Jingzhou

Bordering on the Three Gorges, Jingzhou is located in Jianghan Plain, the middle of Yangzi River; with Wuhan to its east, Yichang south, and the Jingmen city north. It is a cultural ancient city with 2000 years history. The municipality has an area of 14,067 km². It is higher on the west and lower on the east. It is densely covered by a network of waterways, as well as lakes.

Jingzhou was the capital of 20 kings over 411 years of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States of the Zhou Dynasty. In the Spring and Autumn period(722-48I BC) the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Chu. 1ts walls, according to tradition, were first built in the third century by Guan Yu, a hero of the Three Kingdoms era. Guan Yu was renowned for his strength, height and velour. A thousand years after his death he was deified as the god of war, and his fierce red-faced image appears in many Chinese temples throughout Asia. Stories of his exploits and battles over the city are vividly told in the novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

The Jingzhou Ancient City Wall	The Jingzhou Ancient City Wall

The Ancient City Wall

The city walls were rebuilt in 1646 and measure 9 meters in height and 10 meters in depth. The perimeter of the wall extends for 9.3 kilometers. The city walls, city gates, watchtowers, and battlements have been maintained well. There were 6 ancient city gates in the wall, originally each had a tower. Now the most popular are the Binyang Lou on the Eastern Gate, the Qujiang Lou on the Southern Gate, and Chaozong Lou on the Large Northern Gate. Eastern Gate was for welcoming the guests and ambassadors in ancient times, so the tower is very grandiose and the Urn City is also the biggest. On the Qujiang Lou, all the splendor of the Yangtze River comes into view. The Large North Gate was the fortress leading to Beijing and the central area, and people used to see their friends off from here and broke a willow branch to send their greetings, hence the gate was also called 'Willow Gate'. Climbing onto the towers, you gain a magnificent panoramic view of this beautiful city.

Jingzhou Museum

Located at the west gate of Jingzhou city, Jingzhou museum is well-known, most notably for a well-preserved 2,000-year-old male corpse. Also on display are silk and lacquerware from the Warring States Period.Cooperating with other engineering projects, the museum has excavated over 130 thousand valuable cultural relics. These include ancient jade plates, silks, spears, swords, lacquers, and bamboo books that record the earliest mathematical works as well as the earliest and most complete man corpus that remains. All of these precious and rare relics attract tourists from near and afar, making the museum one of the 'First Windows' to see the history of Jingzhou.

Zhanghua Temple

Built in 1325, Zhanghua Temple is located in the north of Taishiyuan Road. It is honored as one of the three best jungles in Hubei province. The temple is grandness with elegant decorations, magnific hall and vivid figures of Buddha.

The Jingzhou Museum	Zhanghua Temple

Yangtze Cruise Packages

11 Days China Explorer & Cruise

Destination: Beijing - Xi'an - Chongqing - Yangtze River - Yichang - Shanghai

Explore an ancient China through tours to the famous ancient capitals Beijing and Xi'an, a natural China by taking a cruise journey along the majestic Yangtze River, through the splendid Three Gorges, and a modern China with a visit to the sleepless metropolitan Shanghai!   

From $1484

6 Days Xi'an and Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Destinations: Xi'an - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang

Topping in the list of sights of Xi'an City, Terracotta Warriors is surely not to be missed. Also set sail along the spectacular Yangtze River while enjoy a luxury cruise trip. Attractions along the voyage, like Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam, will leave you an everlasting memory.

From $693

4 Days Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Destinations: Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang

Prepare yourself at the hot & spicy Chongqing city with visits to Eling Park, Panda House of Chongqing Zoo and Ciqikou Old Town. Then set sail against wind and waters down the magnificent Yangtze River through marvelous gorges! Just take all natural beauties into your eyes.

From $462

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