Code: YR-02
Spectacle Hiking along the River
The itinerary below is a backpacker's guide. We hope this information will enhance your self-discovery along the way. There are many differences between hiking and guided-tours. Before you decide to hike around a place, you should do a lot of homework and make good preparations. It is both a physical and psychological challenge, but it is an adventurous way to get close to nature and feel its intense charm.
Itinerary: 6 Days of Yichang - Shipai Village - Nantuo Village - Maopingxin County - Badong - Nanmu Yuan - Beishi - Qingshi - Wushan - Dachang - Wushan - Daxi - Baidicheng - Fengjie
Wu Gorge, Yangtze River cruise tour
Take the boat to Shipai Village from Yichang's Huangbohe port on the first morning. It takes about 80 minutes from Yichang to Shipai Village by standard passenger boat. Alternatively, you can take the speed boat which takes only 30 minutes. Visit the Monument of the War of Residence in Shipai. You will need 5-6 hours for trekking from Shipai Village to Nantuo Village, because the landscape is very nice and enchanting. Hike along the river and you won't get lost easily. After arriving in Nantuo Village, cross the river by boat to Liantuo Village, then take a bus or motorbike to Maopingxin County via Sandouping. It costs about ￥30. When you arrive in Maopingxin County, you may lodge at the Jiangnan Hotel. Maopingxin County is quite clean and tidy and has a wide selection of food and lodging.
After preparing for your trip on the second day, take a bus to Maoping port, about (￥2). There are both speedboats and ordinary boats between Maoping and Badong. We recommend that you take the first speed boat in the morning (8:00AM) or the whole day's schedule will be delayed. The boat-fare is ￥65. There are 3 speed boats daily and you should arrive at the port well before the departure-time of the boat you chose. Take the bus to Badong Shazhuanchang, then hike to Huoyanshi village where you should take a boat to cross the Lianzi Stream. Allow 4 hours for hiking from Lianzi Stream to Nanmu Yuan, because the plank road is a bit treacherous. If you are not completely confident in your ability, you can be rowed to directly Nanmu Yuan by local boatmen. You can lodge in the Yimin Hostel this evening. Their phone number is 0718-4462704.
On the third day take a boat to Beishi, then continue to walk to Qingshi. Hiking along the plank road between Beishi and Qingshi is comparatively easy, but you still need to take care. It's about 10-12 kilometers between Beishi and Qingshi port. En route, view the fabulous Fairy Peak. Because there is no hostel in Qingshi Village, you have no choice but to stay with a local family, for about ￥10 for the overnight stay, and ￥5 for the meals.
The next day, take the boat to Wushan City. Then take a bus to Futian town and continue on to Dachang ancient village. About 5 hours is needed for the ride. Please be aware that the road condition is quite poor. It is better to take a window seat to help you can forget the temporary discomfort by taking in the scenery.
Yangtze River cruise tour
The highlight of Dacheng ancient village is the Chen Family compound (￥5 admission) and the South Gate, facing Daning River. You can also spend ￥1 to taste the local soymilk. After visiting Dacheng, go back to Wushan by boat. Upon arrival, take another boat to Daxi Signal Platform. Start walking from there to Baidicheng. If you prefer to climb up to Baidicheng by the mountain road instead of taking the cable car, access is free. Baidicheng is a worthwhile tourist attraction, but there is no lodging there. For overnight accommodations, we advise you to take the bus to Fengjie, which is only ten minutes' drive away from Baidicheng. If it is too late, you will have to charter the vehicle.
On the sixth day, you may have a hike in Fengjie or make some own arrangement according to your schedule.
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