Things to do in Nanzhang
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Top 10 attractions in Nanzhang
White Emperor City Qutang Gorge Scenic Spot
White Emperor City Qutang Gorge Scenic Spot is located by the river in Fengjie County, Chongqing, at the western entrance of the Yangtze River's Three Gorges. It consists of two parts: White Emperor City and Qutang Gorge. A historic island city surrounded by water meets a majestic and precipitous gorge gateway, where natural landscapes, Three Kingdoms relics, and millennia of poetry converge. When cruising through the Three Gorges, the gorge's panoramic scroll often begins unfolding here. White Emperor City, originally named White Emperor City Qutang Gorge Scenic Spot, was built by Gongsun Shu in the late Western Han Dynasty as a fortified city, where he proclaimed himself the "White Emperor," a name that has endured to this day. During the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Bei retreated here after his failed eastern campaign and entrusted his son to Zhuge Liang on his deathbed. The colorful sculptures in the Entrusting the Orphan Hall at the White Emperor Temple recreate this historical episode. Interestingly, while the temple's name remains unchanged, it now enshrines Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, who were honored during the Ming Dynasty. The Mingliang Hall, Wuhou Shrine, and Star-Gazing Pavilion are built along the mountainside, while the eastern and western stele forests display inscriptions from various dynasties, worth a slow-paced appreciation. The site is also renowned as the "City of Poetry": Li Bai, pardoned and returning east, penned the timeless line "Leaving at dawn the White Emperor crowned with cloud"; Du Fu, residing in Kuizhou for nearly two years, left behind over 400 poems; and Liu Yuxi composed "Bamboo Branch Songs" while serving as the governor of Kuizhou. After the Three Gorges Reservoir was filled, the rising river level turned White Emperor Mountain into an isolated island in the high gorge's flat lake, accessible only via a long covered bridge. The Qutang Gorge stretches approx. 8 km in total. Though not the longest among the Three Gorges, it is renowned for its majestic and precipitous scenery. The gorge entrance, called Kuimen or Qutang Pass, features the sheer cliffs of Chijia Mountain and Baiyan Mountain standing opposite each other, abruptly narrowing the river. Here, the Yangtze forces its way through the pass, which has served as the vital waterway to and from Sichuan since ancient times. It also appears on the back of the fifth series CNY 10 banknote. While sailing through the gorge, visitors can spot the hanging coffins at Wind Box Gorge high on the cliffs, the orderly arranged Meng Liang's Ladder holes on Baiyan Mountain's precipice, and numerous cliff inscriptions. When visiting, consider first walking across the covered bridge to the island to explore the Tuogu Hall, stele forest, and Star Observation Pavilion, then head to the Kuimen viewing platform behind Baidi Temple—directly facing Kuimen, it offers the same perspective as depicted on the back of the CNY 10 banknote. Matching a bill with the actual view for photos has become a classic activity. To truly experience the canyon's narrowness and the river's rush, take a boat through Qutang Gorge—looking back at the cliffs from the water is far more awe-inspiring than viewing from the shore.China · Fengjie County
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, located in Cili County, Zhangjiajie City, boasts lush vegetation and fresh air, with cascading waterfalls and babbling brooks everywhere, creating a natural oxygen bar. Beyond admiring the stunning natural scenery, the highlight of this attraction is the glass bridge—Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Standing on the bridge offers a breathtaking view of the canyon floor 400m below, providing an exhilarating challenge for your nerves. Both downtown Zhangjiajie and Wulingyuan Attraction offer direct buses to the Grand Canyon, taking approximately 20–30 minutes. Upon entering the attraction, the first sight that greets you is the glass bridge spanning the canyon. The middle section features fully transparent panels, perfect for photo enthusiasts to lie down and snap away. Continue forward through Shenquan Gorge and the Ladder Plank Walkway until you reach One-Line Sky, where you can get up close with the sheer canyon walls. Proceed further down via the slideway to the mountain base, then board a cruise to exit the attraction.China · Cili
Two Dams and One Gorge
The main tour of the two dams and one gorge cruise ship is the eastern section of the Xingxia Gorge from the Three Gorges Dam to the Gezhou Dam. The new watershed on the upper reaches of the Three Gorges Dam, part of the Three Gorges The original landscape will change. Only the two dams (the two dams and one gorge area) of the Xiling Gorge section maintain the original scenery of the Three Gorges Gorge. Therefore, the “two dams and one gorge” has become the only ecologically intact Three Gorges in the world, and it has great ornamental value.China · Yichang
