The Qingjiang Fangshan Scenic Area (清江方山风景区) is located in Changyang County, Yichang, Hubei Province. Renowned as the “Zhangjiajie of Hubei” and the “Jiuzhaigou of the Three Gorges,” this 60-square-kilometer area is a picturesque landscape featuring towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and ever-changing scenery. Positioned along the mysterious 30th parallel north, the scenic area is surrounded by the majestic Wuling Mountains.
During the late Ming Dynasty, after the failed uprisings led by peasant leaders Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong, their general Wang En retreated to Changyang, stationed troops in Fangshan, and claimed the title of “Little King of Qin,” earning the mountain the alternate name of Xiaozhengzhai.
The Qingjiang Fangshan Scenic Area boasts six main attractions: unique peaks and bizarre rocks, mountains adorned with waterfalls, ancient vines and old trees, canyon cliffs, cave crevices, and suspended plank pathways. Each of these elements contributes to the enchanting beauty of this natural wonderland, making it a captivating destination for those seeking the harmony of nature’s marvels.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Qingjiang Fangshan Scenic Area
- Vlog about Qingjiang Fangshan
- Attractions near Qingjiang Fangshan Scenic Area
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 135 RMB |
| Shuttle Bus | 10 RMB |
| Cable Car | One-Way: 50 RMB Round: 100 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0717-6988313 0086-0717-6988212 |
Location and Transportation
The Qingjiang Fangshan Scenic Area is situated in the eastern part of the Wuling Mountains, along the middle and lower reaches of the Qingjiang River. Located in Zhengjiabang Village, Longzhouping Town, Changyang Tujia Autonomous County, Hubei Province, China, it is positioned 25 kilometers away from the county seat of Changyang. To reach the Qingjiang Fangshan Scenic Area:
- From Yichang East Railway Station: Head to the bus passenger transportation station located adjacent to Yichang East Railway Station. Take a long-distance bus bound for Changyang, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour.
- Arrival in Changyang: Upon reaching Changyang, proceed to the long-distance bus station.
- Take Scenic Area Shuttle Bus: Board the dedicated shuttle bus from Changyang long-distance bus station to Qingjiang Fangshan Scenic Area. The journey on the scenic area shuttle bus takes around 40 minutes.
Highlights of Qingjiang Fangshan Scenic Area
Unique Peaks and Bizarre Rocks
The first major attraction of Qingjiang Fangshan is its spectacular peaks and peculiar rocks. The mountain landscape presents a mesmerizing display of towering peaks either standing alone like characters on a scroll or embracing each other in intricate patterns resembling yin and yang. The diversity of shapes and formations, along with bizarre rocks strewn along paths, sparks the imagination. Nature’s craftsmanship in shaping the peaks and rocks is ineffably beautiful, especially when shrouded in mist and rain, creating a dreamlike and enchanting scenery.
Waterfalls Adorning the Mountains
The second highlight of Qingjiang Fangshan is the abundance of waterfalls cascading down the mountains. With Dragon Song Creek to the left and Phoenix Dance Creek to the right, these mountain springs converge to form rivers, nurturing the lush forest vegetation of Fangshan. The resulting waterfalls, resembling flying dragons and dancing phoenixes, create a captivating spectacle. The Dragon Song Creek boasts the Dragon Song Waterfall, with a vertical drop of over 700 meters, making it the world’s largest discovered mountain spring waterfall to date.
Ancient Trees
The third major attraction is the presence of ancient trees in Qingjiang Fangshan. The rich ecological environment has turned this area into a paradise for wild plants, hosting over 3,000 species, including 38 rare plants. Along the walking trails, towering ancient trees and vines create a stunning backdrop, with more than 1,000 species visible, including 18 rare plants such as the Small Hook Tea, Wintergreen, and Golden Thread Nanmu.
Canyon Cliffs
The fourth highlight of Qingjiang Fangshan is the awe-inspiring canyon cliffs. Visitors can experience the breathtaking scenery of towering cliffs, deep abysses, and winding creeks. Each canyon is accompanied by a clear stream, while the cliffs rise majestically, enveloped in mist, creating a celestial atmosphere.
Caves and Fissures
The fifth major attraction is the network of caves and rock crevices within the 60-square-kilometer area. With over 30 hidden caves, the fissures in the rocks are numerous, showcasing stunning stalactite formations. The cracks and crevices, coupled with the play of light and shadows, create an ever-changing and mysterious landscape, especially during mountain rains when clouds and mist transform the caves.
Suspended Skywalk
The sixth highlight of Qingjiang Fangshan is the suspended skywalk, a remarkable engineering feat. The 6,300-meter-long skywalk, the longest of its kind in the world, offers a breathtaking experience as visitors seemingly stroll through the air, surrounded by clouds. The elevated vantage point provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, allowing visitors to appreciate the unique beauty of the landscape from a different perspective.
