Things to do in Yichang

Yichang · 28.3km from downtown

9k reviews

The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area is located in the Xiling Gorge section of the Yangtze River in Yichang, Hubei. It is a scenic attraction built around the Three Gorges hydro project, covering over ten square kilometers. Currently, it offers travelers three viewing spots: Tanzi Ridge, the 185 viewing platform, and the river closure memorial park. The dam crest itself is not open to travelers, so visits primarily revolve around these three attractions. Tanzi Ridge is the highest accessible point in the dam area, named for its jar-shaped summit viewing platform resembling an overturned jar. It also served as the survey site for the dam's initial location selection. From the ridge top, visitors can overlook the Three Gorges Project in its entirety—the dam, power station, and twin five-level ship locks are all visible. The five lock chambers cascade down the mountainside, earning the nickname "Fourth Gorge of the Yangtze." The park displays engineering artifacts like ancient riverbed stones, river closure rocks, and foundation stones from the dam site, complemented by model exhibits that help visitors intuitively understand the origins and development of this mega-project. The 185 observation platform is located on the left bank of the dam. It gets its name from sharing the same elevation of 185 m as the dam crest. Standing on the platform feels like being atop the dam: on one side, the dam and vertical ship lift are within close reach, offering a chance to witness ships "riding the elevator" over the dam; on the other side lies the vast, tranquil reservoir upstream. The stark contrast between the stillness above and the dynamism below the dam is striking. The closure memorial park is situated on the right bank downstream of the dam, preserving artifacts like tetrahedral closure stones and large loading machinery used during the construction. It's an ideal spot to view the dam's full frontal grandeur. During flood seasons when the dam releases water, torrents rush out from the deep outlets, creating towering mist and thunderous echoes that reverberate through the valley—a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. The three attractions are far apart, and the scenic area provides shuttle buses for transportation. It is recommended to reserve half a day to visit them in order.

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Hubei

Two Dams and One Gorge

7.7

Yichang · 2.2km from downtown

6.6k reviews

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.

No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hubei

Tribe of the Three Gorges

7.6

4.5/5

11.5k reviews

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.

Yichang · 16.7km from downtown

No. 3 of Night Attractions in Hubei

Yangtze River Three Gorges

7.5

4.8/5

264 reviews

The Yangtze River Three Gorges is a grand canyon formed by the Yangtze cutting through the Wushan Mountains. It stretches nearly 200 km from White Emperor City in Fengjie, Chongqing, in the west to Nanjin Pass in Yichang, Hubei, in the east, connecting three gorges—Qutang, Wuxia, and Xiling—from west to east. This stretch of river has served as a vital waterway between Ba and Chu since ancient times. Li Bai's verse "Departing at dawn from White Emperor City veiled in colorful clouds" depicts the eastbound journey from the gorge entrance, while Du Fu left his famous line "The endless Yangtze rolls on and on" in Fengjie. Each gorge has distinct characteristics, often summarized as "majestic Qutang, graceful Wuxia, and perilous Xiling." Qutang Gorge spans only about 8 km but is renowned for its sheer cliffs. At Kuimen, its entrance, the river abruptly narrows to less than 100 m between knife-cut bluffs—a scene featured on the back of China's fifth series CNY 10 banknote. Ancient plank road holes and Wind Box Gorge's hanging coffins remain visible on the cliffs. Wuxia Gorge extends over 40 km like a winding gallery, with the Twelve Peaks lining its banks. Goddess Peak stands elegantly photogenic in morning mist. Xiling Gorge was once notorious for rapids, but the Three Gorges Dam has transformed its upper reaches into a "high gorge with placid waters." Riverside landmarks like White Emperor City and Huangling Temple are worth visiting. Cruising is the best way to experience the gorges. Long-distance ships sail downstream, while short round-trip boats shuttle through key sections. Watching peaks drift by from the deck offers a more immersive perspective than shore viewing. Morning mist often creates ideal conditions for photographing Kuimen and Goddess Peak. Cliffside plank road relics and inscriptions may flash by during the cruise—keep an eye out to avoid missing them.

