Day 1 Various locations → or → Yichang ★Assembly Day
All day
The first day is a full-day gathering day. Tourists will go to the meeting hotel according to their arrival time in Yichang and check in at the front desk of the meeting hotel by writing "China-Travel Note + Name".
Recommended itinerary|
If you arrive early, you can explore Yichang city on your own.
You can go to Binjiang Park or Yiling Yangtze River Bridge to take pictures of the Yangtze River scenery. Zhenjiang Pavilion across the river is a good place to take pictures of the city night view.
Yichang’s night market stalls are also very famous, including Taozhu Road Night Market, Beimen Night Market, etc. You can enjoy the food to your heart’s content, but please pay attention to hygiene.
Day 2 Yichang → G348 → Three Gorges Dam → Guzhao Highway → Muyu Town
·morning
After breakfast, we departed from Yichang and drove along the breathtaking Yichang G348 National Highway, the China-Geology Science Highway. The route offered breathtaking views and numerous scenic viewpoints, and we stopped at several iconic landmarks for a short stroll. We then headed to the breathtaking Gangouzi Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and gorge. We also walked across the suspension bridge and visited the banks of the Liantuo River, enjoying the scenic riverside scenery. We also visited the iconic white "Memorial Monument" building, where we took in some photos.
Time flew by, and soon we arrived at the Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area, located in the middle of the Xiling Gorge. It's the world's largest hydropower project. We first visited Tanziling, the highest point of the Three Gorges Dam, offering panoramic views of the project. From here, we could not only admire the magnificent Three Gorges Dam from a bird's-eye view, but also see the twin, five-stage ship locks of the "Fourth Gorge of the Yangtze River." We also had a distant view of the beautiful Huangniu Rock in Xiling Gorge.
Then head to the 185 Observation Deck, named after its altitude, which is 185 meters higher than the top of the Three Gorges Dam. Here you can get close to the majestic Three Gorges Dam.
Afterward, we visited the Damming River Diversion Memorial Park. You'll definitely never see such massive construction machinery! This is China's first water conservancy project theme park. Dedicated to the Three Gorges Damming River diversion project, it features displays of the project's ruins, large-scale construction machinery, and more. This vividly recreates the thrill of the Three Gorges Dam diversion project, allowing us to experience the excitement of the era firsthand.
·afternoon
After bidding farewell to the Three Gorges Dam, we drove to the Shennongjia Forest Area, passing a distinctive water highway known as the Ancient Zhao Highway. "Zhaojun Village, the hometown of the beauty, and the ripples on the water surface, like a long dragon." The entire highway is built along the canyon stream, like a jade belt or a wandering dragon, winding along the Xiangxi River. We'll give you some time to take photos.
Then we will go to Muyu Town to stay at the hotel. You can stroll along the main street of Muyu Town and find food.
Day 3 Muyu Town → Shennongtan → Shennongding → Pingqian Ancient Town
·morning
After breakfast, we headed to Shennongtan. Shennongjia got its name from the fact that Shennong, one of the ancestors of the Chinese nation, built a ladder made of wood here to collect herbs and save the people.
Here there is a statue of Shennong with an ox-head and a human body, standing among the lush green mountains, with the earth as its body, its eyes slightly closed, as if pondering the mysteries of the universe, while blessing the Chinese nation to prosper and its descendants to multiply.
Along the stone road, you can see the Millennium King Cedar, which has stood for more than 1,200 years. It is 48 meters high and has a trunk with a diameter of 2.8 meters. It is as hard as bronze. The moss on it is like the rust on ancient bronzes, revealing the vicissitudes of time.
Finally, we visited the Baicao Garden, where we experienced the story of Shennong tasting hundreds of herbs and learned about the efficacy and effects of different Chinese medicinal herbs. We also saw the Davidia involucrata, an ancient relict species and a unique genus of plant in my country, known as the "pigeon tree" and a living fossil.
·afternoon
Then we entered the Shennongding Scenic Area, known as the "Roof of Central China". As we continued along the way, we reached an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters. The vast alpine meadows, sea of clouds, forests, stone forests, and ancient trees displayed the beauty of the primitive wilderness, like a paradise on earth.
