Location: Jingzhou
Top Things to do in Jingzhou
Top Restaurants in Jingzhou
6 Things to Do in Jingzhou That You Shouldn't Miss
Jingzhou (Chinese: 荆州) is a prefecture-level city in southern Hubei, China, located on the banks of the Yangtze River. Based on the 2010 census, its total population was 5,691,707, 1,154,086 of whom resided in the built-up (or metro) area comprising the two urban districts.
Restaurants in Jingzhou
1. Jingzhou Historical and Cultural City Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By brg68mga - Papamoa, New Zealand
Jingzhou is a great city with a lot of history. The city has preserved and restored its city walls and towers and this gives a feel of yesteryear and keeps the history of its early origins. Although a tourist attraction, the shops are not overly touristy and the shop owners and locals are only too willing to assist you.
Jingzhou is well worth a stopover to see the walls, the Gardens and museums
2. Jingzhou Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By eelSeattle - Seattle, WA
The visit to the Jingzhou Museum was surprisingly interesting and educational. Their collection of cultural and archeological relics was quite impressive. Coffins and burial objects unearthed from excavated tombs were on display. Particularly unique and amazing was the well-preserved "flessy" mummy of a high official from over 2000 years ago. According to data within his tomb, the exact year of his funeral was 167 BC...incredible! Many of the other artifacts on display from the tombs were fantastic. Some of the silk fabrics recovered were as bright and colorful as if they had been created yesterday. This museum was one of the highlights of our Asian tour.
3. Wanshou Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Baliren80 - Belfort, France
The garden itself is not particularly interesting but the view over the Changjiang and its bridge plus the ancient pagoda deserves to get there for a while (1 hour is sufficient).
Entrance of the park is free but I warmly recommend to buy a 13 rmb ticket to get into the pagoda and climb the stairs up to the last floor.
This visit is not recommended for people above 60, clostrophobic or with too large shoulders.
The lamp on your smartphone is helpful despite the lights already available inside but not always sufficient.
4. Taihun Taoist Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By bpritts - Ann Arbor,Michigan USA
I was intrigued by the site after foreverfreebird's review.
Essentially, I would describe this site in two ways: first, as a true ancient Taoist temple; second, that it's still in active use rather than being primarily a historical or tourist destination. To me the "genuine" quality is important. What you'll see is a real temple in operation rather than a polished spectacle.
I visited in August 2016. Here are a few comments to supplement the other reviews.
Getting there: I took a taxi; took about 10 - 15 minutes from downtown. As one of the other reviewers notes, this is in a residential area; I chose to pay the driver to wait for me rather than risk having trouble finding a cab, and I recommend this. My driver asked 50 rmb to wait an hour; I agreed -- and probably could have negotiated a cheaper price but figured what the hell. A 30 - 45 minute visit would be tops, unless you get engaged with locals as foreverfreebird did.
I was there on a VERY hot day which may have discouraged visitors. It was a Saturday but the temple was nearly empty - one extended family and a handful of older people. I observed as the extended family lit and placed incense and prayed in front of the main temple building. A few other individuals similarly prayed.
As noted, the temple complex consists of 6 small buildings, each with statues of several Taoist figures (I don't think that they're considered deities, rather they are revered ancient teachers and kings... but don't quote me!)
The main temple, as noted in the photo, is on a built up area, with steep stairs. Impossible for those with walking difficulties. Inside, more large Taoist figures; additionally, as noted, the inner wall is ringed with sculptured images. They are heavily worn. Additionally, a number of engraved messages in Chinese characters -- but sadly no English interpretation.
Attendants in several of the buildings welcomed guests with warm Chinese. A few wore white robes; monks perhaps?
Atmosphere was very quiet and peaceful.
The buildings generally were in a fair degree of repair - structures were sound, but all would have benefited from a fresh coat of paint--- if you wanted them to look modern. Similarly, the grounds were lush with vegetation; (or, a critic would say, full of weeds!)
BTW if you are the typical Westerner you should avoid the public toilets here. To call them "rustic" would be a compliment.
Anyway, if you want a look at an authentic Taoist temple, still in use, this would be a good candidate.
PS: the photo on THIS attraction, showing the red temple on a built-up hill - is accurate, Somehow the same photo was attached to other attractions in Jingzhou; But this one is the real temple!
5. Xuanmiao Taoist Temple of Jingzhou
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Kuodo C - Singapore, Singapore
I went in September via a private driver from Yichang. You can come here from Wuhan via bullet train too. It's renovated with a garden and a courtyard. Just outside, there are 8 Immortals statues in a garden. Inside, it is like a mini Summer Palace with courtyards,halls, ponds and Gardens and rock Gardens.
The temple itself is said to be thousands of years old. Everything else looks new though. It is within the Jingzhou Ancient City compound and one of the stops via the buddy tour. Just be sure to tell the driver that you wish to go there or he may just drive pass.
Jingzhou doesn't need a guide nor driver. You can either walk within 30mins from the city/ Wanda area or you can take a bus. Within the city walls you can simply get a buggy ride for only 35-45cny per pax. Do not take those quacycles as a cheaper alternative to the buggy. You will be dead tired before you even finished half the wall.
After hours of Guanyu galore, I find this place rather refreshing. I like Guanyu, but the whole of Jingzhou seems to hard-sell too much of him.
6. Guangong Hall
Overall Ratings
3 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Lirui15 - London, United Kingdom
The museum is free entry and worth visiting if you are traveling in Jingzhou.
The main entrance is a nice Chinese old style building. English audio guide are available to hire for 20 RMB.
The museum is famous for 2000 year Mummy and for showing the ancient culture of Chu, a powerful state before Qin united the China.
