Zhushan County Travel

Zhushan County, Shiyan, Hubei — Hometown of Nuwa, Land of Turquoise, and Location of Duhe Source. 3-day 2-night in-depth tour including Nuwa culture exploration, ecological secret visit, and ancient town style experience.

4000+
Years of Civilization History
2
National-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units
60+
Historical Relics
20+
Special Snacks
Panoramic View of Nuwa Statue on Nuwa Mountain, Zhushan
Nuwa Mountain - Holy Land of Chinese Mother Goddess
Legendary place where Nuwa smelted stones to mend the sky, an important birthplace of Nuwa culture

3-Day 2-Night Landscape & Cultural Tour of Zhushan County

Seek traces of Nuwa, explore the source of Duhe River, visit the millennium-old town, and experience the unique charm of turquoise culture and Hanjiang civilization

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Nuwa Mountain, Duhe Source, Shangyong Ancient Town
Suitable For
Culture Explorers, Nature Lovers, Photography Enthusiasts
Per Capita Budget
¥600-¥900
01
Tracking Nuwa's Traces
Nuwa Mountain · Nuwa Temple · Turquoise Museum
Trip Highlights

Arrive in Zhushan, head to Nuwa Mountain Scenic Area to explore the relics of Nuwa mending the sky legend, and visit Nuwa Temple to experience ancient culture. In the afternoon, visit the Turquoise Museum to learn about the legendary story of the 'Oriental Sacred Jade'.

Attraction Arrangement
Nuwa Mountain Scenic Area
National-level scenic spot, said to be the place where Nuwa smelted stones to mend the sky and shaped humans from clay, with landscapes such as Nuwa statue and sky-mending relics.
Nuwa Temple
First built in the Tang Dynasty, an important place for worshipping Nuwa, with existing ancient building complex from Ming and Qing dynasties, and historical inscriptions recording Nuwa's deeds.
China Turquoise Museum
The only professional museum themed on turquoise in China, showcasing the mining history, processing techniques and cultural value of turquoise.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Zhushan International Hotel
  • Nuwa Culture Theme Inn
  • Boutique Homestays in the County Seat
Food Recommendations
  • Zhushan Sanhetang Soup
  • Lazy Tofu
  • Turquoise Banquet (Special Creative Dishes)
Travel Tips
  • Nuwa Mountain has a high altitude, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes
  • Turquoise DIY experience is available in the museum
  • Nuwa Temple Fair is held on the 18th day of the third lunar month
02
Tracing the Source of Duhe River
Duhe Source · Nine Maidens Peak · Longtan River
Trip Highlights

In the morning, head to Duhe Source National Nature Reserve to explore the ecology of the source of an important tributary of Hanjiang River. In the afternoon, visit Nine Maidens Peak Gorge to watch the waterfall group and experience the primeval forest oxygen bar.

Attraction Arrangement
Duhe Source National Nature Reserve
The birthplace of Duhe River, the largest tributary of Hanjiang River, a national-level nature reserve with a complete northern subtropical forest ecosystem.
Nine Maidens Peak
A landmark landscape of Duhe Source, named after nine peaks shaped like fairies, with gurgling streams and numerous waterfalls in the gorge, featuring beautiful scenery.
Longtan River Scenic Area
A natural scenic spot famous for waterfalls, deep pools, strange mountains and exotic rocks, known as 'Little Jiuzhaigou in Northwest Hubei', suitable for hiking.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 2 hours' drive from the county seat to Duhe Source
  • Sightseeing bus transfer is required in the scenic area
  • Self-driving or chartered car is recommended
Ticket Information
  • Duhe Source Reserve: ¥60
  • Longtan River Scenic Area: ¥80
  • Sightseeing Bus: ¥30
Travel Tips
  • Large temperature difference in mountainous areas, prepare outerwear
  • It is recommended to bring dry food and drinking water
  • Protect the ecological environment, no littering
03
Exploring the Ancient Town
Shangyong Ancient Town · Huangzhou Guild Hall · Holy Water Lake
Trip Highlights

In the morning, visit the millennium-old Shangyong Ancient Town and stroll through the ancient streets to experience the style of Ming and Qing architecture. In the afternoon, visit Huangzhou Guild Hall to learn about the ancient commercial port culture, then visit Holy Water Lake to end the trip.

Attraction Arrangement
Shangyong Ancient Town
With a history of more than 3600 years, it was the capital of the ancient Yong State, preserving a large number of ancient buildings from Ming and Qing dynasties, and is an important ancient commercial port site in Northwest Hubei.
Huangzhou Guild Hall
A guild hall built by Huangzhou merchants in Zhushan during the Qing Dynasty, with exquisite architecture reflecting the integration of northern and southern architectural styles, and is an important physical object for studying the commercial history of Northwest Hubei.
Holy Water Lake National Wetland Park
An artificial lake formed by Yankou Hydropower Station, with beautiful lake and mountain scenery, you can take a boat tour to enjoy the ancient town and natural landscapes on both banks.
Practical Information
Experience Projects
  • Hanfu Rental in the Ancient Town
  • Traditional Pottery Making
  • Holy Water Lake Boat Tour
  • Yong Culture Scene Drama
Specialty Recommendations
  • Turquoise Jewelry
  • Zhushan Tribute Rice
  • Fermented Bean Curd
  • Eucommia Tea
Return Guide
  • The ancient town is 30 minutes' drive from the county seat
  • Specialties can be delivered by express
  • There are direct buses from the county seat to Shiyan urban area

Must-Try Foods in Zhushan County

Zhushan Sanhetang Soup

Intangible cultural heritage of Hubei Province, composed of beef, sweet potato vermicelli and dumplings, served with secret seasonings, sour, spicy, fresh and fragrant, warming the body and stimulating the appetite.

Lazy Tofu

A traditional farmhouse dish in Zhushan, made by boiling soybean milk with vegetables, with a delicate taste and rich nutrition, reflecting the dietary wisdom of mountainous areas.

Hezha (Mixed Residue)

Also known as 'upgraded version of Lazy Tofu', made by boiling soybean milk and adding green vegetables, chili, etc., with a soft and dense taste and mellow flavor.

Zhushan Cured Meat

Cured meat made by traditional marinating and smoking techniques, with bright red color and unique flavor, a must-have ingredient in Zhushan in winter.

Zhushan County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Blooming flowers, pleasant climate
  • Autumn (September-October): Clear and crisp autumn weather, suitable for hiking
  • 18th day of the third lunar month: Nuwa Mountain Temple Fair
Must-Try Foods
  • Zhushan Sanhetang Soup
  • Lazy Tofu
  • Hezha (Mixed Residue)
  • Zhushan Cured Meat
  • Immortal Leaf Jelly
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥200
  • Accommodation: ¥100-180 per night
  • Catering: ¥25-50 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥80
  • Total: ¥600-900
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Where to buy authentic turquoise? → Turquoise Street in the county seat or regular specialty stores
  • Is Duhe Source suitable for taking kids? → Some areas are flat, suitable for family visits
  • Is there accommodation in Shangyong Ancient Town? → There are characteristic homestays and inns available
  • Best photography spots in Zhushan? → Top of Nuwa Mountain, Holy Water Lake boat tour, Nine Maidens Peak Waterfall