Ancient Capital of Chu, Renowned City of the Three Kingdoms | This Holiday in Jingzhou, a Millennia-Spanning Encounter
When Hubei comes to mind, which city do you think of first?
The first that comes to my mind is the ancient city of Jingzhou, a place with thousands of years of history and civilization on this land of Jingchu.
If you love historical stories, then this strategic site that witnessed the turmoil of the Three Kingdoms must be well-known to you. It was one of the nine provinces of Huaxia divided by Yu the Great, where ancient civilization left a vivid record. And its tourism resources are far more surprising than you might imagine. Historical civilization, beautiful scenery, rich cuisine, extreme sports, diverse entertainment—this trip will give you a comprehensive taste of Jingzhou.
Today, the editor brings you
6 travel routes around Jingzhou
From history, entertainment, cuisine, family activities, and more
To experience
Jingzhou's irresistible charm from every dimension.
01 History in Jingzhou
Three-Day, Two-Night Trip
Jingzhou Ancient City Wall — East Gate Light Show — Guan Gong Temple — Zhang Juzheng’s Former Residence — Surrounding Cultural Villages
This is a route for an in-depth understanding of Three Kingdoms culture and history. The Jingzhou Ancient City Wall, located in Jiangjin District, is a grand historical landmark. The wall has weathered wind, frost, rain, and snow but remains intact, with a majestic layout. The main attraction of the Jingzhou Ancient City Historical and Cultural Tourism Area is the complete ancient city wall, a key national cultural relic protection unit.
The construction history of the Jingzhou Ancient City Wall dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. It is the best-preserved and largest ancient city in southern China. Moreover, it is the only ancient city wall in China that has been continuously used for the longest time (over 1,800 years), spanned the most dynasties (15), and evolved from an earthen wall to one primarily of brick with earthen reinforcements.
You must not miss the Night Tour of Jingzhou Ancient City. The East Gate Light Show features water as the stage, the city wall as the screen, and lights as the medium, interpreting Jingzhou's unique city brand and cultural connotation. Against the backdrop of lights, landmarks such as the ancient city wall, Binyang Tower, Golden Phoenix Soaring, Nine-Dragon Pillar, and Qu Yuan statue sparkle brilliantly. The entire light show is divided into four chapters: Heaven, Earth, Humanity, and Harmony. Each chapter tells a story showcasing Jingzhou's humanities, history, and tourism resources. Through the perfect combination of sound, light, and electricity, accompanied by a night boat tour, it opens a new chapter in night tours of the ancient city.
Jingzhou Guandi Temple is located inside the old southern gate of the ancient city of Jingzhou. It is the site where Guan Yu garrisoned Jingzhou and one of the earliest Guandi temples in the world. It is also the only Guandi temple built on the site of Guan Yu’s residence. Jingzhou Guandi Temple, together with Xiezhou Guandi Temple in Shanxi, Dangyang Guanling in Hubei, and Luoyang Guanlin in Henan, are known as the four major commemorative sites of Guan Yu in China.
Zhang Juzheng’s Former Residence: Jingzhou has produced 138 prime ministers, earning it the title "City of Prime Ministers." The Ming dynasty chancellor Zhang Juzheng lived here.
02 Depth in Jingzhou
Three-Day, Two-Night Trip
Jingzhou Museum — Jingchu Intangible Cultural Heritage Skills Inheritance Institute — Shashi Yangmatou Cultural Creative Park — Specialty Restaurant Tour
Jingzhou Museum is one of the most worthwhile museums in Hubei. It houses a large number of national treasure-level cultural relics, with over 180,000 pieces in total, including the famous Sword of King Goujian of Yue (the original has been transferred to the provincial museum, but replicas and sibling swords remain in Jingzhou), as well as a millennia-old "wet corpse" (Mr. Sui) that is no less astonishing than the Xin Zhui of Mawangdui in Changsha.
The museum combines exquisite artifacts with VR experiences, folding-screen projections, scene recreations, hunting banquets, Chu songs and dances, and hyper-realistic sculptures to comprehensively and systematically display the finest cultural relics unearthed in Jingzhou. Notable treasures include prehistoric jade, pottery animal figurines, Shang and Zhou bronze vessels, Eastern Zhou Chu royal tomb jade, Five Dynasties "King Yue sword," embroideries from Mashan Tomb No. 1, Chu-Han bamboo and wooden slips, lacquerware, and Han Dynasty embroideries.
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Opening hours: 9:00~17:00, last admission at 16:00, closed on Mondays
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Jingchu Intangible Cultural Heritage Skills Inheritance Institute: In this antique institute, every corridor, every step reveals a scene, and everything is filled with "intangible heritage." The living heritage workshops cover Chu-style lacquer art, Chu-style zither making, freshwater shell carving, imitation ancient bronze ware, gourd pyrography, and mill-eagle kite crafting.
