Shiyan is beautiful, and it's truly recommended to visit in August.
"In the morning, I drink the dew from the magnolia; in the evening, I feast on the fallen petals of autumn chrysanthemums." If there's a place where you can experience poetic coolness and comfort during the scorching summer, it must be Shiyan. In August, Shiyan lacks the heat and hustle of big cities, offering only the tranquility of mountains, the coolness of lakes, and the depth of history. Here, you can escape worldly disturbances, immerse yourself in nature's embrace, and enjoy a leisurely time. Below, we present this carefully compiled August Shiyan travel guide. Let's embark on this wonderful journey together! ๐
๐Location: Shiyan City, located in the northwest of Hubei Province, situated in the Qinba Mountains and Han River Valley. It borders four provinces and municipalities: Hubei, Henan, Shaanxi, and Chongqing. Its unique geographical location has earned it the reputation of "South Boat North Horse, Throat of Sichuan and Shaanxi, and Thoroughfare of Four Provinces."
๐Best Time to Visit: Although Shiyan is beautiful in all four seasons, August in Shiyan has a unique charm. It's summer, and Shiyan's major scenic areas are lush green, with streams gurgling through the mountains, making it an excellent time to escape the heat and enjoy the cool. Moreover, August offers a variety of summer activities, making your trip even more colorful.
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Itinerary:
- Day 1: Wudang Mountain Taoist Journey
- Morning: Depart early for Wudang Mountain Scenic Area (ticket 230 yuan including sightseeing bus). It's recommended to transfer at Prince Slope at 06:30 to go against the crowd, allowing you to reach Qiongtai by 08:00. Then, take the cable car (80 yuan one-way) directly to Golden Summit. At Golden Summit, you can overlook the continuous mountains and experience the ethereal beauty of the misty fairyland. Don't forget to throw a wish coin in front of the Golden Palace and capture the moment with a telephoto lens.
- Noon: Savor a Taoist vegetarian banquet at Zixiao Zhai Hall. Don't miss the Tai Chi Tofu Soup and Vegetarian Braised Pork. Enjoy a cup of sweet and refreshing "Langmei Immortal Fruit Tea" to let your taste buds also experience a spiritual practice.
- Afternoon: Visit Zixiao Palace (separate ticket 15 yuan). Follow a Taoist priest to learn the opening moves of Tai Chi and experience the profoundness of Taoist culture for free. Around 16:00, wait in front of the hall; you might witness the beautiful scene of cranes flying.
- Evening: Check into "Yinxian Bieyuan" Scenic View B&B. In the evening mountain breeze, enjoy "Xiaoyao Valley Roasted Wild Mushrooms" with local Huangjiu (yellow wine), and feel the tranquility and beauty of Wudang Mountain at night.
- Day 2: Danjiangkou Reservoir and Industrial City Exploration
- Morning: Head to Danjiangkou Ring Reservoir Road for a free self-driving tour. At 08:00, take a boat from Canglanghai Pier to explore the "Thousand Islands Mystery" of the "Little Pacific." Photograph 1600 emerald islands from the top of Longshan Pagoda and capture stunning "Sky Mirror" photos where the blue water meets the sky.
- Noon: Visit Dongfeng Motor City (reservation required for visit). Take cyber-style photos in front of giant robotic arms and feel the power of industry. Afterward, taste the "Time-honored Sanhe Soup," a perfect blend of beef and dumplings that will leave you wanting more.
- Afternoon: Tour Nongfu Spring Factory (ticket 25 yuan). Watch the assembly line magic, drink the first sip of fresh spring water, and collect limited edition source-area glass bottles.
- Evening: Head to Yunyang Fishing Port Street, enjoy "Hanjiang Dabai Diao" (a type of fish) and "Danjiangkou Shrimp Balls" while feeling the river breeze, and savor this pleasant evening.
- Day 3: Integration of Ancient Town and Nature
- Morning: Arrive at Shangjin Ancient City. Climb the Ming Dynasty city wall and look for the carvings of "Liuzhou Guild Hall" to feel the charm of history. For breakfast, be sure to try "Yunyang Net Oil Sand," a sweet treat to start your day beautifully.
- Noon: Proceed to Zhushan Taihe Meihua Valley (ticket 60 yuan). Stroll along the suspended boardwalk, wade in streams to catch small fish, and enjoy the fun of nature. For lunch, taste "Zhuxi Steamed Pot," with its rich seven-layer ingredients, offering an explosion of flavors.
- Afternoon: Prepare for your return journey. Don't forget to visit the places on your shopping list to pick up "Wudang Dao Tea" cold brew, "Fangxian Huangjiu" osmanthus sweet version, and "Small Flower Mushroom" mountain delicacy gift box, bringing the beautiful memories of Shiyan home with you.
๐ฏMust-do things in Shiyan:
- Learn Tai Chi: At Zixiao Palace in Wudang Mountain, follow a Taoist priest to learn Tai Chi, experience the Taoist health preservation culture, and understand the harmony of body and mind through each movement.
- Taste Local Delicacies: In addition to the previously mentioned foods, Shiyan also offers Yunyang Sour Noodle Soup, Danjiangkou Mandarin Fish, and other specialty dishes. Be sure to try them all and let your taste buds immerse themselves in Shiyan's unique flavors.
- Take Beautiful Photos: Whether it's the ethereal charm of Wudang Mountain or the scenic beauty of Danjiangkou Reservoir, both are excellent backdrops for photos. Dress up nicely and take a series of beautiful photos to record this wonderful journey.
๐The meaning of travel lies not in the destination, but in the scenery along the way and the mood of appreciating it. During these 3 days in Shiyan, you will experience the wonders of nature, appreciate the profoundness of historical culture, and taste authentic local delicacies. We hope this guide helps you embark on an unforgettable trip to Shiyan and collect many wonderful memories.