Yichang Riverside Park: Encounter the Summer-Exclusive Romance
In Yichang, the summer Riverside Park is a stunning hidden gem, especially the sunset glow, which resembles a carefully painted oil painting by nature, intoxicating visitors. If you plan to visit, please keep this guide handy.
Preparation
Summer temperatures in Yichang are relatively high, so check the weather forecast in advance and choose a clear, less cloudy day for a higher chance of sunset glow. Prepare sun protection items such as a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses; bring lightweight clothing and comfortable sneakers for long walks. Don’t forget to bring a camera or a fully charged phone to capture beautiful moments.
Itinerary
- Daytime stroll: Start your journey at Zhenjiang Pavilion, an ancient-style pavilion built during the Qing Dynasty, full of historical charm with its flying eaves and dougong brackets, where you can feel Yichang’s historical depth. Then head to the Riverside Vitality Center, featuring the Yangtze River dolphin leaping through the dragon gate water curtain movie (played at specific times), a bicycle wave pump track, a skateboarding pool, and more, full of modern vitality, perfect for young people to check in and take photos. Next, visit Shuangting Square, a gathering place for locals to relax, where the shallow riverbank is ideal for kids to play, fly kites, and splash in the water.
- Evening wait: Near dusk, go to the park’s open riverside walkway or viewing platform, such as the river-view area near Yangtze River Dolphin Square. This flat, unobstructed spot is perfect for watching the sunset glow. As the sky slowly changes colors, patiently wait to witness a visual feast.
Sunset Glow and River View: A Summer-Exclusive Visual Feast
In summer, Yichang’s sunset glow usually appears between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM (exact time depends on sunset). When the fiery clouds appear, the sky and river stage a “two-color symphony.”
- Fiery clouds in the sky: At first, the clouds at the horizon are edged with gold, then intense orange-red and crimson spread from the skyline like a flowing sea of fire. Thick clouds turn a translucent rouge red, while thin cloud strands float in pink-purple and golden yellow, sometimes resembling galloping horses crossing the sky, sometimes like silk spread across the heavens. Even passing birds become lively ink dots in this painting.
- “Mirror sunset” on the river: The brilliant sky is perfectly reflected on the Yangtze River’s surface without any deviation. The river is no longer monotonous green but dyed into flowing “molten gold,” with patches of orange-red, golden yellow, and rose purple gently swaying with the waves, as if someone crushed the sunset glow and scattered it into the river. Passing cargo ships cut through the colorful river surface, leaving a long, silver-glimmering water trail edged with sunset colors that slowly spread and quickly blend with the surrounding hues, so beautiful you can’t look away.
At this moment, take out your camera. Whether you use the flying eaves of Zhenjiang Pavilion as the foreground to shoot “Ancient Pavilion Reflecting Sunset,” or stand on the walkway to capture your silhouette in the river’s glow, you can freeze the unique romance of the Riverside. If patient, shoot a time-lapse video to see the fiery clouds slowly flow and the colorful waves gently ripple, two dynamic elements intertwined like nature playing a silent movie.
Nearby Food
After enjoying the sunset glow, you’ll likely be hungry. Head to Jiefang Road Pedestrian Street or the CBD Night Market, where various Yichang specialties gather. Try crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside radish dumplings; one bite reveals a crispy shell wrapped around fresh radish shreds, dipped in special sauce, sour and spicy and delicious. Have a bowl of sweet and refreshing cold shrimp, smooth and cooling, instantly dispelling summer heat. Other must-tries include baked potatoes, spicy noodles in chili oil, and fatty fish hotpot.
Hotel Recommendation — Yage Gathering Hotel
If you want to make your Yichang trip more comfortable and pleasant, Yage Gathering Hotel, located at 16 Zhongshan Road, Xiling District, 4th floor, is the perfect choice. It is Yichang’s first trendy brand business hotel, with an unbeatable location in the core of Yichang’s pedestrian street business district. From the hotel, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Riverside Park to start your scenic journey and encounter the stunning sunset and river views.
The hotel’s overall design is simple, stylish, and tasteful. The lobby is bright and transparent, with warm yellow lighting complementing fresh green plants, creating a relaxed and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel like shedding travel fatigue as soon as you enter. The front desk staff are warm and attentive, providing efficient check-in and thoughtfully introducing nearby attractions and local delicacies.
The rooms are eye-catching, spacious, and comfortable, with mattresses made of imported Thai latex, soft and skin-friendly, ensuring a good night’s sleep to wash away travel weariness. Bath products are from the French original brand Sève, of excellent quality. Additionally, the hotel offers various room types to meet your needs, whether a large bed room for couples or a family room for traveling with children.
Notably, the hotel’s facilities are also rich. The first-floor lobby transforms into a lively bar at night, where you can order a cocktail, enjoy soothing music, and chat with friends about the day’s experiences, very pleasant; in the afternoon, exquisite afternoon tea is served; in the morning, a rich Chinese and Western buffet breakfast is available, including steamed buns, fried dough sticks, salads, and coffee, starting your day full of energy. Moreover, the hotel offers seamless connections to bus routes B34, B6, B20, B1K, 23, and 25, making travel extremely convenient, whether heading to other attractions or Yichang East Station.
Notes
- Summer has many mosquitoes; bring insect repellent to avoid bites.
- Be cautious near the river; do not get too close to the water, especially when accompanied by children.
- When watching the sunset glow, observe public order, avoid crowding or pushing, and take photos politely.
- When tasting food, pay attention to hygiene and choose reputable vendors.