Qu Yuan's Hometown Cultural Tourism Zone
Nestled in Zigui County, Yichang, Hubei, Qu Yuan’s Hometown Cultural Tourism Area is a 5A-rated national heritage park. Spanning 500 acres along the Yangtze River, it showcases the legacy of Qu Yuan (340–278 BCE), China’s greatest patriotic poet and founder of the "Chu Ci" (Songs of Chu) literary tradition. The area integrates cultural relics, poetic tributes, and scenic landscapes, offering a vivid portrait of Chu civilization.
Historical Overview
Qu Yuan, a statesman and poet of the Warring States Period, pioneered romantic poetry and "fragrant herb" metaphors. Exiled for political dissent, he drowned in the Miluo River, inspiring the Dragon Boat Festival. In 1953, UNESCO honored him as a global cultural icon. The area evolved from a fishing village to a cultural hub, earning 5A status in 2006 and hosting events like the Dragon Boat Festival Temple Fair.
Structural Layout
The scenic area comprises three zones:
- Qu Yuan Memorial Zone: Centered on Qu Yuan Temple, featuring ancestral halls and poetic inscriptions.
- Three Gorges Ancient Residence Zone: Preserves 24 relocated relics, including Xintan folk houses and cliff carvings.
- Cultural Experience Zone: Includes non-heritage workshops, theaters, and the Chu Culture Art Center.
Key landmarks include the Miluo River viewpoints and the "Qu Yuan’s Footsteps" cultural trail.
Major Attractions
- Qu Yuan Temple: A Ming Dynasty-era shrine with stone carvings and relics dedicated to the poet.
- Non-Heritage Workshop: Hands-on activities like Chu embroidery, paper-cutting, and Bamboo weaving.
- Xintan Ancient Residences: Ming-era wooden houses with courtyard layouts and river views.
- Dragon Boat Festival Reenactment: Annual ceremonies with boat races and zongzi-making (May–June).
- Chu Culture Art Center: Multimedia exhibits on Chu history and Qu Yuan’s works.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Visitor Center → Qu Yuan Temple → Xintan Residences → Dragon Boat Plaza → Return
Highlights: Poetic tributes, ancient architecture, and cultural demonstrations. - Cultural Route (4–5 hours):
Add non-heritage workshops, Chu embroidery classes, and the "Poetry God" theater show. - Panoramic Route (Full Day):
Include sunrise at Miluo River, hiking to cliff carvings, and a luxury cruise with Chu music.
Ticket Purchase
- Full Ticket: CNY 68/adult (includes entry).
- Discounts: CNY 40 for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.
- Book via official site (http://www.jiuwanxi.com.cn/) or Trip.com.
- From Yichang: Take 809 intercity bus (CNY 20, 40 mins) or drive via Fanba Expressway (30 mins).
- Self-Drive: Follow G50 Expressway to Zigui Exit → follow signs to the scenic area.
- Parking: 1,500-space lots at North/South Gates (CNY 10/hour).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early for misty river views.
- Ideal Seasons: spring (Apr–May) for blossoms, autumn (Oct–Nov) for clear skies.
- Essentials:
- Wear comfortable shoes for cliffside trails (2,000+ steps possible).
- Try local dishes: zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings), fish hotpot.
- Photography allowed except in cultural performances.
- Prohibited: Drones, large bags.
- Cultural Note: Remove hats during Qu Yuan rituals as a sign of respect.
Contact Us
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
