[2025 Baokang Attraction] Travel Guide for Yaozhi River Scenic Area (Updated May)

In Baokang County, Hubei Province, in the heart of China, lies a paradise surrounded by mountains—Yaozhihe. Here you won't find crowds of tourists, but rather steep canyons carved as if by knife and axe, thousand-year-old caves that never freeze, and the homey aroma of traditional pottery kilns. If you wish to touch the most pristine natural textures and listen to ancient legends passed down by mountain dwellers, the stories here are more vivid than you could imagine. --- Geographic Background: A Geological Wonder Carved by Earth Yaozhihe is nestled in the folded mountains of northwestern Hubei, appearing on maps like a winding silver snake. The mountains here stand "vertically," with elevation differences exceeding 2,000 meters. Standing at the summit, you might think you've stepped into a painting of "The Difficult Road to Shu"—between thousand-foot cliffs, waterfalls hang like white ribbons, mist swirls in deep valleys, and even the air you breathe carries a coolness. Even more remarkable is the underground world: caves filled with stalagmites, rushing subterranean rivers, and "earth's core palaces" that remain cool in summer and warm in winter, hiding geological secrets millions of years old. Locals say, "The mountains of Yaozhihe speak, and the waters sing." Believe it or not, when you hike along the rocky path in Wild Man Valley with the sounds of wind and streams intertwining in your ears, you might suddenly understand this romance. --- Travel Highlights: Wandering Between the Clouds and Earth's Core 1. The Thrilling Romance of Wild Man Valley This 5 km canyon trail is the "heart" of Yaozhihe. Wooden walkways hang suspended in the air, with roaring streams below and vertical cliffs above. Rock paintings of "wild man footprints" appearing around corners make you wonder: did ancient tribes really live here? The brave can challenge the high glass bridge, with a hundred-meter abyss below—when your heart races, the mountain breeze will help dispel your fear. 2. Yao Statue: Looking Up at the 38-meter "Mountain God" The Emperor Yao statue at the mountaintop is no ordinary sculpture—carved from a single piece of granite, it faces the heavens with flowing robes like water. Legend says Emperor Yao once managed floods here to benefit the people, and incense offerings are still made at the foot of the mountain. Climb to the top at dawn to see sunlight pierce through the sea of clouds, golden rays splashing on the statue, momentarily transporting you back a thousand years. 3. Journey to Earth's Core: Black Hole River Cave Descend 100 meters underground into the cave with a headlamp, where wet, slippery stalactites feel cool to the touch. A dark river flows beneath your feet, and occasionally bats fly overhead, maximizing the thrill of exploration. The cave maintains a year-round temperature of 18°C—entering in midsummer is like stepping into a natural refrigerator, so remember to bring an extra layer! 4. The Warmth of Pottery Villages Deep in Yaozhihe, several century-old pottery workshops are hidden. Elder craftsmen knead clay with bare feet, and with nimble fingers transform lumps of clay into charming pottery jars. You can personally knead clay and throw pots, taking home a unique "gift from the wilderness." The fired pottery carries the scent of charcoal fire—brew tea with mountain spring water in it, and the tea's aroma mingles with the fragrance of earth. --- Local Culture: Mountain Songs, Rice Wine, and Legends of Immortality The people of Yaozhihe speak as crisply as mountain streams, but when they talk about ancestral stories, their eyes suddenly light up. - Family Memories in Pottery: The village's oldest potter, Old Zhang, says his grandfather's generation traded pottery jars for salt, while young people now use pottery as decorations. "But this craft cannot be lost!" His rough hands caress the patterns on the clay—those rope marks and wave patterns represent ancestors' reverence for nature. - "Living Fossils" in the High Mountains: Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, mountain dwellers don blue cloth jackets, sing "Tea-Picking Tunes," and dance the "Weeding Gong and Drum Dance." Without a stage, they perform spontaneously beside terraced fields, their voices clearer than skylarks. - Philosophy of Wild Foods: Freshly ground corn cakes, sour noodles simmered in wood stoves, kiwi wine brewed with mountain spring water... Locals joke: "Our food depends on heaven, but the taste depends on ancestral traditions." Take a bite of charcoal-roasted potato with its smoky aroma, and you'll suddenly miss this "unrefined" delicacy. --- Travel Tips: How to Dialogue with This Hidden Paradise - Getting There: 4-hour drive from Wuhan, with winding mountain roads but spectacular scenery; or take a bus from Xiangyang to Baokang, then hire a car to the mountains (note: mountain roads have speed limits; those prone to motion sickness should be cautious). - Accommodation: "Yaoshen Residence" homestay in the scenic area, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking terraced fields; for pottery culture experiences, choose a potter's homestay, which includes three meals and handicraft lessons. - Best Seasons: Rolling sea of clouds in May-June, fiery red leaves in September-October; be cautious of landslides during rainy season (July-August), though caves remain unaffected. - Packing List: Non-slip hiking shoes (some paths have loose rocks), insect repellent (dense forests), power banks (weak signal in some areas). - Hidden Gem: Go to Black Hole River at 6 AM to encounter mountain dwellers fetching water home, and ask for a bowl of their homemade honey water, sweet as mountain sunshine. --- Epilogue: Time Slows Down in Yaozhihe As you watch the sunset from the terrace of a mountaintop homestay, seeing the evening glow turn terraced fields golden, you'll suddenly understand: the magic of this mountain village lies in its refusal to be "tamed" by modern times. There are no internet celebrity check-in spots, no signs of overdevelopment, but every stone and wisp of cooking smoke tells a story—how the people here coexist with mountains and rivers, how they turn solitary days into poetry. When visiting Yaozhihe, you don't need to bring a camera, just bring curiosity. Because the true scenery is always hidden where eyes cannot see, waiting for you to measure with your feet and listen with your heart.

