2026 Dangyang Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Travelogue of Dongfang Mountain: The First Mountain of San Chu, a Breathing Zen Mountain "The mountain is not famous for its height, but for the monks it houses." Dongfang Mountain is only 475 meters tall, yet it allows one to forget the city's hustle and bustle amid the steps’ breathlessness. Departure|The "Green Lung" on the edge of Huangshi City On a Saturday morning, the air in Huangshi still carried a faint scent of coal and iron—the city’s roots lie in mining and metallurgy. But driving just over ten minutes down to Dongfang Mountain Street in the Xianglu District, the scene quietly changes: buildings recede, the mountain rises, morning mist drapes the treetops like a thin veil, and the air suddenly becomes crisp and fresh. Set your navigation to "Dongfang Mountain Scenic Area New Visitor Center." The parking lot is spacious with plenty of spots. The notice clearly states: entrance to the scenic area is free, private cars are not allowed up the mountain, and visitors must transfer to the scenic shuttle bus. After purchasing a round-trip ticket (30 RMB per person), the bus gently carries you up the winding mountain road, with dappled sunlight flickering like gold on the windows. First Stop|Honghua Zen Temple: The Breath of 1,200 Years The shuttle bus drops us off near the new south gate. Walking slowly up the stone steps, a vermilion temple wall emerges from the greenery—Honghua Zen Temple has arrived. Founded during the Tang Dynasty under Emperor Xianzong (around 804-805 AD) by Master Zhiyin, this ancient temple is the Buddhist ancestral court of eastern Hubei. Along with Wuhan’s Guiyuan Temple and Dangyang’s Yuquan Temple, it is known as one of the "Three Great Zen Forests of Hubei." The five large characters above the mountain gate read "The First Mountain of San Chu," said to be inscribed by the Qing Kangxi-era scholar Yu Guozhu, with strokes that seem to pierce through the paper. Beside the release pond is a small space called "A Place to Read Beyond Dust," furnished with bookshelves and low tables, next to a herbal tea and medicinal food corner—not selling incense, but coffee, flower tea, and health drinks. Here, the boundary between the temple and modern life is gently blurred. Entering the courtyard before the Mahavira Hall, your eyes are immediately drawn to a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree. Legend says it was personally planted by Master Zhiyin, about 1,200 years old, with a trunk so thick three people can barely encircle it, and branches spreading half an acre of shade. April is not its most glorious season—wait until late autumn (around November), when the tree turns golden and fallen leaves carpet the stone steps, embodying true "Zen on the ground." Next to the hall is the Lingquan Zhuoxi spring—one of the ancient eight scenic spots. A fine spring seeps from a rock crevice, said to have been struck forth by Master Zhiyin’s tin staff. The moss-covered stone stele beside it, the clear, icy water—splash some on your face and you feel instantly awakened. The temple is quiet and peaceful, with just the right number of worshippers. No one shouts to sell incense, no one blocks the path to push sales. This is the aura a thousand-year-old temple should have: not relying on noise, but on the weight of time itself. Upward|The Hero Slope and Breaths Between Stone Steps Leaving Honghua Zen Temple through the back gate and continuing upward, you reach the section locals call the Hero Slope—the stone steps steepen, the canopy thickens, and only birdsong and your own breathing remain. The mountain is four to five degrees cooler than the base; in April, short sleeves and a gentle breeze make it comfortably unreal. Along the way, you can see remnants of the ancient eight scenic spots with beautifully poetic names: "Pine Tree Growing Upside Down"—a pine growing stubbornly out of a cliff crevice; "Lazy Iron Ox Reclining," "Stone Boat Held High"—these are mostly legendary strange rocks and formations. No need to seek proof; just hearing the names while walking the mountain feels like reading classical poetry. After about forty minutes of climbing, the eaves and flying corners of Dongchang Pavilion begin to appear through the trees. Second Stop|Dongchang Pavilion: A 108-Meter-Tall "Tang Dynasty Fantasy" Honestly, the first time I saw Dongchang Pavilion from afar—a 108-meter-tall, nine-story ancient-style pavilion towering on the mountaintop—I was a bit stunned. It’s so large, creating a fascinating tension with the mountain’s gentle ancient charm: on one side, 1,200 years of simple Zen; on the other, a modern cultural tourism ambition of a "Tang Dynasty Immortal World." Regular immersive performance and exhibition tickets cost about 59 RMB (discounted tickets 30 RMB). Inside, exhibits are arranged by floor: a Medicine Buddha cultural display, Chu culture scene recreations, intangible cultural heritage crafts, Hanfu costume changing, and immersive audio-visual performances (such as the "Journey to the West Returns" themed show). An elevator takes you to the upper floors, then you explore downwards. The top floor is a cloud-level viewing platform. I bought a ticket and went in—standing on the eighth floor balcony, the entire Huangshi basin unfolds beneath: the Ehuang Yangtze River Bridge stretches like a silver thread across the river, the distant city’s gray-blue skyline frames with the flying eaves of Honghua Zen Temple nearby. The mountain breeze gently sways you, and suddenly you understand why the ancients built "viewing" spots on mountain peaks. It’s perfectly fine not to enter the pavilion—the plaza outside offers great photo opportunities of the pavilion’s full view. The surrounding Pear Blossom Valley trail, Sweetgum Forest, and Rainbow Trail are the real free highlights. Downhill|Pear Blossom Valley and the Leisurely Walk Back From beside Dongchang Pavilion, take the Pear Blossom Valley—Streamside Seclusion trail downhill (about 0.95 to 2.2 km, gentle and easy). The forest light is soft like a filter, the stream babbles through rock crevices, and wildflowers occasionally peek from leaf piles. April is not pear blossom season (peak bloom is in March), but the fresh green leaves are even more vibrant than flowers. Arriving at the foot visitor center, checking the time—it took about four hours total, not tiring, but your legs will tell you you climbed many steps. Practical Information (to help you avoid pitfalls) Item Details Location No. 99 Dongfang Avenue, Dongfang Mountain Street, Xianglu District, Huangshi City Rating National 4A, Provincial Scenic Area + Provincial Forest Park Entrance Fee Free Scenic Shuttle Bus Round-trip 30 RMB / Unlimited rides on the loop line 10 RMB per day Dongchang Pavilion About 59 RMB (includes exhibits + performances), discounted tickets about 30 RMB; usually closed Mondays, check official WeChat Opening Hours Scenic area approx. 8:00–17:00, Dongchang Pavilion approx. 9:30–16:30 Transportation Drive and navigate to "Dongfang Mountain Scenic Area New Visitor Center"; bus routes 6/11 direct; about 1.5 hours from Wuhan Key Rules No private cars up the mountain, park at visitor center and transfer to shuttle; no open flames or candles; keep quiet inside the temple Gear Non-slip sports shoes (many stone steps), light jacket (cool on the mountain), water, mosquito repellent Final Thoughts Dongfang Mountain is not a "check-in and leave" kind of scenic spot. Its layers are special—the base is 1,200 years of uninterrupted incense; the middle is eastern Hubei people’s cultural identity with the "First Mountain of San Chu"; the top is contemporary attempts to retell the same story with Tang-style pavilions and immersive performances. These three layers don’t always fit perfectly and sometimes feel a bit conflicted. But precisely because of this "conflict," it feels much more authentic than overly packaged internet-famous mountains. On the way down, I picked up a few pale green ginkgo fruits fallen outside the temple wall, pocketing one. On the return trip, I touched it—hard, cool, like a thermometer from the Tang Dynasty quietly measuring the heartbeat of the moment. (Some ticket prices and performance times may vary seasonally. Before you go, search "Huangshi Dongfang Mountain" on WeChat to confirm the day’s opening status.)

Five li west of Dangyang city, beside the Ju River, a red wall and yellow tile complex hides deep among ancient cypress trees. This is Guanling—the burial site of Guan Yu’s body and the only Guan temple in China built to imperial standards. Folk saying goes, "Head rests in Luoyang, body lies in Dangyang." In the 24th year of Jian’an (219), Guan Yu was defeated and killed at Maicheng by Eastern Wu. Sun Quan sent his head to Cao Cao, who buried it with the honors of a feudal lord in Luoyang (today’s Guanlin in Luoyang). Guan Yu’s headless body was buried with the honors of a feudal lord in Zhangxiang, Dangyang, which is today’s Guanling. Together with the Guan Emperor Temple in Jiexian, Shanxi (a tomb for his clothes and official robes) and Luoyang’s Guanlin, it is known as one of China’s three great Guan temples. Crossing the Ju River, the red walls glimpsed through the cypress trees bring a calm to the heart. A mausoleum built to imperial standards for a military general Guanling covers more than 100 acres. It is symmetrically aligned along a central axis, with red walls and yellow tiles, a spirit way, and ornamental columns—typical features of a royal imperial tomb. In Chinese history, it is unique for a military general to have a mausoleum built to imperial standards. The tomb faces east with the west at its back, surrounded by flat plains, mountains to the south, and the Ju River to the east. Along the central axis from east to west are a plaza, a gate modeled after Ming and Qing dynasty styles, a spirit way stele pavilion, a stone archway, the Sanyuan Gate, the horse hall, the worship hall, the main hall, the sleeping hall, the sacrificial pavilion, and the tomb itself. On both sides are the bell and drum towers, north and south stele corridors, the Chunqiu Pavilion, the sacred statue pavilion, the Bozi Shrine, the Qisheng Palace, and the Buddhist hall—more than 20 buildings and over 80 rooms, all balanced and symmetrical. Step inside along the central axis Spirit way stele pavilion The first building at the entrance. Inside, a bluestone stele is engraved with 24 characters: "Loyal, righteous, divine, martial, protective, benevolent, brave, mighty, illustrious Guan Sheng Dadi, former Han general, Marquis of Hanshou Pavilion, tomb path"—this is the full title granted to Guan Yu during the Daoguang era. From Marquis of Hanshou Pavilion to Guan Sheng Dadi, successive emperors added titles, elevating him from a famous general to the "martial saint" standing alongside Confucius, the "literary saint." Stone archway "Loyal and faithful to the Han" Passing the stele pavilion, the stone archway stands ahead with four characters shining softly. Guan Yu never guarded the Liu family’s kingdom but the banner in his heart to restore the Han dynasty. The words "Han dynasty" carry great weight. Sanyuan Gate Named for its three round arches, symbolizing the three powers of heaven, earth, and humanity, it also corresponds to Guan Yu’s three virtues of loyalty, righteousness, and benevolence. This is the main gate of Guanling. Horse hall → Worship hall → Main hall The horse hall houses a statue of Zhou Cang, Guan Yu’s loyal servant who carried the Green Dragon Crescent Blade. The worship hall is where visitors pay respects. Bowing three times, sunlight filters through the ancient cypress trees onto the blue bricks, with a thousand years of silence behind. The main hall is the core building of Guanling, 14 meters tall with 20 pillars and three bays. A golden plaque reading "Mighty across China" hangs under the front eaves—this was personally inscribed by Emperor Tongzhi of the Qing dynasty. Only three such plaques exist nationwide: in Jiexian, Luoyang, and Dangyang. Inside are large statues of Guan Yu, his sons, and Zhou Cang, imposing and majestic. Imagining the peak moment when he flooded the seven armies and struck awe across China, then seeing the resting place of this headless body, stirs complex emotions. Sleeping hall Inside stands a 3.6-meter-tall, 800-kilogram bronze statue of Guan Yu, donated by compatriots from Taiwan. Solemn and powerful, this statue itself carries the deepest meaning of "loyalty and righteousness" as a martial saint revered on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Tomb Behind the sleeping hall is the round burial mound. About 7 meters high with a circumference of over 70 meters, surrounded by stone walls and railings. In front stands an ancient stele from the Wanli era of the Ming dynasty inscribed "Marquis of Hanshou Pavilion." This is the true resting place of Guan Yu’s body, undisturbed for more than 1,700 years. Beyond the tomb, towering cypress trees stand tall. Visitors from home and abroad often come in groups to pay respects. Details worth noting The charm of Guanling lies in its subtle corners: · In the sacred statue pavilion stands a stone inscribed with "Read good books, speak good words, do good deeds, be a good person"—said to be Guan Yu’s advice to his son Guan Ping, a twelve-character family motto · The north and south stele corridors are layered with inscriptions from emperors, scholars, and poets, forming a written history of Guan Yu’s deification on the ground · The Chunqiu Pavilion, named for Guan Yu’s habit of reading the Spring and Autumn Annals at night, features flying eaves and upturned corners, the most elegant auxiliary building in Guanling · The ancient cypress trees in the tomb area often have no treetops—legend says this is because later generations, moved by the separation of Guan Yu’s head and body, caused even the trees to be "beheaded" Practical information Address: No. 147 Guanling Road, Dangyang City, Yichang, Hubei Province (Yuquan Subdistrict, about 3 km from Dangyang city center) Admission: 30 yuan per person; local residents of Dangyang with ID card have free admission all year; half price for high-speed rail passengers arriving at Dangyang West Station Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM Transportation: About 1 hour by car from Yichang city; 10-minute taxi ride from Dangyang West high-speed rail station; bus route 3 from Dangyang city center goes directly to Guanling Road entrance Parting thoughts Standing before the tomb, it suddenly becomes clear why the people of Dangyang inscribe the four characters "loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and bravery" on the mountain gate. Guan Yu’s life began in Puzhou, crossing five passes and slaying six generals, flooding the seven armies, and striking awe across China. In the end, he was defeated at Maicheng, his head and body separated. His head rests in Luoyang, his body lies in Dangyang—this headless body has rested beneath Dangyang’s red walls and yellow tiles for more than 1,700 years. The ancient cypress trees tower inside the park, their treetops whispering in the wind as if still telling the story of that "careless loss of Jingzhou" at dusk. But the word "careless" can never cover the vast righteousness of this man. Leaving through the Sanyuan Gate, glance back at the red walls. The guide says that since the Song dynasty, this has been the ancestral temple for Guan temples across the country, with hundreds of thousands of overseas Chinese visiting annually to pay respects. "Wen worship Confucius, Wu worship Guan Gong"—these eight characters represent the highest cultural status given to Guan Yu in Chinese culture. If you mean the Guanlin in Luoyang, Henan (where Guan Yu’s head is buried), that is another mausoleum with similar standards but a different historical context. The one in Dangyang is where his body rests, the original resting place of the title "martial saint." If you have half a day after visiting Guanling, it’s recommended to visit Changbanpo (in Dangyang city, free admission)—the place where Zhao Zilong rode in and out seven times to rescue his lord, just a 10-minute drive from Guanling. Dangyang city, half the story of the Three Kingdoms. Guanling and Changbanpo, one literary and one martial, together reveal the most complete Three Kingdoms heritage of Dangyang.

