Things to do in Zigui
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Zigui
The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area
The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area is located in the Xiling Gorge section of the Yangtze River in Yichang, Hubei. It is a scenic attraction built around the Three Gorges hydro project, covering over ten square kilometers. Currently, it offers travelers three viewing spots: Tanzi Ridge, the 185 viewing platform, and the river closure memorial park. The dam crest itself is not open to travelers, so visits primarily revolve around these three attractions. Tanzi Ridge is the highest accessible point in the dam area, named for its jar-shaped summit viewing platform resembling an overturned jar. It also served as the survey site for the dam's initial location selection. From the ridge top, visitors can overlook the Three Gorges Project in its entirety—the dam, power station, and twin five-level ship locks are all visible. The five lock chambers cascade down the mountainside, earning the nickname "Fourth Gorge of the Yangtze." The park displays engineering artifacts like ancient riverbed stones, river closure rocks, and foundation stones from the dam site, complemented by model exhibits that help visitors intuitively understand the origins and development of this mega-project. The 185 observation platform is located on the left bank of the dam. It gets its name from sharing the same elevation of 185 m as the dam crest. Standing on the platform feels like being atop the dam: on one side, the dam and vertical ship lift are within close reach, offering a chance to witness ships "riding the elevator" over the dam; on the other side lies the vast, tranquil reservoir upstream. The stark contrast between the stillness above and the dynamism below the dam is striking. The closure memorial park is situated on the right bank downstream of the dam, preserving artifacts like tetrahedral closure stones and large loading machinery used during the construction. It's an ideal spot to view the dam's full frontal grandeur. During flood seasons when the dam releases water, torrents rush out from the deep outlets, creating towering mist and thunderous echoes that reverberate through the valley—a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. The three attractions are far apart, and the scenic area provides shuttle buses for transportation. It is recommended to reserve half a day to visit them in order.Yichang · 5.3km from Zigui
Three Gorges Ship Lift
Take a cruise, feel the Three Gorges vertical ship lift, and experience riding a 100-meter "ship lift". Behind the mysterious veil, many foreign experts lamented that the Chinese have accomplished an impossible task. The Three Gorges ship lift is like installing a huge elevator on a 40-story building. It can lift ships 113 meters at a time together with the ship-carrying compartment. The entire lifting process takes about 10 minutes. It only takes 40 minutes for ships to pass the dam through the Three Gorges ship lift. Compared with the previous dam-crossing road that took a whole day and the five-level ship lock that took four hours, the Three Gorges ship lift is a veritable "fast track" for elevators to pass the dam. The Yangtze River Three Gorges No. 5 left the ship carriage and sailed into the upstream of the dam. I was shocked by the scenery of "cutting off the clouds and rain of Wushan, and a flat lake emerging from the high gorge". I couldn't help but be impressed by the wisdom of the Chinese people in utilizing and transforming nature.Yichang · 9.7km from Zigui
Tribe of the Three Gorges
Tribe of the Three Gorges is located on both banks of Dengying Gorge in the Xiling Gorge section of the Yangtze River, between the Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Dam. It consists of areas such as mountain dwellings, water dwellings, and riverside dwellings, presenting a concentrated display of the original ecological charm of the gorge. The visit combines boat tours and walking, and the ferry crossing the Yangtze River itself is part of the experience. The highlights of the mountain village are concentrated on the slope overlooking the river: the wooden stilt houses, built along the mountain terrain, are lower in the front and higher in the back with winding corridors, and the rooms inside restore the living scenes of the ancient inhabitants of the Gorge. In the Bawang Village and Bawang Palace, built to imitate ancient Ba people's mountain strongholds, visitors can watch folk songs and dances, listen to Tujia girls singing antiphonal songs, taste a bowl of bowl-smashing wine, and experience the ancient and mysterious Ba-Chu culture. Continuing up the mountain road, one can also see the towering "Stone Token" and the "Shadow-play Stone" standing on the cliff top. The outlines of these peculiar rocks resemble the Tang Monk and his disciples; when illuminated by the setting sun, they look like figures on a shadow-play screen, making them popular photo spots. You can hike up the mountain or take the cable car. The waterborne dwellings stand at the river bend where Longjin Stream meets the Yangtze, with ancient sailing boats braving the wind and fishermen casting nets, recreating the generations-old river life of fishing families who made boats their homes. Here, one can also hear the powerful and resonant boatmen's work songs. Longjin Stream, where the riverside dwellings are located, boasts emerald-green waters and serene beauty, earning it the nickname "Little Jiuzhai of Hubei." Local girls wash clothes on riverside rocks while singing folk songs, and black-canopied boats gently sway on the stream. The lively Tujia wedding customs performance before the stilt houses features amusing elements like bride snatching, wedding laments, and tossing the embroidered ball, often inviting travelers to play the groom's role. The scene of trackers pulling boats along the stream further unfolds, making the journey feel like stepping into a living scroll of river valley folk culture.Yichang · 17.5km from Zigui