Yichang · 6.9km from downtown

Yichang · 4km from downtown

Yangtze River

7.4

The Yangtze River flows through Yichang, located at the junction of the upper and middle reaches, and serves as the starting point of the Yangtze River Three Gorges. The river surface is wide and calm, with layered green mountains on both banks, and the city is built along the river, creating a landscape where the mountains, water, and city complement each other. From the south bank, the urban area on the north bank stretches along the river, with bridges spanning across, offering a wide view. A representative view here is the canyon landscape, with towering cliffs on both banks and the river flowing through the canyon. When passing by boat, you can experience the narrowness and grandeur of the canyon up close. When the tour boat passes through the ship lock, the vessel rises and falls slowly with the water level in the lock chamber, which is a unique experience. There are also places along the river suitable for walking and viewing. The riverside promenade extends along the north bank, shaded by trees, making it a great spot for viewing the river up close, taking photos, and strolling. The high ground on the south bank offers a panoramic view of the city's river scenery, and at sunset, the river reflects the setting sun, creating a delightful view.

No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Hubei

Three Gorges Grand Waterfall

7.4

Yichang · 27.9km from downtown

6.8k reviews

The Three Gorges Grand Waterfall, originally named the White Fruit Tree Waterfall, is located in the gorge of the Xiaofeng Tourist Area in Yichang, renowned for its natural waterfall clusters and canyon forest views. The strata here record the geological changes from ancient eras like the Sinian, Cambrian, and Ordovician periods. Scenic spots along the route, such as the "Cambrian scriptures" and "Earth's annual rings," transform geological relics into understandable views. The valley is lush with vegetation and abundant in moisture, offering a cool retreat even during midsummer. Following the valley trail upstream, over 30 waterfalls of various forms—such as the Tiger's Mouth waterfall, Thread waterfall, Pearl waterfall, Fork waterfall, Chain waterfall, and Five-Fan waterfall—appear one after another. Some are wide and gentle, plunging with a roar; others cling to the rock walls as slender, cascading streams; still others are interconnected in layers. Several uniquely shaped stone and wooden bridges span the stream, blending seamlessly with the rocks and waterfalls. At the end of the canyon, the main waterfall, with a drop of over 100 m and a width of dozens of m, cascades down the steep cliff, filling the valley with mist and a thunderous roar. On sunny afternoons, a rainbow often arches in front of the waterfall. Behind the main waterfall lies a corridor embedded in the cliff. Wearing a raincoat, visitors can "walk through the waterfall" from behind the cascading curtain, feeling the spray and coolness—a signature experience that sets this apart from ordinary waterfall viewing. The hike follows the valley to the main waterfall and loops back via another path, with key sights along the way; a half-day is sufficient for a leisurely visit. Passing through the waterfall inevitably leads to getting wet—a playful summer delight, but other seasons call for spare clothes.

Yichang · 21.5km from downtown

Xiaofeng Scenic Area

7.4

5.0/5

21 reviews

Xiaofeng Scenic Area is located on the north bank of Xiling Gorge in the Yangtze River Three Gorges. It is a core component of the Yangtze River Three Gorges National Geopark and a stopover on the way to Shennongjia. The scenic area features geological wonders such as canyons, waterfalls, and karst caves. It contains typical stratigraphic sections from various geological eras, including the Sinian, Cambrian, and Ordovician periods, making it a natural geological museum. Streams flow year-round in the canyon, where dozens of waterfalls of various shapes cascade through the deep valley. Among them, the iconic view Three Gorges Grand Waterfall, formerly known as Baiguoshu Waterfall, has a drop of nearly 100 m, with a curtain of water pouring down from the towering cliffs. Visitors can put on raincoats and walk along the boardwalk behind the waterfall's curtain, enjoying an immersive experience of water mist on their faces and the thunderous roar. The scenic area also features karst caves and underground river views such as Golden Lion Cave, Tianhe Dragon Palace, and Lover Spring. These attractions are distributed along the canyon, allowing visitors to enjoy canyon trekking, getting soaked by waterfalls, and exploring karst caves all in one trip.

