Things to do in Shishou
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Top 10 attractions in Shishou
Shishou Taoyuan Town
A paradise on earth, a mountain on earth. Taoyuan Town is located in Taohua Mountain, the southern gate of Shishou. It is backed by the Yangtze River in the north and overlooks Dongting Lake in the east. The Attraction covers an area of 4,873 acres. It is a characteristic cultural and tourism complex integrating tourism and vacation, special food, research and education, parent-child paradise, and health and leisure.Shishou · 29.3 km from downtown
Taoyuan Qianli Lujiaofeng Scenic Area
Located in the northeast of Taohua Mountain in Shishou, Lujiaofeng Peak spans approximately 680 acres with a total investment of 500 million yuan. The newly opened attractions combine various functions, including mountain sports, popular photo spots, interactive activities, fitness and leisure options, as well as outdoor adventures. Visitors can fully enjoy thrilling alpine slides, stroll along a glass drifting path while taking in the magnificent natural scenery, and enjoy panoramic views of the entire attraction from the Thousand Mile Eye observation platform.Shishou · 29.7 km from downtown
Yangtze River Finless Porpoise Garden
Encounter Finless Porpoises and Explore the Beauty of Nature The Yangtze Finless Porpoise Sanctuary, nestled within the Hubei Yangtze Swan Oxbow Baiji Dolphin Nature Reserve, shines like a brilliant ecological gem awaiting your visit. This is the cozy home of the Yangtze finless porpoises, with about 120 currently living here and over 100 in the relocated conservation population at Swan Oxbow. You have a great chance to witness these "smiling angels" playing and chasing waves in the water, experiencing the vitality and beauty of life. Blessed with stunning natural views and abundant biodiversity, the area features a network of rivers, lush wetland vegetation, and rare birds soaring overhead. Its complete and diverse ecosystem offers you a remarkable nature escape far from the hustle and bustle. Not only that, but the area also offers carefully curated featured experiences like "species conservation research programs and eco-leisure tours," allowing you to gain knowledge while having fun and relax in leisure. Whether it's a family trip, educational practice, or personal exploration, Swan Lake Wetland fulfills all your desires for nature, making it an unmissable eco-tourism destination!Shishou · 22 km from downtown
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is named after the natural wonder "Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park - Tianmen Cave." When visiting the attraction, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the winding Heaven-Linking Avenue and the stunning mountain scenery from the cable car. The brave can also walk along the cliff-hugging glass skywalk for an exhilarating aerial experience. Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is located close to Zhangjiajie city. The Tianmen Cave in the park is a natural karst cave, and locals believe it leads directly to heaven. For ordinary travelers, Tianmen Cave is not open year-round. During winter each year, due to snow and icy roads, both Tianmen Cave and the Avenue toward Heaven (a winding mountain road with 99 turns) leading to it are closed. The lower station of the attraction's cableway is located in Guanliping, Yongding District, and the upper station isTianmen MountainTop. In 2020, the attraction opened the express cableway. The lower station of the express cableway is near the entrance to Tianmen Mountain, and the upper station is atTianmen CaveNear the parking lot. Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park is filled with ancient towering trees and intertwined vines. The attraction is divided into several main areas, including Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park - Tianmen Cave, central route, eastern route and western route. Travelers can choose different routes and areas to explore based on their preferences and physical condition. The core attraction along the central route is Tianmen Mountain Temple. Nearby lies the "Child-seeking cave," where folk legends claim Guanyin, the child-giving bodhisattva, manifested her divine power—devout prayers here are believed to grant offspring. The western route's highlight is a 60 m-long glass walkway clinging to sheer cliffs, with fully transparent flooring that induces both vertigo and exhilaration as visitors tread above abysses. Currently, the eastern route and Panlong Cliff each feature their own approx. 60 m glass walkways. No stay is allowed in the attraction, so it can only be visited within one day. There is a "Cherry Bay Restaurant" near Tianmen Mountain Temple, which offers snacks and fast food. Near the lower station of Tianmen Mountain cableway, there is transportation to the "Grand Canyon Theater", where you can watch the live show and magical musical "Tianmen Fox Fairy". Adapted from the mythological tale "Liu Hai cuts firewood", it tells a touching love story between a human and a fox. With live music, lighting effects, and captivating scenes like a giant moon, fox spirit transformations, snowflakes filling the sky, and high-altitude flying bridges, this legendary romance is vividly brought to life.China · Zhangjiajie