Who understands it! A magical homestay discovered near Chongqing this summer✨ 🌿 The joy of living in the mountains is hard to explain! Open the window to an endless forest oxygen bar, gently awakened by birdsong in the morning, and fall asleep under the stars at night~ Plus, the 689 RMB room rate is such a great deal! Available during summer vacation with no price increase! 💦 Must-try refreshing experiences: ✔️ Outdoor infinity pool! Kids will absolutely love playing in the water ✔️ Each room can bring 2 children under 12 for free ✔️ Includes breakfast for two, afternoon tea, goodnight sweet soup, and welcome fruit (This is basically a free gift!) 📸 Perfect photo spots: 1️⃣ Suspended infinity pool paired with sea of clouds 2️⃣ Viewing platform reserved for breathtaking sunsets 3️⃣ Mountain views like an ink painting right outside the window 📍 Location: No. 28, Group 1, Toutaohe Village, Simian Mountain Town [Five-store exchange super convenient]: Jiangxi Longnan Weiwus / Hubei Dangyang Shanyusi / Chongqing Simian Mountain / Hubei Suizhou Ginkgo Valley / Anhui Hefei Zilu 💝 Thoughtful butler service: ▪️ Contacted before check-in ▪️ Warm help with luggage ▪️ Charging stations and pet-friendly services available A small downside 👉 there are quite a few mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent But overall, it’s definitely worth it! Over 300 per person—what more could you want!

The morning mist hasn’t yet lifted as I drive along County Road X230 into a lush area about 12 km southwest of Dangyang city—the Yiquan Mountain. The mountain resembles an overturned giant ship resting among the peaks, hence the name "Fuchuan Mountain." With over 85% forest coverage, the air is filled with the fresh, earthy scent of pine needles and soil. This is a national 4A-level scenic area and a key national cultural heritage site. Both the park and Yiquan Temple are open to the public free of charge. Entering the mountain: first, a 1,700-year-old ancient temple After parking and walking into the mountain, the first thing you encounter is the mountain gate of Yiquan Temple. Founded during the Jian’an period of the Eastern Han Dynasty by Chan Master Pujing, it was officially named "Yiquan Temple" by Master Zhiyi in the Sui Dynasty. It is one of the ancestral temples of the Tiantai school of Buddhism. Historically, it was ranked alongside Guoqing Temple in Tiantai, Zhejiang; Lingyan Temple in Jinan, Shandong; and Qixia Temple in Nanjing, Jiangsu, as one of the "Four Wonders of the World," earning the title "Crown of the Jingchu Forests." Visitors can receive 3 free blessing incense sticks upon entering the temple. The iron pagoda’s underground chamber charges 10 yuan. Passing through the mountain gate and the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the view suddenly opens up—the Mahavira Hall stands at the end of the courtyard. It is the largest ancient building in southern China, featuring a double-eaved xieshan roof style, standing 21 meters tall. Seventy-two golden nanmu wood pillars support the entire hall, showcasing Yuan Dynasty architectural style. In front of the hall are more than a dozen large iron cauldrons from the Sui Dynasty, along with iron kettles and bells from the Yuan Dynasty. On the side of the hall is a stone-carved image of Guanyin, said to be the work of the Tang Dynasty painting master Wu Daozi. I looked up at the colorful paintings on the flying eaves and dougong brackets of the hall. Though weathered, they remain magnificent. As the wind rustled through the treetops and the copper bells at the eaves jingled softly, I suddenly understood what it means to be a "famous mountain of the Three Chu regions." A corner encounter with the Northern Song iron pagoda Circling left from the main hall, on a ridge of the Qinglong Mountain foothills, the Lingjin Iron Pagoda suddenly comes into view without warning. Its official name is the "Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda," commonly called the "Lingjin Iron Pagoda" or "Thousand Buddha Pagoda." Cast in the sixth year of the Jiayou era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1061), it imitates a wooden pavilion style, with eight sides and thirteen tiers, standing 16.945 meters tall and weighing 26,472 kilograms. It is the tallest, heaviest, and most complete ancient iron pagoda in China. The pagoda’s body has no mortise joints or welding; each piece is stacked and held in place by its own weight. The base features eight Vajra warriors, the body is carved with over a thousand Buddha images, and the top has flying eaves, dougong brackets, and dragon heads soaring into the air. Shooting the pagoda against the blue sky, the ancient bronze texture instantly conveys a profound sense of history. I circled the pagoda three times, my fingertips lightly brushing its cool surface. Nearly a thousand years of wind and rain have left little rust—this is the pinnacle of ancient Chinese metallurgy and metal corrosion resistance, silently standing on the hill. Pearl spring: clap your hands and "pearls" rise from the spring bottom Walking down from the iron pagoda, a clear spring at the foot of the mountain comes into view—this is Pearl Spring, one of the three famous intermittent springs in China. By the spring stands a Ming Dynasty stone stele inscribed "Han cloud long manifest holy place." Legend has it that after Guan Yu was killed, his spirit did not dissipate but rose on clouds and mist to the top of Yiquan Mountain, shouting "Return my head." He was then enlightened by Master Pujing and converted to Buddhism—making this the birthplace of Guan Gong worship. I paused on the Pearl Bridge and followed the travel notes to clap my hands and stomp my feet—miraculously, strings of crystal-clear bubbles immediately rose from the spring bottom, like strings of pearls ascending. Song Dynasty poet Su Shi called it "jade rinsing and pearl spraying," and Ming Dynasty writer Yuan Hongdao praised it as "pearl spring jumping jade." The spring water reflects the surrounding ancient trees, with dappled light and shadow, making every captured frame lively and soothing. Millennium ginkgo and forest trail The millennium-old ginkgo tree from the Tang Dynasty inside Yiquan Temple is another surprise. At 1,300 years old, it is so thick that it takes three or four people to encircle it, with branches spreading like a canopy. If you visit in late autumn, the ground is covered with golden ginkgo leaves like scattered gold. Standing under the tree in a light-colored coat, any pose looks like an autumn photo spread. Outside the temple is a dawn redwood trail. The straight rows of dawn redwoods have a cinematic filter effect, and walking against the light makes your hair glow. With over 85% forest coverage, Yiquan Mountain is itself a national forest park, and strolling here naturally slows your pace. In the mountains is the Xianlie Shrine—the earliest Guan Temple in China—as well as the Qing Dynasty stone stele marking the "first place of manifestation," Guan Gong’s whetstone, and other Three Kingdoms relics. When tired, you can rest on the stone pier bridge in Huaxi Wetland. The lake water is clear, Chinese-style pavilions reflect in it, and the atmosphere is fully immersed in traditional culture. Descending the mountain: taste the flavor of Dangyang Before leaving the scenic area, I ordered a pot of Guochang chicken at a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain—fresh, spicy, and flavorful, a genuine Yichang specialty. Paired with a bowl of Changbanpo flower rice, it’s satisfyingly spicy. After the meal, you can visit Dangyang Guanling (a 15-minute drive), the burial site of Guan Yu’s body, which perfectly complements the "manifestation" legend of Yiquan Mountain. Practical information · Address: Yiquan Village, Dangyang City, Yichang, Hubei Province, County Road 230 · Admission: free; iron pagoda underground chamber 10 yuan · Opening hours: scenic area 8:00 AM–5:30 PM; Yiquan Temple 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM) · Recommended visit: 2–3 hours for highlights; mountain gate > Hall of Heavenly Kings > Mahavira Hall > Lingjin Iron Pagoda > Pearl Spring > return · Transportation: · Self-drive: about 1 hour from Yichang city center; about 20 minutes from Dangyang city center, navigate to "Yiquan Mountain Scenic Area" · Public transit: take the Yiquan Temple shuttle bus from Dangyang bus station, about 30 minutes, 5 yuan direct; from Xiangyang, take high-speed rail to Dangyang West Station, then transfer to the "Yiquan Mountain Guanling Scenic Area Tourist Shuttle" to Yiquan Mountain Visitor Center · Best season: spring and autumn are most suitable; the golden millennium ginkgo in autumn is especially stunning · Tips: wear flat shoes (stone paths are easy to walk); mosquitoes are common in the forest, so take precautions; please keep quiet inside the temple Starting in 2024, the project to upgrade Dangyang Yiquan Scenic Area to a national 5A-level scenic spot is progressing steadily—meaning you can still enjoy a "free + tranquil + commercial-free" window period now. Once it becomes 5A, this sense of Zen may be drowned out by tourist crowds. If you plan to include Yiquan Mountain in your overall Yichang itinerary or want to visit Dangyang Guanling and Changbanpo together, tell me which city you’re departing from and how many days you’ll stay. I’ll help you plan a seamless Three Kingdoms + Buddhist culture route.

Gudi Shi Guan Di Temple (Shouting Hall) was originally built during the Qing Xianfeng era. It is a branch of the Dongshan Guan Di Temple. Due to demolition and reconstruction in 2020, it now covers a total area of 4,832 square meters and is scheduled for completion in March 2025. It is the only temple in the Gudi Shi community and was initially named "Shouting Hall." The name "Shouting Hall" comes from a common folk misinterpretation of Guan Yu’s title "Shouting Marquis" during the Qing dynasty (the correct title is "Han Shouting Marquis"). Locals have kept the old name, making it a historical mark. Besides inheriting the folk belief in Guan Yu’s loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and courage in the Minnan fishing and merchant community, it also carries the shared history of incense offerings across the Taiwan Strait. I once heard this saying: "The soul returns to Yuncheng, Shanxi; the head rests in Luoyang, Henan; the body lies in Dangyang, Hubei; the spirit settles in Dongshan, Fujian; the divine response is in Quanzhou, Tonghuai." These represent the Guan Di spirit of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith. This Guan Di Temple is very ordinary. At the dedication ceremony, incense burners from the Shanxi Yuncheng Xiezhou Guan Di ancestral temple, Zhangzhou Dongshan Guan Di Temple, and Quanzhou Tonghuai Guan Yue Temple were lit to honor this temple, the Gudi Shi Guan Di Temple! 💫Highlights ✅ Architectural style: a blend of traditional and modern elements, featuring the unique Minnan official style and traditional woodwork techniques. 📌 The entire temple is solemn and dignified, with upturned eaves and carved beams and painted rafters, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Above the temple gate hangs a powerful plaque reading "Guan Di Temple." In front of the gate stands a stone carving of the traditional character "Guan" in seal script and a several-meter-tall standing stone statue of Guan Gong holding a Green Dragon Crescent Blade, imposing and majestic. ✅ Guan Di Dongshan branch: According to the stele inscription "Record of the Reconstruction of Gudi Shi Guan Di Temple," this temple is a branch of the Fujian Dongshan Guan Di Temple. As the ancestral temple of many Guan Di temples in Taiwan, the Gudi Shi Guan Di Temple holds an important place in the faith traditions on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, reflecting a shared cultural heritage. ✅ Cultural activities: regularly hosts traditional sacrificial ceremonies, opera performances, and folk exhibitions to promote the spirit of loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and courage embodied by Guan Gong. This place is not only a sacred site for blessings but also a cultural bridge connecting people across the Taiwan Strait, where visitors can feel a strong sense of cross-strait kinship. 📍 Address: 60 meters at the intersection of Jinbo Road and Jinbian Road, Huli District, Xiamen 🚇 Transportation: ① Subway: take Line 2 to "Gudi Shi Station," exit from Gate 3 or 4, then walk about 8 minutes. ② Driving: navigate to nearby "Aviation Gudi Shi Plaza Parking Lot" or "Shimao Lakeside Mansion." Parking is relatively convenient nearby. 🎫 Admission: free 🆓 ⏰ Hours: open all day 📝 Tips: I personally recommend coming at night for photos, as the lighting is very photogenic! This building full of Minnan characteristics holds the thousand-year legacy of Guan Di faith ✨. Red walls, green tiles, carved window frames—every detail seems to tell a story from history. If you like my notes, please follow me. Wishing everyone: smooth sailing, two dragons soaring, three goats bringing prosperity, peace all year, five blessings arriving, everything going smoothly, seven stars shining, wealth from all directions, unity in all things, and perfection in all aspects!