Yaozhihe is currently a scenic area with few tourists, and the wildflowers on the mountain are in full bloom. The advantage is that when you want to take photos, there won't be crowds of people beneath the flowers, and no one will be vying for your spot. Yaozhihe is located just north of the entrance to Shennongjia, so you can easily visit it as part of your trip. Plan for about 2-3 hours to explore the area. There's no need to take the cable car, as there's nothing much to see up there. Just choose to walk along the river valley. Tickets are also inexpensive. Until mid-April 2025, there's a "one-yuan purchase" promotion where you can buy tickets without showing any proof. After entering, opt for the 10-yuan shuttle bus, which will take you through several tunnels to a certain point. From there, you can walk down the river valley boardwalk back to the main entrance.

[Island] Attractions Introduction: Yao Di Shen Gorge: It has a natural landscape of three lakes, five gorges and seven gardens, along the way you can enjoy the green trees, clear water and small waterfalls, is one of the core scenic spots; Three Realms Cave Sky: Built with unique mine geology features, blending mythological story backgrounds, with simulated natural landscapes and hell scenes inside; Old Dragon Palace: It has a unique underground cave landscape and rich stalactite resources. 📍Attraction Address: Yaozhihe Village, Maqiao Town, Baokang County, Xiangyang City, Hubei Province 🚗Transportation: If conditions permit, driving to Yaozhi River is the most convenient option (near distance can be selected), you can reach through Xiangyang - Han Shi Expressway - 316 National Road - 222 Provincial Road - Maqiao Town - Yaozhi River route; [HighSpeed ​​​​Rail] High Speed ​​Rail, take the high speed rail to Xiangyang High Speed ​​​​Rail Station, then transfer to the bus directly to Yaozhi River (Note: After getting off the bus, you may need to contact an additional vehicle to get there) [1:00] Opening Hours: 8:30~17:30 (No entry after 17:00) 💗Other tips: It is recommended to bring your own food and water to replenish energy in time during the excursion. Not only did you enjoy the delicious food, but you can also better appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Yaoji River (more suitable in summer, it can be said to be a summer resort [!])

🏝Yaozhi River is located in Yaozhi River Village, Baokang County, Xiangyang City, a famous historical and cultural city in China. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a pearl on the ecological and cultural tourism circle in western Hubei. 🏝Yaozhi River is connected to Shiyan City, a modern automobile city in China, and Shennongjia Forest District. Yaozhi River is also known as Yaozi River, the place where Yao's son Danzhu lived and ruled. It is located at the junction of Fang County, Shiyan, Shennongjia Forest District, and Baokang, Xiangyang. 🏝Yaozhi River Village is lined with villas, presenting a modern rural scene. The whole village is surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers, with charming natural landscapes, including the 4-kilometer-long Yao Emperor Gorge, Lihua Mountain, Laolong Cave, Longmen Temple, Huanglong Temple, Bayan Gorge, and Dripping Rock Waterfall. 🚥[Transportation Guide] ⭐️Take a high-speed train to Baokang County Station, and there are buses from Baokang County to the destination.

