First Time Leaving Jingzhou

Last weekend we traveled two hours west to Yichang, the closest city to the Three Gorges Dam. We packed eleven people into a rented van and headed out early Saturday morning. Yes, we fit eleven in there.

We opted not to see the Dam because it is rather expensive and we just wanted to hike. Instead, we visited The Three Gorges Household Scenic Area. First, we took a short boat ride to the mountain.

This girl, who directed us onto the boat, is dressed in traditional Tujia clothing. The Tujia people are the local ethnic minority in the small mountain villages just north of Yichang.

 A group photo taken on the boat.

Once across the river, we rode a gondola up the mountain. 

We then walked down the mountain. Some scenic views.

Halfway down there was a castle with people role-playing. The small mock village, castle and costumes were representative of the Chu State (which was centered in Jingzhou) during the Era of Warring States, a 200 year time period of warlord rivalry before the establishment of the first dynasty in 221 B.C. Here is the entrance.

He played amazing music on such a simple drum!

We watched a performance by fighters with their spears and swords.

Kung Fu Performance.

Tai Chi Performance.

The King watching his performers.

View of the castle from  below.

After we made it back to the bottom of the mountain, we enjoyed a classical musical performance played with traditional Chinese instruments and traditional dancing.

Then, we headed back out on the boat to our van. We spent the night and Sunday afternoon in Yichang, which we discovered has no tourist attractions. It is simply where people en route to Three Gorges stay. So we went to some local bars, ate and walked around. For my first time leaving Jingzhou, it proved to be an enjoyable and wonderful weekend!