hu bei tian chi shan lv you jing qu
Hubei Tianchishan Tourist Attraction is located in Tianchishan, Liuping Village, Limiao Town, 7 km west of Nanzhang County, just a 15-min drive from the county center. Nestled in the birthplace of Chu culture, the origin of Three Kingdoms tales, the hometown of the He Shi Bi jade, and the core area of China's Organic Valley, the attraction sits along the mystical 31°N latitude. To its south and east, it borders the provincial geological park Sandaohe Reservoir, where mist lingers year-round, tea fragrance fills the air, mountain springs run clear, and birds sing amid blooming flowers. The park features rolling peaks and meandering riverbanks, earning it the reputation of a "natural oxygen bar" and "forest wellness retreat" with exceptionally high negative oxygen ion levels. Accommodation options include themed lodgings like cloud-top wooden cabins, cliffside hotels, and tea-scented courtyards. With its pristine ecology and serene living environment, it's hailed as Xiangyang's "urban backyard garden." The main attraction, Heaven Lake, is nestled at the summit of the Jing Mountain range, surrounded by lush forests. This serene emerald pool lies peacefully cradled by the mountains—Nanzhang's renowned Heaven Lake. Perched high, it absorbs the essence of heaven and earth, never drying up year-round. As recorded in the Nanzhang County Annals, it's celebrated for "never overflowing in rain nor drying in drought." Every plant, tree, and the mesmerizing blend of lake and mountain scenery captivates visitors, making it hard to leave.Nanzhang · 8.1 km from downtown
Shuijing Village
Shuijingzhuang is backed by Yuxi Mountain, with layers of green hills; it faces the Yishui River, and the spring is gurgling. There is a huge cave in the mountain, which can accommodate a hundred people. Legend has it that a white horse gallops out, so it is called the White Horse Cave, and the four characters "Dong Tian Fu Di" are engraved on it. According to legend, this cave is where Mr. Shuijing played the piano, played chess, and drank and received guests. The cave is deep and deep, and it can lead to the back mountain; the deep pool in the cave is mysterious and unpredictable. The stone wall promenade in Zhuangxi Sanli is cut like a knife, forming a natural stone waterfall landscape. There are four cave entrances connected to each other, which is called "underground labyrinth". Yuwang Cave has been developed. At the foot of the mountain, the Yongfeng Canal of the Warring States Period is clear and green, running through the village and humming all year round. Shuijing Temple is located outside Baima Cave in the cliff. It is a pavilion-style building with flying eaves and lofty air. It has golden windows and painted buildings. In the temple, there are elegant jade statues of Sima Hui, Pang Degong and students Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu and Pang Tong. Halfway up the mountain, the "Toutianmen" and "Ertianmen" hang like diamonds, and climbing up the stairs is like climbing a ladder. The iron chain bridge in front of Zhuangzhengmen fly-spans. There are many elegant pavilions on the mountain for tourists to rest. The main landscapes include Caolu, Shuijing Site, Sima Hui Story Stele Gallery, Shuijing Temple, Youjuzhai, Shanfu Cave, General Pavilion, Yuwang Cave, Tiger Cave, Canglong Cave, Shenmi Valley, Peach Blossom Flowing Water, etc.Nanzhang · 1.4 km from downtown
Shennongjia Tourism Area
Shennongjia covers an enormous area which includes multiple towns and forests as well as the tourism areas of Shennong Peak, Tianyan (“heavenly swallow”), Xiangxiyuan River, and Yuquan River, of which Shennong Peak is the most famous. The Shennongjia Forestry District contains expansive virgin forest full of towering trees and lush vegetation, creating nature's own fresh oxygen. At Shennong Peak, you can climb onto of the “roof of central China” and see cute but rare golden snub-nosed monkeys. According to legend, this is where the ape-like “Shennongjia wild man” roams.China · Shennongjia
Huanglong Cave
Huanglong Cave is renowned for its lofty caverns, deep underground rivers, and dense stalagmites. The cave is adorned with various stalactites such as stone milk and stone pillars, which appear vibrant under the lighting. Particularly notable is the iconic attraction "Sea-fixing needle": Nearly 20 m tall, thick at both ends and thin in the middle, with the thinnest part measuring only approx. 10 cm in diameter. It is estimated to have grown for nearly 200,000 years and is still slowly 'growing taller'. The attraction once invested heavily in insuring it, demonstrating its rarity. After passing the ticket office of Huanglong Cave, there is still some distance before entering the cave. Besides the long corridor for queuing, there is also a spectacular group of interconnected waterwheels. This attraction fully utilizes the underground water resources of the cave, featuring waterwheels with various functions, shapes, and purposes, such as grinding flour and irrigation. With designs ranging from pagodas to mechanical types, the exquisite craftsmanship resembles a real-life "Mohist mechanical city," leaving visitors in awe. Huanglong Cave covers a vast area, stretching approx. 