Elk National Nature Reserve
Elk National Nature Reserve is located at the intersection of the Yangtze River and the Tian'ezhou Oxbow of the Yangtze River, with its geographic center at 112.23° E longitude and 29.49° N latitude. In November 1991, the People's Government of Hubei Province officially approved the establishment of Elk National Nature Reserve, covering a total area of 1,567 hectares. The reserve is classified as a wildlife nature reserve, with a primary focus on protecting wild-living elk and their freshwater marsh ecosystem habitat.Shishou · 14.8 km from downtown
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is where Zhangjiajie tourism originates. "Everyone knows Zhangjiajie, but who recognizes Wulingyuan?" Many visitors are confused about the relationship between Zhangjiajie and Wulingyuan. Generally, Zhangjiajie refers to both Zhangjiajie City and the Zhangjiajie attraction. The Zhangjiajie attraction specifically means Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which—together with Tianzi Mountain, Suoxi Valley, and Yangjiajie—forms the Wulingyuan scenic area. Since Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was developed earlier and gained greater fame, even Zhangjiajie City was renamed after it. As a result, people commonly use "Zhangjiajie National Forest Park" or "Zhangjiajie attraction" to refer to the Wulingyuan scenic area. "Three thousand spectacular peaks and eight hundred beautiful waters." The three thousand spectacular peaks, in particular, are world-renowned. Wulingyuan's mountains stand apart from famous peaks around the world. Across its 398-square-kilometer area, over 3,000 densely packed sandstone pillars rise dramatically, with 243 exceeding 1,000 meters in height. When sea of clouds roll in, these pillars appear to float without foundation, soaring straight into the sky. Alongside North America's redwood forests and Greenland's glaciers, they form one of Earth's four great geological wonders. Located at low altitudes in the subtropical zone, Wulingyuan thrives with lush forests and abundant water sources, supporting numerous endangered plant and animal species. Each pillar teems with life. The natural pillars, bridges, canyons, waterfalls, streams, pools, caves, and dense broadleaf forests often shroud in mist and clouds, enhancing their breathtaking beauty. This unique landscape creates a spectacular scene described as "majestic mountains, elegant waters, peculiar peaks, secluded gorges, and exquisite caves," earning its reputation as "an enlarged bonsai and a miniature fairyland." On December 14, 1992, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee unanimously voted to include Wulingyuan on the World Heritage List, filling China's gap of having no World Natural Heritage sites. Its recognized outstanding universal value lies in its exceptionally rare quartz sandstone peak forest landform, which possesses extremely high aesthetic value. UNESCO states: "Wulingyuan's scenery can be compared to several national parks and monuments in the United States, such as the Grand Canyon, as well as the sandstone peaks of Western Australia's Purnululu region. However, due to Wulingyuan's lower elevation and subtropical location, it boasts lush forests, abundant water sources, and numerous towering peaks that display more vertical profiles than the heritage sites in the U.S. and Australia." The visually stunning Pandora planet in the globally popular 2009 movie "Avatar" captivated countless viewers, with its floating mountains inspired by Wulingyuan. Additionally, Wulingyuan served as the filming location for Chinese literary classics like "Dream of the Red Chamber" and "Journey to the West," as well as movies such as "Zhong Kui: Snow Girl and the Dark Crystal" and "Monster Hunt." In 2010, Wulingyuan's unique landform was officially named the "Zhangjiajie landform," becoming a globally recognized term and one of the few landform types in the world named after a specific region. Attraction highlights Yuanjiajie: Step into Pandora from Avatar Yuanjiajie served as the filming location for the "Hallelujah Mountains" in the movie Avatar. Here, you can explore the magical world of floating peaks scattered like stars across the landscape. If you're lucky enough to visit during a light rain or