Four Days and Three Nights Independent Trip to Jingzhou, Hubei: Tracing a Thousand Years of History and Having Fun at a Modern Theme Park

[Jingzhou Trip]

On the vast land of Jingchu, there is a pearl-like city—it is Jingzhou. The mighty Yangtze River rolls on endlessly, and the boundless falling trees rustle down. At the turn of late summer and early autumn, the scenery of Jingzhou is beautiful and captivating. With a heart full of anticipation, I took a high-speed train from Hangzhou for over six hours to arrive here. Along the way, the scenery was dreamlike, everything seemed surreal.

The Jingzhou Airport is still under construction, so if arriving by plane, you need to transfer via Wuhan or Yichang.

Jingzhou High-Speed Railway Station has a large number of trains. Therefore, the high-speed rail is the best choice.

[Weishui Car Camping Base]

Starting from Jingzhou again, after two hours, we arrived at the Weishui Car Camping Base, which is the first five-star car camping base in China.

Inside the camp, there is lush greenery, dense trees, and endless lawns. Here, surrounded by thick trees, the venue is spacious. Listen to the chirping of insects and birds, accompanied by the singing of the breeze, letting the starlight shine through. Under the quiet night, I felt incredibly relaxed.

In the distance are the lights of the Weishui Scenic Area. Colorful and extremely gorgeous. Bustle and silence are separated by only one mountain, yet prosperity and desolation complement each other. Living for a long time in the noisy city, tranquility becomes even more precious. Experience the beauty of nature firsthand. Blend into the thick night, at the car camping base. Besides RV campsites, there are also starry sky tents, book houses, luxury tents, standalone villas, and other options to choose from.

As night falls, the paths of the camp are gradually illuminated, guiding visitors who enjoy evening walks. Everything is just right. Walking alone in the woods, hills, and slopes, a gentle cool breeze greets you, extremely refreshing. At night, everyone's mood becomes much calmer and more relaxed. Some troubling problems are sure to find answers.

After a full night's sleep, all the fatigue of the body disappears. Push open the car door or the wooden door, open your mouth wide, and breathe in the air rich in negative oxygen ions excitedly. A few rays of morning sunlight slowly sprinkle down, and everything is covered in a glowing veil. Get up and run around, savor the beautiful scenery of Weishui Camp with your own eyes. Only by experiencing it yourself can you truly gain something.

Deep in the dense woods, the jungle cabins also have a unique charm. These cabins seem to grow within the forest; if you don't look closely, it's hard to even notice their existence. The jungle cabins are quite interesting, with exteriors shaped like trees. Even adults may find it hard to suppress their curiosity.

Only by going inside to take a closer look can you discover the infinite fun. Such treehouses are truly charming.

Now let's talk about the star-gazing tents. Living outdoors, how could you not look up at the beautiful night sky? The starry sky of the Northern Hemisphere is bright and vast, with countless stars twinkling in the night. Embrace your children and loved ones, whispering under the stars. Is there anything more heartwarming than this? Although there is a slight chill, the tent is thick enough.

So, everyone need not worry about getting cold. Additionally, tents are essential for outdoor night outings. Travel enthusiasts must not miss this special experience. Just once, and you'll surely fall in love with it.

Next, let's introduce the water-view luxury tents. Outdoors, tents have many uses. When going on outings, adventures, or seeking thrills, tents also bring a sense of ceremony. We no longer hide inside buildings; the easily set-up tent makes travel brave. By the babbling water, everything is so serene and beautiful.

Weishui Car Camping Base Tips

There are more than ten room types to choose from, with prices ranging from 500 to several thousand. The most expensive lakeside standalone villa is priced at 9,888 yuan. Online booking is 3,989 yuan per night.

Weishui Scenic Area Car Camping Base (Paintball CS + Offensive and Defensive Archery + Bubble Soccer + Kongming Huarong Path) Four-item combo ticket 95 yuan

[Weishui Reservoir]

Speaking of Hubei, there are many famous attractions. Today, let's talk about a reservoir—the Weishui Reservoir.

Weishui Reservoir is located in the southwestern part of Songzi City, Jingzhou City, Hubei Province. It got its name from intercepting the Weishui River to build the reservoir. Construction began in September 1958 and was completed in 1970. The reservoir is 14.5 kilometers long from east to west and 6 kilometers wide from north to south, with a normal water surface area of 37 square kilometers.

Back then, the locals had a saying: "A day of heavy rain floods the fields, five days without rain and the fields smoke with drought; nine out of ten years have no harvest, and people flee with their children to escape famine." So later, the Weishui Reservoir was built.

