The Yichang Three Gorges Grand Waterfall Scenic Area is located in Yiling District, Yichang City, Hubei Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers a total area of more than 6,000 mu, with the core sightseeing area covering about 3 square kilometers. The scenic area features the majestic Three Gorges Grand Waterfall as its main landscape. The waterfall is 102 meters high and 80 meters wide, and is known as the "First Waterfall in Central China." The scenic area integrates natural landscapes such as waterfalls, canyons, karst caves, and primeval forests, and blends Ba-Chu culture and Tujia folk customs. It is one of the most representative ecological tourism attractions in the Three Gorges region.
History and Culture
Yiling District, where the Three Gorges Grand Waterfall is located, is the intersection of ancient Ba and Chu cultures and has a long historical and cultural heritage. The ancient post road within the scenic area was an important route connecting Sichuan and Hubei in ancient times, and some of its remains are still preserved today.
The Qing Dynasty Yichang Prefecture Gazetteer recorded the waterfall scenery in this area, describing it as "flying down straight, with a sound like thunder." In the 1980s, with the development of Three Gorges tourism, the Three Gorges Grand Waterfall gradually became known to the world.
Huanghua Town, where the scenic area is located, is a Tujia ethnic settlement and still preserves traditional Tujia stilted buildings and folk culture. The "Three Gorges Waterfall Festival" held every summer attracts a large number of tourists for sightseeing and experiences.
Main Attractions
Three Gorges Grand Waterfall
The main waterfall is 102 meters high and 80 meters wide, plunging down with magnificent momentum. Behind the waterfall is a natural walk-through passage about 200 meters long, where visitors can walk through and enjoy the unique experience of getting wet. It is one of the few waterfalls in China that visitors can walk through.
Peach Blossom Lake
A high-mountain lake with an area of about 50 mu, surrounded by mountains, with crystal-clear water. In spring, peach blossoms bloom along the lakeside, creating a charming scene. It is one of the best photography spots in the scenic area.
Hanging Coffin Site
Located on the cliffs of the canyon in the scenic area, it is a relic of the ancient Ba people's hanging coffin burial custom. These hanging coffins date back more than 2,000 years and display the mysterious funeral culture of the Ba people.
Tour Route：
Recommended tour route: In the morning, take the sightseeing bus to the scenic area entrance and walk to visit attractions such as Peach Blossom Lake; have lunch at the scenic area restaurant at noon; in the afternoon, go to the main waterfall area and experience the fun of walking through the waterfall; on the return trip, visit the Hanging Coffin Site. The entire tour takes about 4-5 hours.
Travel Tips：
Prepare a raincoat or a change of clothes, as you will get wet when walking through the waterfall.
Wear slip-resistant and durable shoes, as the scenic area mainly consists of stone paths and boardwalks.
In summer, pay attention to sun protection and carry enough drinking water.
Photography enthusiasts may bring a wide-angle lens to capture panoramic views of the waterfall.
Respect local ethnic minority customs and habits.
Precautions：
Pay attention to safety when walking through the waterfall and be careful of slippery surfaces.
There is a lot of water mist in the waterfall area, so protect photographic equipment.
Do not climb dangerous areas or cross safety railings.
Protect the environment and do not litter.
Some areas in the scenic area have weak signal, so traveling with companions is recommended.
During the rainy season, some sections may be temporarily closed; please follow the instructions of staff.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from downtown Yichang, go via Fazhan Avenue and Yixing Highway to Huanghua Town, about a 1-hour drive.
Bus: There are direct tourist shuttle buses to the scenic area from Yichang Long-Distance Bus Station, about a 1.5-hour ride.
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to Yichang East Station, then transfer to a taxi for about 50 minutes to reach the scenic area.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round, with daily opening hours from 8:00 to 17:30 (extended to 18:00 in peak season). Sightseeing buses operate from 8:30 to 17:00, with one bus every 20 minutes. The best viewing time is from May to October each year, when the waterfall has abundant water and the scenery is most spectacular.
Tickets：
Tickets are 115 yuan per person.