Depending on the weather, we'll visit the primeval forest of Jinhouling, which has beautifully preserved its original form, showcasing the life and death cycle of majestic trees and cascading waterfalls. We'll also visit Shennong Valley, home to the mysterious "Wild Man" footprints and the dolomite karst landscape. From the observation deck, you'll be able to admire the stunning Shennongjia Stone Forest. The mountainous area is prone to fog, but with luck, you'll be able to see the surrounding mountains in all their glory.
There's also the alpine meadows, arrow bamboo forests, and grotesque rock formations of Banbi Rock, and the dense primeval forests of Taizi Ya, where you can wander among centuries-old giant trees. These landscapes were formed entirely without human intervention, but rather through natural geographical movements.
Tips: Due to the great changes in the weather at Shennongding, the tour leader will flexibly adjust the order of the Shennongding itinerary and attractions
In the evening we drove to Pingqian Ancient Town to check in.
Day 4: Tianpingqian Ancient Town → Dajiu Lake → Shennong Creek → Wuxiakou
·morning
Don't sleep in this morning! We'll be heading to Dajiu Lake early this morning. The mornings here are incredibly beautiful. The tranquil lake, bathed in morning mist, and the surrounding mountains looming in the distance, create a scene reminiscent of a fairyland. Dajiu Lake is a mysterious place, a magical alpine wetland nestled amidst thousands of mountains and valleys. With its endless alpine meadows and rich wetland vegetation, it's known as the "Hulunbuir of Central China."
Kind tips:
1. You need to get up early to enjoy the morning view of Dajiu Lake. To avoid missing the viewing time, please set your alarm in advance.
2. The morning fog at Dajiu Lake is greatly affected by the weather, so please treat it with a normal mind.
·morning
After gazing at the morning mist, explore nine distinct lakes. Winding streams converge along nine mountain ridges, forming a network of lakes, large and small, each with its own unique character. Walking along the plank paths between the lakes, bathed in the sunshine, feels like a paradise. The enchanting scenery is truly like something out of an ink painting, a pearl lost in the ocean, fallen to earth.
We followed the wooden plank path through classic lakes 2-5, where the highlights of the Dajiu Lakes are located. Lake 2, Tianwen, offers a mountain backdrop, with swans occasionally swimming across the shimmering waters. We then crossed a marshy wetland to Lake 3, Tianyu, a rarely visited lake perfect for capturing stunning photos. We then strolled through Lake 4, Diyuan Lake, where micro-wetland landscapes are showcased. If you're tired, you can relax in a cafe. Finally, we arrived at Lake 5, Dimai, the largest lake. We wandered through the shady trees and took in the iconic Sky Realm. Finally, we took a shuttle train to the Deer Park, where we could see adorable sika deer.
Have lunch in Pingqian Ancient Town at noon.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll travel to Shennong Creek in Badong County, renowned for its majestic, unique, treacherous, and beautiful canyon and stream scenery. The Shennong Creek boatmen, a primary mode of transportation throughout the river, date back to ancient times. We'll visit the Shennong Creek Boatmen Cultural Corridor and enjoy a special trip aboard a pea-shaped boat, experiencing the primitive wooden boat pulling process and experiencing the ancient Chinese boatman and Tujia culture up close. The Bachu boatmen on Shennong Creek are a unique sight to behold. Dressed in traditional Tujia costumes, they hold ropes as they pull the pea-shaped boats through the water. Their strong, toned bodies and impressive physiques are awe-inspiring as they navigate the steep canyons.
After the tour, we will drive to the Wuxia Mountaintop Hotel to check in. We will watch the sunset at the top of Wuxia Mountain. The mountaintop is quiet and isolated at night, with a bright starry sky. It is the best place for romantic stargazing. Let's enjoy this pleasant and peaceful night together.
Day 5 Wuxiakou → Wushan Little Three Gorges → Wushan County
·morning
After breakfast, we headed to Wuxiakou, the gateway to the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. Known for its rugged beauty, here you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Yangtze River, a chance encounter between mountains and sea.
We walked across the glass skybridge and looked out over the Wu Gorge from the 360-degree glass viewing platform. This is the summit of the Wu Gorge, at an altitude of 1,100 meters. It's the first 90-degree right-angle bend on the Yangtze River, known as the "First Turn of the Yangtze River." It's also the setting for the background pattern on the 5-yuan note in the fourth set of RMB. From the viewing platform, we admire the mountains and rivers, feel their grandeur and vastness, and savor the tranquility. We left the Wu Gorge entrance at the right time and headed for Wushan.
