'''Yichang''' is a city in Hubei.

Population approx. 4 million. The city is located just below the Three Gorges around 30 km downstream of the dam. It used to be the gateway to the upper Yangze and an important post in the Sino-Japanese war; though not much of those times is visible anymore. Nowadays the city is known as the ending point of the 'Three Gorges' river cruising trip and is less often used for a trip upstream. The main attraction is the massive Yangze river dam (which itself seems overestimated as attraction). There is only slightly more in the city to see though.

Get in

Most people get in by boat. There is an airport located 40min driving out of the city and a main bus station. There are further bus stations at the docks where the river cruises end/start. There is also a train station.

Most boats arrive around 1-1.30pm at the docks from where it is possible to catch a bus to Wuhan the same night which for most people might be the most interesting option of getting out. The airport is fairly small but you can fly to: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'An, Chengdu and lots more destinations in China, though be careful when planning, as smaller destination or less interesting ones (like Xi'An) aren't served every day. Taxi prices to the airport vary from 60-80, there is also a bus going out there, find out in city when and from where it leaves.

Get around

Lots of buses, the town is not that big so going by foot is an option. If you want to go to the 'Three Visitors Cave' take bus No.10 leaving at the main Square (hourly or half hourly). A taxi ride out there relies on your bargain skills: \10-20, make sure not to pay more, didn't hear of anyone who got driven out there by meter but estimated \10-15.

Taxi may or may not use the meter, if you stay in the downtown limits, rides should not exceed \10, else you are being ripped off.

See

  • '''Three Visitors Cave''' and the the surrounding park with a view on the Yangze river, admission fee (2008) \48. The Cave is located on a peninsula outside the city and contains some poetry engraved in stone, not very big though but has a nice little story to it. The park has some little more attractions, uh, if you can call them so: old military defense wall, Sino-Japanese war memorial stones, river viewing pavillion, old city of.... now basically a few stones and nothing to be seen anymore. The walk around the park has lots of steps and is pretty decent, good relaxing spot if you haven't anything to do during the day in Yichang when you are waiting for your plane to leave in the evening.
  • '''Yangtze River Cruise '''
  • Yangtze River Cruise will take you through the cradle of China, while giving you the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. [http://www.yangtzeriver.org/ Yangtze river cruise] sailing dates and prices can be obtained from [http://www.discoveryangtze.com/| Discover Yangtze River Tour].

    Do

    You can bungie jump near the Three Visitors Cave, though not recommended as the construction looks really old and badly maintained.

    Buy

    Eat

    Drink

    Sleep

  • Yichang Hotel. ichang fandian. ongshan Dadao. 288, discounts \198. Nice 3 star Hotel, a walk away from downtown, train and bus stations.
  • Wonhow Motel. ppisite the long distance bus station. 717-8867888. 2 noon. ouble \198. New clean hotel. Staff speak a little English. Free internet access in rooms. Breakfast is included in the price.

    Get out