A Secret Journey of River Breeze, Ruins, and Slow Time: A Complete Guide to Yichang's "Erhai" Pingshanba:

I. Core Highlights at a Glance

- "Erhai" Alternative Scenery: The Yangtze River forms a tranquil bay here, with the clear river surface reflecting green mountains. Wooden boardwalks lined with willows swaying by the bank, and a landscape where the river meets the sky, allow you to easily capture poetic, blockbuster-worthy photos.
- Cultural and Historical Imprints: Transformed from a Gezhouba Dam resettlement site, red brick houses and the "Watching the Gorges" cultural wall preserve the memories of the immigrants. It is also the site of an ancient boat station and a former Anti-Japanese War battlefield.
- Diverse Wild Experiences: Cliffside lawn camping, taking industrial-style blockbuster photos in abandoned factories, and light hiking along the river, combining leisure and adventure.

II. Practical Travel Guide

1. Transportation

- By Car: Navigate to "Pingshanba, Qiaobian Town, Dianjun District." Approximately 40 minutes drive from Yichang city center. Along the way, you can overlook the Gezhouba Dam from Zhixi Yangtze River Bridge. The last 3 kilometers are gravel roads; sedans can pass slowly.
- Public Transportation: Take bus No. 27 from the city to Qiaobian Town, then transfer to a local shuttle bus (every 20 minutes). Or take a ferry from Huangbaihe Pier, 5 RMB/person one way, to experience the feeling of "a light boat passing through the gorges."
- Parking Tips: The eco-parking lot is free and can accommodate over a hundred vehicles. On weekends, it's recommended to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot. Nearby farmhouses also offer parking services.

2. Best Time to Visit

- Season: April-June, wild flowers bloom on the lawns; September-November, autumn colors permeate the ruins. Avoid summer mosquitoes and winter cold winds.
- Daily: 6-8 AM, misty mornings; 5-7 PM, sunset over the river, both are prime times for photography. Weekdays have fewer tourists, making it more suitable for a peaceful experience.

3. Essential Items

- Attire: Non-slip shoes (river rocks can be slippery), light-colored clothing (for better photos). Bring a windbreaker for spring and autumn, and sun protection for summer.
- Others: Mosquito repellent, trash bags (no commercial facilities, so bring your own food and water). Campers should bring their own equipment. Headlamps are recommended for exploring the ruins.

III. Recommended Activities and Photo Spots

1. Photography Hotspots

- Observation Deck: Ascend for a panoramic view of the Yangtze River and the village. Use wide-angle mode to capture the magnificent "river-sky line."
- Wooden Boardwalk: Use willows as a foreground to capture the shimmering river surface at sunset, suitable for time-lapse photography.
- Iconic Solitary Tree: The gnarled "lonely tree" by the river, its silhouette at sunset is highly poetic.
- Abandoned Factory: Red brick factory buildings, rusted pipes, and intertwined light and shadow create great industrial-style, dark-themed photos.

2. Core Experience Activities

- Light Hiking Loop: ① Leisure Route: Walk along the 32,500 square meter wooden boardwalk, a flat 2-kilometer path passing through the bonfire square and cultural wall. ② Wild Route: Start from the ferry crossing → hike along the river for 40 minutes → pass through the abandoned factory → ascend to the cliffside lawn, experiencing a blend of "wildness and human touch" throughout.
- Camping and Stargazing: Pitch a tent on the cliffside lawn, watch the Milky Way at night, and wake up to river mist and birdsong in the morning. Bring your own equipment and take all trash with you.
- Niche Activities: Fishing in the river bay (mainly crucian carp and yellow catfish), crabbing along the shore, or trying water sports like paddleboarding (pay attention to safety).

IV. Suggested Itinerary References

1. Half-Day Leisure Tour (Focus on photography and leisurely strolls)

1. Arrive before 9 AM to photograph the morning river view from the observation deck.
2. Stroll along the wooden boardwalk, taking documentary photos in the willow groves and old immigrant houses.
3. Have a picnic by the river in the afternoon, enjoying the river breeze and sunshine. Return after capturing sunset silhouettes.

2. Full-Day In-Depth Tour (Connecting nearby attractions)

1. 7:00 AM Depart from Yichang city center, 8:00 AM Arrive at Pingshanba, first explore the abandoned factory and caves.
2. 10:00 AM Hike the wild route to the cliffside lawn, overlooking the great bend of the Yangtze River.
3. 12:00 PM Simple lunch by the river (self-prepared). In the afternoon, try fishing or paddleboarding.
4. 3:00 PM Drive 15 minutes to the Gezhouba Dam observation deck to watch cargo ships pass through the lock.
5. 5:00 PM Head to Sanyou Cave to admire the millennium-old cliff carvings before returning.

3. Overnight Wild Fun Tour

1. Arrive in the afternoon, set up tents, then explore the wooden boardwalk and photo spots.
2. Enjoy a barbecue picnic in the evening, chat around the campfire, and stargaze at night.
3. The next morning, watch the sunrise over the gorge before 6:20 AM. After breakfast, head to Chexi Folk Culture Tourism Area to experience Tujia culture, then return in the afternoon.

V. Precautions

1. Safety First: River rocks can be slippery, and factory walls are unstable; do not climb. During flood season when water levels rise, water activities are prohibited.
2. Ecological Protection: Finless porpoises and other wild animals are present; do not feed or disturb them. Take all trash with you to maintain the pristine environment.
3. Facilities Reminder: There are no commercial stores or medical facilities; bring sufficient food, water, and common medicines.