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Taipingxi Town is located in the western part of Yiling District, Yichang City, on the north bank of the Yangtze River and on the left bank of the Three Gorges Project. It is the first town at the head of the dam area. After the liberation of Yichang, archaeologists discovered numerous cultural relics in Xiaoxikou, Qinjiatuo, and Lujiahe, demonstrating that humans lived in Taipingxi as early as the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
Taipingxi Town boasts a prime geographical location: within easy reach of the Three Gorges Dam, the five-level ship locks, and the 4A-level scenic spot Tanziling. A national forest park encompasses the entire area. The majestic and spectacular sight of "a tranquil lake emerging from a high gorge" is breathtaking. Within Taipingxi Town, the tranquil lake covers over 30,000 mu (approximately 1,000 hectares), encompassing five tributaries—Jingjiang Creek, Baisui Creek, Linjia Creek, Taiping Creek, and Duanfang Creek—as well as nearly 100 peninsulas and islands.
Mid-subtropical monsoon climate zone;
Best time to travel: Spring and Autumn
Wang Family Ancestral Hall
Located in Wuxiangmiao Village, Taipingxi Town, it is the largest and highest-level ethnic ancestral hall in the Three Gorges Dam area. It was built in the Qing Dynasty and is a public activity place for the Wang family in the area to worship and gather.
Xiaoxikou Zhou Dynasty Ruins
Located in the former Xiaoxikou section of Taiping Creek in Yichang County, the Yichang Regional Museum conducted a trial excavation there, unearthing numerous pottery fragments of various materials, including grit-tempered gray pottery, grit-tempered red pottery, clay-rich black pottery, and gray pottery with additives. The vessels include tripods, cauldrons, jars, pots, and lids. Also included are charcoal, slag, broken copper scraps, and animal bones.
Lujiahe Shang and Zhou Dynasty Ruins
Located in Wuxiangmiao Village, Taipingxi Town, on the north bank of the Yangtze River, a flood in 1981 unearthed numerous pottery fragments, stone tools, and fish bones along the riverbank. The pottery fragments reveal that most of the vessels are round-bottomed hairpins decorated with fine rope patterns; small gray pottery jars with pointed bottoms, pointed lips, sloping shoulders, and plain surfaces; and large-mouthed vases decorated with checkered patterns. The site has been designated the Wuxianmiao Shang and Zhou Dynasty Ruins. In 1984, Lin Chun, a member of the Changshu Office Archaeological Team, excavated the site and named it the Lujiahe Site.
Recommended one-day tour
Taipingxi Town is a riverside town in Yichang, Hubei, near the Three Gorges Dam. It has historical significance as a transport and trade hub along the Yangtze River and offers insight into local riverine culture.
Located in Yichang, Hubei Province. Visitors can reach it by bus or taxi from Yichang city center. Walking is suitable for exploring the town itself once arrived.
The town is accessible all day, with the best visiting times in spring and autumn for mild weather and clearer views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
No entrance fee is required to explore the town itself. Some nearby attractions or exhibitions may have small fees, payable on-site.
Advance booking is generally not necessary for visiting the town, unless visiting specific paid attractions or guided tours.
2–4 hours is sufficient to explore the main town, riverside areas, and local markets.
Guided tours are occasionally available in Chinese. English or other language tours are limited. Audio guides are not common.
Start at the riverfront, walk along the promenade, explore local streets and markets, visit any small temples or cultural spots, and end at scenic viewpoints near the hills.
Night visits are allowed, and some riverside areas may have lighting, but organized light shows or special tours are limited.
Moderate crowds on weekends and holidays; weekdays are generally quieter. Early mornings are best for minimal crowds and pleasant lighting.
The town is mostly flat and walkable. Elderly and children can access most areas comfortably. Some riverfront paths may be uneven, limiting full accessibility for wheelchair users.
Cash is widely accepted. Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are common in shops and restaurants, while credit cards may be limited.
Local eateries serve Hubei cuisine, riverside restaurants offer fresh fish and local specialties, and small cafes provide drinks and snacks along main streets.
Vegetarian options are available at local eateries; vegan choices may be limited. Halal food can be found at selected restaurants in the town or nearby Yichang.
Small guesthouses, boutique hotels, and mid-range accommodations are available within Taipingxi Town or along the riverfront.
Souvenir shops sell local crafts, river-themed trinkets, traditional snacks, and items related to the Three Gorges region.