👺 Route plan: A three-day self-driving panoramic route arranged in a forward direction with no backtracking, perfect for short, leisurely trips Day 1 County cultural Danxia route Mingfeng Mountain (morning hike) → Longyang Academy (afternoon ancient architecture viewing) → Guanju Riverbank (evening water activities), overnight stay in Yuan’an county. Total driving time under 30 minutes, relaxed pace, watch the sunset from a riverside cabin in the evening. Day 2 Mountain wild karst cave secret route Taiqing Cave (morning underground cave exploration) → Nianhua Valley (afternoon visit to Ming and Qing dynasty ancient village), stay overnight at Nianhua Valley guesthouse for an immersive peaceful mountain retreat. The two sites are half an hour apart. The cave offers constant cool temperatures for summer relief, and the ancient village is ideal for slow strolling and resting. Day 3 Valley hidden healing route Taohuayuan Scenic Area (early morning through the secret mountain cave) → Huilong Bay (afternoon bamboo raft ride to enjoy the river bend), return directly after the trip. The winding path in Taohuayuan is best visited early. The last bamboo raft at Huilong Bay leaves early, so manage your time well. ⛱️ Must-visit attractions: 1. Mingfeng Mountain: Yuan’an’s iconic Danxia fairy mountain, with a folk saying “Wudang is far, Mingfeng is perilous.” The mountain is entirely red sandstone, with over 1,900 stone steps leading straight to the mountaintop Taoist temple. The copper-tiled halls shine brilliantly in the sunlight. The Taiji echo field at the foot of the mountain is uniquely interesting. From the summit, you can overlook the entire county and the winding Ju River. Hundreds of centuries-old stone inscriptions remain along the way. 2. Longyang Academy: A 300-year-old Hui-style ancient residence with flying eaves, carved decorations, and a five-courtyard layout fully preserved. Bamboo shadows surround the courtyard, perfect for wearing Hanfu and shooting traditional Chinese-style photos. You can also try light crafts like rubbing prints and sutra copying. No entrance fee. 3. Guanju Riverbank: A cluster of wooden houses on the water with abundant water leisure activities, ideal for visitors seeking relaxation and entertainment. The riverside scenery is expansive, with an excellent evening atmosphere. 4. Taiqing Cave: A large karst cave formed over millions of years, known as the top cave in central China. Inside, the stalactites are as white as jade, and the giant natural stone statue of Laozi is majestic. The cave maintains a constant 16℃ temperature year-round, perfect for summer cooling. The underground dark river with scenic lighting creates a magical atmosphere. 5. Nianhua Valley: A AAA-level ancient village scenic area, with clusters of Ming and Qing dynasty old houses arranged along the mountain slope. The ancestral hall and ancient well are well preserved. Seasonal flower seas change throughout the year. You can experience tie-dyeing and pottery making. Mountain restaurants offer terrace barbecue and farmhouse hot pot. 6. Taohuayuan Scenic Area: A hidden, less-visited basin village reached by passing through a 60-meter-long unlit cave. The basin offers wide-open views, with fields of pink grass changing with the seasons. The village is sparsely populated, quiet, and healing—perfect for relaxing and clearing your mind. 7. Huilong Bay: The first S-shaped river bend in Jingchu. The elevated viewing platform offers full shots of the emerald river. The affordable 10-yuan bamboo raft ride is a unique experience, with boatmen singing local mountain songs. Hiking along the mountain trail, you may encounter several small multi-tiered waterfalls. The scenic area’s tea house offers freshly brewed local green tea for 5 yuan. 🍜 Food guide: Local dishes focus on river fresh and mountain wild ingredients, offering great value 1. Yangping bean cake: Baked on riverbed pebbles, with a crispy outer layer. Delicious with chili sauce. Available at roadside snack stalls and farmhouse restaurants. 2. Huilong fish hot pot: Made with fresh-caught Ju River freshwater fish stewed with local pickled chili. The fish meat is tender with no muddy taste. Restaurants around Huilong Bay are the best places to try it. 3. Yuan’an Chong vegetable: A distinctive appetizer with a slightly pungent taste. Pairs well with rice or porridge and is a staple on almost every dining table. 4. Farmhouse shiitake mushroom stewed free-range chicken: Local shiitake mushrooms are thick and meaty, slow-cooked with free-range chicken. The broth is rich and flavorful. Available at farmhouse restaurants near Mingfeng Mountain and Nianhua Valley. 5. Homemade egg cake: A traditional local banquet signature dish with a dense, fresh flavor. A must-serve specialty when hosting guests. 🏨 Accommodation guide: Three categories to choose from based on your needs, covering different travel preferences 1. County business hotels: Average price 140–220 yuan, close to the bus center and Jiefang Road food street. Convenient for travel and dining, suitable for travelers with tight schedules who change locations daily. 2. Nianhua Valley mountain guesthouses: Converted from Ming and Qing dynasty ancient residences, with mountain and flower sea views right outside the window. Equipped with tea rooms and courtyards. Average price 260–400 yuan, ideal for peaceful slow travel and experiencing rural life. 3. Mingfeng Mountain foot mountain inns: Close to the Danxia scenic area, you can hear the Taoist temple bells in the early morning. A few minutes’ walk to the mountain trail. Average price 180–300 yuan per person, the preferred lodging for hiking trips. 💗 Other tips: 1. Travel attire: The ground in Taiqing Cave and mountain trails is slippery. Wear non-slip sports shoes throughout. The cave temperature is low year-round, so always carry a light jacket regardless of the season. 2. Time management: Bamboo raft ticket sales at Huilong Bay stop at 4:30 PM. Arrive early if you want to photograph the sunset on the river. Taohuayuan cave has no lighting, so bring a strong flashlight. 3. Travel reminders: Some mountain hiking trails close temporarily during the rainy season. Check the scenic area’s online announcements before departure. Rural roads have many bends; drive slowly. 4. Spending tips: Longyang Academy has free admission. Hanfu rental and craft experiences are charged separately. Buy Taiqing Cave and Mingfeng Mountain tickets online in advance for a slight discount compared to on-site prices. 5. Off-the-beaten-path activities: Hike 2 km along the ancient trail at the end of Huilong Bay to explore the Yingziyan waterfall group. At Nianhua Valley Zen temple, you can copy sutras for free to calm your mind and relieve travel fatigue.

Yangqu Buddha Hall Temple’s side hall, the Guan Yu Hall, retains a full set of folk sequential murals from the Daoguang period of the Qing dynasty. These murals realistically depict the sacred life of Guan Yu using local folk art techniques, making it one of the best-preserved Guan Yu-themed mural relics in northern Shanxi’s countryside. The murals use natural separations of rocks, trees, and forests to divide the scenes, unfolding the entire story in chronological order with detailed inscriptions: the great defeat of the Yellow Turban rebels, three battles with Lü Bu, warming wine before slaying Hua Xiong, guarding loyalty by candlelight, the second sister-in-law entering Xuchang, hanging the seal and sealing the gold, single-blade meeting, flooding the seven armies, Guan Yu teaching his son, the imperial appointment as King of Jingzhou, the governor of the nine provinces, meeting at the inn with Cao Jingwang, and finally concluding with the divine manifestation at Yuquan Mountain. This fully presents Guan Yu’s life journey from a warlord in chaotic times to an eternal saint. The murals outline the main figures with sharp ink lines, complemented by steady and rustic mineral pigments. The characters’ expressions are vivid, and the scene layouts are well balanced, fully showcasing the simple and profound local style of folk painting in northern Shanxi during the Qing dynasty. Although time has caused some fading and minor color loss in parts, the entire mural set remains narratively complete with clear inscriptions, authentically preserving the unique narrative system of Qing dynasty folk Guan Yu worship. It holds great value for local cultural history and ancient painting research.

🏯 [Dangyang Guanling · Three Kingdoms cultural tour] Experience the Three Kingdoms culture across time! Here lies the Guanling ancient architectural complex with over 1,800 years of history⛩️ You can also fully immerse yourself in the provincial intangible cultural heritage Guan Gong memorial ceremony 🎭 [Must-try intangible cultural heritage experiences] ✅ Guan Gong memorial rituals: a powerful traditional ceremony ✅ Dangyang paper cutting (Guan Gong theme): create your own Guan Gong paper cutout ✅ Guan Gong wood carving: admire exquisite wood carving art ✅ Traditional shadow puppetry: watch shadow puppet performances of Three Kingdoms stories 💫 [One-day itinerary] Morning: tour the Guanling ancient architectural complex Noon: hands-on intangible cultural heritage crafts Afternoon: watch the Guan Gong memorial ceremony and shadow puppet show 🌿 [Excellent stay experience] 🏨 Manbo Hotel Wanda Plaza branch 📍 Prime location: · Only 10 minutes by car from Yichang East Station🚖 · Next to Binjiang Park, perfect for a relaxing walk🌅 · Convenient dining and shopping in the Wanda business district🛍️ 🌟 Hotel highlights: ✔️ Spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and great natural light ✔️ Thoughtful dry and wet bathroom separation ✔️ Clean bedding to ease even the most meticulous guests ✔️ Warm and enthusiastic service💯 🚌 Transportation tips: · Very convenient by bus or taxi · Easy parking for self-driving guests 💰 Even better, great value for money! You can stay at a quality hotel like this for just over 200 per person Already recommended to all friends visiting Yichang~ 📸 Photo spots recommended: · Atmosphere of worship in front of the Guanling stone stele · Symmetrical compositions of the ancient architectural complex · Documenting the intangible cultural heritage craft experience

I'm writing this piece on Baili Huang as a "travelogue with a guide" – after all, pure emotional expression is useless; you still need to avoid pitfalls when you go. First, a location: 1,200 meters above sea level, at the junction of Yiling, Yuan'an, and Dangyang counties, the only alpine grassland in the Three Gorges area, an outdoor filming location for "Under the Hawthorn Tree," and "Hubei's Little New Zealand." The average summer temperature is 22–26℃, making it a summer retreat for Yichang locals. Arrival: The mountain road is the first test From Yichang city, it's a 1.5-hour drive + 30 minutes on a mountain road. Navigate to "Baili Huang South Gate" (the North Gate has many sharp turns and steep slopes, not recommended for new drivers). The south route is a two-lane asphalt road with gentle curves; the old north route has many tight turns and can cause motion sickness. Take motion sickness medicine in advance. The best photos are taken when ascending the mountain after 4 PM. Parking is CNY 10/day, and the South Gate parking lot has charging piles. If you don't have a car, there's a tourist special line from Yichang East Station (CNY 22–25, infrequent, easily full during peak season), but carpooling/chartered car (CNY 300–400 round trip) is more reliable. Tickets (2026 current prices, don't buy on-site) · Basic package CNY 105: Entrance ticket + scenic shuttle bus (wristband for unlimited transfers all day, a must-buy as attractions are spread out and walking will tire you out) · Adult single ticket CNY 118 + scenic shuttle bus CNY 25, buying on-site is more expensive · CNY 199 package: Includes Cloud Coaster + Sika Deer Park + Glass Skywalk + Archery + Grass Sliding. Buy this if you want to do activities. · Hubei Culture and Tourism Annual Pass waives the entrance ticket; you only need to pay CNY 25 for the scenic shuttle bus. Two-day, one-night tested itinerary (summer retreat/camping version, most classic) 1. Afternoon arrival, focusing on sunset + bonfire + starry sky 1. 00 PM South Gate ticket check, take the sightseeing bus clockwise (less walking). 2. 30 PM Qingqiu Secret Realm · Immortal Fox Tribe – an immersive Xianxia park that just opened in July 2026, included in the ticket price with no extra charge. Features a naked-eye 3D tunnel + Xianxia NPCs. The white ancient building complex is great for photos. Shows are at 11:00 AM/3:30 PM (canceled in case of rain). 4:00 PM Filming location for "Under the Hawthorn Tree" – white swings, Love Post Office, Love Boardwalk. The hawthorn tree where Zhang Yimou filmed Jingqiu and Laosan is here. Light-colored long dresses are best for portraits. Tour groups gather after 2 PM, so go early. 4. 30 PM Sika Deer Park – tickets include free deer food. The deer are gentle and will nuzzle your palm, a magnet for young children. 5. 30 PM Ten Thousand Mu Cloud Grassland + Wind Turbine Matrix – Baili Huang's signature scene: rolling, breast-shaped grasslands (unique to southern grasslands), turning wind turbines, free-roaming cattle and sheep, and clouds low enough to touch. The white church is a photo spot; on a clear day, any shot looks like a Windows desktop background. 6. 30 PM Wait for the sunset at the mountaintop – orange glow spills over the grasslands, wind turbine silhouettes, stunning without filters. 8:00 PM Bonfire at the camping base (fixed on Fridays and Saturdays, free). Barbecue grill rental is CNY 120/set. It's recommended to buy ingredients at a supermarket down the mountain and bring them up; instant noodles are CNY 15 and water is CNY 8 on the mountain. 10:00 PM Stargazing – high altitude with no light pollution. From June to August, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye on clear nights. Bring a tripod. 2. Sunrise sea of clouds + high-altitude activities 5:30 AM Watch the sunrise from the summit observation deck – the probability of a sea of clouds is highest the day after rain. Get there before 5 AM to secure a spot. It's around 16℃ in the morning and evening; you'll catch a cold if you don't wear a light jacket/windbreaker. This is a mistake 90% of tourists make. 8:30 AM After breakfast, Glass Skywalk (200 meters suspended, 1,300 meters above sea level, those with acrophobia can walk on the inner side) → Grass Sliding → Cloud Coaster (1,200 meters, self-controlled speed, suitable for all ages). 11:00 AM Paragliding Base (self-funded, starting from CNY 680, overlooking the entire grassland, top-tier photo spot, but may be suspended due to strong winds/rain/morning fog, call to confirm before going). 1:00 PM Return trip. If you only have one day: South Gate → Cloud Horse Ranch (equestrian show at 11 AM) → Hawthorn Tree → Sika Deer Park → Wind Turbine Grassland → Glass Skywalk. A relaxed 5.5-hour trip. Four accommodation options, depending on your budget Category Recommendation Price (weekday/weekend) Who it's suitable for Starway Hotel Independent balcony overlooking the grassland, includes breakfast CNY 298–468 / CNY 328–508, each room includes 2 entrance tickets + scenic shuttle bus Family/seniors first choice Muge/Yunju Tents King bed + private bathroom, pull back the curtain to see stars CNY 318–520 Couples/young people Bring your own tent Site fee CNY 100, public restrooms — Budget travelers Daotianyi Homestay 20 minutes drive down the mountain CNY 150–260/room, includes three meals, CNY 80 per person on average Older adults staying for summer retreat Tents have poor insulation; even in summer, you need a thin blanket at night. Wind turbines have a continuous low-frequency noise at night, so light sleepers should be cautious. Mosquitoes are fierce; strong repellent is essential. Food · Braised pork trotters with potatoes – mountain potatoes are soft, at the Wedding Plaza Restaurant, average CNY 50 per person · Air-dried lamb hotpot – Hongye Inn, small pot CNY 68 · Yiling baked potatoes – Wangshen Snack at South Gate, CNY 10, crispy outside, soft inside · Freshly squeezed goat milk CNY 5/cup, boiled, local specialty Avoid: Snacks at shops in the scenic area are overpriced and generally not good; look for stalls with long lines of locals. Mineral water is CNY 8; bring your own. Several common pitfalls 1. Cool ≠ no sun protection: High altitude with no shade, strong UV + grass reflection. You can get sunburned in 2 hours between 10 AM and 3 PM. Full sun protection: sunscreen + hat + ice sleeves. 2. Windy: Hold onto long skirts, hats, sunglasses, and phones. If something falls from the glass skywalk, it won't be retrieved. 3. Paragliding depends on the weather. 4. For horse riding, choose the official coaches at Cloud Horse Ranch. Private horses on the roadside charge more and offer no guarantee. 5. Scenic shuttle bus queues are 20–40 minutes in July–August/weekends. Try to go on weekdays. Book accommodation 3 days in advance. 6. South Gate parking lot is full by 10 AM. Arrive early or enter the park in the afternoon. Connecting to your previous Yichang itinerary Baili Huang is usually placed as a branch of Line A (Two days for Three Gorges Dam + local residences → One day and one night in Baili Huang for summer retreat → Return or end with Yichang Museum). If you're coming from Jingzhou for a combined trip, Jingzhou to Yichang by high-speed rail is 1.5 hours. Baili Huang is northeast of Yiling District, close to the city. On your return day, you can visit Yuquan Temple + Guanling in Dangyang (both to the north, no backtracking). What season to go? Summer is best for avoiding heat. The ski resort is also open in winter (3 beginner + 2 intermediate slopes). In autumn, Red Leaf Ridge + Hawthorn Tree are also great for photos in October. Tell me your approximate travel month and number of people (with seniors/children?), and I can further refine accommodation and routes.

