The Qingjiang River Gallery Scenic Area (清江画廊风景区) is located in Changyang County, Yichang City, Hubei Province, and holds significance as the hometown of the Ba people, the cradle of the Tujia ethnic group, and the ancestral land of the people of Changyang. Visitors to this picturesque area can choose between two main tour routes: A and B.
Route A involves a boat trip through the Reflection Gorge Scenic Area, where visitors can admire landmarks such as the Camel Drinking Water Peak, Peacock Display Mountain, and the Qingjiang Grand Buddha. Along the way, tourists can also enjoy views of the Geheyan Dam, the Beatitude 30° Island, General’s Mountain, the picturesque Pingluo Lake, and explore the origin of the Tujia people at the Wuluo Zhongli Mountain Scenic Area. The round trip typically takes around 4-5 hours.
On the other hand, Route B offers a different experience, involving a leisurely hike along the Reflection Gorge Cliff Path. Along this route, visitors can encounter various scenic spots, including Hexinlang, Lingyundao, Yanguilai, Xiakedao, and Guolongmen. The duration of the hike can be flexibly adjusted based on individual preferences. After reaching the Second Service Area (approximately 1 hour on foot) or Ruanlanggui Wharf (approximately 2 hours on foot), visitors can return by boat, enjoying sights such as the Geheyan Dam, Xianrenzhai, and Beatitude 30° Island. The entire journey typically takes 2 to 3 hours, offering a delightful exploration of the Qingjiang River Gallery.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Qingjiang River Gallery
- Vlog about Qingjiang River Gallery
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | A day |
| Ticket Price | Route A: 145 RMB Route B: 135 RMB |
| Opening Hours | The scenic area is accessible from 8.00 to 17.30 Boat for route A departs at 10.00, 11.30, and 13.00 Boat for route B departs at 11.00, 12.30, 14.00, 15.00, and 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0717-5335806 0086-0717-5319721 |
Location and Transportation
The Qingjiang River Gallery Scenic Area is situated within the boundaries of Changyang Tujia Autonomous County in Yichang City, Hubei Province, China, near Qingjiang Fangshan Scenic Area. Encompassing the area from the Geheyan Dam, located above the Gehenyan Hydroelectric Power Station, to the Yanchi Hot Springs in Yuxiakou Town of Changyang Tujia Autonomous County, the scenic area spans all along the Qingjiang River.
To reach the Qingjiang River Gallery, travelers can take a dedicated long-distance bus from Yichang Long-distance Bus Station, conveniently located near the Yichang High-Speed Railway Station. Operating from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm at 15-minute intervals, these buses offer a direct route to Changyang. The ticket price for this journey is 19 yuan per person.
Upon arriving at Changyang Bus Station, visitors can transfer to a special scenic area bus that directly heads to the parking lot of the Qingjiang River Gallery. The fare for this leg of the journey is 10 yuan per person.
Highlights of Qingjiang River Gallery
Daoyingxia (Reflection Gorge)
Spanning 5 kilometers, the Reflection Gorge enchants with its serene waters, steep peaks, and picturesque landscapes. Its still waters reflect a mirror-like surface, where scenes of fish swimming and birds perched on branches create stunning visuals. The natural rock formations on both banks resemble a unique stone forest, featuring prominent peaks like the Reflected Wen Peak, Camel Drinking Water Peak, Peacock Display Mountain, and the Wu Ling Grand Buddha. The gorge derives its name from Mount Wenfeng, whose majestic silhouette reflects in the tranquil Qingjiang River under the brilliant sunlight, hence dubbed the “Reflected Wen Peak.” Following the damming of the river at the Geheyan Dam, it became known as the Reflection Gorge.
Xianrenzhai (Immortals Village)
Entering Xianrenzhai reveals a cluster of traditional Tujia stilted houses, exuding ancient charm and grandeur. Within this settlement lies a fascinating cave known as the Xianren Cave (Immortal Cave), housing peculiar stones such as the “Changyang Person” rock. The area is famed for the extraordinary fragrance of the “Xianxiang Grass,” and visitors can delight in interacting with groups of wild macaques, adding joy to the experience. Within the Wenfeng Temple stands tall statues of the Amitabha Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva, drawing devout followers for prayers. Xianrenzhai also hosts the Three-Eyed Holy Spring Well, believed to enhance clarity and vision upon drinking, hence earning the name “Spring of Wisdom.”
Wuluo Zhongli Mountain
Wuluo Zhongli Mountain, formed by the connection of Wuluo Mountain and Zhongli Mountain, stands at over 300 meters high and is located 30 kilometers west of Longzhouping. Accessible by a one-hour boat ride from the pier, this historically significant site is documented as the ancestral birthplace of the Ba people, the progenitors of the Tujia ethnic group. The mountain, though not towering, presents a steep and perilous ascent. At its summit, five distinct stone peaks – Kuitou Rock, Niujiao Rock resembling a bull’s horn, Yannü Rock portraying a beautiful Tujia maiden believed to be the incarnation of the Saltwater Goddess, Shishen Terrace with a small temple dedicated to the stone god, and Miaotuyan with a temple dedicated to the King of Xiang – form a unique and captivating landscape. Two stone caves on the mountainside, one red as vermilion and the other black as pitch, add to the mystique of Wuluo Zhongli Mountain.
Tianzhu Mountain
Situated 34 kilometers west of Changyang County on the northern bank of the Qingjiang River, Tianzhu Mountain has been revered in Daoism since its establishment during the Tang Dynasty. It is one of the thirty-six caves and seventy-two blessed places in Daoism, juxtaposed with the renowned Wudang Mountain to the south. Standing at an elevation of 1445 meters, Tianzhu Mountain is characterized by towering stalagmites, solitary peaks, and a spring that flows continuously throughout the year. Three 130-meter-high rock peaks stand in close proximity, connected by two bridges, creating a spectacular scene reminiscent of pillars supporting the sky. The mountain is adorned with grand ancient structures, including the Earth Mother Temple, Three Emperors Temple, Spirit Official Hall, Jade Emperor Pavilion, Jade Void Palace, and South Cliff Palace, constructed during the Qing Dynasty. The ascent to the summit involves traversing over a thousand stone steps, showcasing the dedication to spiritual practices and the architectural splendor of Tianzhu Mountain.
Vlog about Qingjiang River Gallery
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Pack Light: Bring lightweight essentials, including bottled water and snacks for energy, a selfie stick, umbrella for rain or shine, and sunscreen for protection against the sun.
Check Timetables: Always refer to the on-site schedules for accurate timing of activities and transportation departure times. Be mindful of the operating hours of attractions and ensure you don’t miss the return trips.
Beware of Monkeys: The area is known to have monkeys, so be sure to secure your belongings to avoid any unexpected encounters.
Weather Considerations: The scenery along the Qingjiang River Gallery varies greatly depending on the weather. Overcast or rainy days offer a picturesque landscape resembling traditional Chinese ink paintings. On clear days, the river appears more vibrant, with shades of blue or green.
Boat Seating Recommendations: If you enjoy photography, consider opting for seats on the third floor of the boat. These seats are open-air and provide ample space for capturing photos without overcrowding. While the tickets may cost around 30 yuan, the experience is worth it. For those who prefer simply enjoying the scenery, the first or second floors, equipped with air conditioning, offer sufficient views of the surroundings, albeit with potentially more crowded photo-taking spots.