular stalactites like the "Dragon Palace Hall" and "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate." Visitors can explore by boat (15 minutes), mini train (10 minutes), or on foot in three sections. Elders can walk the gentle paths and admire colorful lights illuminating the stalactites; kids can explore the "Cave Adventure Zone" searching for stalagmites and hear the legend of the "Yinshui Dragon King," making it very fun. 🕙 Recommended Time: 15:30-17:30 💡 Tip: Cave temperature is a constant 18°C, bring a light jacket in summer; floors are slippery, wear non-slip shoes. ♨️ Day 3: Hot Spring Wellness · Fragrant City Exploration 📍 Xianning Hot Spring Valley (4A, Admission 198 RMB) Highlights: "Central China’s top hot spring," with over 80 pools including herbal pools, rose pools, and children’s splash pools, plus stone slab baths and saunas. Warm up and relax in winter. Elders can enjoy health baths in the "Angelica Pool" and "Mugwort Pool," kids can play on slides in the "Water Park" (free), and the whole family can try fish therapy (30 RMB/person) for a pleasant relaxation. 🕙 Opening Hours: 9:00-24:00, recommended 10:00-14:00 💡 Tip: Bring your own swimsuit or rent one on-site (50 RMB/set); drink warm water between baths and avoid bathing on an empty stomach. 📍 Xiangwu Mountain Park (Free) Highlights: The symbol of Xianning’s "Fragrant City," with flower seas all year round (cherry blossoms in spring, crape myrtle in summer), a children’s playground (carousel 20 RMB/ride), and a zoo (20 RMB admission, see tigers and peacocks). Elders can enjoy tea and flowers at "Xiangming Pavilion," kids can feed rabbits at the "Parent-Child Farm" (10 RMB/portion), and rent bikes (30 RMB/hour) for a leisurely ride around the park. 🕙 Recommended Time: 15:30-17:00 🍜 Recommended Dining: "Quandu Restaurant" in the hot spring area, must-try Tongshan steamed buns (20 RMB/portion) and Chongyang bamboo shoots (38 RMB/portion), average 45 RMB per person, authentic southern Hubei flavors. ✨ Xianning Survival Guide 1️⃣ Transportation: City buses No. 6 and 8 to Hot Spring Valley (1 RMB); tourist shuttle to Ancient Battlefield of Chibi (20 RMB/person, 1 hour); car rental recommended for Jiugong Mountain (250 RMB/day), taxis start at 6 RMB, convenient for short trips. 2️⃣ Clothing: Wear windbreakers in spring and autumn (windy at Jiugong Mountain and lakeside), short sleeves plus sun protection in summer (many outdoor sites), down jackets and change of clothes in winter (for hot springs), and bring sports shoes (for hiking and parks). 3️⃣ Prohibitions: No climbing on relics or stepping on lawns at the ancient battlefield; no tapping stalactites in caves; keep personal belongings safe in hot spring areas, children must be accompanied by adults. 4️⃣ Accommodation: Stay in Chibi city on Day 1 (near battlefield), Jiugong Mountain on Day 2 (near attractions), and hot spring area on Day 3; choose elevator rooms for elders, rooms near play areas for kids, and hotels with breakfast preferred. 🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs ① Xianning Osmanthus Cake (gift box 30 RMB/box, strong osmanthus flavor, sweet but not greasy) ② Hesheng Chicken Soup (vacuum packed 80 RMB each, tender meat, ready to heat and eat) ③ Chibi Green Brick Tea (gift box 60 RMB/box, lowers fat and refreshes, suitable for elders) ④ Hot Spring Cultural Products (hot spring bottle pendants 20 RMB each, scented candles 30 RMB/box) The warmth of Xianning lies in the heroic spirit hidden in the smoke of the ancient Chibi battlefield, the coolness drifting in the sea of clouds of Jiugong Mountain, and the cozy comfort wrapped in the hot spring pools. Whether you’re relaxing muscles with your parents in the hot springs, chasing butterflies with your kids in the bamboo forest, or taking spring photos with friends in the flower sea, here you’ll find both gentle charm and grandeur that move your heart. If you come to Xianning, would you rather first visit the ancient battlefield of Chibi for nostalgia or soak in the hot spring valley?