Most visitors to Yichang rush to the majestic grandeur of the Yangtze River gorges, but few know that atop the mountains lies a secret place called Bailihuang. Located at the junction of Yiling, Dangyang, and Yuan’an, it was named "Bailihuang" (Hundred Li Wilderness) in ancient times because it was uninhabited for a hundred li. Ouyang Xiu left mountain and field poems here. Today, it has transformed into a rare ten-thousand-acre alpine grassland in the south. It is the original filming location of Zhang Yimou’s "Under the Hawthorn Tree," a popular summer resort in Central China, a pure love check-in spot, and a year-round vacation destination. If you want to escape the heat and relax in the mountains when visiting Yichang, Bailihuang will definitely not disappoint. With an average altitude of 1,200 meters, over 30,000 acres of meadows spread gently over rounded hills. There is no oppressive deep forest, only soft green grass covering the mountains. The grass waves ripple with the wind, cattle and sheep stroll leisurely, and white windmills stand on the peaks, sketching a healing frontier landscape. Known as the "Hulunbuir of the South" and "Little Switzerland of Yichang," every snapshot looks like an oil painting. Thousands of Huashan pines are scattered across the meadows, the Three Gorges Welcoming Pine stands quietly among the hills, and the Qishi Tianma Cliff juts out into the air. When the sea of clouds flows over the ridges, the entire grassland floats in mist. Waiting for a sea of clouds in the morning or chasing an orange sunset in the evening is a gentle gift unique to alpine grasslands. Here, a hawthorn tree creates a unique tender romance. The Hawthorn Tree Cultural Park quietly preserves the original old tree from the movie, its simple branches hiding a pure love story, making it a confession landmark for countless couples. The suspended heart-shaped Love Platform hangs above the mountains, offering panoramic views of the rolling hills. The atmosphere is perfect for proposals, photos, and leisurely strolls, wrapping Bailihuang not only in vast wilderness but also in tender affection. The most captivating aspect of Bailihuang is its changing scenery through the four seasons, each offering a reason to visit. In spring, wild azaleas bloom across the hills, wildflowers dot the meadows, and pine forests are lush—ideal for hiking and flower seeking. In midsummer, when the city is unbearably hot, the temperature here stays a constant 21°C, filled with negative oxygen ions, making it a natural air-conditioned oxygen bar. During the day, you can ride horses across the grasslands, slide down grassy slopes, walk on the suspended glass skywalk, ride the cloud coaster through the forest, or interact closely with sika deer—full of fun for family trips. At night, pitch a tent for camping, lie back to watch the Milky Way pour across the sky, feel the gentle grassland breeze, and enjoy lively grassland music festivals that keep the summer relaxed and festive. In late autumn, the meadows turn warm golden, the forests blaze with red leaves, and cattle and sheep roam among the yellow grass—an excellent season for photography. In winter, it transforms into a niche southern ski resort, with snow covering the entire grassland. Skiing, snow tubing, and snowmobile rides are all available, so you don’t have to travel north to immerse yourself in winter fun. Enjoy mountain and field activities during the day, then stay in a grassland wooden cabin or cloud tent at night, falling asleep to the sound of the wind and waking to morning mist in the mountains. From natural scenery and cultural sentiment to recreational experiences and restful stays, Bailihuang presents the full picture of what an alpine grassland should be. If you’ve had enough of the grandeur of the Three Gorges and the Yangtze River, why not step into Bailihuang? Empty your mind among the windmills and meadows, encounter tenderness under the hawthorn tree, cool off in the 21°C summer, and quietly await the evening breeze under the starry sky, discovering another vast and gentle side of Yichang’s mountains and waters.

When visiting Luoyang, besides exploring the historical monuments of this millennia-old capital, Guanlin Temple is a cultural sanctuary well worth a detailed visit. Legend has it that this is the burial site of the head of Guan Yu, the legendary general of the Three Kingdoms period. Because of this, it ranks alongside the Guandi Temple in Xiezhou, Shanxi, and the Guan Mausoleum in Dangyang, Hubei, as one of China's three great Guan temples. For countless people, it stands as the ultimate symbol of loyalty and righteousness. Stepping into Guanlin, you are greeted by towering ancient cypresses and a forest of stone steles. The solemn and majestic temple complex exudes a profound historical atmosphere. Strolling along the central axis past the Mountain Gate, the Worship Hall, and the Main Hall, every structure showcases the magnificent grandeur of Ming and Qing dynasty royal architecture while carrying the deep reverence of past generations for Lord Guan's spirit of loyalty. Even if you aren't a fan of Three Kingdoms history, you'll still be captivated by the unique cultural charm here. This place honors not just a historical figure, but a spiritual legacy of integrity, devotion, and benevolence. Wandering among the ancient trees, red walls, and green-tiled roofs feels like traveling back to an era of great heroes, offering a much deeper appreciation of Three Kingdoms history. If you are planning an in-depth trip to Luoyang, I highly recommend adding Guanlin to your itinerary. Away from the hustle and bustle, it offers a sense of profound tranquility and is an unmissable stop for anyone looking to understand the culture of the Three Kingdoms and traditional Chinese values.

Located at the gateway of Xiangxi in the Xing Mountain Gorge, adjacent to the most beautiful water highway and the ancient Yuquan Temple area, this log-style Chinese design paired with a mountain and water courtyard offers a one-stop experience for tea drinking, sightseeing, and relaxation. It is perfect for short vacations and Hanfu travel photography. 🏡 Chinese-style log entrance, full of ancient charm The exterior blends Tujia wooden residential architecture, with blue-gray tiled eaves and wooden lattice doors and windows. Red lanterns hang in front of the door, and the wooden carved plaque is simple and elegant. There is a spacious parking area at the entrance, convenient for self-driving. The overall atmosphere is peaceful amidst the bustle, backed by green mountains and near Xiangxi River. Opening the courtyard door reveals continuous gorge mountains, creating a soft and leisurely ambiance. 🍵 Tea room with a collection of books and scenic views, slowly enjoy tea time in the mountains The core feature inside is the panoramic tea room: A large red solid wood tea table with a full set of tea utensils, a wall filled with books arranged in a staggered manner, vintage ship wheel chairs as decoration, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows facing the gorge and river. Brew a cup of local Maojian tea, paired with seasonal fresh fruit, read a book and savor tea to relieve travel fatigue. Floral decorations are placed in the corners, colorful dried flowers combined with ink wash landscape paintings, gentle light and shadow, perfect for taking photos with a great atmosphere, suitable for quiet solitude or casual chats with friends. 🌿 Sky garden with green plants and scenic views The second-floor open-air corridor courtyard is filled with greenery, including palms, hydrangeas, and shrubs layered in landscaping, paired with wooden swings and a sunshade pavilion; beyond the fence are continuous green mountains. Enjoy the breeze and mountain views under the shade of trees during the day, wait for the mountain sunset in the evening, surrounded by the fragrance of plants, away from the town’s noise, making it especially comfortable for summer cooling. Convenient location for sightseeing Within walking distance to the most beautiful water highway check-in spots, Zhaojun Village, and Xiangxi Riverside Trail, with easy access to the Zhaojun statue and bamboo sea; Short drive to Xing Mountain urban area and Three Gorges scenic spots, ensuring smooth travel routes; Nearby farmhouse restaurants and specialty shops are complete, so dining and shopping are convenient. ✨ Comfortable highlights for staying Log-style tea room with a book collection, ideal for tea lovers and those who enjoy quiet; Double-layer green plant scenic courtyard facing the gorge, with many great photo spots; Close to Zhaojun’s hometown and the water highway, saving long-distance travel; The overall style is elegant and relaxed, suitable for family relaxation, girlfriends’ travel photography, and couples’ short trips.

The ritual of midsummer✨ The thousand-petal lotus at Yuquan Temple and the smart riverside hotel form a perfect fairy tale couple that I've locked in! I've even thought of a couple name 👉 "Zen Lotus Smart Living Alliance" 💕 🌺 Yuquan Temple Lotus Viewing Guide 📍 Address: Yuquan Mountain, Dangyang City, Yichang, Hubei 💫 The "Famous Mountain of San Chu" hides an 1800-year-old ancient temple. The thousand-petal lotus in the red pond in front of the temple is a limited-edition biological artwork! The countless petals with a pink-to-white gradient can only be seen from June to August each year—truly a fairyland~ 📸 Outfit Tips: ✔️ Hanfu perfectly matches the temple's landscape paintings ✔️ Light-colored dresses bring out a fairy-like vibe 💰 Admission: Free! This is a hidden perk ☀️ Best Time: Early morning or evening when the light is softest 🌟 Bonus: If you're lucky, you might see a twin-stamen lotus, which is said to bring good luck~ 🏨 Orange Hotel · Smart Experience Report 📍 Location: No. 130 Yanjiang Avenue (10-minute walk to the Three Gorges Visitor Center, Wanda Mall right downstairs!) ✨ Reasons to Stay: ☑️ Minimalist and stylish rooms → Tatami windows perfect for tea and scenic views 💡 ☑️ 24-hour robot food delivery → A blessing for the lazy 🤖 ☑️ Zero-pressure mattress → Fall asleep instantly after a long day 💤 ☑️ Riverside view rooms are forever the best → Watch sunrises and sunsets lying down 🌅 🥢 Food Bonus: Breakfast blends East and West, with a unique combo of beef noodles and coffee typical of Hubei! 💡 Itinerary Suggestions: Day 1: Lotus viewing at Yuquan Temple → Gym at the hotel → Night stroll at Riverside Park Day 2: Boat trip from Three Gorges Visitor Center → Shopping and eating at Wanda → Riverside hotel room photoshoot 👗 Outfit Bonus: Wear Hanfu or modern Chinese style for lotus viewing for stunning photos! For hotel riverside photos, a slip dress is recommended; the night lights really complement your skin tone~

Heading to Yichang, half is the ancient charm and Zen spirit of a thousand-year-old temple, half is the gentle healing of a riverside elegant residence🏯✨ Hidden among the mountains and waters, Yuquan Temple’s red walls and black tiles make every snapshot a classic ancient-style masterpiece; the Orange Hotel Riverside is an excellent choice for your trip, sleeping by the Yangtze River is simply so romantic! 🌈【Ancient Style Photo Haven · Yuquan Temple】 This 1700-year-old ancient temple was practically made for epic photos! The Mahavira Hall, known as the "Southern Ancient Architecture Museum," features 72 golden Phoebe wood pillars that are truly stunning. Wearing Hanfu or modern Chinese attire here instantly elevates the photo atmosphere💫 📸 Must-visit photo spots: ✅ Under the Northern Song Dynasty Bronze Iron Pagoda: an 18-meter tall ancient bronze pagoda, the upward angle shot is incredibly classy! ✅ Tang Dynasty Ancient Ginkgo Tree: golden leaves carpet the steps in autumn and winter, perfectly paired with red walls and black tiles~ ✅ Pearl Spring: a magical spring where bubbles appear when you clap💦 🏨【Top Riverside Hotel · Orange Hotel】 📍Address: No. 130 Yanjiang Avenue 💯 Reasons to recommend: ✨ Walking distance to the Three Gorges Tourist Center & Wanda Plaza ✨ Some rooms offer night views of the Yiling Yangtze River Bridge🌉 ✨ Super rich breakfast options, both Chinese and Western, very thoughtful ✨ The food delivery robot is just too cute🤖 🌟 Outfit tips: 1️⃣ At Yuquan Temple, it’s recommended to wear plain-colored Hanfu or modern Chinese style 2️⃣ On the Orange Hotel terrace, you can wear a dress to shoot the river view 💝 Little bonus: The hotel front desk is super friendly and will recommend local delicacies~ Overall service is comparable to the Haidilao experience!

