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Yichang is the third largest city in Hubei Province. It is the site of the Three Gorges Dam and the dividing line between the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River.
Yichang boasts a wealth of tourism resources, including the majestic dam, the Three-You Ancient Cave, the White Horse Wonderland, the Dongshan Picturesque Scene, the Peach Blossom Village, the Children's Park, the Riverside Gallery, the nighttime square, the Yichang Natural Tower, and the Zhenjiang Pavilion. The Baiguoshu Waterfall cascades with breathtaking force, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The graceful stalactites of the Lover's Spring, forming twins like lovers in embrace, are a sight to behold. The hometown of Zhaojun is a picturesque place, and its millennia-old legends remain timeless. Yichang, a blend of scenic beauty, the nourishment of the river, and the influence of Bachu culture, imbues this riverside city with a unique and captivating charm.
Yichang is an excellent tourist city in China. It boasts four national 5A-level scenic spots, a number that ranks among the highest in China. Yichang is the only National Model City for Environmental Protection in Hubei Province and is also recognized as a National Civilized City, National Garden City, National Sanitary City, National Forest City, and China's Piano City.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate
Best in spring
Three Gorges People's Scenic Area
Located within the Xiling Gorge of the Three Gorges, the resort consists of three areas: Mountain Homes, Water Homes, and Creekside Homes. You can experience the pristine natural scenery of the Three Gorges by combining a boat tour with a walk.
The scenic area hosts daily folk performances, allowing visitors to deeply experience the ancient and mysterious Bachu culture. The "Dengying Rock," perched atop a precipice, is a great spot for photographs.
Three Gorges Guanba Scenic Area
Located in the middle of Xiling Gorge, this scenic area boasts the world's largest water conservancy project and is a core scenic spot for the New Three Gorges tourism. Here, natural landscapes and cultural attractions blend beautifully, showcasing the engineering and water conservancy heritage in every aspect. The scenic area comprises three regularly open areas: Tanziling Park, the Diversion Memorial Park, and Park 185. From the 185 viewing platform, the view from above feels like being on the dam crest, allowing you to experience the height difference.
Qingjiang Gallery
Qingjiang River is the birthplace of the ancient Ba people and the mother river of the Tujia people. A poem states, "The 300-li Qingjiang River is as picturesque as a painting, and the 300-li Changyang River is like a gallery," hence the name Qingjiang Gallery. Take a ride on a vintage-style boat within the scenic area to admire the 25-kilometer-long canyon scenery and unique karst landforms along both sides of the Qingjiang River.
Yichang (宜昌) is a major city in western Hubei, serving as a gateway to the Three Gorges region. It is especially significant due to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower and flood control project, which has reshaped the Yangtze River and regional economy. Beyond that, Yichang preserves cultural and natural heritage: gorges, caves, river ecosystems, ethnic culture, and the unique river-city life along the Yangtze.
Yichang is located on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in western Hubei province. You can arrive via rail (Yichang East Railway Station / Yichang stations) or air (Yichang Sanxia Airport), then take local buses, taxis, or shuttles to tourist sites. Within the city and to scenic areas, private cars, tour buses, municipal buses, and shuttle services are common.
For the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area, hours are ~08:30 to 17:00 (shuttle center constraints apply). Yichang Museum is open 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission 16:00), closed Mondays. Best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when weather is mild, water levels are favorable, and the gorges are scenic.
The Three Gorges Dam tourist area ticket is ¥35 including shuttle bus. Yichang Museum admission is free. Other attractions (e.g. Sanyou Cave, Sturgeon Museum) have modest fees (varies by site) — these can often be purchased on-site or via tourism platforms.
Yes, for major attractions (e.g. Three Gorges Dam, cruises) especially in peak season, booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability. For museums and smaller sites, same-day tickets usually suffice.
To see Yichang’s main city attractions (museum, cave, riverside) and get a glimpse of the dam, plan 1 to 2 days. If you include a multi-day Three Gorges cruise, plan 3 to 5 days or more.
Guided tours in Chinese are common, especially for the dam and cruise services. Some cruise operators or larger attractions may offer English or multilingual guides — check with providers in advance. Audio guide availability is variable and often limited to Chinese.
A sample 2-day itinerary:
Some nighttime light displays exist at the dam or along riverfront areas (depending on lighting schedules). Cruises may offer evening entertainment programs. However, core scenic sites (e.g. museum, caves) typically operate during daylight hours only.
Yichang sees high visitor volume during summer (school holidays) and during major Chinese holidays. Least crowded times are weekday mornings, shoulder seasons (spring, autumn), and non-holiday periods.
Major tourist areas (dam site, museums, cruise terminals) provide full facilities: restrooms, shops, snack stands, waiting rooms. Along cruises, onboard restaurants and amenities are provided. City restaurants, cafes, hotels are broadly available.
Many attractions are relatively accessible: dam viewing platforms and shuttle services reduce walking. Museums are in city settings and often accessible. However, gorges via cruise require boarding boats; caves or steep sites (e.g. Sanyou Cave) may have steps or uneven terrain, which might be challenging. Children should be supervised in water or cliff-edge areas.
In Yichang’s urban and major tourist venues, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are widely accepted. Still, carrying some cash is useful at smaller shops or in more remote spots.
In Yichang, you’ll find many restaurants, cafes, and eateries near museum areas, waterfront zones, and around major tourist centers. At the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area, local restaurants and snack stalls serve meals to tourists.
Vegetarian / vegan Chinese dishes are generally available in city restaurants (tofu, vegetable stir-fries, bean curd). Halal options may exist in more prominent restaurants; in smaller or rural spots, it’s less certain — ask locally.
In Yichang city there are many hotels, from budget to upscale, especially near riverfront and transportation hubs (train station, cruise terminals). Close to the Three Gorges Dam area, there are guesthouses and resort-style lodging for tourists who wish to stay nearby.
- Xiling Gorge (along the Yangtze) - Gezhou Dam - Shennong Stream / Shennongjia region (further out) - Gorges and river landscapes downstream or upstream - Ancient temples and old towns along the Yangtze
Yes — souvenir shops are found near major tourist sites, in museums, and cruise piers. Typical items: river and gorge themed crafts, postcards, model ships, local teas, ethnic crafts from nearby minority cultures.
After Yichang, you can travel via train, bus, or air to destinations like Wuhan, Chongqing, or deeper into Hubei and neighboring provinces. If on a river journey, you may continue aboard a Yangtze cruise or take a downstream or upstream boat segment to your next destination. Private car or tour van is also good for linking to scenic areas beyond the city.
