Qu Yuan's Hometown Cultural Tourism Area is located in Zigui County, Yichang City, Hubei Province. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering 33.3 hectares, it sits by Xiling Gorge of the Three Gorges, facing the Three Gorges Dam across the river. This is the hometown of the great patriotic poet Qu Yuan. Focusing on Qu Yuan culture, the area integrates cultural experiences, sightseeing, and leisure vacations, comprising three main sections: Qu Yuan Temple, Qu Yuan's Hometown, and Three Gorges Dam Viewing Platform.
History and Culture
Qu Yuan (c. 340 BC-278 BC) was China's first great patriotic poet and founder of Chu Ci poetry. Born in Le Pingli, Zigui, he left immortal works like "Li Sao", "Nine Chapters", and "Heavenly Questions". In 278 BC, he drowned himself in the Miluo River, and local people rowed boats to retrieve his body, originating the Dragon Boat Festival.
Zigui's Qu Yuan Temple was first built in 820 AD (Tang Dynasty) and renovated through dynasties. The current structures, relocated in the 1980s, preserve Ming-Qing architectural styles. The hometown site maintains historical relics like Qu Yuan's birthplace and study cave, providing important material for studying Qu Yuan culture.
Main Attractions
Qu Yuan Temple
The core 14,000-square-meter complex is magnificently built into mountains, featuring a main gate, stele corridor, main hall, and Qu Yuan's tomb. The hall enshrines a 3.92-meter bronze statue of Qu Yuan, flanked by displays of his works through ages and celebrity inscriptions. Grand memorial ceremonies are held here during Dragon Boat Festival.
Qu Yuan's Hometown
Located in Le Pingli Village, it preserves Qu Yuan's birthplace, study cave, and reflection well. The Ming-Qing style architecture offers antique charm. Visitors can experience making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and sachets - traditional Dragon Boat Festival activities.
Three Gorges Dam Viewing Platform
At the area's highest point, this 2,000-square-meter platform with viewing corridors offers panoramic dam views and excellent photography spots combining the dam with Xiling Gorge scenery.
Dragon Boat Festival Culture Museum
China's first professional museum dedicated to Dragon Boat Festival, covering 3,000 square meters. Through artifacts, images, and multimedia, it comprehensively displays the festival's origins, development, and folk customs.
Chu Culture Street
A 500-meter-long antique commercial street recreating Chu Kingdom architecture. With specialty shops, teahouses, and restaurants, visitors can buy Qu Yuan souvenirs and taste local delicacies.
Dragon Boat Experience Zone
By the Xiangxi River (Yangtze tributary), visitors can experience dragon boating and feel the festival's cultural atmosphere. A dragon boat culture exhibition hall is also available.
Cuisine
Zigui Navel Oranges
A China National Geographical Indication product - large, thin-skinned, juicy, and sweet. From November to April, visitors can pick fresh oranges during harvest season.
Qu Yuan Zongzi
Local specialty sticky rice dumplings wrapped in fresh indocalamus leaves with red bean or jujube fillings. Fragrant and glutinous, they're traditional food commemorating Qu Yuan.
Three Gorges Fat Fish
A Yangtze River specialty with tender, delicious meat. Traditional preparations include steamed and braised styles, essential for local banquets.
Recommended Nearby Cuisine
Other Yichang specialties worth trying include Cold Shrimp, Radish Dumplings, and Three Immortals Chicken, available at nearby restaurants or in downtown Yichang.
Ticket Information
Admission is 80 yuan per person. Seniors over 60 and students with valid IDs enjoy half-price discounts, while children under 1.2 meters enter free. Real-name ticketing requires ID cards.
Opening Hours
Open year-round from 8:00-17:30 during peak season (April 1-October 31) and 8:30-17:00 during off-season (November 1-March 31). Ticket sales stop one hour before closing at each attraction.
Recommended Itinerary
Suggested route: Visitor Center → Qu Yuan Temple → Dragon Boat Festival Culture Museum → Qu Yuan's Hometown → Chu Culture Street → Dragon Boat Experience Zone → Three Gorges Dam Viewing Platform. The full tour takes about 3-4 hours. Visiting during Dragon Boat Festival allows participation in rich folk activities.
Transportation
- By car: From downtown Yichang, drive about 60 km on Three Gorges Expressway
- By bus: Take Zigui-bound buses from Yichang and alight at Qu Yuan's Hometown stop
- By boat: Cruise from Yichang Port directly to the area, enjoying Xiling Gorge scenery en route
Must-See Attractions
- Qu Yuan Temple: Core site to experience Qu Yuan culture
- Qu Yuan's Hometown: Trace the great poet's growth footsteps
- Dragon Boat Festival Culture Museum: Understand the festival's cultural significance
- Three Gorges Dam Viewing Platform: Admire magnificent dam views
Travel Tips
- Visit during Dragon Boat Festival for authentic folk experiences
- Consider hiring a guide for deeper Qu Yuan cultural insights
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for numerous steps
- Allow 3-4 hours; a full day permits thorough exploration
- November-April offers navel orange picking experiences
Precautions
- Respect memorial ceremony etiquette; maintain solemnity
- Protect cultural relics; no touching or carving
- Wear life jackets for dragon boat activities
- Secure personal belongings in crowded areas
- Protect the environment; no littering