7 km in total length with a vertical height of over 100 m inside the cave. The entire cave features interconnected chambers and underground rivers. Travelers can admire a large quantity of stalactites in various forms such as stone milk, stone pillars, stalagmites, stone curtains, stone pianos, and stone flowers. Among them, the most distinctive is the iconic attraction inside the cave –Sea-fixing needle", thick at both ends and thin in the middle, is estimated to have grown for two hundred thousand years. The "land-and-water" sightseeing route in the cave is particularly fascinating. Travelers first explore on foot, then board a cruise at the dock by the underground river to admire the scenic views and spectacular stalagmites along the waterway. The cruise lasts about 15 mins. After disembarking, the walking tour continues, leading to a magical cave waterfall. The route is one-way, with the exit located near but separate from the entrance.China · Zhangjiajie
guan gong sheng xiang
Nanzhang · 45.3 km from downtown
Hefeng Pingshan Tourist Area
Pingshan Grand Canyon beautifully combines both natural scenery and historical relics. The topography here is precipitous, and the scenery unique. Towering cliffs jut up on all sides surrounded by streams. You can ride a tour boat to experience the scenery on both sides of the river. Successive Tusi kings built their seats of government in Pingshan. Today, ruins of these remain, and many precious artifacts have been unearthed here. Pingshan Grand Canyon maintains its original natural ecosystem. There is no urban bustle here, only a comfortable cool breeze in the summertime that makes it a great summer retreat.China · Hefeng
Tribe of the Three Gorges
Tribe of the Three Gorges is located on both banks of Dengying Gorge in the Xiling Gorge section of the Yangtze River, between the Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Dam. It consists of areas such as mountain dwellings, water dwellings, and riverside dwellings, presenting a concentrated display of the original ecological charm of the gorge. The visit combines boat tours and walking, and the ferry crossing the Yangtze River itself is part of the experience. The highlights of the mountain village are concentrated on the slope overlooking the river: the wooden stilt houses, built along the mountain terrain, are lower in the front and higher in the back with winding corridors, and the rooms inside restore the living scenes of the ancient inhabitants of the Gorge. In the Bawang Village and Bawang Palace, built to imitate ancient Ba people's mountain strongholds, visitors can watch folk songs and dances, listen to Tujia girls singing antiphonal songs, taste a bowl of bowl-smashing wine, and experience the ancient and mysterious Ba-Chu culture. Continuing up the mountain road, one can also see the towering "Stone Token" and the "Shadow-play Stone" standing on the cliff top. The outlines of these peculiar rocks resemble the Tang Monk and his disciples; when illuminated by the setting sun, they look like figures on a shadow-play screen, making them popular photo spots. You can hike up the mountain or take the cable car. The waterborne dwellings stand at the river bend where Longjin Stream meets the Yangtze, with ancient sailing boats braving the wind and fishermen casting nets, recreating the generations-old river life of fishing families who made boats their homes. Here, one can also hear the powerful and resonant boatmen's work songs. Longjin Stream, where the riverside dwellings are located, boasts emerald-green waters and serene beauty, earning it the nickname "Little Jiuzhai of Hubei." Local girls wash clothes on riverside rocks while singing folk songs, and black-canopied boats gently sway on the stream. The lively Tujia wedding customs performance before the stilt houses features amusing elements like bride snatching, wedding laments, and tossing the embroidered ball, often inviting travelers to play the groom's role. The scene of trackers pulling boats along the stream further unfolds, making the journey feel like stepping into a living scroll of river valley folk culture.China · Yichang
Experiences you can't miss in Nanzhang
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Free things to do in Nanzhang
What travelers say about Nanzhang
_We***5110 October 2026
5.0
It's great in every way. The only starting point for the Three Gorges Summit hike is Baidi City, and the scenery is beautiful. Food and drinks on the mountain cost 10 yuan per serving. There are many steep uphill sections, and the hike is about 10 kilometers and takes about 6 hours. After the hike, there are local private cars available for 30 yuan per person to take you down the mountain from the high-speed rail station or other places.