Xiangyang Yaozhi River Tourism Resort Area, a hidden rural landscape gem nestled in the mountains, is the perfect choice for relaxation. Yaozhi River Tourism Resort Area - A tourist destination integrating natural scenery, historical culture and modern development. Here, you can admire the 10-kilometer-long Emperor Yao Divine Gorge and experience the depth and magnificence of the canyon. Meanwhile, China's only phosphate museum and agricultural culture museum will take you on a deep dive into the local mining culture and traditional agricultural life. Emperor Yao Divine Gorge - The winding and secluded canyon boasts beautiful caves, strange rocks and stunning water features, making it an ideal place for exploration and discovery. Stroll through the canyon and be amazed by the wonders of nature. Accommodation Experience - Yaozhi River Tourism Resort Area offers a variety of accommodation options, including Taiji Health Center, Yaozhi River Resort Hotel and Yunling Holiday Inn. These hotels not only provide complete facilities but also boast beautiful surroundings, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable stay during your trip. Food Recommendation - The resort area has many restaurants offering farmhouse cuisine. You can savor authentic farmhouse dishes, such as stir-fried wild vegetables and chicken stewed with mushrooms. These dishes are made with fresh local produce, preserving the original flavor and taste, making them delicious and mouthwatering. Travel Tips - It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and arrange your time reasonably. In Yaozhi River Tourism Resort Area, you can take a scenic bus tour or explore more natural landscapes on foot. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of your journey.

Yaozhi River Scenic Area is located at the cultural intersection of Shiyan Shennongjia and Xiangyang, and has been rated as one of China's top ten most beautiful leisure villages. It is named in commemoration of Emperor Yao and Danzhu who managed the mountains and waters here. The area is rich in phosphate resources, abundant in water resources, and boasts a unique natural environment. Transportation: It takes about five hours to drive from Wuhan, which is a bit far. If you are driving to Shennongjia, you can plan a stop here. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Baokang Station, which takes about two hours, and then transfer to a bus for an hour to reach the scenic area. Location: Yaozhi River Tourist Resort Features: Yaozhi River Tourist Scenic Area has many attractions, including Yao Emperor Divine Gorge, Three Realms Cave, Old Dragon Palace, Agricultural Culture Museum, China Phosphate Museum, and Cave Wine Cellar. Personally, I think the most distinctive ones are Yao Emperor Divine Gorge and Three Realms Cave. Yao Emperor Divine Gorge: Yao Emperor Divine Gorge has three lakes, five gorges, and seven gardens. The entire route is lined with green trees, streams, and small waterfalls. The scenery is beautiful, and the further you go, the bluer the water becomes. There is a section near the phosphate mine where the water is a large area of blue, exactly like Tiffany blue, a rare water color. The water quality is clear, breaking away from the usual color of mountain streams, making it look like a fairyland. Three Realms Cave: It is said that 100 million yuan was invested to create this attraction, which includes the Heavenly Realm, Mortal Realm, and Underworld (it takes about 1-2 hours to explore). It is built based on the unique geological features of Yaozhi River's mine caves and is mainly themed around some mythological stories and simulated natural landscapes. The Underworld might be slightly terrifying, simulating various tortures of hell, so those who are timid should enter with caution. Accommodation: Yunling Holiday Homestay, located inside the scenic area, offers many room types to choose from. Food and Drink: There is not much commercial development here, and there are no small vendors. Villagers' homes offer farmhouse meals, allowing you to experience local specialty dishes.