just after the rain clears, you'll witness the breathtaking scenery of mist-shrouded, layered mountain peaks. Mihun Terrace is the ideal vantage point, offering panoramic views of hundreds of towering stone peaks that create a majestic atmosphere. You can also see the renowned "World's First Bridge," a natural wonder spanning two mountains with a vertical drop of 357 meters. Tianzi Mountain: Where the Emperor's Return Makes Other Mountains Pale in Comparison Exploring Tianzi Mountain, you'll encounter extraordinary geological formations and peculiar peaks like the Imperial Writing Brush, Fairy Presenting Flowers, Commander's Platform, Sky-High Farmland, and Immortal Bridge. Don't focus too much on how closely these natural shapes resemble their names - the true charm lies in the mountain's "primordial natural beauty." The misty atmosphere after rainfall creates an ethereal fairyland experience, while winter transforms the landscape into an even more enchanting silver wonderland. Huangshi Village: Reach the summit for breathtaking mountain views "Without ascending Huangshi Village, your trip to Zhangjiajie is incomplete." Huangshi Village is a scenic viewpoint within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, surrounded by sheer cliffs and lush greenery, with its summit often shrouded in mist. Reaching the top of Huangshi Village offers panoramic views that let you experience the majestic feeling of "seeing all other mountains appear small." Yangjiajie: Thrills Amidst the Peaks Yangjiajie is primarily known for its pristine natural beauty, featuring towering mountains and narrow paths that make it famous for its "perilous" reputation, beloved by backpackers and adventurers. Within the attraction, Black Dragon Village is one of Zhangjiajie's most magical spots. Once inhabited by bandits from western Hunan, it was later renamed after the TV series "The Suppression of Bandits in Black Dragon Mountain." The village is built along the mountainside, with only one path leading up and down—requiring visitors to use both hands and feet to climb to the summit. Suoxi Valley: Nature's Ink Wash Masterpiece Suoxi Valley, also known as Suoxi, gets its name from the rope-like shape of its winding streams. Unlike the more rugged areas of the forest park, this mist-shrouded valley features crystal-clear streams that flow year-round, surrounded by graceful peaks at every turn. The Ten Mile Gallery stands as the crown jewel of Suoxi Valley—a 5km-long canyon filled with fragrant wildflowers and extraordinary rock formations. Walking through this landscape feels like stepping into a living Chinese landscape painting. Golden Whip Stream: Filming Location of "Journey to the West" Golden Whip Stream Canyon is the earliest developed area in the attraction, where a crystal-clear stream flows through the valley flanked by towering peaks and lush greenery. This location served as one of the filming sites for the classic TV series "Journey to the West," allowing fans to visit iconic scenes like the Water Curtain Cave and the Mountain-Splitting Rescue.China · Zhangjiajie
Orange Isle Scenic Area
Orange Isle Scenic Area is a narrow sandbar lying across the heart of the Xiang River in Changsha, stretching approx. five km. It faces Yuelu Mountain to the west and borders Changsha's old city to the east, surrounded by water on all sides. Named after the abundant orange trees planted on the isle, it was historically called Shuiluzhou. Formed by river alluvium, this sandbar has existed for over a millennium, where the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery was once among the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang. In 1925, the poem "Spring in a pleasure garden - Changsha" was composed here, with its iconic line "Alone I stand in the biting fall, watching the Xiang River flow north past Orange Isle's head," which made this riverine landmark widely renowned. The highlights of the visit are concentrated at the islet's head: A granite art sculpture over 30 m tall, modeled after the 1925 youth image, stands facing the river as Changsha's highly recognizable landmark. Nearby, the Questioning Heaven Platform extends toward the river center, where leaning on the railing reveals the mighty Xiang River flowing northward, with Yuelu Mountain and the city skylines on both banks facing each other across the water. The Songju Pavilion, white marble poetry stele, and the 200-year-old ancient phoenix tree at the islet head are all in this area. Heading north from the islet head, a hundred-acre orange orchard bears golden fruits in fall, while bamboo groves, peach orchards, plum gardens, and osmanthus groves take turns showcasing seasonal flora. The historic Zhuzhang Ferry (where Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi once crossed the Xiang