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Three Gorges Dam & Qu Yuan's Hometown Travel Guide: Yichang, Hubei

 Nestled in Yichang, Hubei Province, the Three Gorges Dam and Qu Yuan's Hometown form a 5A-level scenic area that blends a world-class modern engineering marvel with profound ancient culture. Separated by just 600 meters across the Yangtze River, these two attractions offer a unique journey through China’s past and present—perfect for travelers seeking both natural grandeur and historical depth. 

Key Attractions

Three Gorges Dam

As the world’s largest water control project, this iconic landmark showcases China’s engineering prowess:

  • Tanzi Ridge: The highest viewpoint (262.48m above sea level) offers panoramic views of the dam, its five-level ship lock, the beautiful Huangniyan Peak, and Zigui New County.
Tanzi Ridge


185 Platform: At the same elevation as the dam’s crest (185m), it provides an up-close look at the dam’s imposing structure, the serene "high gorges and flat lake" upstream, and the ship lift downstream.
185 Platform


Interception Memorial Park: China’s first water conservancy-themed park, featuring engineering relics, large construction machinery exhibits, and unique Three Gorges stones—ideal for understanding the dam’s construction history.
Interception Memorial Park


  • Three Gorges Project Museum: The world’s largest specialized museum on hydropower, detailing the project’s construction, technological achievements, and comprehensive benefits through vivid displays.
Three Gorges Project Museum


Qu Yuan's Hometown

A tribute to Qu Yuan, China’s great patriotic poet and a UNESCO-listed Dragon Boat Festival heritage site:

  • Qu Yuan Temple: First built in the Tang Dynasty (rebuilt in Ming-Qing style), it stands on Fenghuang Mountain facing the Three Gorges Dam. Highlights include a 6.42-meter-tall bronze statue of Qu Yuan and his tomb.
Qu Yuan Temple


Qu Yuan's Clothing Tomb: A 120-square-meter memorial with traditional Chinese architectural elements, including stone lions, incense burners, and inscribed couplets honoring the poet.


Three Gorges Ancient Residences: Over 10 restored traditional dwellings (made of brick and wood) showcasing local architecture. They now serve as museums for Dragon Boat Festival customs and regional traditions.


  • Cultural Activities: Annual International Qu Yuan Cultural Tourism Festival features dragon boat races and intangible cultural heritage performances.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

  • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)

Tickets & Fees

AttractionTicket Details
Three Gorges DamFree entry; mandatory shuttle bus fee: ¥35/person (connects core attractions)
Qu Yuan's HometownAdult ticket: ¥64 (20% discount off original ¥80); Half-price: ¥32 (students, seniors 60-69); Free for children under 1.2m, seniors over 70, active military, and disabled (with valid ID)

Entrance Locations

  • Three Gorges Dam: First visit the Tourist Transfer Center (Jiangxia Avenue, Sandouping Town). Take the shuttle bus to the scenic area entrance (ID or ticket QR code required for entry).
  • Qu Yuan's Hometown: Entrance at Jingxian Gate (No. 1 Pinghu Avenue, Maoping Town, Zigui County). Enter via QR code or ID.

Getting There

To Three Gorges Dam

  • Public Transport: Take Bus 809-2 from Yichang Passenger Transport Center (departs hourly, 1-hour ride, ¥17) or Bus 216 from Yichang Yemingzhu Station (¥10).
  • Self-Driving: Navigate to "Three Gorges Dam Tourist Transfer Center". A free temporary pass is required—book via the WeChat mini-program "Three Gorges Vehicle Pass Reservation" or apply on-site at checkpoints.
  • Cruise: Choose the "Two Dams & One Gorge" route (departs Yichang Wanda in the morning, passes Gezhouba Lock, cruises Xiling Gorge, and disembarks at Sandouping Wharf).

To Qu Yuan's Hometown

  • Public Transport: Take Bus 809 from Yichang Long-Distance Bus Station or Yichang East Railway Station to "Qu Yuan's Hometown Scenic Area" stop.
  • Self-Driving: 40 mins-1 hour from Yichang via Three Gorges Special Highway or Fanba Expressway.
  • Cruise: After docking at Zigui/Maoping Port, take a taxi or bus to the scenic area.

