Xiaoting Zhibu Street Check-in Guide: A 400-Year-Old Weaving Street

I. Quick Overview of Key Highlights

- Architectural Treasures: As one of the first historical and cultural blocks in Hubei Province, it preserves Ming and Qing Dynasty gorge-style architecture featuring "courtyards with skylights and horse-head gables," also incorporating Huizhou architectural characteristics. The lintels, stone carvings, and wooden window lattices of its 8 historical buildings and 60 traditional-style buildings are a feast for the eyes.

- Wharf Memories: Six ancient wharf ruins are distributed along the river, among which Xinzheng Street Wharf is the only complete Ming and Qing Dynasty commercial wharf ruin in Yichang city. Its 48 bluestone steps and 36 "dragon nose" mooring stones bear witness to the past prosperity of shipping.

- Cultural Rebirth: At the Intangible Cultural Heritage Lan Dyeing Workshop, you can experience traditional techniques like tie-dyeing and batik. The "Xiaocheng Story" Chu-style space offers tea tasting and flower arranging. Old buildings and cultural creative businesses collide to create a unique charm.

- Red Imprint: This is the victorious site of the PLA's "Assault on Gulaobei." The Xinzheng Street Wharf ruins bear witness to history and carry profound red memories.

II. Route Planning: 3 Routes for Different Needs

Route 1: Ancient Architecture Exploration (2 hours, in-depth cultural focus)

Starting Point: Zhibu Street Entrance (Navigate to "No. 2 Xinzheng Street, Xiaoting District")

4. Stroll along the bluestone path, focusing on historical buildings such as the Mengji Commercial Bank from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China (once had a Western style, a founding major general once stayed here), and "Wang Taifeng" Flower Shop (the first flower shop on Zhibu Street) ;

5. Stop at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Lan Dyeing Workshop to watch indigo dyeing demonstrations. If time permits, you can participate in a 3-hour hands-on experience;

6. Visit the municipal-level cultural heritage sites within the block and listen to the stories of the rise and fall of "every family spinning thread, every household weaving cloth";
End Point: Observation deck in the middle of the block, offering distant views of the river and the cluster of horse-head gables.

Route 2: Riverside Stroll (2.5 hours, leisurely sightseeing focus)

Starting Point: Zhibu Street Entrance

5. Pass by the ancient building complex along the street and head straight to the Xinzheng Street Wharf ruins by the river, touching the thousand-year-old bluestone steps and mooring stones ;

6. Stroll along the riverside promenade, check in at the "Light of Victory" plaque, and imagine the past layout of "Yangtze River + Wharf + Town";

7. Take a break at the "Xiaocheng Story" space, enjoy tea and flowers, and experience Hanfu photography;

8. On the way back, visit the Wanwu Gongshe Independent Art Studio and check in at the popular wall that blends modern and ancient styles ;
End Point: Liushuhe Wharf observation platform by the river.

Route 3: Xiaoting One-Day Combined Tour (6-8 hours, panoramic experience focus)

5. Morning (3 hours): Head to Xiaoting Ancient Battlefield Scenic Area, explore Chusai Tower and the ancient plank road, and immerse yourself in the culture of the Three Kingdoms period ;

6. Noon (1 hour): Enjoy Yichang specialty dishes near the ancient battlefield to replenish energy;

7. Afternoon (2-3 hours): Go to Zhibu Street, choose Route 1 or Route 2 for an in-depth tour, and experience intangible cultural heritage projects;

8. Evening (optional): Enjoy the sunset by the river and experience the poetic imagery of "thousands of miles of boats on the western river."

III. Practical Travel Tips

- Transportation Guide: Navigate to "Yichang Zhibu Street" by car. There are small community parking lots at the entrance and exit; it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. For public transportation, take a local bus to "Gulaobei" station and walk to the destination.

- Food Recommendations: At the street entrance, there's an unnamed lamb bun shop that has been open for over 20 years. The buns, made with old dough, come in pork (mild) and beef/lamb (slightly spicy) flavors, and are a local favorite.

- Notes: Some old buildings are very old; please avoid dangerous areas when walking. Residents live in the block, so please do not make loud noises. For a single block tour, it is recommended to allow 2-3 hours; for a combined tour, plan your time reasonably.

- Best Time: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather. The afternoon sun, when it casts slanted light, is best for photographing the light and shadows of ancient buildings. Early morning allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the old street.