Shashi Yangmatou Cultural Creative Park: Old photographs, realistic reproductions, and vintage buildings take visitors on a "time travel" to recall the past and savor the splendid urban culture. Leveraging the long history and historical relics of the Shashi Yangmatou, and with a style blending Republic of China and industrial architecture, the former abandoned area has been transformed into a city living room combining cultural displays, leisure entertainment, and specialty cuisine.
03 Fun in Jingzhou – Family Activities
Three-Day, Two-Night Trip
Jingzhou Fantawild Oriental Heritage — Jingzhou Ocean World — Jingzhou Museum
Jingzhou Fantawild Oriental Heritage: This theme park focuses on Chinese historical and cultural heritage, integrating Jingchu cultural features. It blends high-tech methods with traditional Chinese cultural stories to showcase the charm of five thousand years of Chinese civilization and Jingchu culture. Popular attractions include "Qu Yuan," "Chu Music," "Nuwa Mends the Sky," "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl," and "Divine Tower."
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Tips: Remember to download the Fantawild Tourism App to see the schedule for each attraction.
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Jingzhou Ocean World Wonder Island Park: Jingzhou Ocean World is the largest marine culture-themed tourist resort in central China and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. It integrates the Yangtze River culture and Jianghan culture, combining cultural heritage, sightseeing and leisure, themed vacations, delicious food, and shopping experiences to meet diverse needs for dining, accommodation, travel, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment.
04 Time in Jingzhou
Three-Day, Two-Night Trip
Chu King's Chariot and Horse Pit — Wanshou Pagoda — Jinjiayao Post Station — Jingzhou Ancient City Wall
Chu King's Chariot and Horse Pit is the best-preserved, largest, and most complete Zhou dynasty Chu king's mausoleum discovered to date. It is famous for its spectacular chariot and horse formations and is hailed as "the only one in China, the best under heaven" among Chu king mausoleums.
Wanshou Pagoda, located at Dahu Kou in Jiangjin District, is a Ming dynasty pagoda that bears witness to ancient religious culture. The pagoda features exquisite carvings and fine craftsmanship, showcasing the wisdom and artistic talent of ancient artisans. Inside, there are stairs allowing visitors to climb to the top for panoramic views of the lake and mountains, offering a unique visual feast.
Jinjiayao Post Station is 30 kilometers from the ancient city of Jingzhou, with convenient transportation, deep forests, and beautiful scenery. Forest coverage reaches 80%. Here, you can taste Jingchu specialties such as Jingzhou fish cake, eel strips, eight-treasure sea cucumber, and thousand-layer pork. You can also make Chu pottery and fire Yecheng clay pottery on-site, allowing every visitor to understand the charm of Chu culture and intangible heritage. If you want to stay in an earthen kiln, this is a must-visit. All accommodations are unique, with three styles: apartment rooms, forest cabins, and pottery jar rooms. The pottery jar rooms are especially popular and are one of the Instagram-worthy spots.
05 Thrills in Jingzhou
Two-Day, One-Night Explorer Trip
No.1 Player Jingzhou Skydiving Base — Jingzhou Jing Street — Jingzhou Museum
No.1 Player Jingzhou Skydiving Base: I truly recommend brave explorers to challenge themselves and feel the thrill of adrenaline rush during freefall from high altitude. They offer skydiving experience with filming, and you can also learn and obtain a skydiving license. It's all about excitement and thrill, a blessing for the daring!
Jing Street, Changda Snack Street: These two streets are close to each other, about a ten-minute walk. You can stroll around and try some snacks to feel the local atmosphere.
06 Taste in Jingzhou
Three-Day, Two-Night Food Exploration Trip
Ancient City Scenic Area — Dasai Alley — Renxin Hui — Meijiahua
In the Ancient City Scenic Area: After visiting the ancient city, you can try some Jingzhou specialty snacks there, such as guokui (pan-fried flatbread), fish cake, and beef rice noodles.
Dasai Alley: This street features many local snacks, such as Little Hu Duck, beef rice noodles, round beans with sticky rice, and Jingzhou spicy hot pot. Especially in the evening, the street is packed with food stalls, lively and bustling—rolled cold noodles, braised dishes, egg waffles, grilled squid, shrimp with vermicelli... all kinds of food dazzle the eyes.
Renxin Hui: There is a food street inside where you can eat and shop from one end to the other.
Meijiahua: Hotpot, barbecue, and seafood buffet.
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Recommended Specialty Snacks:
1. Morning Noodles: Many noodle shops near the ancient city sell them. Recommendation: "Old East Gate Noodle Shop"
2. Dalian Noodles: For time-honored brands, try Shashi Fushou Morning Noodle Shop
3. Round Beans with Sticky Rice: A traditional Shashi breakfast, a must-try
4. Steamed Fish Cake in a Bowl, Lotus Root with Minced Fish, Pan-Fried Beef: Jingzhou specialties, soft and easy to chew. Recommendation: Grandma's Home Restaurant
5. Gong'an Guokui: Recommendation: Sister Qi Guokui
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In the golden autumn
Step into a city steeped in historical civilization
Feel the time沉淀 over thousands of years
Leave your own unique memories here
