The Tribe of Three Gorges Scenic Area (三峡人家风景区) is nestled within the enchanting and magnificent Xiling Gorge along the Yangtze River. Comprising three distinct regions – Mountain Village, Waterside Village, and Riverside Village – this scenic area offers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of the pristine natural beauty and cultural traditions of the Three Gorges.
Visitors can embark on a captivating journey through a combination of boat rides and walking, allowing them to experience the untouched landscapes of the Three Gorges from various perspectives. The scenic area hosts vibrant daily folk performances, providing an opportunity for visitors to actively engage and immerse themselves in the ancient and mysterious culture of the Ba and Chu ethnic groups.
Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of flowing streams, the entire scenic area resembles a vast oxygen-rich haven. The Tribe of Three Gorges Scenic Area invites visitors to connect with nature, appreciate traditional performances, and delve into the rich cultural tapestry of the region, offering a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the Three Gorges.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Map of Tribe of Three Gorges
- Highlights of Tribe of Three Gorges
- Vlog about Tribe of the Three Gorges
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions along Xiling Gorge
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | Admission: 150 RMB Shuttle Bus: 60 RMB Cable Care: 30 RMB for single way Combined Ticket: 210 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30; Last admission: 15.00 (1st March – 31st October) 8.30 – 17.00; Last admission: 15.00 (1st November – 28th February) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0717-8850588 0086-0717-7855592 |
Location and Transportation
The Tribe of Three Gorges Scenic Area is located within the mesmerizing and magnificent Xiling Gorge, the most enchanting and spectacular section of the Three Gorges along the Yangtze River. The specific address is in Shipai Village, Sandouping Town, Yiling District, Yichang City, Hubei Province, China.
To reach the Tribe of Three Gorges, visitors can first take a public bus or a taxi to Yiling Square (夷陵广场). From there, they can transfer to the 10-1 Route, which is the special tourist bus line for the Tribe of Three Gorges. The first bus departs at 8:05, and the last one at 18:00, with an average frequency of approximately 45 minutes between each bus. The fare for the entire journey is 15 yuan.
Map of Tribe of Three Gorges
Highlights of Tribe of Three Gorges
Mountain Village
In the Mountain Village section of the Tribe of Three Gorges, visitors are treated to the unique architectural marvels known as “hanging-foot houses (Stilted Houses)” – traditional local homes with wooden structures. The topography of the Xiajiang area is rugged, leading to the construction of houses adapted to the mountainous terrain. These houses, built along the slope of the hills, are surrounded by bamboo groves and banana trees. Typically two or three stories high, with the upper level serving as living quarters – providing ventilation, dryness, and protection against moisture – while the lower level functions as a space for livestock or storage, acting as a barrier against venomous snakes and wild animals.
Within the man-made scenic spot “Ba Wang Palace,” nestled in the mountains, visitors can witness performances that capture the ancient Ba culture. Additionally, the “Lamp Shadow Stone,” perched atop a cliff, offers a picturesque location for capturing memorable photographs.
Waterside Village
The Waterside Village is located at the confluence of the Longjin Creek and the Yangtze River. Many generations of the Three Gorges people have lived on boats, earning a living through fishing. Their unique way of life, where boats serve as homes, is showcased here. The area features performances of the “Boatman’s Shanty,” with its powerful and rhythmic tunes, echoing the challenging and adventurous lives of the boatmen navigating the Yangtze.
Riverside Village
Nestled by the riverbank, the Riverside Village combines the beauty of the land and water, surrounded by mountains, greenery, and the enchanting play of sunlight on grass and trees. Here, visitors can witness local girls washing clothes by the stream and native young ladies rowing boats, creating a scene of freshness and beauty. The slopes along the stream are adorned with numerous pavilions, showcasing the daily life of the riverside dwellers. The area features captivating performances such as embroidery ball tossing, bridal pursuits, wedding ceremonies, and boatmen pulling ropes. Visitors are often encouraged to actively participate, taking on roles like the groom in these traditional enactments.
Vlog about Tribe of the Three Gorges
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Round-Trip Boat Tickets: The boat tickets are for transportation to and from the Tribe of the Three Gorges. The boat ride takes you through the Xiling Gorge. You’ll need to take the boat both ways.
Transportation Up the Hill: Upon arriving at the Tribe of the Three Gorges, you have options to ascend the hill. You can choose to walk, take the cable car, or use the escalator (the latter two options cost 30 yuan). Keep in mind that walking uphill can be quite tiring.
Entertainment and Attractions: As you venture further into the area, you’ll encounter various performances and attractions. Along the route to the snack street, there’s an interesting embroidery ball throwing performance that occurs every hour. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Longjinxixi Road, which leads to Monkey Mountain, where you’ll find many adorable monkeys.
Food Options: Throughout the scenic area, there are numerous snack shops and rural restaurants offering reasonably priced food. You don’t need to carry a lot of food with you.
Check Return Boat Schedule: Before exploring too far, make sure to inquire about the schedule for the last boat returning. This will help you avoid missing the last ferry back and ensure a smooth return journey.
We chose the option of entering and exiting by boat, which included tickets and round-trip second-class boat tickets. We took a taxi from the city to the Huangbai River Pier (黄柏河码头), where the boat departs at 11 AM. At the pier, we exchanged for paper tickets, and it took about an hour to arrive at the Three Gorges Tribe (三峡人家) Lantern Shadow Pavilion (灯影阁) pier. The second and third floors have second-class cabins, with the third floor offering better views!
I personally feel that if you’ve seen other scenic spots before, the Three Gorges Family is quite ordinary. The only highlight is the beautiful water at Longjin Creek. The main attraction is the performance, but if you’re not interested in that, it feels even more mundane.
The Three Gorges Family in the gentle drizzling rain is very picturesque, with distant mist creating a sense of entering a fairyland. The first half of our visit was mainly focused on understanding the local culture and watching performances, while the second half — Longjin Creek — is the essence of the entire Three Gorges Family and our favorite place. Walking along the plank road to the end is a delight; the water is as green as emeralds, and we… Read more »