Embark on a Dream Road Trip along the Xingshan Water Highway

Overview: Located in Xingshan County, Yichang City, Hubei Province, this 10.9 km-long, 12 m-wide, two-lane highway has a designed speed of 60 km/h. A 4.4 km section is built over the canyon's streams, comprising the Xiangxi River Bridge and the Gufu River Bridge. Construction began in May 2013, and the highway officially opened in August 2015.
Background: Xingshan County, situated in the Three Gorges Reservoir area on the north side of the Xiling Gorge of the Yangtze River, is a key part of the "Western Hubei Ecological and Cultural Tourism Circle." However, the limited mileage of trunk roads in the county hindered economic development. To establish a fast connection with the outside world while avoiding deforestation, Xingshan County invested nearly CNY 440 million to construct this highway using an overwater bridge solution.
Features and Advantages
Eco-friendly: Numerous ecological protection measures were implemented during construction. For example, the construction team chose to travel several kilometers extra on mountain roads rather than destroy a single tree. 425 streetlights were installed along the highway, and 37,500 trees, 64,000 climbing plants, and 12,300 square meters of turf were planted along the roadside.
Scenic Beauty: The highway, resembling a jade belt or a giant dragon, winds through the mountains and rivers, creating a beautiful ecological landscape with the surrounding green mountains, clear waters, clouds, mist, and villages. It's a popular spot for online influencers.
Tourism Boost: Connecting multiple scenic spots such as Baidi City, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, Zhaojun's Hometown, Shennongjia, and Wudang Mountain, the highway has greatly promoted the comprehensive development and utilization of tourism resources along the route and brought tourism revenue to the villages on both sides.
How to Visit
Self-drive Tour: Drive along the Guzhao Highway and stop at safe locations to admire the scenery.
Hiking: Stroll along the plank road to experience the beauty of nature up close and appreciate the unique scenery where the highway blends with the mountains and rivers.

Post by Lucas*Wilson | Mar 13, 2025