White Emperor City Qutang Gorge Scenic Spot
_TI***rm29 October 2026
5.0
Well worth the visit. I was there in late october so there were few people present. Can't imagine going there when its packed. You will not regret it. Just go
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
YARA JK24 October 2026
5.0
I recently joined this wonderful Three Gorges one-day cruise tour in Yichang together with my friends. The whole tour cost only 250 yuan per person, and a nice lunch was included in the package, which is really good value.We sailed through the beautiful Xiling Gorge and got to see the world-famous Three Gorges Dam. The river and mountain views along the way were breathtaking. Our tour guide was very friendly and patient. The guide showed us all the sights and explained lots of useful information about the dam and the gorge. All of us were satisfied and enjoyed the trip a lot. The schedule was well planned, and the boat ride was comfortable. I highly recommend this cruise tour if you come to Yichang!
Two Dams and One Gorge
M47***0013 February 2022
5.0
I stayed in a B&B during the Chinese New Year. The floor heating on the top of the mountain is very good. The room has a large floor-to-ceiling window and a mountain view. It is very suitable for a family to come and play. It is very good. It is close. I will come again next weekend~
hu bei tian chi shan lv you jing qu
柯克哥11 December 2020
3.0
The core attraction of Shuijingzhuang, Baima Cave, is small and does not have much to see, but the small mountain gate, pavilions and terraces, and the compact architectural structure are quite unique. In addition, the overall garden landscape design in front of the park is also very beautiful, and you can take photos as a souvenir.
Shuijing Village
M23***5316 October 2026
5.0
Shennongjia, located in Hubei Province, is known as the "Roof of Central China" and a World Natural Heritage site. Its dense primeval forests are home to golden monkeys, boasting an exceptional ecosystem and earning it the title of a "green miracle." The scenery is picturesque and breathtaking, with stunning views at every turn.
Shennongjia Tourism Area
爱生活好好生活29 October 2026
5.0
Due to the rain, we changed our plans and visited Huanglong Cave instead. I had a very good experience; the cave is enormous, and the boat ride was enjoyable. Unfortunately, because I was accompanying an elderly person, we couldn't go further in and missed the largest stalagmite.
Huanglong Cave
205***668 October 2026
5.0
Compared to Enshi Grand Canyon, I highly recommend Pingshan Canyon. Don't choose the so-called "lazy person's route" with boats in and out; you still walk quite a bit, and you repeat the same route both ways, going up and down a long stretch of steps inside the cave and missing a lot of scenery! Just take the regular route; even as a lazy person, I thought it was fine. The cliffside views are absolutely stunning!
Hefeng Pingshan Tourist Area
echochris23 October 2026
5.0
The midday performance could be improved, but the afternoon performance was very good; the young man playing the flute by the bamboo forest stream was very pleasant to listen to 👍, and the scenery along the way was picturesque. I recommend taking the time to complete the entire route 😃.
Tribe of the Three Gorges
Trip Moments in Nanzhang
