100 Cities in My Photo Album: 9. Yichang
Yichang, anciently known as Yiling, is the hometown of Qu Yuan and Wang Zhaojun, serving as the gateway to the Three Gorges. In ancient times, it belonged to the Xiling tribe, during the Xia and Shang dynasties to ancient Jingzhou, and during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods to the Chu State. It boasts 18 national-level cultural relic protection units and 75 provincial-level ones.
🗺️ Area: 21,000 square kilometers
🌡️ Temperature: Average annual temperature of 18.2°C
🍜 Cuisine: Liangxia (cold shrimp dessert), various fish dishes
💦 Water systems: Yangtze River mainstream, Qingjiang River, Juzhang River, Xiangxi River, Huangbai River, Yuyang River, etc.
✈️ Transportation: Convenient access by plane and high-speed rail; no traffic restrictions for out-of-town license plates when driving
🌳 Best travel time: Spring offers pleasant temperatures and scenery; summer is hot with possible flood discharge
❗️ Recommended attractions: Yuquan Temple
Next planned visits: Three Gorges Scenic Area, Qingjiang Gallery, Three Gorges Migration Museum, Yichang Museum
⚠️ Tips:
1. Railway Dam Snack Street is worth trying
2. Scenic spots are scattered, so driving is more convenient
Why visit Yichang?
Because of the Three Gorges, the Yangtze River, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and its rich cultural history, stunning landscapes, and national engineering marvels.