Guan Yu, the brave general renowned throughout the Three Kingdoms, is deeply remembered for his loyalty and righteousness. After the hero's passing, his head rested in Luoyang, his body was buried in Dangyang, and his soul returned to his hometown. These three resting places—Luoyang Guanlin, Dangyang Guanling, and Jiexian Guandi Temple—became the three major Guan Yu worship sites both domestically and internationally, gaining widespread fame. Luoyang Guanlin is the only site in the country that combines tomb, temple, and forest worship, known alongside the Confucius Forest as the "Twin Sacred Forests." The origins of Luoyang Guanlin date back to the Three Kingdoms period. In 219 AD, Sun Quan launched a surprise attack on Jingzhou, leading to Guan Yu's defeat and death at Maicheng. The following year, fearing retaliation from Liu Bei, Sun Quan hid Guan Yu’s head in Luoyang, where Cao Cao was based. However, Cao Cao discovered this and, out of great respect for Guan Yu, posthumously honored him as King of Jing and buried him fifteen miles south of the city, building a temple for worship. This marks the 1800-year history of Guanlin. During the Ming Dynasty, legends of Guan Yu’s divine manifestations were widely believed. In the Wanli era, the Guanlin Temple was expanded from the original Guan Temple, covering over 200 acres. Later, during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it was further enlarged, preserving its grandeur to this day. Guanlin was successively bestowed titles such as “Han Shou Ting Hou Tomb,” “Great Tomb of King Guan,” and “Guan Emperor Mausoleum.” It was not until the 5th year of Kangxi’s reign in the Qing Dynasty that Luoyang Guanlin was officially named “Loyal and Righteous, Divine and Martial Guan Sheng Emperor Forest.” Throughout this process, Guan Yu’s image evolved from a man to a marquis, emperor, and deity, and his faith became a shared belief in loyalty and righteousness among Chinese communities. The architecture of Luoyang Guanlin follows a palace-style layout, arranged from south to north as follows: opera stage, main gate, ceremonial gate, corridor, worship hall, main hall, second hall, third hall, stone archway, forest stele pavilion, and Guan’s tomb. Most existing structures date back to the Ming Dynasty. Along with the Guan Temple in Yuncheng, Shanxi, and Guanling in Dangyang, Hubei, it is considered one of China’s three major Guan Emperor temples. Passing through the Guanlin main gate leads to the ceremonial gate, named for the meaning “with proper ceremony to emulate.” Originally the main gate of the Ming Dynasty Guan Temple, it was renamed the ceremonial gate after Qing renovations. It was once a solemn place where civil officials dismounted from sedan chairs and military officers dismounted from horses. The plaque above the ceremonial gate reads “Mighty and Revered Throughout the Six Directions,” said to be written by Empress Dowager Cixi. On the east wall is an image believed to be painted by Yue Fei, depicting “Guan Sheng Emperor.” The corridor from the ceremonial gate to the main hall is 35 meters long and 4 meters wide, flanked by stone railings, 36 viewing pillars, and 104 stone lions. This stone lion corridor is known as “Little Lugou Bridge of Luoyang.” According to inscriptions, the corridor was rebuilt in the 47th year of the Wanli era with donations from Luoyang merchants, constructed in palace style, giving visitors the feeling of attending a royal court. Facing the corridor is the main hall, the core building of Guanlin, showcasing Guan Yu’s lifetime achievements as praised by emperors and aristocrats throughout history, with numerous plaques on display. At the end of the temple’s central axis lies Guan Yu’s tomb. In front of the tomb is a stele pavilion, with a tombstone inscribed “Tomb of Han Shou Ting Hou Guan Yun Chang.” The tomb mound is 17 meters high and covers 2,600 square meters. The southern wall of the tomb’s front features a stone tomb gate built in the 56th year of Kangxi’s reign, with the gate plaque inscribed “Place of Spiritual Essence.” The couplet on the gate reads: “Spirit roams the imperial gardens riding a celestial crane, bones rest in the heavens hiding as a sleeping dragon.”

At Yuquan Temple, the ancient redwoods are as captivating as the temple itself. Towering gracefully above the temple grounds, these majestic trees stand like silent guardians, accompanying generations of monks, pilgrims, and travelers through the passage of time. Their straight trunks reach skyward, creating a tranquil canopy that changes with the seasons. In autumn, the foliage turns a warm blend of amber, copper, and russet. Sunlight filtering through the branches paints the pathways with golden light, while fallen leaves blanket the ground in rich colors. The contrast between the vibrant trees and the temple's traditional architecture creates a scene of remarkable beauty. Even on quiet days, the redwoods lend a sense of serenity to the surroundings. A gentle breeze stirs the branches overhead, and the rustling leaves seem to whisper stories from centuries past. 📍 Location: Yuquan Temple 🌲 Highlight: Magnificent dawn redwoods surrounding the temple grounds 🍂 Feature: Spectacular seasonal colors and towering tree-lined paths 🏯 Atmosphere: Peaceful, timeless, and deeply contemplative 📸 Best for: Autumn photography and nature lovers ✨ Signature feeling: Walking beneath towering redwoods where nature and history coexist in perfect harmony Some temples are remembered for their halls. Yuquan Temple is also remembered for the trees that watch over them. 🍂🌲✨

Hey guys! I'm here again to recommend a magical summer cooling spot to you all🌿 This place, known as the "Southern Hulunbuir," has an average summer temperature of only 21°C, boasts 60,000 acres of alpine grassland, a romantic purple flower sea, and super healing starry sky camping. The Dragon Boat Festival holiday is the perfect time to visit! And there really aren’t many people, so no crowding at all, making the experience super enjoyable~ This guide is super detailed, save it and copy it directly👇 · -- 🌡️ Why must you come here in summer? Honestly, I didn’t expect it to be so cool up in the mountains before I came! I went in mid-June, the daytime high was only 23°C, and at night it dropped straight down to 15°C. I didn’t wear any short sleeves at all, wore a jacket the whole time, and even needed a thick quilt to sleep at night🧥 The average altitude is 1200 meters, with negative oxygen ions reaching 12,000 per cm³, earning it the title of "Southern Natural Air Conditioner." Spending two days here feels like your lungs have been completely cleansed, a thousand times more comfortable than staying in an air-conditioned room! · -- 🏕️ Camping Guide: Lying down watching the starry sky is so romantic How can you come to Bailihuang without camping! Camping under the grassland starry sky is truly romantic; at night, you can lie in bed and see a sky full of stars, and if you’re lucky, even the Milky Way🌌 Recommended camping spots: 1. Official camping base: Fully equipped with restrooms, showers, and tents for rent, very beginner-friendly 2. Bring your own tent: The scenic area has designated camping zones where you can pitch your own tent, which is cheaper 3. Tent hotel: If you don’t want to set up your own tent, you can stay in a tent hotel with full facilities, beds, and air conditioning for high comfort Camping essentials: ✅ Tent + sleeping bag + moisture-proof mat ✅ Camping lamp / headlamp ✅ Thin jacket (it’s really cold at night!) ✅ Mosquito repellent (lots of mosquitoes in the mountains) ✅ Snacks and water ✅ Power bank 💡 Tips: · It’s recommended to book in advance as many people camp during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday · The temperature difference at night is big, so bring warm clothes · Bring a small speaker to listen to music while watching the stars at night, super cozy · Be careful with fire; don’t use fire casually on the grassland · -- 🌸 Dragon Boat Festival special: The purple flower sea is in full bloom Visiting Bailihuang during the Dragon Boat Festival is really worth it, as it coincides with the peak bloom of the cloud flower sea! The 120-acre sage is in full bloom, creating a super romantic purple flower sea, perfect for photos📸 Where is the flower sea? It’s right at Bailihuang Wellness Town; just navigate to "Bailihuang Wellness Town," it’s not far from the main scenic area. The flower sea is free to enter, no extra tickets needed~ Best photo times: · 8-10 AM: Soft light, fewer people, best for photos · 5-7 PM: Backlit photos, hair strands glow, atmosphere is perfect Photo tips: 1. Wear white or light-colored clothes for a strong contrast with the purple flowers 2. Bring a straw hat or flower basket as props for more atmosphere 3. Capture candid shots while walking in the flower sea for natural and beautiful photos 4. Use flowers as foreground for close-up face shots, very gentle and lovely · -- 🐑 Grassland activities: Full healing experience Grassland stroll Take a slow walk on the vast grassland, feel the breeze, watch the windmills turning in the distance, and see cows and sheep grazing nearby — it’s truly healing. The grass is especially soft; walking barefoot feels super comfortable. You can roll on the grass or have a picnic, just enjoy however you like~ Horse riding experience At the Cloud Horse Ranch, you can ride horses with professional instructors, so beginners have nothing to worry about. The feeling of galloping on the grassland is amazing! There’s also a horse battle show that’s very exciting, with professional performers and a stunning scene, definitely worth watching~ Sika deer interaction There’s a sika deer park in the scenic area where you can interact closely with the deer and feed them, super healing! The deer are very gentle, and kids can play too~ Ten-Mile Gallery Trail Walk slowly along the trail with beautiful scenery all along, seeing herds of cows and sheep leisurely strolling. The trail is gentle and very comfortable for walking, with various bird calls along the way~ · -- 🌅 Sunrise, sunset, and starry sky — don’t miss any of them Grassland sunrise In summer, sunrise is around 5:30 AM, so it’s recommended to get up at 5. Find a hill with a good view and wait for the sun to slowly rise from the edge of the grassland, turning the whole sky golden — it’s truly beautiful. The grassland is especially quiet in the morning, with only birdsong and wind sounds. Watching the sunrise slowly rise feels very healing~ Grassland sunset The grassland at dusk is really beautiful! The sunset dyes the sky orange-red, the shadows of the windmills stretch long, and cows and sheep graze under the sunset, like an oil painting. It’s recommended to arrive half an hour before sunset to see both the daytime view and the golden light of sunset, perfect for photos~ Grassland starry sky There’s little light pollution in the mountains, so on clear nights you can see a sky full of stars, and if lucky, the Milky Way. Lying on the grassland, looking at the starry sky and listening to the insects chirping is so romantic. Remember to bring a jacket; it’s quite cool at night~ · -- 🍃 Summer cooling tips: How to enjoy it right 1. Best cooling time: June to August, about 10 degrees cooler on the mountain than the lowlands 2. Best playtime: Morning and evening; rest in the hotel or stay in the shade at noon 3. Drink plenty of water: The mountain air is dry, and although you don’t sweat much, you still need to stay hydrated 4. Sun protection: UV rays are strong on the grassland, so bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses 5. Don’t overcool: It’s cool on the mountain, but don’t wear too little or you might catch a cold 6. Take it slow: Summer cooling means slowing down, don’t rush to see all the sights, just enjoy the slow life here --- 📅 Dragon Boat Festival travel advice Why the Dragon Boat Festival is perfect: 1. Cool weather, perfect for summer cooling 2. Peak bloom of the cloud flower sea, the purple flower sea is stunning 3. The grass is green, the grassland is at its best 4. Not too crowded yet, great experience Travel suggestions: · Recommend 2 days 1 night, no rush, so you can enjoy it fully · Book accommodation in advance, as lodging is tight during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday · Bring some zongzi (rice dumplings) to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival on the grassland, a unique experience · Travel off-peak, try to avoid the first and last days of the holiday rush · -- ⚠️ Important notes, safety first 1. Mountain weather changes quickly, check the forecast before going out and bring rain gear 2. UV rays are strong on the grassland, be sure to protect your skin or you’ll get sunburned easily 3. Don’t walk too far alone; the grassland is huge and easy to get lost, stick to the trails 4. Be careful with fire; don’t use fire casually on the grassland, especially when camping 5. Signal is weak on the mountain, download offline maps in advance 6. Protect the environment, carry out your trash; such a beautiful place deserves care 7. Respect local customs, keep distance from cows and sheep, don’t chase them · -- 💭 Final thoughts Bailihuang is truly a place you want to visit again and again — 21°C summer, vast grasslands, romantic flower seas, starry sky camping, every bit unforgettable. Here, you can slow down, feel the beauty of nature, and forget the noise and troubles of the city. If you haven’t planned your Dragon Boat Festival holiday yet, you really should come here; it will definitely surprise you~ If you have any questions, ask me in the comments, I’ll reply to all I see👇 · -- Accommodation 🏨 Daotian Yishan Resident Homestay Located among the green mountains of the Bailihuang 4A scenic area, nationally certified top-grade homestay, named after a poetic line by Ouyang Xiu, a poetic mountain residence, cool and refreshing at 22°C in summer 🏨 Hawthorn Yunshang Hotel (Bailihuang Scenic Area Branch) Hotel in the core area of the scenic spot, open the window to see the grassland, some rooms have balconies facing east, so you can enjoy the sunrise from your room 🏨 Bailihuang Yunshangju Wooden Villa Standalone wooden villa with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and viewing terrace, see the sea of clouds rolling in the morning, gaze at the brilliant starry sky at night, very private 🏨 Bailihuang Starry Sky Tent Camping Base Open-air tent hotel on the grassland, lie in bed at night watching the Milky Way and starry sky, equipped with professional astronomical telescopes, the romantic atmosphere is off the charts

