The Three Gorges Grand Waterfall Scenic Area is located in Yiling District, Yichang City, Hubei Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Covering an area of over 6,000 mu (about 400 hectares) with a core area of approximately 3 square kilometers, it features the magnificent Three Gorges Grand Waterfall as its main attraction. The waterfall stands 102 meters high and 80 meters wide, earning the title of "No.1 Waterfall in Central China". Integrating waterfalls, canyons, caves, and primeval forests with Ba-Chu culture and Tujia folk customs, it represents one of the most iconic eco-tourism destinations in the Three Gorges region.
History and Culture
Yiling District, where the waterfall is located, was the convergence point of ancient Ba and Chu cultures with profound historical significance. The ancient post road in the scenic area, once an important passage connecting Sichuan and Hubei, still preserves some relics today.
The Qing Dynasty's "Yichang Prefecture Records" documented the waterfall, describing it as "plunging down with thunderous roar". Since the 1980s, with the development of Three Gorges tourism, the Three Gorges Grand Waterfall has gained increasing recognition.
Huanghua Town, where the scenic area is situated, is a Tujia ethnic settlement that preserves traditional stilt houses and folk culture. The annual "Three Gorges Waterfall Festival" held each summer attracts numerous visitors.
Main Attractions
Three Gorges Grand Waterfall
The main waterfall plunges 102 meters down an 80-meter-wide cliff with tremendous momentum. Behind it lies a 200-meter-long natural tunnel where visitors can walk through the waterfall for a unique "getting wet" experience - a rare feature among China's waterfalls.
Ba People's Water Village
This recreation of ancient Ba people's waterside dwellings includes stilt house clusters, waterwheels and plank roads. Visitors can experience traditional Tujia farming culture and folk performances here.
Peach Blossom Lake
This 50-mu (about 3.3 hectares) alpine lake, surrounded by mountains with crystal-clear water, becomes particularly enchanting when peach blossoms bloom along its shores in spring, making it one of the best photography spots in the area.
Cliff Burial Site
Located on canyon cliffs within the scenic area, these 2,000-year-old hanging coffins showcase the mysterious funeral customs of the ancient Ba people.
Cuisine
Three Gorges Fat Fish
A unique fish species from the Three Gorges section of the Yangtze River, known for its tender texture and delicious taste. Common preparations include steaming and braising, representing Yichang's signature dish.
Tujia Cured Pork Trotter
Made from local free-range pork hind legs through traditional salting and smoking processes, this dish features firm texture and rich aroma, often served in soups or braised - a Tujia hospitality specialty.
Cold Shrimp Jelly
A Yichang specialty snack made from rice paste shaped like shrimp, served with brown sugar syrup and osmanthus flowers - a refreshing summer treat.
Nearby Cuisine
Farmhouse restaurants around the scenic area offer various Three Gorges dishes like lazy tofu, stir-fried cured pork with pickled peppers, and pan-fried potatoes, all prepared with fresh local ingredients using traditional methods.
Ticket Information
Admission: 115 yuan (peak season Mar 1-Nov 30), 95 yuan (off-season Dec 1-Feb 28). Shuttle bus ticket: 30 yuan (round trip). Seniors over 60 and students enjoy half-price admission with valid ID.
Opening Hours
Open year-round 8:00-17:30 (extended to 18:00 in peak season). Shuttle buses operate 8:30-17:00 every 20 minutes. Best viewing period is May-October when the waterfall is at its most spectacular with abundant water flow.
Recommended Itinerary
Suggested route: Morning shuttle to entrance, visit Ba People's Water Village and Peach Blossom Lake; Lunch at scenic area restaurant; Afternoon at main waterfall for walk-through experience; Return via Cliff Burial Site. Allow 4-5 hours total.
Transportation
- Self-drive: From downtown Yichang via Fazhan Avenue and Yixing Highway to Huanghua Town (~1 hour)
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from Yichang Long-distance Bus Station (~1.5 hours)
- High-speed rail: To Yichang East Station, then ~50-minute taxi
Must-see Attractions
- Three Gorges Grand Waterfall: Central China's largest at 102m high, 80m wide with walk-through feature
- Ba People's Water Village: Recreation of Tujia traditional architecture and lifestyle
- Peach Blossom Lake: 3.3-hectare alpine lake stunning in spring bloom
- Cliff Burial Site: 2,000-year-old ancient Ba people's hanging coffins
Travel Tips
- Bring raincoats or change of clothes for waterfall walk-through
- Wear anti-slip shoes for stone paths and plank roads
- Summer visitors need sun protection and ample drinking water
- Photographers should bring wide-angle lenses for full waterfall shots
- Respect local ethnic customs and traditions
Precautions
- Exercise caution on wet surfaces during waterfall walk-through
- Protect cameras from waterfall mist
- Do not climb restricted areas or cross safety railings
- No littering to protect the environment
- Some areas have weak signal - recommended to visit with company
- Certain paths may close during rainy season - follow staff instructions