Qingjiang Gallery Scenic Area
Nestled in Hubei’s Tujia-majority Changyang County, the Qingjiang Gallery Scenic Area is a 5A-rated national park and forest reserve. Spanning 120 square kilometers along the Qingjiang River—a Yangtze tributary—it showcases karst peaks, emerald waters, and Tujia heritage. Designated a national geological park in 2012, the area merges natural wonders with cultural treasures, including ancient Ba relics and vibrant folk traditions.
Historical Overview
The region’s history spans 190,000 years, with the "Changyang Man" fossil site marking early human activity. By 5,000 years ago, the Ba people established their kingdom here, with Wuluozhongli Mountain as their spiritual core. In the 1920s–1930s, Marshal He Long’s revolutionary base in Machi Village added red cultural significance. The area evolved from a fishing enclave to a tourism hub, earning 5A status in 2013 and hosting events like the "Flower Dongdong’s Sister" folk show.
Structural Layout
The scenic area stretches from the Gezhouba Dam’s Daoyingxia to the Shuibuya Dam’s Yanchi Hot springs, organized into three zones:
- Daoyingxia (Reflection Gorge): Famed for mirror-like river reflections and cliffside plank roads.
- Xianrenzhai (Fairy Village): A karst cave complex with Tujia stilted houses and wild macaques.
- Wuluozhongli Mountain: Sacred to the Ba people, featuring helmet-shaped peaks and ancestral temples.
Key landmarks include the "Fairy Fragrant Grass" (touch-activated aromatic plant) and He Long’s revolutionary sites in Machi.
Major Attractions
- Wuluozhongli Mountain: The birthplace of Tujia ancestors, with five peaks symbolizing Ba leaders. Climb to Xiangwang Temple for panoramic views.
- Daoyingxia: A photographer’s paradise with 70-degree river bends and autumn foliage.
- Xianrenzhai: Explore a 28-meter-deep karst cave and watch Flower Dongdong’s Sister, a Tujia dance drama.
- Machi Ancient Village: Red cultural sites, including the Changyang County Soviet Government ruins.
- Qingjiang Cruise: Sail on vintage-style boats or the eco-friendly "Yi Shui" ferry.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Tourist Center → Daoyingxia Cruise → Xianrenzhai Cave → Wuluozhongli Mountain → Return
Highlights: River reflections, karst landscapes, and Ba cultural sites. - Cultural Route (4–5 hours):
Add Machi Village revolutionary history, Tujia brocade workshops, and Flower Dongdong’s Sister show. - Panoramic Route (Full Day):
Include sunrise at Daoyingxia, hiking to Fairy Fragrant Grass, and a luxury cruise with folk music.
Ticket Purchase
- Full Ticket: CNY 145/adult (includes CNY 90 entry + CNY 55 ferry).
- Discounts: 50% off for students; team tickets available via Trip.com.
- Free Entry: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Book via official site (www.qjhlw.com) or WeChat.
- From Yichang: Take a long-distance bus (CNY 30, 1.5 hours) or tourist shuttle to Changyang County.
- Self-Drive: Follow G50 Expressway to Changyang East Exit → follow signs to the scenic area.
- Ferry: Departures every 30 minutes from Tourist Port (20-minute cruise).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early for misty morning views.
- Ideal Seasons: Spring (Mar–May) for blossoms, autumn (Oct–Nov) for clear skies.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for cliffside trails (3,000+ steps possible).
- Try Tujia dishes: cured pork, tofu stew, selenium-rich tea.
- Photography allowed except in cultural performances.
- Prohibited: Drones, large bags.
- Cultural Note: Remove hats during Tujia rituals as a sign of respect.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
