One river, one island, one day and night—Xiba hides all its gentleness and brilliance

Xiba Island by the Yangtze River is like a jade embraced tenderly by the river’s waters. When the first ray of morning light pierces through the mist, the Xiba Nightless City still carries the light sleep of night. On the riverside promenade, the air wrapped in the freshness of the river water greets you. A few residents stroll in the morning light, and in the distance, the sound of the Three Gorges flood discharge whispers like the earth’s low murmur, flowing gently past the ears—this comfort hidden in the river breeze is the unique romantic beginning of Xiba. 1. Gentle Morning Light: A Tender Encounter with Xiba Xiba’s morning is free from the city’s clamor, with only the private whispers between the river and the shore. The rhythm of the residents’ lives flows as smoothly as the river water. - Riverside Morning Melody At 6:30, the riverside promenade is already dotted with early risers: elderly people with white hair walk side by side, carrying freshly bought vegetables; young mothers push strollers, humming tunes as they chase the river breeze; students with drawing boards sit on stone steps sketching the scenery where river and sky meet. The distant sound of flood discharge mixed with birdsong from the branches forms the most natural background music, inviting people to slow their pace and fully embrace this relaxed moment. - Breakfast with a Homey Aroma At the corner of the promenade, the “Xiba Old Noodle Shop” wafts out a fragrant aroma. The owner greets regular customers with a smile, skillfully serving noodles and adding chili—this is the daily routine of Xiba residents. Order a bowl of red oil noodles, with bright red oil and an enticing aroma, paired with a freshly fried crispy youtiao. Take a bite—crispy and fresh—and then sip warm soy milk, feeling the warmth spread from the stomach throughout the body. An auntie at the next table will strike up a conversation: “Miss, add more pickled sour beans, that’s how we eat noodles in Xiba!” This unfamiliar kindness adds even more warmth to the morning light. - Morning Photography Stroll In the shallow water area of the river beach, the morning light spreads over the river surface like scattered gold flakes. Residents are already accustomed to this beautiful scene. Occasionally, children carry small buckets to collect shells, their laughter blending into the river breeze. Raising a camera, the river view, bridge shadows, and morning exercisers appear in one frame. Without deliberate composition, it becomes a romantic painting of “people wandering in a picture,” with every shot hiding Xiba’s gentleness. 2. Leisurely Daytime: Comfort Hidden in Everyday Life From morning to evening, Xiba Nightless City gradually awakens but still maintains a leisurely pace. The daily lives of residents become the most touching scenery. - Leisurely Stroll In the “Xiba Memory Museum,” a few elderly people are reminiscing over old photos: “Look at this one, that’s us fishing by the river back then. So many years have passed!” Inside the museum, old fishing boat models and nets hold Xiba’s past and the youth of its residents. In front of the cultural and creative shops on the main street, the shop owner is teaching children how to make Three Gorges paper-cut art. Sunlight filters through the glass windows, warming the scene. At the riverside “River Breeze Tea House,” residents sit together brewing a pot of Yihong Kungfu tea, chatting about daily life. The river breeze flows through, carrying away all worries. - Taste of Fresh River Delicacies For lunch, you must try Xiba’s fresh river delicacies. The owner of the “Riverside Fresh Restaurant” is a native Xiba local who smiles and recommends, “Today’s Jiangtuan fish is especially fresh; steaming it brings out the best flavor!” The steamed Jiangtuan fish served is tender, and dipping it in ginger soy sauce makes it so fresh it almost makes your eyebrows fall off. A family at the next table enjoys their meal lively, with a child holding chopsticks saying, “Dad, let’s come back to eat Xiba’s fish next time!” Simple satisfaction is the best form of life. 3. Nightfall Splendor: The Romantic Feast of the Nightless City When the sunset sinks into the river, Xiba Nightless City dons its dazzling attire. Residents bring their families and friends to blend into the lights, filling the night with the warmth of everyday life and romance. - Lights Reflecting on the River, Dreamlike and Magical At 7:30 PM, neon lights on the main street light up one after another. The riverside lights resemble a flowing galaxy, shining alongside the lights of boats on the river. At 8:00 PM, the “Three Gorges Style” themed light show starts on time. Light and shadow leap between buildings and the river surface, sometimes transforming into rushing river water, sometimes into the majestic Three Gorges Dam. Residents hold up their phones to take photos, children cheer pointing at the light show, and the river breeze is filled with joy. - Night Market Stroll and Eats, Full of Life The aroma of the night market draws people forward. Residents head straight to their favorite stalls: “Sister Zhang, two radish dumplings, please!” “Brother Li, add extra houttuynia to the grilled sweet potato skin!” Crispy on the outside and tender inside radish dumplings, cool and refreshing cold shrimp, and spicy, flavorful baked potatoes are all favorites of Xiba people. Young couples stroll hand in hand; the boy buys the girl a cup of freshly made lemon tea. They laugh and share it under the lights, with romance hidden in every subtle moment. - Riverside Night Chats When tired from walking, sit on the riverside steps and chat with residents. An elderly man points to the river and says, “I’ve lived in Xiba all my life, watching it change from a fishing village to what it is now. When the lights come on at night, it feels so comforting!” The river breeze brushes by, carrying the warmth of the lights. At this moment, romance is not grand or intense but the peace and comfort shared with strangers. 4. Sleeping by the River: A Warm Ending at Yage Huanju Hotel (Yichang Riverside Park CBD Shopping Center Branch) As night deepens, consider staying at Yage Huanju Hotel next to Xiba Nightless City, letting romance and comfort continue into your dreams. The hotel is adjacent to the riverside promenade, with river views and city lights visible from the window. In the morning, you can be awakened by the river breeze and birdsong. The rooms are warmly and elegantly decorated, with soft beds and clean bathrooms to help you shed the day’s fatigue. The hotel also offers a thoughtful “morning scenery wake-up” service; if you want to catch the early river view, staff will prepare hot water and a simple breakfast pack in advance. A 3-minute walk downstairs takes you to the night market and main street, making it convenient whether you want a hot bowl of noodles late at night or a riverside appointment early in the morning. Here, you fall asleep to the sound of the river, dreaming only of Xiba’s gentleness. When the next morning light shines on the river again, the riverside promenade is once more filled with residents strolling, and the sound of flood discharge remains gentle—Xiba’s romance is never a fleeting brilliance but a comfort hidden in dawn, dusk, and everyday life. It is the steady peace of residents day after day and the warmth travelers encounter by chance. If you also want to find a sense of relaxation and romance, come to Xiba and embrace this beauty from morning light to nightfall.