River for lectures) and the Huxiang Culture Exhibition Hall are scattered along the way. At the islet's tail, the reconstructed Jiangshen Temple and Gongji Tower area was precisely where ancients admired the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery. The island is long and narrow, making round-trip walks quite tiring. A sightseeing train is available for transportation, with multiple stops along the way for hopping on and off. Travelers with limited time are advised to head straight to the island's tip to see the sculpture and river views, then stroll leisurely along the riverside path. At dusk, watching the sunset over the Xiang River and seeing the lights gradually illuminate both shores from the island's tip is especially worth setting aside time for.China · Changsha
The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area
The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area is located in the Xiling Gorge section of the Yangtze River in Yichang, Hubei. It is a scenic attraction built around the Three Gorges hydro project, covering over ten square kilometers. Currently, it offers travelers three viewing spots: Tanzi Ridge, the 185 viewing platform, and the river closure memorial park. The dam crest itself is not open to travelers, so visits primarily revolve around these three attractions. Tanzi Ridge is the highest accessible point in the dam area, named for its jar-shaped summit viewing platform resembling an overturned jar. It also served as the survey site for the dam's initial location selection. From the ridge top, visitors can overlook the Three Gorges Project in its entirety—the dam, power station, and twin five-level ship locks are all visible. The five lock chambers cascade down the mountainside, earning the nickname "Fourth Gorge of the Yangtze." The park displays engineering artifacts like ancient riverbed stones, river closure rocks, and foundation stones from the dam site, complemented by model exhibits that help visitors intuitively understand the origins and development of this mega-project. The 185 observation platform is located on the left bank of the dam. It gets its name from sharing the same elevation of 185 m as the dam crest. Standing on the platform feels like being atop the dam: on one side, the dam and vertical ship lift are within close reach, offering a chance to witness ships "riding the elevator" over the dam; on the other side lies the vast, tranquil reservoir upstream. The stark contrast between the stillness above and the dynamism below the dam is striking. The closure memorial park is situated on the right bank downstream of the dam, preserving artifacts like tetrahedral closure stones and large loading machinery used during the construction. It's an ideal spot to view the dam's full frontal grandeur. During flood seasons when the dam releases water, torrents rush out from the deep outlets, creating towering mist and thunderous echoes that reverberate through the valley—a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. The three attractions are far apart, and the scenic area provides shuttle buses for transportation. It is recommended to reserve half a day to visit them in order.China · Yichang
Yellow Crane Tower
Yellow Crane Tower is a landmark building of Wuhan. It is located on the bank of the Yangtze River and above Snake Hill in Wuchang. Many celebrities have written famous poems about the tower. Yellow Crane Tower was built during the Three Kingdoms period, but it was destroyed many times. What we see now is the reconstructed version built in 1985. When you climb the Yellow Crane Tower, you can see the spectacular view of the Yangtze River and Wuhan's three districts.China · Wuhan
Hunan Museum
Hunan Museum has a rich collection of cultural relics, especially of those from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs. The Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs Exhibition is a permanent exhibit at Hunan Museum. It features thin-as-cicada-wing plain yarn garments, undamaged printed cotton gowns, all kinds of exquisite embroidery, brightly painted lacquer wares, delicate and detailed paintings, and so on.China · Changsha
Free things to do in Shishou
What travelers say about Shishou
lhzaNovember 15, 2022
4.0
The colorful flower fields are the core landscape area of Taoyuan Town. A beautiful sea of flowers in the shape of a phoenix has been created in the scenic area. A starry field night tour project has been developed. Through sound, light, electricity and the latest projection technology, the profound culture of Taohua Mountain and the beautiful scenery like a paradise on earth are displayed.
Shishou Taoyuan Town
133***74April 5, 2025
5.0
You can't scan the code to enter the park, and you have to exchange for paper tickets, which is so troublesome.
