Three Gorges People

Introducing Sanxia People

Three Gorges Homes is located in Xiling Gorge, the most spectacular of the Three Gorges Gorges in Yichang, Hubei Province. It spans the picturesque Dengying Gorge, nestled between the Three Gorges Dam and the Gezhouba Dam, and nestles between the mountains and the water. It comprises three areas: Mountain Homes, Water Homes, and Creekside Homes.

Here, traditional Three Gorges stilt houses dot the landscape. Long-lost ancient sailboats and black-sailed boats sit quietly moored outside homes. Young women wash clothes by the stream, wielding mallets. Leisurely fishermen cast their nets on the riverbank... These centuries-old customs and traditions reflect the simple hospitality of the people of the Three Gorges. The mighty Yangtze River nurtured Three Gorges culture, where Bachu culture blended, flourished, and developed. When vastness and mystery meet, and splendor and depth merge, the people of the Three Gorges are destined to become a legend of Three Gorges tourism.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Tickets

180 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

8:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Three Gorges People

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Tribe of the Three Gorges (三峡人家) is a scenic cultural and ecological site located in the Xiling Gorge section between the Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Dam in Yichang. It preserves the traditional riverside / village life of the Ba and Tujia ethnic cultures, combining natural landscapes (caves, rivers, valleys) with cultural heritage, folk performances, and living traditions. The site includes three village types (Water Village, Mountain Village, Streamside Village), and acts as a cultural showcase for the region’s heritage post the Three Gorges development.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Tribe of the Three Gorges is located in Yiling District, Yichang City, within the Xiling Gorge section of the Yangtze River. From Yichang city center, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by road to reach the scenic area. Arrive at the designated port (Hu Jintan pier / visitor center) on the north bank, then cross by ferry to the scenic area on the south bank (ticket + ferry bundled). Within the scenic area, visitors walk, take local boats, cable car or electric means between zones.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Tribe of the Three Gorges typically operates daily, with scenic area hours consistent with daylight: the main season hours are ~08:30 to 17:00 (or similar). The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant, the river scenery is vivid, and crowds are moderate. Avoid heavy rainy season or flooding periods.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

A full-price ticket is ¥180 per person, which includes the scenic area access and the round-trip ferry crossing. Other tickets include combinations: scenic area passes, transportation, cable car / escalator, etc. You can buy tickets offline at the entrance / visitor center, or via the official scenic area’s online booking platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

During peak season or holidays, advance booking is recommended to secure tickets, ferry spots, and performance seats. For regular days, same-day purchase is often feasible.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You should plan for half to full day (4 to 6 hours) to appreciably visit all zones, take boat rides, see performances, and walk among the villages. If you move more leisurely or visit extra sub-spots, a full day gives more flexibility.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Boat / ferry crossing and water village area (waterborne life)
• Mountain Village (with cable car / escalator access) and traditional stilt houses (吊脚楼)
• Shadow-Play Stone (灯影石), Shadow-Play Cave (灯影洞), Stone Tablet (石令牌)
• Yellow Dragon Waterfall, Qinyang Waterfall, Seven Springs, rock outcrops and valley views
• Folk performances: Tujia wedding show, local music, drum / bell shows in the villages

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, standard guided tours (in Chinese) are available in the scenic area. Multilingual / foreign language guides or audio guides may be available upon request or via third-party tour operators, but not guaranteed.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• From the cable car route / mountain village area overlooking river and villages below
• At Shadow-Play Stone (灯影石), which is a famous photo point
• Along riverside promenades in the Water Village or Streamside area capturing reflections and boat activity
• From viewpoints in the Mountain Village looking down into valleys and the river corridor

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A suggested route:

• Start at the visitor center / ferry port on the north bank, cross by ferry to the scenic side.
• Explore Water Village and Streamside Village areas on foot / boat.
• Take cable car / escalator up to Mountain Village, walk trails, view stilt houses and cultural exhibits.
• Visit sub-scenic features such as Shadow-Play Stone, Cave, Waterfalls.
• Catch one or more folk performance shows in the evening zones.
• Return by ferry to mainland.

Modify order depending on ferry times, cable car schedule, and show times.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

The scenic area offers folk performances and stage shows during the day and early evening. Full night tours or extensive light shows are not prominently documented.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

This is a popular stop on Yangtze cruises and regional tours, so crowding can occur on weekends, holidays and cruise docking days. Least crowded times are weekday mornings off-peak seasons (spring, autumn) and non-holiday periods.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The scenic area has visitor facilities: restrooms, snack shops, shops selling souvenirs, waiting areas, cable car / escalator stations. Boats, ferries, and docks provide boarding / transit facilities.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

For elderly or those with reduced mobility, cable cars / escalators help reduce walking to mountain zones. However, some paths, steps, and steep trails may be challenging. Children can enjoy the performances and water village areas with supervision. Fully barrier-free access to all spots is unlikely, particularly for caves or elevated terrain.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

At the scenic area ticket office, ferry boarding, shops and restaurants, mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) and card payments are typically accepted. Having some cash is advisable for small vendors or in case electronic systems fail.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the scenic area and village zones, local eateries serve regional cuisine, snacks and refreshments. Along the approach from Yichang and at ferry ports there are restaurants and cafés.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian / vegan Chinese dishes (vegetables, tofu, local staples) are likely available in local menus. Halal options are not specifically documented, so it’s best to inquire locally or stay in restaurants that cater to varied diets in larger towns.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Near the scenic area and along the river, there are guesthouses, inns and hotels that cater to tourists on the river / cruise route. In Yichang city, many accommodation options exist to serve as base for visiting.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

- Three Gorges Dam / Dam Scenic Area is a nearby major attraction. - Xiling Gorge / Yangtze River cruise stops combine naturally with a visit to Tribe. - Gezhou Dam and other river control projects along the Yangtze in this region. - Sanyou Cave, Yichang Museum, Chinese Sturgeon Museum in Yichang city can be combined on a city tour.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes — souvenir shops are located near entrances, performance venues, and village zones. Typical souvenirs include ethnic crafts (weaving, embroidery, carved wood), postcards, river / valley themed items, local tea, and performance memorabilia.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Tribe of the Three Gorges, you return via ferry to the north bank, then by road to Yichang city or onward to Yangtze cruise departure points. From Yichang, you can continue by train, bus, or join a river cruise route downstream or upstream. Private car / tour van is convenient for connecting to other scenic areas in the Three Gorges region.