Between the Two Attractions

Take the direct shuttle bus from Qu Yuan's Hometown (after ticket check) to Three Gorges Dam (no pass needed). Return via the shuttle from Interception Memorial Park or the free feeder bus to Zigui Bus Station.

Recommended Duration

  • Three Gorges Dam: 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit (add extra time for in-depth exploration or to watch flood discharges).
  • Qu Yuan's Hometown: 1.5-2 hours for a quick tour; 2.5-3 hours for cultural experiences and ancient residence visits.

Food & Dining

  1. Yutu Restaurant (25-year-old local favorite)
    • Signature: Fish hot pot, rabbit hot pot (freshly prepared)
    • Average cost: ¥59/person
    • Address: No. 14 Liyuan 1st Lane, Chenjiachong Village, Letianxi Town
  2. Yufu Farmhouse Private Cuisine
    • Local Hubei flavors: Fresh Yichang fat fish (rich in collagen)
    • Average cost: ¥72/person
    • Address: No. 226 Daishi Road, Yuanyi Village, Sandouping Town
  3. Yuzhiwei Local Restaurant (Top 7 Local Farmhouse Restaurants in Yiling District)
    • Wood-fired cooking: Fresh fat fish (tender, few bones)
    • Average cost: ¥74/person
    • Address: No. 200 Daishi Road (next to Wanfu Supermarket)
  4. Three Gorges Project Hotel Restaurant
    • Mongolian-style dishes: Roast lamb leg, lamb dumplings
    • Address: Jiangxia Avenue & Hualin Road Intersection, Three Gorges Dam Area
  5. Tantan'er Private Kitchen
    • Delicious fish dishes, elegant environment
    • Average cost: ¥40/person
    • Address: Lantian Jiayuan Phase I, Bahekou, Letianxi Town

Accommodation

  1. Qushuyue Hotel (Zigui)
    • River views, steps from Qu Yuan's Hometown, close to Three Gorges Dam
    • Price: ¥168/night (deluxe double room)
    • Address: Jusong Road, Zigui County
  2. Lanshan Yusu
    • Luxury modern style, sky garden with dam/Yangtze River views
    • Suitable for team building; offers local specialties like milk soup fish
    • Address: No. 198 Daishi Road, Sandouping Town
  3. Jiujianfang Homestay
    • 14 rooms with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, modern-minimalist + Chinese retro style
    • On-site restaurant serving Hubei cuisine
    • Address: Jiujianfang, Zhongbao Island, Sandouping Town
  4. Shiwu·Yueshe
    • Oriental aesthetics + modern design, dam views from every room
    • Courtyard for gatherings, restaurant for 60+ guests
    • Address: Group 1, Zhongbao Village, Sandouping Town
  5. Banpo Yawang Homestay
    • Wabi-sabi style, 360° viewing platform, dam/ship lock views
    • Ecological parking lot, courtyard garden
    • Address: No. 66 Yuanyi Village, Sandouping Town

Travel Tips

Three Gorges Dam

  • Reservation & Documents: Book free tickets via the "Three Gorges Dam Tourism" WeChat mini-program. Bring ID; self-drivers need a driver’s license for the pass.
  • Security: Strict checks—no drones, flammables, or knives allowed.
  • Attire: Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen (no shade), and carry water.
  • Best Time: Morning for optimal lighting; book 3-5 days in advance during peak seasons.

Qu Yuan's Hometown

  • Tickets: Buy online for discounts; combo tickets with Three Gorges Dam are available.
  • Etiquette: Maintain silence in Qu Yuan Temple; hire a guide or rent an audio device for cultural insights.
  • Attire: Comfortable shoes for walking/climbing steps; prepare rain gear or sunscreen.

General Tips

  • Best Season: Spring (Apr-May) and autumn (Sep-Oct) for mild weather.
  • Safety: Stay behind railings when taking photos by the river; avoid restricted areas.
  • Driving: Speed limits of 40-60km/h on some sections of the Three Gorges Special Highway.

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