·afternoon
We visited the Wushan Lesser Three Gorges in Chongqing, where we took a boat tour to admire the scenery on both sides of the gorge and experience the poetic beauty of "Once you have seen the sea, all other waters are but puddles; except for the Wushan Mountains, all other clouds are but mists." The Three Gorges, comprised of Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge, offer a unique and captivating experience.
Longmen Gorge, the gateway to the Lesser Three Gorges, offers not only a glimpse of the Longmen Bridge, a key feature of the Chongqing-Baxi Highway. Entering Bawu Gorge, in addition to the natural wonders of Lion Peak, you'll also find a black hanging coffin from the Ba people of the Warring States Period nestled in a crevice four or five meters above the water. The formation and construction of the Ba people's hanging coffin culture remains a mystery. Dicui Gorge boasts scenic spots such as the Water Curtain Cave, the Carved Buddha Statue, Sheep Beach, Dengtian Peak, the Chibi Sky-High Mossing Tower, and Feiyun Cave.
We changed to a black-sailed boat on the way and sailed through the Small Three Gorges. The men in the black-sailed boat sang folk songs, and the songs echoed in the canyon. The river was quiet and green, and passing through it, we had a feeling of "mountains and rivers are so steep that you think there is no way out, but when you look up, you find another village with willows and flowers".
Kind tips:
The scenic area will adjust the tour order according to the number of visitors on that day. If there is a special weather condition of heavy rain or flooding or a surge in the number of people, the pontoon boat may be closed for safety reasons and replaced with other transportation. Please understand.
After getting off the boat, we arrived at the unique Wushan County, a treasure town that is seriously underestimated. The integration of mountains and city is very spectacular. You can fully experience the architectural features of the mountain city where you can't tell which floor you are on. The magic level is not inferior to Chongqing.
In the evening, you can freely wander around the mountain city, climb a section of the Goddess Avenue, and experience the magic of the mountain city ladder. Standing on the avenue, you can overlook the beautiful mountains and rivers. For dinner, you can try the famous and delicious Wushan specialty paper-wrapped fish and take in the beautiful night view of Wushan. Enjoy the comfortable life hidden in this ordinary small town.
Check in to hotel in Wushan at night.
Day 6 Wushan County → Baidi City → Suobuya Stone Forest → Enshi Grand Canyon Hotel
·morning
After breakfast, we'll drive to Fengjie, Chongqing. Here, you'll find Baidi City, described by the poet Li Bai as "leaving Baidi in the morning amidst the colorful clouds, returning to Jiangling a thousand miles away in a day." Standing atop Baidi Mountain at the mouth of Qutang Gorge, it was a crucial pass on the ancient eastern route into Shu, a battleground for military strategists since the Qin and Han dynasties. Remember when Liu Bei entrusted his son to the care of others during the Three Kingdoms period? It was here.
Walking through the mountain paths along the river, you'll admire the scenery of Qutang Gorge and gaze out at the majestic Kuimen Pass. Qutang Gorge is the shortest and most majestic of the Three Gorges. Kuimen Pass is the western gate of the Yangtze River Three Gorges. At the entrance to Qutang Gorge, it stands like a massive sluice gate towering over the river. Du Fu wrote in his poem, "The height of Baidi is the guardian of the Three Gorges, and the peril of Qutang Pass is greater than Bailao Pass."
Remember to bring a fifth-edition 10-yuan note, featuring the Kuimen Gate in the background, to see the changes between the present and the past. If you're lucky, you might even hear the calls of monkeys. Gazing at the boats on the river, you'll evoke the sentiment of Li Bai's poem, "The monkeys on both sides of the river cry incessantly, while the light boat has already passed through thousands of mountains."
Then climb up to Baidi Temple and visit the scene of Yong'an entrusting his son to his parents. You can also overlook Kuimen from here.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we departed Chongqing and entered Enshi, Hubei. The scenery along the way was breathtaking. We headed to the Sobuya Stone Forest, known as the Ordovician Stone Forest. Formed 460 million years ago by karst geology, the forest resembles an underwater maze. Secret crevices and fossil remains can be found throughout the forest, making it a veritable ancient geological museum.
