Explore Qichun, Hubei: A Hidden Gem
📍Attraction address: Qichun County, Huanggang City, Hubei Province
📅Itinerary:
Recommended 1–2 day itinerary: Wuyun Mountain Terraces - Weihe Village - Henggang Mountain - Qizhou Ancient City. This itinerary will allow you to fully experience the natural scenery and historical heritage of Qichun.
🌄Must-see 1: Wuyun Mountain Terraces
Known as the "Longji Terraces of Hubei," the scenery here varies throughout the year, but the most stunning is the magnificent scene of golden rice fields and the sea of clouds at sunrise. Standing on a high point and looking down, the terraces are like chains and belts, winding from the foot of the mountain to the top, with small hills like snails and large mountains like towers, layered and staggered. In autumn, when the rice is ripe, the terraces are a sea of golden yellow, a sight to behold. Here, you can feel the magic of nature and the charm of farming civilization.
🌄Must-see 2: Henggang Mountain
Henggang Mountain is not only beautiful but also rich in cultural heritage, as it is the place where the fourth patriarch of Zen Buddhism, Daoxin, became a monk in his childhood. There are many temples on the mountain, with "seven temples and more than seventy halls, pavilions, and towers," making it a great place to pray and make wishes. In addition, you can enjoy the spectacular sunset here and feel the peace and relaxation of your soul. The temple also offers accommodation services at an affordable price of only CNY 10–20 per night, allowing you to experience religious culture while enjoying a rare peace and comfort.
🌄Must-see 3: Qizhou Ancient City
Qizhou Ancient City is a 2,000-year-old city where the monk Wukong built a thatched hut and Wu Cheng'en wrote the main chapters of Journey to the West. The ancient city retains ancient buildings such as the city gate and Yuhu Bridge from the Ming Dynasty, which are full of charm. You can also visit the Li Shizhen Mausoleum to learn about the life of this great medical scientist and feel his great contribution to traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, the Qiai Town is also a must-see, with its Ming and Qing architectural style, making it a great place to take photos.
🚗Transportation:
Self-driving: From Wuhan, drive along the Wudang Expressway for about 1.5 hours, then transfer to the Mawu Expressway or the Hu'e Expressway for about 1 hour to reach Qichun County. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours, and the road conditions are good, making it suitable for self-driving.
Other tips:
1. Food recommendations: When you come to Qichun, you must try the local specialties. For example, the fried rice noodles at the old cinema barbecue restaurant, handmade sticky rice balls, mugwort green dumplings, and Huji ramen's hand-pulled beef noodles are all must-try delicacies.
2. Moxibustion experience: Qichun is one of the birthplaces of moxibustion, and the moxibustion culture here has a long history. When you travel to Qichun, you might as well experience the magical effect of moxibustion to relax and soothe your body and mind.
3. Accommodation suggestions: There are various accommodation facilities around Qichun County and its attractions. Whether it is a luxury hotel or an economical inn, you can find something to suit your needs. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance to avoid the situation of not finding suitable accommodation at the last minute.
4. Precautions: When visiting various attractions, please pay attention to environmental protection and do not litter; at the same time, respect local religious culture and customs, and travel in a civilized manner.
In short, Qichun is a charming hidden gem with rich natural scenery and historical heritage. When you travel to Qichun, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery but also feel the profound cultural heritage and unique folk customs. If you are tired of the crowded popular attractions, why not come to Qichun to experience a different kind of travel fun!