Qingjiang River via Yichang

Starting in Lichuan of Hubei Province, flowing through Enshi, Changyang and Badong, and finally joining the Yangtze River in Zhicheng City, the Qingjiang River runs a total length of 423 kilometers just like a bright pearl on the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River. For those who want to experience part of the beautiful scenery of Yangtze River in just two days, you may take a tour from Yichang to the Changyang Tujia Autonomous County, where you could see the best landscapes of Qingjiang River.

You can take a coach from Yichang Passenger Station to Changyang County at a cost of CNY30.00 net per person. The coach is available every 15 to 30 minutes, and the transfer takes less than 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Changyang, you are advised to stay at the Qingjiang Garden Hotel (Address: No. 53 Qingjiang Road, Longping Township, Changyang County). After lunch, you may charter a mini vehicle to Tianzhu Mountain on the north bank of the river, namely the Middle Wu Dang Mountain, which has been a holy land of Taosim since Tang Dynasty. The mountain is not very high, but it is majestically surrounded by some other mountains. There are many ancient temples built along the mountain from the foot to the top. Also, it is amazing that the spring at the top of the mountain never runs dry in any season. Standing on the Yuhuang Pavilion (Jade Emperor Pavilion) on the mountain top, you will have a very good view of the beautiful natural scenery. The admission fee is CNY30.00 net per person. Return to Changyang County in the afternoon.

The following day in the morning, you are suggested to take a taxi or minibus at a cost of CNY5.00 net to Geheyan Pier before 09:30, so as to take the cruise on Qingjiang River. The cruise ticket with shore excursion admission fee is about CNY130.00 net per person. Known as the mother river of the Tujia People, it is named after its clear and pure water. When the cruise ship starts sail, you will find green hills roll over one another along the course. It is easy to lose oneself in the beauty and freshness of the scenery. At about eleven o'clock, you will arrive at Wuluo Zhongli Mountain, you should have about two hours to climb the mountain and have lunch at local restaurant. In a few minutes sail, the ship will lead you to the Daoying Gorge, where you will find the smooth surface of the river clearly reflects those hills on both sides. Further on, you can see Qingjiang Natural Buddha, which is actually a hill but with vivid appearance of Buddha. The Buddha is two times higher than the Leshan Giant Buddha, so it is absolutely a masterpiece of nature. Then you could have a short visit to Xianglushi Cultural Site. The articles found in the archaeological excavation here unfolded the Changyang Man who lived in Qingjiang River region 190 thousands years ago, and it also proves that this area is the origin of ancient Ba nationality. The cruise ship will sail back to Geheyan Pier at about 17:00. You can take taxi return to Changyang Passenger Station to transfer coach to Yichang.