Explore Shiyan: Everything You Need to Know

🌄Shiyan, a hidden gem in northwestern Hubei, is like an uncut jade, exuding a unique charm and waiting for travelers to uncover its mysterious veil. 📍Reasons to visit: It is home to Wudang Mountain, a sacred Taoist site, with its breathtaking ancient buildings and profound cultural heritage. As the core water source area of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, Danjiangkou Reservoir's magnificent lake views are intoxicating. There is also a rich and colorful food culture, from Yunyang Sanhe Soup to Suanjiang noodles, every bite is authentic "Yan flavor" that will definitely satisfy your taste buds. 📜Origin of the name: There are two theories about the origin of the name Shiyan. One is that the place was originally called Zhangjiazhuang, later renamed Chenjiajie. In the mid-Qing Dynasty, people built dams on the Bai'er River on the east side of Chenjiajie, and successively built six dams along the river. Four dams were built on the Jiang River in Huaguoyuan. There were 10 dams in total in the two places. Since then, Shiyan has become a special name for administrative divisions. Another theory is that Shiyan was originally named Nanping. In the twelfth year of Chenghua in the Ming Dynasty (1476), Yuan Jie, the left deputy capital censor, was ordered to establish prefectures and counties, set up officials, compile Lijia, relax corvée, build water conservancy projects, and develop production. The desolate Nanping of the past was replaced with a new look. Because of the 10 newly built dams, it was renamed "Shiyan." 🎈Best time to visit: March to May every year is one of the best times to travel to Shiyan. It is spring, and everything is recovering, and the earth is full of vitality. Wildflowers in the mountains are in full bloom, and the mountains and plains are colorful. The air is filled with the fresh fragrance of flowers and the fragrance of soil. Whether you are walking on mountain trails or boating on the lake, you can feel the infinite beauty of nature. 📅Three-day itinerary: - Day 1: Ask about Wudang and meet the fairy mountain - Morning: After arriving in Shiyan, go directly to Wudang Mountain Scenic Area. Take a sightseeing bus to Taizipo. The buildings here are scattered and well-arranged. The Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall and the Four Gates in One Mile show the wisdom of the ancients. Taking pictures here is very photogenic. - Noon: Taste Wudang Mountain's special vegetarian dishes in the restaurant in the scenic area. The ingredients are fresh and the cooking is exquisite, with a unique flavor. - Afternoon: Go to Zixiao Palace, one of the most well-preserved palaces in Wudang Mountain. It is magnificent, and the yellow walls and green tiles show solemnity under the sunlight. You can also participate in Taoist prayer rituals and feel the strong Taoist cultural atmosphere. - Evening: Stay in a B&B at the foot of Wudang Mountain. Open the window and you can see the rolling mountains and fall asleep to the sound of the wind in the mountains. - Day 2: Explore Taiji Lake and swim in Danjiangkou - Morning: Go to Taiji Lake and take a boat to enjoy the lake and mountains. The blue water and blue sky complement each other. You can also experience exciting water activities such as jet skis and kayaking to release your energy. - Noon: Taste the fresh Danjiangkou fish at a fisherman's house near Taiji Lake. Steaming, braising, and stewing soup, every method will make your taste buds explode. - Afternoon: Come to Danjiangkou Dam, which is the controlling project of the largest artificial freshwater lake in Asia. Standing on the top of the dam, feel the magnificent water conservancy miracle and overlook the panoramic view of Danjiangkou city. - Evening: Stroll around the night market in Danjiangkou city and taste local snacks, such as Suanjiang noodles. The noodles are chewy, and the soup is sour and spicy, which is super satisfying in one bite. - Day 3: Walk into history and feel the humanities - Morning: Return to Shiyan city and visit Shiyan Museum. It displays many historical relics, from fossils from ancient times to folk exhibits from modern times, comprehensively showing the historical changes and cultural heritage of Shiyan. - Noon: Find an authentic Shiyan restaurant in the city and order a Yunyang Sanhe Soup. Beef, vermicelli, and dumplings are perfectly matched, plus the delicious soup, which makes you feel comfortable all over after one bite. - Afternoon: Go to Sifangshan Ecological Park. The park is full of lush vegetation and fresh air. Climb the viewing platform to have a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Shiyan city, and then prepare to return and end your pleasant Shiyan trip. 🏠Accommodation: If you want to experience the tranquility of Wudang Mountain, it is recommended to choose a B&B at the foot of Wudang Mountain. The environment is quiet and can help you better integrate into nature; if you like the hustle and bustle and convenience, there are various hotels to choose from in Shiyan city and Danjiangkou city, with convenient transportation and shopping. 👗Dress: The temperature in Shiyan in May gradually rises, but the temperature difference between morning and evening still exists. You can wear light short sleeves, shorts or skirts during the day, with sunscreen clothing, which can protect against the sun and facilitate activities; you can prepare a thin coat in the evening to prevent catching a cold. If you want to climb the mountain, remember to wear comfortable sneakers. 📸Best shooting spots: - Wudang Mountain Golden Summit: With an altitude of 1,612m, you can overlook the mountains when you reach the top. When the clouds and mist are lingering, it is like being in a fairyland. It is an excellent location for shooting sunrises and sunsets and magnificent mountain scenery. - Taizipo Nine-Bend Yellow River Wall: The unique architectural style, the winding walls and the green trees and green mountains complement each other. It is very artistic whether you take a panoramic view or a close-up. - Danjiangkou Dam: Standing on the top of the dam, with the dam and the vast water surface as the background, the photos taken are majestic. - Shiyan Museum: The museum's featured exhibits and unique architectural design are all good shooting materials. 🌆Shiyan, this charming city, has both magnificent natural scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage. Three days is short, but it is enough to make you fall in love with it. Pack your bags and embark on this magical land to start an unforgettable trip to Shiyan!