🏨 Baokang Yaozhi River Resort Area 🚉Transportation Strategy: It takes 2 hours by highway (exit at Yaozhi River exit) plus half an hour of mountain road driving (the road condition is very good, with two lanes for easy passing) to reach the parking lot at the entrance of Yaozhi River Resort Hotel 🍽Dining Recommendations: You can have lunch at the hotel at noon, or continue driving along the road inside Yaozhi River, where there are many farmhouses available for dining. 👍Most Recommended: Check into the hotel (package deal of 398 includes hotel stay and double scenic area tickets), the hotel environment is really nice, great experience (annual cardholders can also choose farmhouses and homestays at the entrance of Sanjie Dongtian, as well as independent cottages) 🗓Itinerary: Day One Visit Laolong Cave at 3 pm, it's a large karst cave, super cool inside and very suitable for summer heat escape! If you want to experience the mountain slide, you can park your car at the Sanjie Dongtian entrance parking lot and take the slide up the mountain. It is recommended to drive directly to the Laolong Cave parking lot for a better experience! By 17:00 it's basically cooled down, you can go to the glass viewing platform for photos (you will see it when driving down from Laolong Palace, make sure to park your car in a safe place before walking there) For dinner, you can go to a farmhouse, ending the first day's itinerary Day Two Have breakfast at the hotel (try to be as early as possible, if it's late, you can only have noodles) At 9:00, visit Yaodi Shenxia, it's not hot in the morning and very comfortable, you can wear light-colored clothes for better photos, the water in front is green, and near the exit, the water turns blue, which is really beautiful! At 11:00, after finishing the meal, you can start the return trip. There is a country cottage on the mountain top (beautiful scenery but expensive dishes) or you can eat at the hotel and take a rest before leaving. If you have good physical strength, you can continue to visit the Sanjie Dongtian scenic area and return after playing!

| A summer retreat that 90% of people in Hubei don't know about. What a surprise!!! I found our own little Jiuzhaigou in Hubei! The green mountains and clear waters, the streams gently flowing, coming here instantly makes you feel relaxed, leaving all troubles behind and fully enjoying the pleasure of hiking 📍Detailed address: Yaozhi River Village, Maqiao Town, Xiangyang City. 🚉Travel strategy: If driving, just take the highway directly to Yaozhi River exit. Don't foolishly get off the highway at Dianya and then take the national road; the road is well maintained, but it's full of twists and turns, and those who have never driven on mountain roads might get carsick. (We went from Dianya because we visited Jiulu Fort first before heading to Yaozhi River) Accommodation: If not driving, it's convenient to stay at the Yaozhi River Resort Hotel, and the hotel's ticket package is quite cost-effective. If driving, stay in Yanya Town, where there are many hotel options with good environments and reasonable prices. It's only a half-hour drive from the town to the scenic area, and you can also experience the Yaozhi River Tunnel (the tunnel is dark and low, without lights, so you need to turn on your car lights). Sightseeing: After arriving at the scenic area, make sure to follow the signs so you don't go the wrong way; there's a fork in the road that leads to the Old Dragon Palace in Sanjie in winter. Actually, this blue water is not far from the entrance of the scenic area, just walk upstream. But the scenic area will ask you to buy a ticket for a shuttle that takes you to the upper stream and lets you walk down along the riverbank (if you can't walk anymore, you can call the driver to pick you up) for about five kilometers, which is quite tiring mainly because going downstairs is hard on the knees. If you just want to take photos, you can ask the scenic area if you can go directly to the blue pool without taking the shuttle, which is the most effortless. I felt it was worth it after walking for a long time and finally seeing such beautiful pool water. Of course, taking the shuttle allows you to experience passing through a pitch-black tunnel. This might also be considered an attraction! After all, private cars can't drive in, and probably wouldn't dare to, as there are too many tunnels without lights. Summer is really suitable for visiting, it's very cool in the mountains, even a bit cold. 📝Tips: 1. It's particularly cool in the mountains, a great place to escape the heat 2. The blue river water is super beautiful, and on a good day, you can see Tiffany blue 3. The scenic area is very large, I personally recommend taking the sightseeing car, 10 yuan per person 4. There are many attractions in the scenic area, such as the Old Dragon Palace, Sanjie Cave Heaven, Emperor Yao's Divine Gorge... 5. The scenery of Emperor Yao's Divine Gorge is truly stunning!!!! The whole sightseeing trip takes about 2-3 hours 6. There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so you can bring a jacket 7. There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, bring mosquito repellent