Taoyuan Qianli Lujiaofeng Scenic Area
霖霖爸LLBAugust 5, 2026
5.0
We brought our child to Shishou specifically to see the first-class protected animals, the Yangtze finless porpoise and the Père David's deer. At the Yangtze finless porpoise park, you can see the porpoises up close in the Yangtze River, and at the Père David's deer park, you can use binoculars to observe the wild Père David's deer herds in their natural habitat. It's very pristine, and the child loved it, feeling the breath of nature and completely relaxed!
Yangtze River Finless Porpoise Garden
sukaspendduitOctober 26, 2026
5.0
We spend 8hrs up there - 5hrs exploring east +west line & 3hrs queing😌. Anyway the view was amazing. Quite disspointed cannot used the A line caused it closed. But anyway gald to be there to see the amazing view
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
腾达达July 6, 2025
5.0
Coming back from the Jingzhou Shishou Elk National Nature Reserve, I was really shocked! As soon as I entered the reserve, the vast wetlands and dense vegetation made me feel like I was walking into a paradise. Seeing groups of elks grazing and running leisurely on the grass, some with cute baby deer, the scene was so healing. There is also a science museum in the reserve where you can learn more about elks. Here, I felt very close to nature. It was really an unforgettable and wonderful trip. I strongly recommend you to come and experience it!
Elk National Nature Reserve
LMS TravelsOctober 25, 2026
4.0
Unfortunately we had very rainy days and only visited on one day. We looked for alternate activities on second day due to heavy rainy weather . Saw glimpses of mountains with misty clouds.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
YazonDinAltOctober 23, 2026
4.0
Orange Island is a bit of a mixed experience, and I'm honestly not entirely sure whether I'd consider it a must-visit in Changsha.It's a large, green, and pleasant park, with beautiful riverside views and plenty of space for walking. If you enjoy places with historical significance or simply want to experience a different side of the city, it's definitely worth considering.Most visitors seem to take the sightseeing train to the southern end of the island, where the famous Mao Zedong statue is located. That's also where you'll find plenty of people taking photos, so don't expect a particularly quiet experience.The main downside is that visiting the island takes quite a bit of time, especially if you want to explore it properly. And while it's certainly a nice place, I'm not sure the experience justifies spending several hours here if you have a limited amount of time in Changsha and other places you'd like to see.On the other hand, if you're simply looking for a relaxing walk through a green park, with opportunities to stop by the river and enjoy the scenery, it's a lovely option.Overall, I'd say it's worth visiting if you have some extra time or are particularly interested in Chinese history. Otherwise, I wouldn't necessarily put it at the very top of your Changsha itinerary.
Orange Isle Scenic Area
E11***95October 8, 2026
5.0
The tour takes approximately 3.5 hours. From the visitor transfer center, take a sightseeing bus to Tanziling. After descending Tanziling, proceed to the 185 Park, where you can take an electric cart or walk. From the 185 Park, take a sightseeing bus to the Interception Memorial Park. Finally, take a sightseeing bus to the Miniature Landscape Park (the park's exit), concluding the tour.
The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area
新江湾一枝花October 25, 2026
5.0
For first-time visitors to Wuhan, watching a performance showcasing several famous historical periods of the city while taking a break from sightseeing is a good option, offering a balance of relaxation and a more comprehensive understanding of the city.
Yellow Crane Tower
尘尘October 23, 2026
5.0
The Hunan Provincial Museum boasts a magnificent collection of artifacts, connecting the Hunan civilization from Shang and Zhou bronzes to the Mawangdui Han Dynasty tombs. The museum houses a large number of national treasures, witnessing the splendor and legend of southern civilization. What makes the Hunan Provincial Museum unique compared to other museums is that it has replicated the tomb pit of Lady Xin Zhui from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty tombs at a 1:1 scale, extending across multiple exhibition halls. Visitors can see from above ground to underground, from everyday scenes to coffins and remains. Being there is truly awe-inspiring.
Hunan Museum
