Just returned from Yichang, here’s some honest advice! Nanny-level travel guide

9 Selected Attractions and Highlights in Yichang ✅ Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area 💸 Admission: Free (advance reservation required, shuttle bus in the park 35 RMB) 🍎 Highlights: The world's largest water conservancy project, panoramic view from Tanziling, eye-level view of the dam from Platform 185, experience the history of construction at the Closure Memorial Park, enjoy the dam light show on the Yangtze River night cruise. ✅ Three Gorges Family Scenic Area 💸 Admission: From 210 RMB (includes boat ride) 🍎 Highlights: 5A-level scenic spot, experience the original ecological Three Gorges scenery and Ba-Chu culture, see Yaomei washing silk at Longjin Creek, 11:00/15:00 "Crying Bride" performance, boat in and out saves time and effort. ✅ Qingjiang Gallery Scenic Area 💸 Admission: Line A 155 RMB (includes boat ticket + Wuluo Zhongli Mountain) 🍎 Highlights: 5A-level scenic spot, boat ride to enjoy clear water and green mountains, climb Wuluo Zhongli Mountain to see the Tujia ancestors’ hometown, bring a jacket due to wind on the boat, bringing your own snacks makes it more enjoyable. ✅ Three Gorges Waterfall 💸 Admission: From 105 RMB (raincoat 5 RMB, shuttle bus 20 RMB round trip) 🍎 Highlights: One of China’s top ten famous waterfalls, waterfall-walking experience with a martial arts vibe, look for rainbows after 12:00, bring quick-dry clothes to stay dry, shuttle bus saves time and effort. ✅ Qu Yuan’s Hometown Cultural Tourism Area 💸 Admission: 70 RMB (free during Dragon Boat Festival) 🍎 Highlights: Zigui County faces the Three Gorges Dam across the river, visit Qu Yuan Temple and Jiangdu Temple, experience Dragon Boat Festival culture, wear Hanfu for stunning photos at dusk. ✅ Xiling Gorge Entrance Scenic Area 💸 Admission: Combined ticket 148 RMB (save 50 RMB) 🍎 Highlights: 68-meter canyon swing for thrilling screams, see Tang and Song dynasty cliff inscriptions at Sanyou Cave, sunset after 16:00 is beautiful, perfect for photography enthusiasts. ✅ Three Gorges Eternal Love Scenic Area 💸 Admission: From 158 RMB (VIP seats 20 RMB extra, better view) 🍎 Highlights: Immersive performance, Ba-Chu drama + mountain flood special effects, fewer people at 14:00 show, explore the park 1 hour in advance, great for families with children. ✅ Chaotianhou Rafting 💸 Admission: Day rafting 200 RMB / Night rafting 170 RMB 🍎 Highlights: Summer hotspot, rafting prohibited for under 7 and over 55, bring quick-dry clothes and waterproof bags, the park sells very reliable waterproof bags for 10 RMB, perfect for thrill-seekers. ✅ Bailihuang Scenic Area 💸 Admission: From 100 RMB (scenic shuttle bus 30 RMB must buy) 🍎 Highlights: 22°C grassland for summer cooling, cloud flying car plunge, camping to watch the Milky Way, tent accommodation from 100 RMB, full sun protection needed, ideal for outdoor lovers. Accommodation Guide High-end Options Yichang Crowne Plaza Hotel: 5-star, adjacent to Wanda Plaza and Three Gorges Visitor Center, overlooking the Yangtze River, river view standard room around 850 RMB. Yichang Artyzen Habitat Hotel: 5-star, light luxury smart river view hotel, overlooking the rolling Yangtze River, river view rooms from 458 RMB. Cost-effective Choices Yichang Bund Mercure Hotel: 5-star, blend of French elegance and ethnic elements, overlooking the vast Yangtze River, river view rooms from 648 RMB. Yichang Evergrande Hotel (Yiling Wanda Plaza Branch): 5-star, private independent balcony, European-style royal garden view, moderately priced river view rooms. Unique Experiences Bailihuang Scenic Area Tent Hotel: Grassland camping experience, tents from 100 RMB, watch the Milky Way, cool summer retreat, suitable for families or couples. Yijing Meiji Hotel (Yichang Wanda Riverside Branch): River view rooms from 289 RMB, high-rise city view 339 RMB, high cost performance, suitable for budget-conscious travelers. June 4th Yichang 4-Day Tour Itinerary Theme: Great National Project + Gorge Scenery + Mountain, Water & Culture Day 1: Three Gorges Dam and Yangtze River Night Cruise Morning: Arrive in Yichang, head to Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area, panoramic view from Tanziling, eye-level view from Platform 185, review history at Closure Memorial Park. Noon: Dine near the scenic area, try Yichang fatty fish. Afternoon: Visit the Three Gorges Project Museum to systematically understand the construction process and technical achievements. Evening: Yangtze River night cruise to enjoy the dam light show, stay overnight in Yichang city hotel. Day 2: Three Gorges Family and Xiling Gorge Entrance Morning: Go to Three Gorges Family Scenic Area, boat to Longjin Creek to see Yaomei washing silk, 11:00 "Crying Bride" performance, explore Ba King Village. Noon: Eat inside the scenic area, try Tujia smoked pig’s trotters hotpot. Afternoon: Visit Xiling Gorge Entrance Scenic Area, experience the 68-meter canyon swing, see Tang and Song cliff inscriptions at Sanyou Cave. Evening: Return to city, check into hotel, free time. Day 3: Qingjiang Gallery and Qu Yuan’s Hometown Morning: Head to Qingjiang Gallery Scenic Area, boat ride to enjoy clear water and green mountains, climb Wuluo Zhongli Mountain to see the Tujia ancestors’ hometown. Noon: Dine near the scenic area, try Qingjiang clear water fish. Afternoon: Visit Qu Yuan’s Hometown Cultural Tourism Area, visit Qu Yuan Temple and Jiangdu Temple, experience Dragon Boat Festival culture. Evening: Return to city, check into hotel, free time. Day 4: Three Gorges Waterfall and Departure Morning: Go to Three Gorges Waterfall, waterfall-walking experience with martial arts vibe, look for rainbows after 12:00, bring quick-dry clothes to stay dry. Noon: Dine near the scenic area, try farmhouse dishes. Afternoon: Depending on departure time, free time in the city, buy Yichang specialties like liangxia (cold jelly) and hot and sour noodles. Evening: End the pleasant Yichang trip, depart. Transportation Suggestions: Yichang attractions are scattered; self-driving or chartering a car is recommended for flexible itinerary adjustments. City attractions can be reached by taxi or bus; for remote spots like Three Gorges Dam and Qingjiang Gallery, book direct shuttle or charter in advance. Notes: June in Yichang has a high chance of showers; carry an umbrella and waterproof shoe covers. Temperatures are high; wear light, breathable clothes and take sun protection measures. Advance reservation and ID are required for Three Gorges Dam, Qu Yuan’s Hometown, etc., with strict security checks. Avoid rafting on rainy days; check weather in advance and prepare change of clothes.