Xianning Travel

Xianning City, known as China's Hot Spring City and the Hometown of Sweet Osmanthus, is famous for the historic Battle of Chibi. It boasts abundant tourism resources including hot spring wellness, Three Kingdoms culture, mountain scenery and ecological landscapes. It is an ideal tourist destination for history exploration, leisure vacation and outdoor sightseeing.

1700+
Years of Urban History
20+
A-Class Tourist Attractions
5+
National Red Tourism Sites
2.6 Million+
Permanent Residents

Xianning City Districts & Counties Travel Guide

Xian'an District

Central urban area & core hot spring zone

Xianning Hot Spring Valley Qianshan Forest Park Sweet Osmanthus Expo Park Shiliutan Park
Jiayu County

Land of fish and rice by the Yangtze River

Erqiao Park Futou Lake Miquan Lake Resort Paizhouwan Ancient Town
Tongcheng County

South Hubei gateway & red revolutionary base

Huangpao Mountain Yaogu Mountain Autumn Harvest Uprising Memorial Hall Huanglong Mountain
Chongyang County

Hometown of sweet osmanthus & ancient weirs

Qingshan Reservoir Daquan Cave Guyan Bay Rafting Langkou Hot Spring
Tongshan County

Ecological treasure land & home of Jiugong Mountain

Jiugong Mountain Yinshui Cave Chuangwang Mausoleum Fushui Lake
Chibi City

Ancient Three Kingdoms battlefield city

Chibi Ancient Battlefield Lushui Lake Three Gorges Test Dam Yangloudong Ancient Street

5-Day 4-Night Leisure Vacation in Xianning City

Enjoy hot spring wellness, explore Three Kingdoms relics, climb famous mountains, explore karst caves and cruise lakes, and experience the rich culture and natural scenery of southern Hubei

Trip Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Main Attractions
Xianning Hot Spring Valley, Chibi Ancient Battlefield, Jiugong Mountain, Yinshui Cave, Lushui Lake
Suitable For
History lovers, hot spring lovers, mountaineers, family tourists, leisure travelers
Per Capita Budget
¥1200 - ¥2500
01
Hot Spring Leisure Tour
Qianshan Forest Park · Xianning Hot Spring · Sweet Osmanthus Expo Park
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Qianshan National Forest Park in the morning to breathe fresh air in the natural oxygen bar. Experience Xianning Hot Spring in the afternoon. Take a walk and enjoy night views at Sweet Osmanthus Expo Park in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Xianning Hot Spring Valley
Known as the No.1 Hot Spring in Central China, with dozens of themed pools. It integrates wellness, leisure and entertainment, the landmark of Xianning hot spring culture.
Qianshan National Forest Park
A national forest park with high forest coverage. It is a perfect place for hiking, leisure and outdoor relaxation.
Practical Information
Accommodation
  • Hot Spring Valley Resort Hotel
  • Homestay at Qianshan Foot
  • Downtown 4-star Hotels
Food Guide
  • Hesheng Chicken Soup
  • Hot Spring Tofu
  • Sweet Osmanthus Cake
  • Pork with Sweet Potato Noodles
Travel Tips
  • Hot Spring ticket: ¥188
  • Do not soak over 30 minutes each time
  • Prepare swimwear and non-slip shoes
02
Three Kingdoms Culture Tour
Chibi Ancient Battlefield · Yangloudong Ancient Street
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Chibi City for a full-day tour. Visit the famous Chibi Ancient Battlefield in the morning. Wander Yangloudong Ancient Street in the afternoon. Watch the live-action show "Impression Chibi" in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Chibi Ancient Battlefield
A national AAAAA scenic spot, the famous site of the Battle of Chibi. It preserves numerous historical relics related to the Three Kingdoms period.
Yangloudong Ancient Street
A well-preserved ancient street from Ming and Qing dynasties, the birthplace of Chinese brick tea with profound tea culture.
Practical Information
Transportation
  • 1 hour drive from Xian'an to Chibi
  • 40 mins from downtown to battlefield
  • Self-driving / tourist shuttle recommended
Tickets
  • Chibi Ancient Battlefield: ¥150
  • Live Show: ¥180
  • Yangloudong Ancient Street: Free
Reminders
  • Tour guide recommended for the battlefield
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Book live show tickets in advance
03
Jiugong Mountain Scenic Tour
Cable Car · Sea of Clouds · Yunzhong Lake · Mountain Camping
Itinerary Highlights

Full day tour of Jiugong Mountain. Take cable car uphill in the morning to watch sunrise and sea of clouds. Visit Yunzhong Lake and Shilong Gorge in the afternoon. Experience mountain camping and stargazing at night.

