Xingshan

Hometown of Wang Zhaojun: tranquil Zhaojun Village on the Xiangxi River, the peak forest of Gaolan Gorge, Chaotianhou rafting and Longmenhe Forest—the southern gateway to Shennongjia.

Xingshan County lies in the northwest of Yichang, Hubei, bordering the Shennongjia Forestry District to the north and Zigui to the south, and is the hometown of Wang Zhaojun of the Western Han. The Xiangxi River flows south from Shennongjia through the length of the county; both the county seat, Gufu Town, and Zhaojun Town sit along its banks, flanked by the high peaks and deep valleys of the Daba Mountains' outlying ranges. There are two main routes. One follows the Xiangxi River: in Zhaojun Town, visit Zhaojun Village to see Zhaojun's residence, the Zhaojun Memorial Hall and the evening light show, then enjoy the Xiangxi valley scenery along Provincial Road S252. The other heads southeast to Gaolan, a scenic area known for its peak forest, including Reclining Buddha Mountain and General's Pillar, and the Lianghekou gorge; in summer you can raft the Gaolan River at Chaotianhou. In the north around Gaoqiao Township, Longmenhe National Forest Park and Wanchao Mountain preserve old-growth forest at high altitude, cool in summer, and can be linked with southern Shennongjia on a driving loop. The best seasons are Apr–May for spring colors and Oct–Nov for autumn scenery, with Jul–Aug good for rafting and escaping the heat; winter can bring occasional snow and ice in the mountains. Getting there: Xingshan Station on the Zhengzhou–Chongqing high-speed railway, south of the county seat, is about 30 minutes from Yichang East; drivers take the Gaolan or Xingshan exits on the G42 Shanghai–Chongqing Expressway, and Muyu Town in Shennongjia is about 1.5 hours' drive from the county seat. Allow 1–2 days; Xingshan is also a common stopover on the Yichang–Shennongjia route. Local specialties include Xingshan Three Gorges cured pork, walnuts, Zhaojun white tea and Gaolan River fish. Check official announcements for rafting seasons and tickets.

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