The scenic area is divided into several distinct zones, each with its own unique characteristics. Navigating them requires some imagination. Lotus Village, with its stone lotus flowers and green trees as springs, resembles a cluster of white lotuses when viewed from above. Mozigou is dominated by caves and natural rock crevices. Jiulonghui boasts a waterfall, phoenixes facing the sun, dragon seals and phoenix seals, and pearls interwoven into the wall.
Walking through the mysterious stone forest, sometimes majestic, sometimes wild and interesting, we can't help but marvel at the wonders of nature. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, you can learn about the meaning of the name "Suobuya" in Tujia language.
There are many myths and pictographic legends about the Sobuya Stone Forest. You may wish to use your imagination to see what the Sobuya in your mind looks like!
Visit the Enshi Grand Canyon at the right time and stay at the Daughter Village Resort Hotel, nestled in the hillside, known as one of the most beautiful mountain hotels. It's a two-minute walk from the Grand Canyon, and you can see the canyon's cliffs from the hotel door. If you're lucky, you can even find yourself amidst a sea of clouds. It's incredibly beautiful!
Day 7 Enshi Grand Canyon → Enshi
All day
We will spend the whole day in Enshi Grand Canyon today, and we can experience this wonder of nature in detail.
After breakfast, we will depart for the Enshi Grand Canyon, a famous attraction in Enshi. It is a complex karst landform that combines "earth fissures, cenotes, and rock pillars." It is considered comparable to the Grand Canyon in the United States.
The entire Qixingzhai scenic area and part of the Yunlong Earth Fissure scenic area of Enshi Grand Canyon are currently open to the public.
We'll first visit the U-shaped Yunlong Fissure, formed 50 million years ago. Its lower reaches flow into the Qingjiang River, leaving it like a deep groove carved into the earth. Within the fissure, water gurgles and waterfalls cascade. Don't miss the colorful Huanglong Waterfall, Rainbow Waterfall, Yunlong Waterfall, Icefall, and Mufu Waterfall.
Next, visit Qixingzhai, known as the "Natural Museum of Karst Topography," where you'll find cemeteries, cemeteries, cliffs, peaks, rock pillars, caves, and underground rivers. Marvel at the miraculous karst formations and the ingenious cliff paths, marveling at the uncanny craftsmanship of nature. Here, you'll find the Grand Canyon's "treasure"—a stick of incense.
Check in at the hotel in Enshi at the appropriate time.
Kind tips:
1. Most of the Enshi Grand Canyon scenic area is natural landscape and is greatly affected by the weather. In case of special weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow or strong winds, the scenic area may temporarily close some areas, or confirm whether to open or not on the same day. If it is not open, the tour leader will adjust the itinerary in a timely manner according to the situation.
2. Tourists who want to leave Enshi on the same day are advised to take a train after 20:30 or a flight after 21:00.
Day 8: Disbandment at Enshi Hotel★ Disbandment Day
All day
Everyone was reluctant to leave and kissed goodbye with tears in their eyes! Remember to hand in your homework when you get back!
Depart the hotel on your own according to your flight or train schedule.
Recommended Itinerary |
If you're returning later, we recommend visiting Tusi City, a landmark of Tusi culture in the Tujia region. Here, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the culture. Inside, you'll find the towering Tusi Gate Tower. Further inside, you'll find the distinctive Wind and Rain Bridge, with its exquisitely crafted eaves, angled corners, and carved beams. You'll also find the Linjun Temple, the ancestor of the Tujia people, and the Tusi Parade Ground, where Tusi soldiers practiced martial arts, offering a glimpse into the training of the time.
In the afternoon, you can visit Enshi Tujia Daughter City, known for its sayings like "Men are loyal to their wives, and the world's foremost city of daughters." Although a man-made ancient town, its meticulous and well-designed design showcases the Tujia people's customs and traditions. It is a national hub for Tujia culture. Every evening after June, the city hosts the Enshi Tujia Daughter's Meeting, a famous matchmaking drama, and performances such as the Tujia hand-waving dance. You can also sample local Enshi specialties like Zhangguan Hezha, kangyangyu (potatoes), oil-tea soup, in-law cakes, and tofu skin.
Tips: If you want to continue your visit to Enshi, you can deeply experience the small beauty of Enshi.
