Three Gorges Tribe (Sanxia Renjia)
三峡人家
A 5A-rated scenic area in the Lantern Shadow section of the Xiling Gorge. Longjin Creek stilt houses, ancient sailboats and Tujia song and dance recreate life along the gorge, with the Lantern Shadow Stones and the Shipai Anti-Japanese War sites nearby.
Three Gorges Tribe (Sanxia Renjia) is located in Shipai Village, Sandouping Town, Yiling District, Yichang. It lies in the narrowest section of the Xiling Gorge, the Lantern Shadow Gorge, about 20 km downstream of the Three Gorges Dam. The area covers 14 square km and is divided into three parts: Water Village, Creekside Village and Mountain Village. The core is Longjin Creek. Its clear stream flows into the Yangtze River. Along the banks, stilt houses, waterwheels, ancient sailboats and fishing-girl performances recreate the gorge life of the old days. Upstream along the creek is the Huanglong Waterfall. In Mountain Village, Ba Wang Village features the fortified hamlet of the Ba tribal chieftains, with Tujia song and dance performances, and an interactive ball-toss marriage game. By the river, you will find the Lantern Shadow Stones, four oddly shaped rocks resembling characters from *Journey to the West* that look like shadow puppets in the sunset. There is also the Shipai Anti-Japanese War Memorial Museum and the gun battery ruins. Suggested route: from the visitor center, take the shuttle to Huјin Beach Pier, cross the river by ferry to Longjin Creek, walk along the creek, take the cable car or escalator up to Ba Wang Village, visit the Lantern Shadow Stones, and return to the pier. The full trip takes 4–5 hours. Tickets cost 150 yuan. The round-trip shuttle costs 30 yuan, and the ferry costs 30 yuan, for a total of 210 yuan. The cable car or escalator costs about 30 yuan extra. In peak season (March–October), the site is open 8:00–17:30, with the last ticket sales at 15:30. In the off-season, it is open 8:30–17:00, with the last ticket sales at 15:00. Getting there: from downtown Yichang, take the Three Gorges Tribe shuttle (about 1 hour), or drive along the dedicated Three Gorges road to the scenic area's parking lot. It is often combined with the Three Gorges Dam as a one-day trip. Notes: the scenic area is mainly on foot with many steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Performances run at fixed times, so check the schedule when you enter. Mosquitoes are plentiful in summer.
Opening hours
Peak season (Mar–Oct) 8:00 am–5:30 pm; off-season 8:30 am–5:00 pm (ticket sales stop 2 hours early)
Nearby sights
- Shipai Anti-Japanese War Memorial
- Huangling Temple
- Three Gorges Dam Closure Memorial Park
- Three Gorges Dam
- Sanyou Cave (Three Travellers Cave)
- Qu Yuan's Hometown & Qu Yuan Temple, Zigui
- Nanjinguan (Xiling Gorge Mouth)
- Chexi Folk Scenic Area