Canyons and mountains - the location is the Yaozhi River Scenic Area in Baokang County, Xiangyang City. The main attractions of the scenic area include Emperor Yao's Divine Gorge, Old Dragon Palace, and Three Realms Cave Heaven, which are not very far from each other. The gorge is very cool and is especially suitable for summer retreats; it's even a bit cold in May. There are two entertainment facilities, a glass walkway and a slide, but both are quite small. The water upstream in the gorge is green, while downstream it is blue, like a sapphire hidden in the mountains, very beautiful. Navigation: Yaozhi River Tourist Area Visitor Center Parking Lot, which can be reached directly (free of charge). The mountain road has eighteen bends, and it takes more than an hour to get there from Baokang County. It is mostly self-driving tourism, and I didn't see any buses. Attractions - The first stop is Emperor Yao's Divine Gorge (free with the Xiangyang annual pass), located opposite the visitor center. After exchanging tickets at the visitor center, take a shuttle bus into the scenic area, which can go all the way to the uppermost part of Emperor Yao's Divine Gorge. Walk slowly downstream along the river, there is shade from trees, and the blue river water is beautiful at the end. Along the way, there are attractions like Emperor Yao's Temple and the Rainbow Suspension Bridge to visit, and the scenic area is quite large. The second stop is the Three Realms Cave Heaven parking lot. During the May Day period, there is a free song and dance drama performance at the square in front of the entrance to Three Realms Cave Heaven. The interior of Three Realms Cave Heaven is not included in the annual pass. If time and budget allow, you can enter and stroll around. There is a cave on the mountain top that can also be visited. Parking here is quite tight, and it can get congested on holidays.

🔻Discovering 'Heaven on Earth', a summer haven in Xiangyang, Hubei||| We stumbled upon a 'fairyland', walking among it, feeling embraced by 'Mother Nature'. Here, the landscape merges with waterfalls flowing straight down, truly a hidden gem for travelers. Teacher Cheng said: This is the 'Baokang secret realm'. The area is vast, with many attractions to explore, such as the celestial Yao Emperor Gorge, the unfathomable Old Dragon Cave, the Three Realms Cave that traverses three worlds, and China's first phosphate mine museum focusing on phosphate exhibits... Each one is astonishing. Oh, and it's also a cool haven in the scorching summer. 🔸【Attraction Tips】 1. The attractions cover a large area, so it's recommended to take a sightseeing car or drive yourself, as the spots are quite far apart. 2. It's advised to allocate at least a whole day; we didn't fully experience many attractions in half a day, like the Three Realms Cave (which tells the stories of the heavens, the earth, and the human world, and is an actual mine cave from the past). The staff mentioned it takes about 2.5 hours. 3. The weather can be quite hot under the sun, but it's particularly cool inside the caves, with an average temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius (bring a jacket). So, you can plan your route wisely, like entering the caves at noon to enjoy the coolness, and visiting outdoor attractions in the morning or at sunset to enjoy the beautiful scenery. 4. There aren't many food supply points in the attractions, so it's a good idea to bring your own snacks and water. 5. Since the scenic area is large, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. 🔸【Attraction】Yaozhi River Tourist Area

Family members, do you know? In Hubei, there is a little-known travel treasure land - Yaozhi River! It is known as Hubei's Little Jiuzhaigou, with its heart-soothing Tiffany blue waters, simply a stunning gift from nature! 🚗【Travel Tips】Setting off from Wuhan, it takes a 5-hour drive, but once you arrive at this uncommercialized sanctuary, you'll find it all worthwhile. Alternatively, you can take the high-speed train to Baokang Station, then transfer to a bus, and easily reach Yaozhi River. 🏞【Yaozhi River Features】Yaozhi River tourist resort, a place that combines natural beauty with cultural history. Here you have Emperor Yao's Divine Gorge, Three Realms Cave Heaven, and many other attractions, each one making you linger and forget to return. 💎【Emperor Yao's Divine Gorge】Step into Emperor Yao's Divine Gorge, and you'll be captivated by the natural scenery of three lakes, five gorges, and seven gardens. The water gets bluer as it flows, that touch of Tiffany blue, crystal clear to the bottom, as if you are in a fairyland. 🌌【Three Realms Cave Heaven】The Three Realms Cave Heaven, built with an investment of 100 million, takes you through the realms of heaven, the mortal world, and the underworld. The perfect combination of mythological stories and natural scenery offers you a feast for both the eyes and the soul. 🏡【Accommodation Experience】Yunling Holiday Homestay is located right in the beautiful Yaozhi River scenic area. A variety of room types are available, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty while having a comfortable accommodation experience. 🍲【Culinary Exploration】Although there is not much commercial development here, the authentic Hubei cuisine of the local farmhouses is definitely not to be missed. Taste the local specialties and feel the local customs of Yaozhi River. 📚【Suggested Bookmark】If you are also looking for a place away from the hustle and bustle, close to nature, Yaozhi River is definitely your best choice. Save this travel guide, and plan your next trip! Yaozhi River, a place that moves your heart, a secret realm worth exploring for yourself. Come to Yaozhi River, start your journey with nature, and let your soul be thoroughly purified and relaxed.