Century Cruises Centurama Verse
As the first sightseeing ship under Century Cruises, it is also the first green, intelligent, high-end, luxury large sightseeing ship on the Yangtze River. Century River is like a poem, built according to the standards of luxury cruise ships, integrating Dining, entertainment, culture, and leisure, and enhancing the tourists' short-distance sightseeing experience in multiple dimensions. It is planned to operate the "Fengjie-Maoping" route to realize a one-day view of the essence of the Three Gorges section of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge.Zigui · 2.3km from downtown
Gaoxiapinghu Cruise Ship (Three Gorges Cruise)
Gaoxiapinghu was built as part of the Three Gorges Dam project. It brings a new, majestic look to the Three Gorges of Yangtze River. Where there used to be hasty river water has been replaced by a calm and soothing lake surface. Visitors can take the cruise ship and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Three Gorges and sites such as Xiling Gorge and Kongling Beach Relic Site. There are bar tables, small stage, and sightseeing deck on the second level of the ship. The third level is an open observation platform. The first thing that visitors will see during the cruise is the dam, which seems like a giant dragon lying across the river. This is a scene that no other method of travel can offer.Yichang · 3.7km from Zigui
Tanziling Park
Tanziling is an area that was opened earlier in the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area. It is named because its mountain shape resembles an inverted pickle jar. The area is located at the survey point for the construction of the dam. It is 262.48 meters above sea level and is the commanding height of the Three Gorges construction site. Therefore, it is also a good location to enjoy the full view of the Three Gorges Dam. Tanziling has built an up and down two-way escalator, which can be taken directly to the Tanziling Observation Deck. Standing on the Tanziling Observation Deck and looking out, the Three Gorges Dam is right in front of you. The white dam body crosses the Yangtze River, quiet and peaceful. Every time the flood gates are opened to discharge floodwaters during the flood season, it presents a momentum of thousands of horses galloping. You can also see ships parked in the two-way five-level ship lock on one side waiting to pass through the ship lock. Looking into the distance from Tanziling, you can vaguely see the beautiful scenery of Huangniu Rock in Xiling Gorge and the new county town of Zigui. The entire Tanziling scenic area also includes relief sculptures, a large steel book, a model room of Yi Nian Jiang stone and green belts.Yichang · 4.4km from Zigui
Jiuwanxi Drift
Jiuwan Creek Rafting Scenic Attraction is located on the bank of Xiling Gorge in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, 20 kilometers away from the Three Gorges Dam, with a total area of 60 square kilometers. It is a rafting scenic Attraction with a history of more than 20 years. It integrates adventure, leisure and sightseeing. It is famous for its unique mountains, beautiful waters, cliffs, strange rocks and famous flowers. It is praised by Chinese and foreign tourists as "the best rafting in China". The great patriotic poet Qu Yuan gave lectures here in his early years, planted orchids and cultivated his character. "I have cultivated orchids in Jiuwan and planted orchids in a hundred acres" refers to this place. The Jiuwan River rafting course is 6.4 kilometers long, with a relative drop of more than 100 meters. It rushes down all the way, with winding clear water and connected pools. The rushing Jiuwan River has created 32 rapids and 28 unfathomable pools in the deep mountain canyons. During the rafting, you can not only get a glimpse of the magnificence and beauty of the river water in the gorge, but also the elegance and charm of the Bachu culture.Zigui · 14.3km from downtown
Wutie Water Grand Canyon Scenic Area
The natural landscape of the three gorges bamboo sea scenic spot is a combination of mountains, water and other sceneries, which is known as the natural oxygen bar in the three gorges area.In addition, there are nearly 10 caves, such as dragon king cave, white cave and fish spring cave, as well as dozens of species of wild animals, such as macaques and wild goats, which add infinite vitality to the scenic spot.Zigui · 12.7km from downtown
185 Observation Platform
The 185 Observation Platform is located in the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area, on the north bank of the Yangtze River, west of Tanziling, and is named because of its altitude of 185 meters. It is located at the left bank port of the dam top road (north bank of the Yangtze River), and is as high as the dam top. When you come to the observation platform, you can watch the Three Gorges Dam from a close distance and at an almost level angle, feel the majesty of the dam, and appreciate the wide water surface upstream of the dam. After entering the scenic area, tourists can take the scenic sightseeing bus at the "Tourist Transfer Center", first visit Tanziling, and then take the sightseeing bus to the 185 Observation Platform for fun. This is also a good place for tourists to take close-up photos of the Three Gorges Dam in the scenic area. After playing and taking pictures here, tourists can take the sightseeing bus again to visit the Interception Memorial Park on the south bank of the Yangtze River.Yichang · 3.8km from Zigui
Xingao Lake Cruise (Roll-on/Roll-off Ship Pier)
