Jingzhou ancient city trip

Jingzhou is an ancient city on the banks of the Yangtze River with an amazing history. It was the capital of three kingdoms and an important military base. This old city has its unique historical character. Now, this trip will let you follow the track of history.

On the first day, you will start from Jingzhou old city. There are five gates of this ancient city around the city wall. The South Gate entry fee is 2 yuan, the West Gate 4 yuan, the East Gate 15 yuan, the North Gate 7 yuan and a small North gate at 5 yuan. If you arrive at the long-distance bus station, it is very simple to find the correct buses heading for the old city of Jingzhou.

You can also have fun on the city wall. You can rent a bike for riding on the city wall, which will give you an interesting bird's eye view of the ancient city.

If possible, it is best to enter the old city through its small North Gate then your next destination would be Xuan Miaoguan Taoist temple (Yuan Miao Taoist temple). This temple is located on the western slopes of the small gate. Alternatively, you can enter the city through the other gates and take the No. 16 or No. 19 bus heading for Xuan Miaoguan. The Taoist temple was built in Tang Dynasty (618~907). Its entrance fee is 4 yuan.

After visiting Xuan Miaoguan, you can take the No. 19 bus to Jingzhou Museum. There displayed are thousands of cultural relics ranging from silk of the Warring States period (475~221 B.C.) to the royal swords.  Please note that the Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday each week from 9am to 5pm each day but the museum is not open for the new visitors after 3pm. The museum is closed on Mondays. At present, it is free to enter but you have to queue for the entrance ticket. A limit of 2,000 visitors is allowed per day.

The room rate of a 3-star hotel is around 150 yuan for a standard twin room. You can easily find a suitable hotel around the museum. In the ancient city, Haihua Guest House is recommended. Its room rate ranges from 20 to 30 yuan per person. (Tel: 0716-8437998)

On the second day, after breakfast, you can take No. 14 or No. 15 bus to Zhanghua temple, which was constructed in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The temple was built on the base of Zhanghuatai Palace, which had been the Xanadu of the emperor in the Chu Dynasty (540-529 B.C.). Admission is 20 yuan. Afterwards you can take No. 20 bus to Chu Jianan old town. This was the capital of the Chu Kingdom in the period of the Spring and Autumn Warrior States (770-476B.C.). Admission is 20 yuan. Then, head to Jingzhou city.