No. 3 of Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Yichang

Qingjiang Gallery

7

4.6/5

6.5k reviews

Qingjiang Gallery is located in Changyang County, Yichang City, Hubei Province. It is the ancestral home of the Ba people, the cradle of the Tujia ethnic group, and the hometown of the Changyang people. Known for its unique reputation as "the 800-li Qingjiang River as beautiful as a painting, with 300 li of gallery in Changyang," the scenic area derives its name from this poetic description.

Changyang · 6.4km from downtown

Selected for Best Things to Do in Hubei

Three Gorges Ship Lift

6.3

4.9/5

578 reviews

Take a cruise, feel the Three Gorges vertical ship lift, and experience riding a 100-meter "ship lift". Behind the mysterious veil, many foreign experts lamented that the Chinese have accomplished an impossible task. The Three Gorges ship lift is like installing a huge elevator on a 40-story building. It can lift ships 113 meters at a time together with the ship-carrying compartment. The entire lifting process takes about 10 minutes. It only takes 40 minutes for ships to pass the dam through the Three Gorges ship lift. Compared with the previous dam-crossing road that took a whole day and the five-level ship lock that took four hours, the Three Gorges ship lift is a veritable "fast track" for elevators to pass the dam. The Yangtze River Three Gorges No. 5 left the ship carriage and sailed into the upstream of the dam. I was shocked by the scenery of "cutting off the clouds and rain of Wushan, and a flat lake emerging from the high gorge". I couldn't help but be impressed by the wisdom of the Chinese people in utilizing and transforming nature.

Yichang · 25.7km from downtown

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Yangtze River Three Gorges

Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Resort

6.2

4.9/5

346 reviews

Experience breathtaking scenery and heartfelt hospitality; you'll never truly know the beauty of the Three Gorges until you visit. As the cruise sets sail, you'll enjoy the scenic gems of the Three Gorges and the world-renowned hydroelectric city of Yichang along the Riverside Avenue: World Peace Park, Yiling Yangtze River Bridge, Yichang's Little Bund—Binjiang Park, the Fourth Pavilion of the Yangtze River—Zhenjiang Pavilion, Yichang's water town—Xiba Island, and Gezhouba Dam. Passing through the ship lock offers a unique experience, with stunning views of the natural beauty of Xiling Gorge unfolding before your eyes. The cruise navigates through the single-line ship lock at Gezhouba Dam, allowing you to experience the unique sensation of rising with the water, while taking in the panoramic view of the majestic Gezhouba Dam. The journey continues into the picturesque Three Gorges Gallery—Xiling Gorge, which spans 76 kilometers, with the cruise covering 38 kilometers of its most scenic section, offering an endless array of breathtaking views. The segment between Gezhouba Dam and the Three Gorges Dam, known as "Two Dams and One Gorge," features the natural grandeur of the eastern section of Xiling Gorge. Due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the western section of Xiling Gorge, along with the entire Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge, has been submerged, raising the water level by 60 to over 100 meters, altering some of the original landscapes. However, the Xiling Gorge section between the two dams retains its pristine gorge scenery, making it highly valuable for sightseeing. The Qu Yuan's Hometown Scenic Area is located in the new county town of Zigui, adjacent to the Three Gorges Dam, just 600 meters away. Covering approximately 500 acres, it offers stunning views of the high gorges and tranquil lakes. The area features 24 relocated cultural relics from the gorge, including the Qu Yuan Temple and Jiangdu Temple. The main attractions include the Qu Yuan Memorial Scenic Area centered around Qu Yuan Temple, the Three Gorges Ancient Residence Area highlighting Xintan ancient dwellings, gorge stone carvings, and ancient bridges, as well as the Qu Yuan Cultural and Art Center and the waterfront scenic belt.

Yichang · 9.4km from downtown

No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Yichang

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6.2

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Free things to do in Yichang

The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area

8.9

Yichang · 28.3km from downtown

9k reviews

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7.5

4.8/5

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6.2

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5.7

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