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Zigui Introduction

Zigui County of the Hubei Province is the birthplace of the great poet Qu Yuan and Wang Zhaojun , one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. It covers an area of about 2,427 square kilometers (599,725 acres) and has a population of about 400,000. The Yangtze River passes through the county and divides it into two parts, forming a large basin with the Xiling Gorge in the middle. As a result of the Three Gorges Project , the reservoir flooded part of the county, which was once home to 100,000. These people had to be resettled, and to accommodate, a new district was constructed in the eastern part on the county. The displaced residents were relocated there in 1998.



Zigui is the birthplace of the Chu Culture, and human activity in the region dates back over 7,000 years. Qu Yuan, one of the greatest poets in China, made Zigui the birthplace of a new and unique poem style-Sao. Poetry of this kind, which was called Chu Ci, became renowned throughout the country and greatly influenced Chinese literature. Visitors to Zigui may visit Quyuan Temple and other scenic spots, such as the Fragrant Stream (Xiangxi River). Along the Xiangxi is a statue of ancient beauty Wang Zhaojun, which tells the story of her successful negotiation of peace between the Han and the northern Hun tribe. Baoping Village where Wang lived has renovated several historical sites about Wang's life. There is site of Wang's dresser, the Wangyue Pavilion, where Wang did her leisure-time activities such as reading, embroidering and playing musical instrument. In addition, Zhaojun's residence and Zhaojun Memorial are found in the village.