Today, the Weishui Reservoir has a more famous name: the Weishui Scenic Area. The scenic area consists of four major parts: the Weishui artificial freshwater lake, the Weishui National Forest Park, the karst cave group represented by the Huaxia Wonder Cave—Xinshen Cave, and the Weishui Car Camping Base.

The dam of Weishui Reservoir is known as the largest artificial dam in Asia. The lake is vast and open. Every morning, large flocks of birds fly by. As sunlight spills over, the clear lake water ripples. The artificial lake is quite famous, and local residents flock to visit. For tourists from elsewhere, it is equally interesting. Various wooden boats dot the lake. Take a boat for a voyage and enjoy the boundless scenery. Lush green forests surround the area, and nearby, visitors laugh and chat. If you're brave enough, you can also try surfing and yachting. These are also great experiences.

Opposite the artificial lake is the National Forest Park. The trees in the park are ancient, towering, and soaring into the sky, with roots intertwined. The atmosphere in the park is quiet and secluded. The empty mountain echoes with birdsong, the dense forest stretches on. Strolling through, one feels refreshed and relaxed. The higher you climb the mountain, the cooler the air becomes. Therefore, Brother Niu also reminds everyone to prepare against the cold.

Weishui Reservoir Tips

Scenic spot address: Weishui Scenic Area, Weishui Town, Songzi City, Jingzhou City

Opening hours: 08:00-18:00

Boat ticket: 45 yuan

[Bo Li Hotel]

After finishing the second day's itinerary, we returned to the Bo Li Hotel in downtown Jingzhou.

The hotel is right next to the Jingzhou High-Speed Railway Station. The hotel has an imposing exterior and beautiful interior decoration. Lying down on the soft large bed, all the fatigue of the day is forgotten. The room is elegantly arranged with fresh decorations. Such a style is refreshing. The hotel provides a full range of attentive services, leaving guests with no worries. Take a shower, then fall asleep, leaving everything to dreams.

[Jingchu Intangible Cultural Heritage Skills Inheritance Institute]

The third day's itinerary was quite rich. The first stop was the "Jingchu Intangible Cultural Heritage Skills Inheritance Institute," co-built by Jingzhou Entrepreneurship School and the Jingzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance Center. It is an intangible cultural heritage skills institute.

The entire scenic area is very large with many buildings; one might easily get lost. The overall architectural style is antique and full of charm. The institute has planted many kinds of fruit trees; this season, oranges, pomelos, and pomegranates are ripe.

This is the first intangible cultural heritage museum in Hubei Province. The museum has a detailed display of Jingchu cultural heritage, showcasing the development of intangible cultural heritage crafts.

The biggest feature of the scenic area is that it also has 13 production workshops, which greatly help in studying the development of the entire Jingchu intangible cultural heritage. If you have time or interest, you can also sit down in the workshops to learn a certain intangible cultural heritage skill. Let everyone truly experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship.

Here, we saw various precious cultural relics from the land of Jingchu, including intangible technological heritage. In the distant Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, a prosperous civilization already existed here. Today, it seems that the land of Jingchu will also showcase a new style.

Bring your children to experience it; through osmosis, everyone will surely gain a lot. This is definitely beneficial for enhancing cultural pride.

Jingchu Intangible Cultural Heritage Skills Inheritance Institute ticket: 60 yuan, free before the end of the year. Recommended visit time: half a day.

Address: No. 1, East Beijing Road, Shashi District, Jingzhou City, Hubei Province. Self-driving available.

[Xiao Meisha Ocean Museum]

The second stop was the Jingzhou Ocean World Xiao Meisha Ocean Museum. Jingzhou is a city along the Yangtze River, and its ocean museum has its own characteristics. Here, visitors can see fierce sharks, graceful jellyfish, and intelligent dolphins.

On the small stage, seals also showcase their agility flexibly. The most popular are the animal performances, so adorable. Of course, the mermaid performance is also loved by both adults and children. Various aquatic animals from the Yangtze River are also present. The ocean museum fully reflects local characteristics, which is rare elsewhere.

Xiao Meisha Ocean Museum adult ticket: 158 yuan, children's ticket: 98 yuan. Family annual pass: 688 yuan/person.

[Chu King Chariot and Horse Array Scenic Area]

The third stop was the Chu King Chariot and Horse Array Scenic Area. In the cultural relics world, there is a saying: "In the north, there are the Terracotta Warriors; in the south, there is the Chariot and Horse Array." The Terracotta Warriors are for the Qin King, while the Chariot and Horse Array is for the Chu King.

