Three Gorges People Scenic Area

Historical Overview
The area’s history dates to the Mid-Proterozoic Era, with its iconic stone formations shaped by tectonic movements over 1.5 billion years. During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), the Stone Tablet at Shipai Village became a strategic stronghold, where 100,000 Japanese troops were repelled in 1943. Post-1949, the region evolved from a fishing enclave to a cultural tourism hub, officially earning 5A status in 2011. Its stilted houses and folklore reflect centuries of Tujia adaptation to riverine life.

Structural Layout
The scenic area comprises three zones:

1. Water Village: At the confluence of Longjin Stream and Yangtze, fishermen’s stilted houses and wooden boats evoke a bygone era of river-based livelihoods.
2. Brookside Village: Semi-aquatic dwellings nestled in bamboo groves, where traditional laundry and Tujia songs create a pastoral ambiance.
3. Mountaintop Village: Suspended wooden homes cling to cliffs, showcasing “rail-style” architecture unique to the Three Gorges’ steep terrain.

Key landmarks include the 4,300-ton Stone Tablet, the mushroom-shaped Shadow-Play Stone, and Dengying Cave, a 28-meter-deep karst formation.

Major Attractions

1. Shadow-Play Stone: A 100-ton boulder balancing on a 200cm² base, dubbed “No.1 Stone of the Yangtze.”
2. Stone Tablet: A 32-meter-high historical monument marking the 1943 Battle of Shipai.
3. Tujia Folk Art: Paper-cutting, brocade weaving, and traditional dance performances.
4. Crying Wedding Reenactment: A cultural showcase of Tujia matrilineal marriage customs.
5. Moon Bay: The Yangtze’s “First Bay,” where the river bends 70 degrees, creating mirror-like reflections.
6. Ba King Village: Recreated ancient dwellings with craft workshops and military-themed drift tours.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   Dragon Stream Entrance → Water Village → Brookside Village → Shadow-Play Stone → Stone Tablet → Ferry Return
   Highlights: Fishermen’s lifestyle, geological marvels, and river views.
2. Cultural Route (4–5 hours):
   Add Ba King Village Handicrafts, Toad spring exploration, and Tujia dance performances.
3. Panoramic Route (Full Day):
   Include cable car rides to mountaintop villages, Dengying Cave exploration, and evening folk music shows.

Ticket Purchase

• Full Ticket: CNY 210 per adult (includes entry, shuttle, and ferry).
• Discounts: CNY 75 for seniors (60–70), students, and disabled visitors (transport fees apply).
• Free Entry: Children under 1.2m, veterans, and active military (transport required).
  Book via official site (www.sanxiarenjia.com) or WeChat 7 days in advance.

Transportation

• Bus: Yichang City Route 10-1 (CNY 15, 45-minute intervals) from Yiling Square.
• Self-Drive: Take G50 Expressway to Yichang West Exit → follow signs to Wangjiaping Transfer Center (parking CNY 10/hour).
• Ferry: Departures every 30 minutes from Hujintan Pier (10-minute crossing).

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Hours: Avoid weekends 10 AM–2 PM; visit early for misty morning views.
• Ideal Seasons: Spring (Apr–May) for blossoms, autumn (Oct–Nov) for clear skies.
• Essentials:
  • Wear sturdy shoes for steep trails (20,000+ steps possible).
  • Try local dishes: steam-cooked lamb, wild river fish.
  • Photography allowed except in performance areas.
  • Prohibited: Drones, large bags.
• Cultural Note: Remove hats during Tujia performances as a sign of respect.