Attraction Arrangement
Jiugong Mountain
A national scenic area and Taoist sacred land, famous for sea of clouds, sunrise, pine forests and waterfalls, a famous summer resort.
Yunzhong Lake
An alpine lake at an altitude of 1230m, surrounded by mountains and mist all year round, just like a fairyland.
Practical Information
Transportation
  • 2 hours drive from Chibi to Jiugong Mountain
  • Sightseeing buses inside scenic area
  • Drive carefully on mountain roads
Tickets
  • Jiugong Mountain: ¥70
  • One-way Cable Car: ¥50
  • Camping Site: ¥50 per tent
Mountaineering Tips
  • Low temperature on mountain, take warm clothes
  • Arrive early for sunrise viewing
  • Watch your step on steep sections
04
Karst Cave Exploration
Yinshui Cave · Chuangwang Mausoleum
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Yinshui Cave in the morning by boat and mini-train to view spectacular stalactites. Visit Chuangwang Mausoleum in the afternoon. Stay in Tongshan County for the night.

Attraction Arrangement
Yinshui Cave
A national geopark with a total length of 5180m. It is famous for various stalactites, underground river and cave trains.
Chuangwang Mausoleum
The mausoleum of Li Zicheng, leader of peasant uprising in late Ming Dynasty, with grand architectural style and profound historical value.
Practical Information
Visiting Tips
  • Cave tour takes about 2 hours
  • Constant 18℃ inside, take thin coat
  • 1 hour drive to mausoleum
Local Food
  • Tongshan Glutinous Rice Cake
  • Jiugong Mountain Bacon
  • Yinshui Cave Fish Balls
  • Sweet Potato Noodle Cake
Notes
  • No flash photography inside cave
  • Wear anti-slip shoes
  • Keep quiet in the mausoleum
05
Lake Scenery & Shopping Tour
Lushui Lake · Local Specialties · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Cruise on Lushui Lake to enjoy the thousand-island scenery in the morning. Visit local specialty markets at noon. Buy souvenirs and end the whole trip.

Attraction Arrangement
Lushui Lake
Known as Hubei's Thousand Island Lake, with scattered islands and clear water. Boat cruise is the classic experience here.
Specialty Market
Sell local specialties like brick tea, cured meat, osmanthus products and aquatic food.
Practical Information
Experience Items
  • Lake Cruise
  • Island Sightseeing
  • Specialty Shopping
Recommended Specialties
  • Yangloudong Brick Tea
  • Mountain Bacon
  • Sweet Osmanthus Products
  • Lake Aquatic Products
Return Guide
  • 20 mins to Xianning Railway Station
  • Express delivery available
  • Last bus: 18:00

Must-Try Local Dishes in Xianning

Hesheng Chicken Soup

A famous local dish stewed with free-range chicken in clay pot. The soup is rich and delicious, a representative nourishing food of Xianning.

Xianning Sweet Osmanthus Cake

Traditional pastry made with local sweet osmanthus, soft texture with strong floral fragrance.

Hot Spring Tofu

Made with natural hot spring water, tender and tasty, a signature dish in hot spring resorts.

Mixed Steamed Cured Meat

Combination of various preserved meat, fragrant but not greasy, a classic winter dish in southern Hubei.

General Travel Tips for Xianning
Best Travel Season
  • Winter: Best for hot spring wellness
  • Autumn: Sweet osmanthus in full bloom
  • Summer: Cool mountain resorts
Food List
  • Hesheng Chicken Soup
  • Sweet Osmanthus Cake
  • Hot Spring Tofu
  • Mixed Steamed Cured Meat
Budget Reference
  • Total Tickets: About ¥500
  • Accommodation: ¥180-400 / night
  • Catering: ¥90-150 / day
  • Transportation: About ¥200
  • Total: ¥1200-2500
FAQ
  • Best time for hot spring: Evening
  • Liu Jiaqiao Ancient Village is free entry
  • Yinshui Cave tour duration: 1.5 hours
  • Jiugong Mountain sunrise: Early morning recommended