The ancient land of Jingchu is full of mystery. When we step into the chariot and horse array, it feels as if we have returned to that era of thousands of galloping horses.

Coming face to face are hundreds of thousands of charging troops—armored horses, dreams of war horns, heroes' tears on the battlefield, fearless warriors. The Chu people were not afraid of life and death; here lies the heroic spirit of emperors, kings, and generals.

The entire chariot and horse array is majestic and extraordinary. Each chariot and horse is lifelike, showcasing the superb wisdom and skill of ancient ancestors.

Chu King Chariot and Horse Array Scenic Area, AAAA-level scenic area, ticket 100 yuan, free before the end of the year. History lovers can go. Visit duration: 2 hours. Bus route: From Jingzhou Passenger Transport Hub (next to Jingzhou Railway Station), take the "Jingzhou → Caobuhu" Chu King Chariot and Horse Array Scenic Area (Xiongjiazhong) special line bus to arrive. Buses depart on the hour, about 1 hour by car.

Chu King Chariot and Horse Array Scenic Area is located in Zhangchang Village, Chuandian Town, about 35 kilometers from downtown Jingzhou (Jingzhou Ancient City).

The fourth stop was Binyang Tower of Jingzhou Ancient City. The ancient city of Jingzhou has many historical allusions. As the ancient capital of the Chu State, it was once a battleground for military strategists. The mighty Yangtze River flows on, carrying away the bodies of heroes but not their souls. The ancient city wall has a life of its own. After thousands of years of wind, frost, rain, and snow, its stories have become as mellow as fine wine.

The city wall is towering, high, and continuous. Mottled stone blocks are embedded bit by bit, and the dark brown brick faces are engraved with the vicissitudes of time. Gently touching with your hand, it seems you can still feel the warmth of the blood of Chu State soldiers.

Two thousand years ago, to protect their homeland, the men of Chu fought heroically on the battlefield. On this last wall, they shed too much blood. At that time, dusk was approaching.

The setting sun was like blood, and the brilliant glow was like a song. In the solemn atmosphere, all visitors were moved. Slowly, we ascended the ancient city wall. Looking at the sun disappearing into the distant valley, a sense of sadness arose in our hearts.

Time is ruthless, bringing a gradual desolation. For men, the wall of Jingzhou will bring the greatest touch. Through it, you will feel the sorrow of a thousand years and the lament of the ancient capital of Chu.

If the ancient city wall is magnificent during the day, then at night it is splendid. Bordering the Yangtze River, Jingzhou has a very advantageous geographical location. Taking a night boat tour, the riverside lights are brilliant, the city is lit with thousands of household lights, river mist lingers, and the air is humid. The light show is a landmark attraction at night and cannot be missed. We waited for a long time, and finally night fell. The vast land of Jingchu turned pitch black, then lights slowly lit up. The light spread like a fire dragon.

In an instant, the riverside became a riot of color, and we were immersed in an ocean of light. Looking up, there were twinkling stars in the sky; starlight and lamplight complemented each other. Together, they wove a colorful dream. A large number of citizens came to watch, lingering and reluctant to leave. The dazzling lights were extremely eye-catching, blooming on the ground like flowers. Such a prosperous scene, such grandeur—Jingchu's fame is well deserved.

Jingzhou Ancient City Wall ticket: free. Visit duration: 2 hours.

[Fantawild Oriental Heritage Theme Park]

We experienced the last scenic spot in Jingzhou: the Fantawild Oriental Heritage Theme Park. This is the largest theme park in Hubei Province, which has just been open for a year.

The park is filled with various new equipment, while fully integrating Eastern mythological stories and historical allusions.

Based on Chinese historical culture and Jingchu culture, the park uses high technology combined with cultural creativity to achieve a deep resonance between cultural dissemination and interactive entertainment, effectively integrating the cultural and tourism industries.

The Battle of Red Cliffs and Nüwa Mending the Sky—these story backgrounds are vividly presented. On huge screens and among groups of singing and dancing performance teams, visitors can experience the mysteries first-hand. Large-scale amusement rides dazzle the eyes, all of which build the grand sound of the land of Jingchu.

Play guide: Ticket 280 yuan. Address: No. 1 Fangte Road, Jinan Ecological and Cultural Tourism Zone, Jingzhou City. Visit duration: 1 day.

[Final Words]

With lingering feelings, we ended the four-day-three-night trip to Jingzhou, leaving us with wonderful memories. But there are still many more fun places in Jingzhou. I think we will come again.