Yichang Travel Guide

 Facts: 
Phone Code: 0717
Postal Code: 443000
Area: 21,600 square kilometers (8,338 square miles)
Population: 4.06 million (statistics in 2010)
Nationalities: Han, Tujia, Hui, Manchu, Bai and Miao
Neighboring Areas: Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, Shaanxi provinces
Location: Located in the west of Hubei Province and at the east end of the Xiling Gorge. Yichang City is at the dividing point of the upper reaches and middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Also, it is one of the biggest port cities along the Yangtze River with a shoreline of 230 kilometers (143 miles) long. The latitude is between 29°56′~31°34′N, and the longitude is between 110°15′~112°04′E.

 Physical Features: At the transitional region of Qinglin-Bashan Mountain in western Hubei and the Wuling Mountains to Jianghan Plain, the land of the city slopes down from west to east. Mountain area makes up 69 percent of the whole land area. In addition, it is watered by numerous rivers, such as the Yangtze, Qingjiang, Juzhang, Huangbai, Xiangxi Rivers and the Xialao Stream.

 History: Historical records show that Yichang has a history of more than 2,700 years. In the Warring States Period (476 - 221 BC), it was the territory of the Chu Kingdom, where the Chu Culture once thrived. With the original name of 'Yiling', this city had long been important because of its strategic location. In the Qin Dynasty (221 - 207BC), South County was established to administrate most of the area. Yichang was opened to foreign trade in 1876 under Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Many wharfs for trading have been set up along the Yangtze River since then. The Three Gorges Project has gained the city more attention than ever in the last two decades. Together with the Gezhouba Water Control Project, the city became the largest producer of hydroelectricity in China.

 Attractions: Due to its advantageous geographic location and long history, Yichang is blessed with both rich natural sceneries and cultural relics. More than 350 sites have been opened to the public. The Three Gorges Dam Tourist Areas and Three-Gorges Tribe Scenic Spot are national AAAAA tourist attractions respectively authorized by the National Tourism Administration of The People’s Republic of China in 2007 and 2011. Other famous tourist spots like Sanyou Cave, Baima Cave (White Horse Cave), Taohua Village (Peach blossom Village), Jinshi Cave (Golden Lion Cave), Baiguoshu Waterfall, Yuquan Mountain (Jade Spring Mountain), Yuquan Temple (Jade Spring Temple) can all be found nearby. The Gezhouba Water Control Project was once the biggest in China before construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Visitors can also see the 'living fossil' in the Chinese Sturgeon Museum. Besides, traces of the relics in the stories of Romance of the Three Kingdoms can also be seen throughout the area.

 Transportation:
 Air: Yichang Sanxia Airport is an important supporting project of the Three Gorges Dam. It now provides flights to most cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Haikou, Shenzhen, Xian, and Hong Kong, as well as foreign countries like South Korea and Japan.  
 Ferry: River transport of the city has a long history. From Yichang port (also called the Ninth Wharf) and another 6 wharfs around, tourists can take cruises to travel along the Yangtze River to cities like Chongqing and Shanghai.
 Train: From Yichang Railway Station, there are trains leaving for Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hankou, Wuchang, Wuxi, Taiyuan and Xian. In addition, trains from Guangzhou and Zhanjiang to Xiangfan also pass through the city.  

 Bus: Yichang-Huangshi Highway, Shanghai-Chengdu Highway and another three national roads connects the city with those destinations. Three bus stations operate buses to neighboring cities and other major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian and Zhengzhou.
 Taxi: The minimum charge is CNY5, but only for the first 2 km (1.2 miles). You have to pay an extra CNY1.4 per km (0.6 miles) for additional distance.

 Weather: Yichang has a subtropical monsoon climate, which is hot in summer and cold in winter. The yearly average temperature is around 15 °C (59 °F).The best seasons for visiting Yichang are spring and autumn.

 Dining and Shopping:
Yichang cuisine is similar to Sichuan Cuisine which features in original taste, salt flavor, spicy and pungent. A local epicurean repast consisting of 9 dishes, called ‘Lao Jiu Wan’, is very popular among travelers. Famous dishes are Bai Sha Fei Yu (Steamed Fish with Fat Port), Xia Kou Ming Zhu Tang (The Three Gorges Pearl Soup), Man Lan Ju Hong (Cold Dish of Yolk and Tomato Ketchup), San Si Yao Hua (Stir-fried Pork Kidney) and Ruan Zha Yu (Soft Fried Fish). Here are the best places for dining in the city: Baren Street on Renshou Road, Xiaomian Street on Fusui Road and Huancheng North Road, Seafood Street beside Xia Xi Dam, and the night market on Taizhu Road.

There are many special local products in Yichang, such as oranges, kiwi fruits, persimmons, tea, chestnut, mushroom, agarics and Rivier Giantarum Rhizome. Tea Wholesale Market in Yiling is a good choice for those who have interest in purchasing tea in large amounts. Modern shopping malls are mainly gathered in Yiling Square, Dongshan Road and Jiefang Road. 

  Recommended Yichang Tour Itineraries: 

Classic China Tour with Yichang: 11-Day Small Group of Beijing - Xian - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai 
Yangtze River Cruise: 15-Day of Beijing - Xian - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai - Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin - Hongkong
Memorable China Tour: 15-Day of Beijing - Xian - Lhasa - Chongqing - Yangtze River - Yichang - Shanghai