Gateway to the Yangtze Three Gorges Dam and the Shennongjia forests.
Yichang is the city where the Yangtze narrows into the Three Gorges and where the vast Three Gorges Dam tames the river. It is the embarkation point for upstream cruises and a base for the primeval forests of Shennongjia.
Beyond engineering, the gorges are genuinely beautiful — cliffs, mist and the Tribe folk show — and the region is one of China's biodiversity hotspots.
Here are the highlights worth your time in Yichang.
The world's largest hydro plant — ship lift, viewing decks and a museum.
Scenic area free; shuttle ¥35; ship-lift ride extraA riverside folk park of Tujia stilt houses, boats and cliff performances.
Tickets ¥180 (includes boat)The longest of the gorges, just above the dam; boat tours available.
Boat tours from ¥120Primeval forest reserve 2 h away — golden monkeys, wildmen lore, alpine lakes.
Reserve ¥269 (multi-zone)Memorial park to the ancient poet by the river in Zigui.
Tickets ¥90A Tujia village with water wheels, paper-making and folk shows.
Tickets ¥108Yichang has its own kitchen — here are the dishes to try.
Fresh river fish, steamed or in pickled broth — the gorge staple.
Cold 'shrimp' tapioca soup and chilli oil noodles for breakfast.
Mild, herb-forward hotpot from the local Tujia people.
Forest greens foraged around Shennongjia, quickly stir-fried.
The Yangtze valley's sweet oranges, in season late autumn.
Lit walkway and square by the river.
Fish and noodle stalls near the centre.
Evening on a moored cruise boat if you're embarking next day.
Yichang Sanxia (YIH) has flights from major hubs.
High-speed from Wuhan (~2 h) and Chongqing (~3 h).
Upstream Yangtze cruises to Chongqing embark here.
To Shennongjia (2 h) and the gorge sites.
Works with foreign cards in town.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Three good bases:
Hotels by the dam embarkation for early boarding.
Most choice, walk to the riverfront.
Forest lodges 2 h away for a nature night.
Dam visitors, Yangtze cruise passengers, nature travellers.