Hey everyone! I've discovered a magical place for a summer escape during the Dragon Boat Festival 🌿 With an average elevation of 1200 meters and an average summer temperature of just 21℃, it boasts ten thousand acres of high-mountain grasslands, romantic flower seas, and white windmills gently spinning. It's truly like a scene straight out of a Miyazaki anime! Plus, it's a filming location for "Under the Hawthorn Tree," brimming with pure love vibes~ This guide will teach you how to explore it step-by-step. Save it and head straight there for Dragon Boat Festival 👇 · -- 🚗 Transportation Guide: The Most Convenient Way to Get There Driving Route Simply navigate to "Baili Huang Tourist Resort." It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Yichang city center, and the roads are quite good, perfectly fine for new drivers! The scenic area has a large parking lot, so no need to worry about finding a spot. After parking, you can take the scenic shuttle bus or drive in yourself (on certain sections). Public Transportation There are direct tourist buses from Yichang city center to Baili Huang, with several departures daily. However, the schedule is fixed, so check in advance. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which costs around 100+ RMB. · -- 🎫 Ticket Information: Money-Saving Tips · Admission: 118 RMB (includes shuttle bus) · Opening Hours: 8:00-20:00 · Recommended Visit Duration: 2 days 1 night 💡 Money-Saving Guide: · Buy tickets online in advance; it's cheaper than on-site. · Students get discounts with a valid student ID. · Children under 1.2 meters are free. · Seniors over 65 get free admission. · -- 🌸 Must-Visit Attractions: Don't Miss Any! 1️⃣ Ten Thousand Acre High-Mountain Grassland This is definitely the centerpiece of Baili Huang! 30,000 acres of meadows stretch to the horizon, with green grass waves undulating in the wind, white windmills slowly turning, and cattle and sheep scattered among them. It's truly like stepping into a Miyazaki anime 🎐 The average summer temperature here is only 21℃, making it super comfortable to stroll on the grassland with the breeze. The grass is also incredibly soft, perfect for rolling around or having a picnic. So therapeutic! 2️⃣ Cloud-Level Flower Sea At an elevation of 1100 meters, the Cloud-Level Flower Sea features 120 acres of lavender, creating a super romantic purple expanse! The blooming season lasts about 50 days, and it will be in full bloom during the Dragon Boat Festival, perfect for stunning photos 📸 The flower sea is located near the Health and Wellness Town and is free to enter, no extra ticket needed. It's recommended to go in the morning or evening when the light is good and there are fewer people, making for better photos~ 3️⃣ Hawthorn Tree Cultural Park The filming location for "Under the Hawthorn Tree"! The iconic hawthorn tree is here, along with the bench where Jingqiu and Laosan sat, creating a full pure love atmosphere ❤️ It's especially suitable for couples to visit. Take a photo sitting on the bench, and the romantic vibe is instantly amplified. There's also a "Under the Hawthorn Tree" memorial hall nearby worth visiting~ 4️⃣ Ten Thousand Acre Grassland Windmills Rows of white windmills line the ridge, slowly turning, complemented by the green grassland and blue sky with white clouds. It's truly so therapeutic! You can walk right up to the windmills to experience their grandeur up close. Standing beneath them, listening to the blades turn, and gazing at the distant mountains, all worries simply disappear~ 5️⃣ Cloud-Level Horse Ranch Horse-loving friends must come here! You can gallop across the grassland and experience what it's like to be a child of the plains 🐎 There are also spectacular equestrian battle performances, which are incredibly exciting and worth watching. Performance times are fixed, so it's recommended to check the schedule in advance so you don't miss out~ · -- 🎢 Thrilling Activities: For the Daring! Glass Skywalk A 300-meter-long suspended glass skywalk with a deep abyss beneath your feet – it'll make your legs weak! But the scenery is truly beautiful; standing on the bridge overlooking the entire grassland offers an amazing view. Don't be afraid if you're timid; the bridge is very safe. Just hold the railing and walk slowly. If you're really scared, there's a path in the middle you can use to bypass it~ Cloud-Level Coaster This is truly exhilarating! Sit in a cart and slide down the mountain along the track, with the wind whistling past your ears. Super stress-relieving! You can control the speed yourself, go fast or slow, so even the timid can enjoy it. I played it once and wanted to go again, it's that much fun! High-Mountain Water Slide A must-do in summer! Sit in a raft and slide down the mountain, splashing water everywhere. Super cool and super exciting! You'll definitely get wet playing this, so it's recommended to bring a change of clothes or buy a raincoat. Playing this in summer is truly amazing, a perfect way to beat the heat~ · -- 🗺️ Perfect 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary Day 1: Relaxed Grassland Tour 13. 00 Arrive at the scenic area, check in, and drop off luggage 14. 30 Hawthorn Tree Cultural Park → Cloud-Level Flower Sea 16:00 Stroll through the Ten Thousand Acre Grassland → Windmill photo op 18:00 Watch the sunset 20:00 Stargazing / Camping Day 2: Thrilling Experiences + Sunrise 5:30 Wake up to watch the grassland sunrise 8. 00 Have breakfast 9. 00 Glass Skywalk → Cloud-Level Coaster → High-Mountain Water Slide 11:30 Cloud-Level Horse Ranch → Horse riding experience 14:00 Depart --- 📸 Photo Guide: How to Make Your Moments Go Viral How to photograph the grassland 1. Running candid shots: Run on the grassland and have a friend capture the moment; it looks very dynamic. 2. Windmill group photo: Stand under a windmill, shoot upwards, with people and windmills in the same frame; it has a great feel. 3. Grassland back view: Stand on the grassland, back to the camera, looking into the distance; full of atmosphere. 4. Sitting on grass: Sit on the grass, use the grass as a foreground, and take forest-style blockbusters. How to photograph the flower sea 1. Strolling through the flower sea: Walk through the flower sea and capture natural moments. 2. Flower sea close-up: Use flowers as a foreground for face close-ups; super gentle. 3. Overhead shot of the flower sea: Shoot from a high vantage point, blending people and the flower sea. 4. Backlit photography: Shoot backlit in the evening; your hair will glow, absolutely stunning. 💡 Outfit suggestions: Wear white or light-colored dresses; the contrast with the grassland and flower sea is striking, making for better photos~ You can also wear a straw hat for more atmosphere! --- ⚠️ Avoid These Pitfalls! 1. It gets really cold on the mountain, so be sure to bring a jacket. Don't assume you won't need one just because it's summer; it's especially chilly in the evenings and mornings. 2. The UV rays are very strong on the grassland, so be sure to apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn. 3. The scenic area is very large, so it's recommended to take the shuttle bus; walking will be exhausting. 4. The Dragon Boat Festival holiday will likely be crowded, so consider visiting during off-peak times or entering the scenic area early in the morning. 5. Cell signal is not great on the mountain, so download an offline map in advance. 6. Protect the environment; do not litter on the grassland. We must cherish such a beautiful place. · -- 💭 Final Thoughts Baili Huang is truly the biggest treasure I've discovered this year. A 21℃ summer, ten thousand acres of grassland, romantic flower seas, and various thrilling activities – it satisfies all your needs for summer escape, photography, and fun. And there aren't many people here, unlike those popular crowded attractions, so the experience is superb. For those who haven't made plans for the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, you can really come here; it definitely won't disappoint you~ If you have any questions, ask me in the comments below, and I'll reply to all of them 👇 · -- Accommodation 🏨 Daotianyi Mountain Homestay Certified as a National Grade A homestay, named after Ouyang Xiu's poem "A few homes in the desolate smoke, a lean field of knives." It's a natural summer retreat at an altitude of 868 meters, with cool summer temperatures of 22℃. 🏨 Hawthorn Tree Yunshang Hotel (Baili Huang Scenic Area Branch) Located in the core of Baili Huang Resort, some rooms have balconies with direct eastern views, allowing you to watch the sunrise from your room. Robot service is also provided. 🏨 Baili Huang Yunshangju Log Cabin Villas Each villa features panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and a viewing terrace. In the morning, open your window to see rolling clouds, and at night, gaze at the brilliant starry sky. Offers excellent privacy. 🏨 Baili Huang Starlight Tent Camping Base A grassland open-air tent hotel where you can lie in bed at night and watch the Milky Way and starry sky, creating a full romantic atmosphere. Equipped with professional astronomical telescopes for stargazing. · --

💡Opening Ramble Who says Dragon Boat Festival is only about crowds? I've kept this Three Gorges summer escape route a secret for two years. The average summer temperature is 25°C, featuring canyons, waterfalls, and grasslands. You can experience the awe of national treasures and enjoy the coolness of the mountains and waters. The best part is the route is well-established with no pitfalls, suitable for both elderly and children. Choosing this for your Dragon Boat Festival trip is definitely the right call! · -- 🚗Transportation & Travel Preparation High-speed Rail: Direct trains to Yichang East Station from all over the country, with the tourist center right outside the station Self-driving: 3 hours from Wuhan, 4.5 hours from Chongqing, very convenient with direct highways Essentials: · Change of clothes (you will definitely get wet during rafting! Bring an extra set) · Stream shoes / sandals (don’t wear flip-flops, they can easily be washed away) · Raincoat (needed for waterfall and rafting activities, expensive to buy in scenic spots) · Sunscreen + hat (UV rays are really strong) · Light jacket (the canyon is 5-8°C cooler than outside) · -- 📅3 Days 2 Nights Classic Itinerary (Tested with no backtracking) Day 1: Waterfall Coolness + Cultural Experience Morning: 【Three Gorges Waterfall】— Central China’s No.1 Waterfall · Ticket: 115 RMB, recommended 3 hours visit · Key point: Don’t just watch from outside! You must experience "passing through the waterfall"! · The 102-meter-high waterfall cascades overhead, the shock is indescribable · The whole hiking route is shaded, walking along the stream is not hot at all · There are more than a dozen small waterfalls along the way, very comfortable to play while walking · Tips: Wear a raincoat! Wear a raincoat! Wear a raincoat! Important things said three times Afternoon: 【Qu Yuan’s Hometown】— Immersive Dragon Boat Festival Culture · Ticket: 80 RMB, special activities during Dragon Boat Festival · This is the proper way to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival! Watch dragon boat races, make zongzi, apply realgar wine · The ancient architecture is very photogenic, full of Chu culture atmosphere · You can climb the viewing platform to overlook the Three Gorges Dam panorama · There are intangible cultural heritage performances during the festival, don’t miss the 3 PM show Evening: Explore and eat in the city, Yiling Square night view is beautiful Day 2: Thrilling Water Fun + National Treasure Morning: 【Chaotianhou Rafting】— The Most Exciting Rafting in Central China · Ticket: 180 RMB, 6.5 km full route, 2 hours rafting · It’s really thrilling! Sharp turns and big drops, screams all the way · Both sides of the river are shaded, no sun exposure, water is ice-cold · Tips: ✅ Don’t bring any jewelry or phone, they will fly away! ✅ Make sure to fasten the life jacket tightly ✅ Don’t wear white clothes, they become see-through when wet ✅ Bring a water scoop for water fights Afternoon: 【Three Gorges Dam】— Experience the National Treasure · Ticket: Free! Reservation required in advance · Best tour order: Tanziling → 185 Platform → Interception Memorial Park · Tanziling overlooks the dam panorama, 185 Platform is level with the dam, both must-visit · The Dragon Boat Festival rainy season is the flood discharge period, the scene is truly breathtaking · It’s recommended to hire a guide, 50 RMB/person, to learn a lot of knowledge Day 3: Landscape Painting + Alpine Grassland Morning: 【Qingjiang Gallery】— 800 Li of Beautiful Qingjiang · Ticket + boat: 145 RMB, recommended to take the 8:30 AM first boat · It’s really beautiful! The river water is clear and green, with towering peaks on both sides · The whole trip is by boat, not tiring at all, very suitable for elderly and children · Free commentary on the boat introduces stories of each mountain peak · The terminal Wuluo Zhongli Mountain can be climbed, offering a panoramic view of Qingjiang from the top Afternoon: 【Baili Huang Grassland】— Southern Alpine Grassland · Ticket: 105 RMB, filming location of "Under the Hawthorn Tree" · Altitude 1200 meters, average summer temperature 22°C, wind blows the grass low revealing cattle and sheep · You can grass-ski, horseback ride, shoot arrows, many entertainment options · The big windmills on the grassland are very photogenic, every shot is a masterpiece · If time allows, stay overnight, the starry sky at night is stunning · -- ⚠️Pitfall Avoidance Guide (Lessons learned the hard way) 1. Don’t wear glasses during rafting: My friend’s glasses were washed away, had to feel around blindly the whole time 2. Don’t drive into the Three Gorges Dam area: You must transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus, park your car at the tourist center 3. Don’t eat on the boat in Qingjiang Gallery: Expensive and bad taste, bring your own snacks 4. Don’t buy souvenirs at the scenic spot entrance: City supermarkets are half the price 5. Start early for Dragon Boat Festival trips: Arrive at the scenic spot before 9 AM to avoid tour groups · -- Accommodation 🏨 G348 Shuye Mountain Residence Located in Longquan Mountain Village, Yiling District, adjacent to the Three Gorges International RV Camping Site, nestled among green mountains, quiet and private, standalone design, suitable for quality-seeking vacationers. 🏨 Wufeng Duling Yunding Hotel At 2000 meters altitude on the mountain top, 270° panoramic rooms where you can watch the sea of clouds lying in bed, container suite with industrial style design, floor heating to handle mountain temperature differences, every corner offers excellent views. 🏨 Daotian Yishanju Homestay Inside Baili Huang Scenic Area, a hidden secret at the junction of three places, mountain view rooms, butler service, tea room, café, hiking trails, pet-friendly, a truly healing mountain wilderness homestay. 🏨 Yichang Taipingding Forest Resort Hotel At 1325 meters altitude, 99% forest coverage, 10,000 negative oxygen ions/cm³, summer temperature only 25°C, cliffside wild luxury wooden standalone cabins, a natural oxygen bar without needing air conditioning. · --

