宜昌市

Why this place

Yichang is where the Yangtze leaves the mountains and enters the plain, which is why the Three Gorges Dam was built here — the largest hydroelectric station in the world, and the reason the river upstream is now a reservoir. It is also the western starting point for Three Gorges cruises.

What to see

• The Three Gorges Dam, with the ship locks and the visitor centre
• The Xiling Gorge and the cruise boats upriver toward Chongqing
• The Three Gorges Museum and the relocated heritage sites — whole temples were moved uphill when the reservoir filled
• Chexi and the Shennongjia forest region, inland and higher

What to eat

• Hubei river fish, especially the Yangtze fish soups
• Yichang is known for its 'three gorges' dried fish and its orange groves

How to plan

One day for the dam, plus a 3–4 day cruise upriver if you want the gorges themselves.

Best time

April–June and September–November

Practical tips

• Cruises run both ways between Yichang and Chongqing — the shorter downstream route is usually cheaper