Yichang City of Hubei Province lies at the east end of the Xiling Gorge . As a dividing point of the upper reach and middle reach, it is one of the biggest ports along the Yangtze River with 230 kilometers (143 miles) of shoreline. The Three Gorges Project has gained the city more attention than ever. Together with the Gezhouba Water Control Project , Yichang will soon be the largest producer of hydroelectricity in China.
Covering an area of 21,083 square kilometers (5,209,723 acres), Yichang has a population of about 4 million. It has a subtropical monsoon climate, which is hot in summer and cold in winter. The yearly average temperature is around 15oC (59oF).The best seasons for visiting Yichang are spring and autumn.
Like many other cities in the Three Gorges region, Yichang is blessed with a long history of almost 2,000 years. In the Warring States Period (475-221), it was the territory of the Chu Kingdom, where the Chu Culture once thrived. Celebrities such as Qu Yuan and Wang Zhaojun hail from Zigui County , and traces of the relics in the stories of Romance of the Three Kingdoms can be seen throughout the area.
In addition to its rich history, Yichang is also blessed with rich natural scenery. Sanyou Cavern, Huangling Temple, and many other scenic spots like Baima Cave (White Horse Cave), Taohua Village (Peach blossom Village), Jinshi Cave (Golden Lion Cave), Baiguoshu Waterfall, and Jade Spring Temple (Yuquan Temple) can all be found nearby.
Blessed with favorite natural condition, Yichang is also famous for many local specialties, such as the Wufeng Tea, Xihe River fish, pear of Bailizhou Town, orange, navel orange, kiwi fruit, chestnut, and preserved ham of the Tu Nationality. When traveling in the city, you can also have a taste of local snacks, including Hot an d Dry Noodles iwth Sesame Saurce, duck's neck, bean curd pudding and fish, and Wuchang fish.
Getting to Yichang:
By Air: Visitors can take a flight directly to Yichang. The Sanxia Airport now operates flights to/from most cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian and Shenzhen. International flights linking to Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea are also available.
By Train: Trains arrive at Yichang Railway Station and Yichang East Railway Station.
By Coach: Sereval state highways pass Yichang, so visitors can reach by coach from most major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Guangzhou.
By Ferry: Yichang is one of the most important port cities along the Yangtze River. A cruise ship from either Chongqing or Shanghai can reach Yichang.