The weather at the end of May is just perfect! Not stuffy or dry, the sunlight is incredibly gentle. I specifically chose a sunny day to relax at Dangyang Yuquan Temple. I was completely captivated by the ambiance of this thousand-year-old temple 🌿. They say Yuquan Temple is a famous mountain of the Three Chu regions and the ancestral temple of Tiantai Buddhism. Far from the bustling city, there's no clamor of crowds. Only surrounded by green mountains and towering ancient trees. The greenery at the end of May is absolutely lush! The entire courtyard is filled with verdant vegetation, and a gentle breeze passes through the trees. In my ears are soft Buddhist chants and birdsong. Walking among the red walls and dark tiles, all fatigue instantly melts away. You can get 3 free incense sticks for blessings upon entry 🙏. There's no forced consumption throughout, which I really appreciate. I leisurely strolled through the entire ancient temple. I checked in at the Northern Song Dynasty's thousand-year-old iron pagoda and the Sui Dynasty's ancient iron cauldron. There's also the incredibly stunning Golden Nanmu Grand Hall of Mahavira. Every brick and tile carries the ancient charm accumulated over a thousand years, profound and serene. The liberation pond in front of the temple sparkles. On a sunny day, light and shadow fall on the water, red walls, and flying eaves. Any casual shot turns into a stunning, ancient-style, Zen-inspired photo 📸. New Chinese style and plain-colored clothes make for fantastic photos! I leisurely wandered for two hours, walking, praying, and breathing fresh air. There's no commercial hustle and bustle. Only the unique tranquility and peace of the ancient temple. It's perfect for escaping the city on weekends, clearing your mind, and healing yourself. I sincerely recommend it to friends who want to find peace and take unique photos. Choose a sunny day to visit Yuquan Temple. It heals all anxiety, gentle and soothing ✨. 📍Address: Yuquan Mountain Scenic Area, Dangyang, Yichang 🎫Admission: Free entry ⏰Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM) 💡Small Tips: It's recommended to go in the morning when the light is soft, and there are fewer people, making it better for photos. The park is very cool with dense greenery, so it's not sunny at all for an early summer visit.

· Address: Yuquan Mountain Scenic Area, Dangyang City, Yichang · Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM), open year-round · Admission: Free entry, includes 3 complimentary blessing incense sticks; Iron Pagoda underground palace 10 RMB · Transportation: 1 hour drive from Yichang city center; 20 minutes from Dangyang urban area; navigate to "Yuquan Mountain Scenic Area" ✨ Must-Visit · Perfect Photo Spot 1. Mahavira Hall One of the largest ancient buildings in southern China, featuring 72 majestic golden Phoebe wood pillars, red walls, and black tiles. Wearing simple, neutral-toned outfits for Zen-style portraits looks very sophisticated. 2. Northern Song Dynasty Iron Pagoda The tallest existing ancient iron pagoda in China, 17.9 meters tall, cast from cast iron with an antique bronze texture against the blue sky. Shooting from below highlights its historical grandeur. 3. Pearl Spring One of China’s three famous springs, where clapping or stomping causes pearl-like bubbles to rise. The clear spring reflects ancient trees—capturing dynamic moments here feels lively and healing. 4. Millennium Ginkgo & Huaxi Wetland A 1300-year-old ancient ginkgo tree with stunning golden autumn scenery; at the entrance, Huaxi Wetland features a dawn redwood boardwalk, small bridges, and flowing water—an ideal fresh forest-style photo spot. 📸 Photography & Outfit Tips · Best times: before 9 AM and after 4 PM for soft light, fewer people, and a full atmospheric vibe. · Outfit: Light gray, off-white, or tea brown solid-color long dresses or Hanfu, simple and elegant to match the Zen atmosphere. · Poses: Sitting quietly in front of the hall, side glance under the Iron Pagoda, gently splashing water by the spring—natural and effortless. 🧭 2-Hour Highlight Route Mountain Gate → Heavenly King Hall → Mahavira Hall → Iron Pagoda → Pearl Spring → Return 💡 Tips · Keep quiet inside the temple, set your phone to silent, and show respect when worshipping. · Wear flat shoes for walking on stone paths; bring insect repellent as there are many mosquitoes in the forest. · Nearby local dishes to try include Guochang chicken and fried green chili with potatoes, authentic Yichang flavors. A millennium-old temple hidden in the famous mountains of San Chu, every step filled with Zen, every glance spanning a thousand years, perfect for capturing traditional Chinese style photos.

💦 Foreword June in Yichang is truly the ultimate summer cool spot in Central China! The canyon maintains an average temperature of 25℃, and the breeze from the Qingjiang River feels even better than air conditioning. The waterfalls are full and perfect for rafting. This guide will help you unlock the coolest summer activities in Yichang, avoiding crowds for a more enjoyable experience. 🌡️ June Climate Guide for Yichang · Temperature: 22-30℃, canyon scenic areas are 5℃ cooler than the city · Rainfall: occasional showers, waterfalls become more powerful and spectacular after rain · Humidity: comfortable humidity in the forests, not stuffy at all · Clothing: quick-dry clothes + anti-slip sandals, bring a light jacket (cool on boats and in the canyon) 🚤 Cool Summer Escape Itinerary (3 Days 2 Nights) Day 1: Three Gorges Waterfall + City · Morning: Three Gorges Waterfall, a 102-meter-high waterfall, walking through the waterfall is super refreshing, soaking wet and cool to the core · Afternoon: Yichang Museum, fully air-conditioned, learn about Yichang’s history and culture · Evening: Stroll in Riverside Park, watch the Yangtze River sunset, the river breeze is very pleasant · Night: Have coffee on Ermalu Road, cafes in renovated old buildings with great atmosphere Day 2: Deep Tour of Qingjiang Gallery · Depart early to Changyang, Qingjiang Gallery is truly "Eight hundred miles of Qingjiang as beautiful as a painting" · Take a boat tour, feel the breeze on your face, not hot at all, the green mountains and clear water on both sides are very healing · Climb Wuluo Zhongli Mountain, overlook the entire Qingjiang River, the wind at the top is especially strong · Afternoon bamboo raft experience on Qingjiang, feeling like traveling inside a painting · Dinner: Qingjiang fish, incredibly fresh and tender Day 3: Chaotianhou Rafting + Three Gorges Dam · Morning: Chaotianhou Rafting, 6.5 km of continuous sharp bends, screams non-stop, 2 hours full of excitement · Afternoon: Three Gorges Dam, feel the awe of this national treasure, the best view is from Tanziling Observation Deck · Evening: Return to the city, enjoy snacks in the CBD 💦 Must-Try Cool Activities 1. Three Gorges Waterfall Walk-Through · One of China’s top ten famous waterfalls, 102 meters high, 80 meters wide · Must buy a raincoat! You will get completely wet walking through the waterfall · Water volume is abundant in June, making the waterfall especially magnificent · The walk-through is thrilling, icy water hitting your body instantly cools summer heat · Tips: Bring a change of clothes, there are changing rooms in the scenic area 2. Chaotianhou Rafting · The top rafting spot in Hubei, 6.5 km lasting 2 hours · 32 rapids with a total drop of 148 meters · Beautiful scenery along the way, high mountains, canyons, and waterfalls · Water temperature in June is just right, neither cold nor hot · Tips: Wear anti-slip sandals, don’t bring your phone as it will get wet 3. Qingjiang Gallery Boat Tour · The "Eight hundred miles of Qingjiang as beautiful as a painting" is truly well-deserved · Sit on the boat, feel the river breeze, watch the green mountains on both sides · The water is crystal clear, you can see fish swimming below · Fewer people in June, you can choose any seat on the boat · Be sure to climb Wuluo Zhongli Mountain, the view from the top is breathtaking 4. Bailihuang Highland Grassland · Altitude 1200 meters, average summer temperature 22℃ · Filming location of "Under the Hawthorn Tree" · You can camp, stargaze, and ride horses · You’ll need a blanket at night, truly a summer paradise · In June, the grassland is lush green with wildflowers blooming 📸 Summer Photo Spots 1. Three Gorges Waterfall Viewing Platform: Take photos from across the waterfall, rainbows often appear 2. Qingjiang Gallery Boat Deck: Take photos at Reflection Gorge, the mountain and water reflections are stunning 3. Three Gorges Dam Tanziling: Overlook the entire dam, feel the power of this national treasure 4. Bailihuang Hawthorn Tree: Same style as "Under the Hawthorn Tree," full of artistic vibe 5. Riverside Park Zhenjiang Pavilion: Capture the Yangtze River sunset at dusk, very atmospheric 🍜 Yichang Food Recommendations · Spicy Red Oil Noodles: Must-have breakfast, 5 RMB per bowl, spicy and flavorful · Radish Dumplings: Yichang specialty, crispy outside and tender inside, 3 RMB each · Qingjiang Fish: A must-try, incredibly fresh and tender, no earthy smell · Baked Potatoes: Street snack, 5 RMB per serving, crispy outside and soft inside · Cold Rice Jelly: Summer heat relief, 5 RMB per cup, tastes great with brown sugar · Yichang Grilled Fish: The most authentic at the CBD night market, about 50 RMB per person to eat until full 💡 June Exclusive Tips · June to August is the best season for water activities in Yichang, waterfalls are full, rafting is perfect · The canyon is 5℃ cooler than the city, be sure to bring a light jacket · Don’t bring valuables on rafting, they will get wet · Bring a change of clothes for the Three Gorges Waterfall walk-through · It’s recommended to buy the A-line ticket for Qingjiang Gallery, which includes the boat tour and Wuluo Zhongli Mountain · Stay near Ermalu Road in the city for convenient coffee and dining · June is the off-season, fewer tourists at all attractions, great experience · -- Accommodation 🏨 Taipingding Forest Resort Hotel Altitude 1325 meters natural oxygen bar, 99% forest coverage, summer average temperature 25℃, cliffside luxury wooden cabins, the ultimate summer cool spot 🏨 Yichang Nancha Bay Stone House Homestay Winner of the International Architecture Golden Block Award, rough stone walls paired with wooden furniture, panoramic skylight bathtub, trendy infinity pool 🏨 G348 Shuye Mountain Residence Riverside mountain terrain RV camping site, infinity pool with scenic views, mountain view rooms, camping BBQ, the best resort near the Three Gorges 🏨 Dalezhiyě・Mountain and Temple Homestay (Dangyang Branch) Located in Yuquan Mountain Scenic Area, adjacent to the thousand-year-old Yuquan Temple, forest healing-style homestay, dual healing for body and soul · --