"Xingaohu" means "New Three Gorges, high gorges and flat lakes". "Xingaohu" is the first self-driving ro-ro cruise Cruise on the Yangtze River and also a Type I ro-ro passenger ship on China's inland rivers. The research, design and market development of the project took nearly 9 years. The construction of the first ship "Xingaohu" took more than 2 years. The single ship invested more than 85 million yuan and was put into trial operation in May 2013. The ship was carefully built in accordance with the shipbuilding concept of "space obeys comfort, equipment obeys demand, and service obeys value". "Xingaohu" is equipped with a high-level security system and fire-fighting and life-saving system, and is equipped with a turbine system in accordance with high standards of noise reduction and vibration reduction. Spacious walkways, comfortable guest rooms, clean restaurants, exquisite multi-functional halls, excellent products, supermarkets, comprehensive facilities and excellent services make tourists feel at home on the Cruise. The ro-ro ship can carry 111 vehicles and 636 passengers. The passenger ship is 110 meters long, 19.2 meters wide, and 4.5 meters deep. There is parking on the deck, and there are 4 floors above. The investment in a single ship is 85 million yuan. The ro-ro ship has five floors: the first and second floors are parking lots; the third floor is the front and back guest rooms, and the middle is the general service counter; the front of the fourth floor is the guest room, and the middle is the service counter; the front of the fifth floor is the driving room, and the middle is equipped with a luxury suite and a multi-functional hall, a service counter, and a restaurant at the tail. The ro-ro ship is equipped with: guest rooms, restaurants, supermarkets, KTV, multi-functional halls, etc. The "Xingao Lake" self-driving ro-ro cruise Cruise has 6 room types: suites, double rooms with views, double standard rooms, three-person family rooms, four-person rooms, and six-person rooms. All rooms are equipped with central air conditioning, showers, toilets, and cable TV. The area of a single room is more than 20 square meters. Features of the trip★The first domestic ro-ro cruise ship that can carry cars and people on the Yangtze River, realizing the "seamless connection" between land and water for self-driving cars for the first time★Built to star-level standards, with 100 parking spaces and 480 beds, space is comfortable, equipment is demand-oriented, and service is price-oriented★Visit the world's beautiful natural landscape, the Grand Canyon, and the valuable Three Gorges in a short timeZigui · 3.9km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Zigui
Featured Day tours in Zigui
View all Day tours
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From€ 40.73
5.0/5
· 1 review· 64 bookedInstant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
58 travellers saved
From€ 22.36
![1-day tour to Enshi Dixin valley [pure play with city transfer] [English-speaking guide optional]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0583612000nymcdsw0CE1_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
5.0/5
· 1 reviewFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
From€ 19.70
More ways to travel from Zigui
Zigui Cruises
See all cruises
Private Tours in Zigui
View More Private Tours in Zigui
Group Tours in Zigui
View More Group Tours in Zigui
Free things to do in Zigui
The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area
Yichang · 5.3km from ZiguiThree Gorges Ship Lift
Yichang · 9.7km from ZiguiTribe of the Three Gorges
Yichang · 17.5km from ZiguiBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeCentury Cruises Centurama Verse
Zigui · 2.3km from downtownBook now for tomorrowGaoxiapinghu Cruise Ship (Three Gorges Cruise)
Yichang · 3.7km from ZiguiTanziling Park
Yichang · 4.4km from ZiguiJiuwanxi Drift
Zigui · 14.3km from downtownWutie Water Grand Canyon Scenic Area
Zigui · 12.7km from downtown185 Observation Platform
Yichang · 3.8km from ZiguiXingao Lake Cruise (Roll-on/Roll-off Ship Pier)
Zigui · 3.9km from downtown
What travellers say about Zigui
E11***958 October 2026
5.0
The tour takes approximately 3.5 hours. From the visitor transfer center, take a sightseeing bus to Tanziling. After descending Tanziling, proceed to the 185 Park, where you can take an electric cart or walk. From the 185 Park, take a sightseeing bus to the Interception Memorial Park. Finally, take a sightseeing bus to the Miniature Landscape Park (the park's exit), concluding the tour.
The Three Gorges Dam Tourism Area
Anonymous user11 October 2026
5.0
The Three Gorges Dam vertical ship lift, a world-class national engineering marvel, offers a truly awe-inspiring experience when viewed in person. The entire process of passing under the dam is smooth and efficient, significantly reducing transit time. Along the way, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Three Gorges' magnificent landscape. Whether from an engineering perspective or a sightseeing experience, it is exceptional and well worth a visit to witness the unique charm of this mega-project.
Three Gorges Ship Lift
桔毛毛17 October 2026
5.0
The trip was great, the cruise ship environment was excellent, the activities were fantastic, the kids had a blast, and the staff were very welcoming. Special praise to actors Yang Li and Li Xiaobai; they were incredibly patient with the children and their performances were exceptionally professional!
Century Cruises Centurama Verse
Anonymous user7 December 2025
5.0
I booked the tickets online, and I didn't expect there to be an event. The scenery was beautiful, the environment on the cruise ship was great, and the staff were very welcoming. In particular, the tour guide, Xiang Guiying, was sincere and kind. It was a very satisfying trip.
Gaoxiapinghu Cruise Ship (Three Gorges Cruise)
