Zigui County Travel Guide

Zigui is not only the hometown of the great poet Qu Yuan but also home to the magnificent Three Gorges Dam and the beautiful Xiling Gorge scenery. It is a destination that fills your journey with cultural depth and natural beauty. This guide will help you fully plan your trip to Zigui and appreciate its unique charm. ✨ Highlights · Experience the profound Qu Yuan culture: As Qu Yuan’s hometown, Zigui preserves rich Qu Yuan culture and Dragon Boat Festival customs. · Marvel at the grandeur of the Three Gorges Project: Get up close to the world-class Three Gorges Dam and feel the fusion of human wisdom and natural power. · Enjoy the magnificent natural scenery: From the steep Xiling Gorge to the tranquil Three Gorges Bamboo Sea, the diverse landscapes are unforgettable. 🗓️ Classic Three-Day Itinerary Here is an overview of a three-day tour in Zigui. 🏛️ Day 1: Qu Yuan Culture and Geological Wonders Morning: Start your Zigui journey at the Qu Yuan Hometown Cultural Tourism Area. This is the best place to learn about Qu Yuan’s life and cultural heritage. The Qu Yuan Temple in the park, a historic building relocated twice, now faces the Three Gorges Dam with excellent views. Besides the temple, you can visit the Dragon Boat Museum, Dragon Boat Festival Customs Museum, and Xintan Ancient Residences. If lucky, you might catch local folk performances such as boatmen’s shanties and folk songs. Noon: Have lunch near the Qu Yuan Hometown area. Try the local specialty, Qu Xiang triangular rice dumplings, to taste food closely related to Qu Yuan culture. Afternoon: Head to Lianzi Cliff Scenic Area. Located on the south bank of the Yangtze River’s Xiling Gorge, Lianzi Cliff is famous for its steep cliffs and unique geological structures. Here you can admire the magnificent views of Xiling Gorge, observe geological fault zones on the mountains, and see iron chains connecting large cracks at the highest point. Hiking involves climbing stone steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Evening: Return to Zigui County town. You can take a stroll in Binjiang Park and enjoy the Yangtze River night view. For dinner, visit Batou Park Snack Street or Miaozui Snack Street to taste more local snacks. 🎋 Day 2: Natural Scenery and Folk Experience Morning: Visit the Three Gorges Bamboo Sea Ecological Scenic Area. Known as the "natural oxygen bar of the Three Gorges region," the area features dense bamboo forests, multiple waterfalls, and caves. You can hike along streams and enjoy the natural sights of the Three-Tier Waterfall and Five-Tier Waterfall. For thrill-seekers, there are special attractions like a glass skybridge and slides. Noon: Have lunch near the Three Gorges Bamboo Sea or return to the county town. Afternoon: Go to Chexi Folk Tourism Area. Themed "Dream Home," you can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts including papermaking, dyeing, and brewing workshops from the Northern Song Dynasty. The area also offers Tujia ethnic songs and dances and authentic folk performances, perfect for family experiences. Evening: Return to Yichang city and visit Binjiang Park, an open park by the street and water, ideal for a walk amid lush trees and blooming flowers. Dinner can be enjoyed near Jiefang Road Pedestrian Street. 🏗️ Day 3: National Engineering Marvel and Rural Renewal Morning: Visit Gezhouba. You can enjoy river views from the shore or buy a boat ticket to experience the "rising water lifts the boat" phenomenon. Gezhouba Park nearby is also worth a visit, with shaded trees and exquisite landscaping. Then head to the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area. There is a direct shuttle from Qu Yuan Hometown to the dam, making it very convenient. At the dam area, you can explore three main sites: Tanziling Park, 185 Park, and the Interception Memorial Park, each offering different perspectives of this world-class hydraulic engineering marvel. Noon: Have lunch near the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area. Afternoon: Visit the Three Gorges Orange Valley · Zhaxi River Scenic Area to experience the new face of Zigui’s countryside. This integrated agricultural, cultural, tourism, and sports area is based on the core zone of four-season fresh oranges. You can pick navel oranges (seasonal), enjoy water sports, or take a paragliding flight to admire the scenery from above. If interested in red culture, visit the Maying Red Education Base. 🚗 Transportation Guide External Transportation · Airplane: Fly to Yichang Sanxia Airport, then take the airport shuttle bus or taxi to Zigui. · Train: Yichang East Station is the main high-speed rail station; from there, take a bus or taxi to Zigui. · Bus: Yichang Long-Distance Bus Station has buses to Zigui. Internal Transportation · Bus: The Zigui town bus system is convenient and reaches major attractions. · Tourist Shuttle: There is a tourist shuttle line between Qu Yuan Hometown and the Three Gorges Dam. · Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient for traveling between attractions. 🍊 Special Experiences and Food Recommendations Special Activities 1. Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Experience: If visiting around the Dragon Boat Festival, don’t miss the celebrations in Qu Yuan’s hometown. 2. Navel Orange Picking: Enjoy picking Zigui’s specialty navel oranges at Zhaxi River Scenic Area (seasonal). 3. Bamboo Rafting in the Three Gorges Bamboo Sea: Experience bamboo rafting and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Food Recommendations 1. Qu Xiang Triangular Rice Dumplings: A specialty closely linked to Qu Yuan culture. 2. Three Gorges Fat Fish: Local specialty fish with tender meat. 3. Cured Meat: Traditional flavor of the Three Gorges region. 4. Radish Dumplings and Spicy Noodles: Local snacks from Yichang. 💰 Practical Tips 1. Ticket Discounts: Qu Yuan Hometown and the Three Gorges Dam offer a combined ticket for 100 RMB to visit both 5A attractions. 2. Best Season: Spring and autumn have pleasant weather and are the best times to visit. 3. Itinerary Adjustment: If time is limited, choose a one-day highlight tour: Qu Yuan Hometown + Three Gorges Dam. 4. Accommodation Suggestion: Stay in Zigui town or Yichang city for convenient transportation and dining. 5. Special Reminder: The Three Gorges Dam scenic area requires advance reservation; remember to bring valid ID. Zigui blends ancient culture with modern engineering marvels. Whether tracing Qu Yuan’s footsteps or experiencing the grandeur of the Three Gorges Project, it offers a unique and profound travel experience. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Zigui!