Don’t want to stay home or be packed with people? Come hide out in the mountains for a few peaceful days~ 🏔️ 🎒Fun|Great nearby spots that are easy to explore The homestay is right next to Bailihuang Scenic Area! Cool off in summer☀️, enjoy flowers in spring and autumn🌸, watch snow in winter❄️ Unbeatable mountain views all year round~ The host can also help book scenic area tickets🎫 Cheaper than buying on your own platform! ✨Must-try experiences: ✅ 10-minute walk to Bailihuang Grassland Ranch Vast pastures with herds of cattle and sheep🐂🐑 Horseback riding🐎, camping⛺️, every snap is a grassland masterpiece📸 ✅ 20-minute drive to the high-altitude glass walkway and rainbow slide🌈 A must-visit for families! Adults find sliding on grass super relaxing~ (Secretly, I recommend this more than rushing to check off tourist spots👇) 💫The best way to travel is actually: Sitting in the yard drinking tea🍵, watching clouds☁️, feeling the mountain breeze🌬️ Let time slow down... 💰Accommodation info|Unbeatable value! ▫️About 500 RMB per person including breakfast, dinner, and scenic area tickets ▫️Compared to trendy homestays, this place is genuinely honest and reliable 💌A message for anxious city dwellers: City troubles will always come back But the healing and simple joys of the mountains are always here✨ If you want peace and to clear your mind, just come anytime~ Looking forward to meeting you at Daotian Inn🌿 Fellow lovers of life~ 📍Homestay location: Next to Bailihuang Scenic Area, Yiling District, Yichang City, Hubei Province

Just got back from Yichang! Honestly, June is the hidden champion season in Yichang🔥 Many say don’t come to Yichang in summer, but I’m here to tell you — the Three Gorges during the June flood season is the truly awe-inspiring moment of this great national project! Plus, temperatures range from 22-30℃, with mountains and waters super cool and refreshing, not hot at all! Here are the key points: The Three Gorges enter flood season in mid-June, with a high probability of dam water discharge. The spectacular scene of the river rushing down is not something you can see every season! Also, it’s the off-season now, with only a quarter of the summer holiday visitors. No queues at the Three Gorges Dam, boats are easy to get on, and the cost-performance ratio is maximized! 🌊 Exclusive June Flood Season Activities (Miss it and wait a year!) ✅ Three Gorges Dam: Experience the thrilling flood discharge live This is the absolute must-see when visiting Yichang in June! During the flood season, water gushes out from the dam’s spillways, creating a huge white water curtain with deafening roaring sounds. The shock is beyond words! ⚠️ Important reminder: You must book 3 days in advance on the "Three Gorges Xiaowei" WeChat public account! The discharge restrictions are very strict in August, but June is more lenient. Without a reservation, you really can’t get in! 📸 Best photo spots: Tanziling Viewing Platform for panoramic views, 185 Platform for close-up flood discharge experience, and the Cutoff Memorial Park for front views of the dam. ✅ Three Gorges Waterfall: The waterfall walk-through experience is amazing! In June, the water volume is abundant, and the 102-meter-high waterfall truly looks like "a thousand feet of water plunging down"! The most exciting part is walking behind the waterfall wearing a raincoat, surrounded by mist and water, so cool it makes you want to scream. This is the perfect summer healing activity! 💡 Tips: The scenic area is fully shaded, so hiking is sun-free and friendly for elders and kids. Remember to bring a change of clothes and wear sandals! ✅ Chaotianhou Rafting: The first raft of early summer! In June, the water temperature is just right—not too cold or hot—making it the best time for rafting! The Chaotianhou rafting route is 6 km long with a 148-meter drop, super thrilling! The scenery along the way is beautiful, with high mountains, deep valleys, and green waters. Rafting while enjoying the view is fantastic! ⚠️ Note: Rafting starts after 12 noon, don’t arrive too early! The endpoint has a beautiful Gaogang Waterfall, a free scenic spot to check in! ✅ Qingjiang Gallery: Misty and picturesque Qingjiang June is truly amazing in Qingjiang! After rain, clouds and mist swirl around, and the river water is jade-green. Taking a boat tour feels like traveling through a painting. The whole trip is by boat, no walking needed, perfect for bringing parents. You can climb Wuluo Zhongli Mountain for a panoramic view, which is breathtaking! 🌃 June Exclusive: Yichang Dragon Boat Festival Riverside Carnival From June 18-21, Yichang is hosting the "Vibrant Riverside・Party in Yichang" Dragon Boat Festival event! Activities run along the entire riverside from Xiba to Tiantanta, super lively👇 · Xiba Dragon Boat Festival Night: Gezhouba light show + Intangible cultural heritage fish lantern parade + Themed concerts, starting every night at 5:30 PM · Zhenjiang Pavilion Night Market: Various Yichang specialty snacks and Dragon Boat Festival folk performances · Riverside Light Show: The entire Yangtze River shoreline is lit up, spectacular! I purposely stayed one night to stroll along the riverside. The Gezhouba light show was truly stunning, the fish lantern parade had a great atmosphere, and listening to music by the river breeze—that’s what summer should feel like! 🍜 Must-try Yichang Foods in June (Locals recommend) · Yichang Liangxia (Cold Rice Jelly): A summer must-drink! Brown sugar water + rice jelly, cool and refreshing, the most authentic from street vendors · Radish Dumplings: Yichang specialty, crispy outside, tender inside, spicy and tasty · Qingjiang Fish: Must eat freshly killed, tender meat, best steamed · Yichang Noodles: A breakfast must, with fragrant red oil soup base · Stir-fried Cured Meat with Guangjiao Pepper: Yichang specialty, sour and spicy, very appetizing 💡 June Yichang Travel Tips 1. Weather: June is changeable with sun and rain, bring a sun/rain umbrella + light jacket, it’s really cool in the mountains 2. Water level: Flood season starts mid-June, heavy rain days may suspend Qingjiang Gallery boat tours, check weather in advance 3. Crowds: Expect queues at the dam during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, arrive before 8 AM 4. Transportation: There is an 8 RMB tourist shuttle from Yichang East Station to Three Gorges Family, avoid unlicensed taxis! 5. Clothing: Wear comfortable sports shoes, bring change of clothes and sandals for rafting Finally, honestly, June in Yichang is just amazing! You can witness the awe of the flood season at the Three Gorges, enjoy the cool mountain waters for summer relief, with fewer tourists and lower prices. The experience is 10 times better than summer holidays! The shock of the Three Gorges Dam, the coolness of the Three Gorges Waterfall, the poetry of Qingjiang Gallery, and the lively riverside night market—this is what summer travel should be like💙 --- Accommodation 🏨 Yichang Nanchawan Stone House Homestay Winner of the International Architecture Gold Block Award, a wild luxury stone house cluster surrounded by mountains, peaceful and secret, with rice field walks and family activities, top mountain resort experience 🏨 Taipingding Forest Resort Hotel At 1325 meters altitude, a natural forest oxygen bar with 99% forest coverage, average summer temperature 22℃, high mountain sea of clouds sunrise, the top choice for summer vacation 🏨 Mountain and Temple Homestay (Yuquan Mountain Scenic Area Yuquan Temple Branch) A Zen residence beside the thousand-year-old Yuquan Temple, famous mountain healing with singing bowls, infinity pool + standalone villas, top 10 boutique homestays in Hubei 🏨 G348 Shuye Mountain Residence Located in Xiling Gorge Forest Park, a wild luxury riverside mountain residence, infinity pool + camping site, core area for Three Gorges RV camping

Hidden at the foot of Yuquan Mountain, Yuquan Temple is a renowned ancient temple with a history spanning a thousand years. It is listed among the "Four Wonders of the World" and has quietly stood amidst the mountains and waters of Chu for nearly two millennia. Climbing the steps into the mountain gate, the noise of the secular world is gradually blocked by layers of greenery. The halls are built along the mountain, with flying eaves and upturned corners nestled among ancient trees and dense shade, exuding both simplicity and solemnity. The Mahavira Hall is magnificent, with seventy-two golden nanmu wood pillars that have withstood the test of time, still standing tall as ever, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient architecture. The Yuquan Iron Pagoda, a relic from the Northern Song Dynasty, is cast entirely from iron without a single nail or rivet. Despite a thousand years of wind and rain, it has never rusted, and every pattern engraved on it reflects the ingenuity of ancient artisans. Next to the temple, the Pearl Spring is lively and fascinating. With a clap of the hands, the clear spring surges, and each water droplet is round and smooth, like shattered jade falling into a pool. It's no wonder it has inspired poets and scholars to compose verses. The ancient ginkgo tree’s twisted branches stretch out, shading the sun. As the wind rustles through the leaves, the rustling sound mingles with faint distant Buddhist chants, bringing a deeper sense of peace to the heart. Strolling through this ancient temple, you can admire the ancient architecture, enjoy the clear spring, and observe the rare trees, touching the traces left by history. Here, there is no need to rush; just slow down and savor the tranquility and ease unique to this mountain forest temple.

In the scorching summer, I drove from the bustling city to the mountains and waters of Yichang, Hubei, seeking tranquility and coolness. Daotian Yishan Resident Homestay—just the name sounds like a melodious pastoral poem that inspires longing. The homestay is located within the Bailihuang Scenic Area, perfectly embodying the Song Dynasty literary giant Ouyang Xiu’s verse: “A few homes gather in the wild smoke, a slender field is a single knife’s cut.” At an altitude of 868 meters, the average summer temperature here is only 22°C, truly a summer resort paradise. 🏡 A Hidden Peach Blossom Land in the Mountains 🌿 Upon entering Daotian Yishan Resident Homestay, you are immediately captivated by its unique architectural style. The design team from Huazhong University of Science and Technology has perfectly blended the natural mountain scenery with spatial aesthetics, with every detail reflecting exquisite craftsmanship. My room was a mountain view room; opening the window revealed lush green mountains, as if immersed in a flowing landscape painting. Every morning upon waking, I could feel the fresh mountain air and hear birdsong from afar, making my mood exceptionally pleasant. 🍽️ A Feast of Flavors 🍽️ For a food lover like me, the dining at Daotian Yishan Resident Homestay is definitely a highlight. Every dish served in the restaurant is carefully prepared, featuring both local farmhouse specialties and exquisite Western cuisine. I especially recommend their signature dish—free-range chicken soup, rich and flavorful, with tender and delicious chicken, each bite a supreme treat for the taste buds. Additionally, breakfast is quite abundant, offering not only traditional Chinese morning dishes but also nutritious Western-style sets, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while maintaining good energy. 🌳 A Blend of Nature and Culture 🍂 The natural scenery around the homestay is enchanting. The Bailihuang Scenic Area offers numerous hiking trails; whether strolling along mountain paths or climbing to the summit to overlook the peaks, you can fully appreciate the charm of nature. Moreover, the homestay organizes a variety of cultural activities such as handicraft making and farming experiences, allowing you to deeply understand local cultural traditions during your leisure time. Especially in the evening, enjoying a glass of homemade fruit wine on the outdoor terrace while watching the sunset creates a unique and delightful atmosphere. 🎉 Warm Family Moments 🏡 If you are vacationing with your family, the family rooms at Daotian Yishan Resident Homestay will definitely meet your needs. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, equipped with complete facilities, so both adults and children can find their own fun. The children’s play area and parent-child kitchen activities let kids play freely in a safe environment, while parents can relax and enjoy this precious family time. This trip to Daotian Yishan Resident Homestay gave me an unprecedented sense of relaxation and joy. Whether it’s the natural beauty, delicious food, or rich cultural activities, everything left a deep impression. Next time I pass by here, I will definitely come again!

The breeze beside Yuquan Temple has blossomed the flowers in the courtyard of Duigui Garden. The bright pink rain lilies bloom wildly under the stone wall, roses with morning dew are vividly beautiful, tiny cactus flowers quietly peek out, and even the air carries a faint scent of grass and wood. Here, there’s no need to deliberately seek out scenic spots; every plant in the courtyard is a perfect backdrop for travel photography. Wake up to the fragrance of flowers in the morning, take a stroll in the evening breeze, and even time seems to slow down. Stay at Duigui Garden and capture all the spring days of Dangyang through your lens.

After the rainy season in Wuhan, the heat is coming back🔥 But no worries! Yichang Bailihuang has got you covered🆒 You can enjoy a 21°C summer without leaving the province❗️ 🌄Here lies an endless highland meadow The rolling green hills are truly healing~ Sea of clouds rolling☁️ Orange sunset sea🌅 Accessible entirely by self-driving with zero hiking🚗 It's basically the Swiss Alps of Hubei! 📍Location: Bailihuang Scenic Area, Yichang, Hubei (2.5 hours self-drive from Wuhan, 1 hour from Yichang city center) 🎪【Must-try Activities】 🦌 Deer Park | Hubei’s Little Nara Furry sika deer that are super friendly Remember to bring carrots for feeding🥕 🎢 Cloud Roller Coaster | Cliffside Thrill Ride The most exciting ride in the park, no contest! Recommended to try last~ 🏄 Glass Water Slide | Cool and Fast Descent The best way to beat the summer heat💦 🐎 "Legend of Zhao Zilong" Live Horse Battle Two shows daily! A must-see for Three Kingdoms fans🔥 🪂 Paragliding Base | God’s Eye View The feeling of overlooking the entire grassland is amazing! 📸【Photo Hotspots】 ✔️ Hawthorn Tree Filming Location|Movie-style check-in ✔️ Summit Viewing Platform|Catch the sea of clouds and sunrise shots easily ✔️ Grassland Running|Get that fresh Japanese-style vibe 🏡【Accommodation Recommendations】 🏨 Hawthorn Tree Yunshang Hotel Prime spot in the scenic area! Open the curtains to the grassland 🛖 Daotianyi Mountain Homestay Includes tickets + specialty farmhouse dishes 20 minutes drive from the scenic area🚗 ⛺ Tent Hotel Lie in bed counting stars✨ Wake up early to watch the sunrise🌅 💡【Tips】 ✅ Recommended to stay 2 days and 1 night ✅ Bring a jacket for big temperature differences between morning and night ✅ Drive carefully on mountain roads ✅ Convenient shuttle buses in the scenic area