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Prefecture-level city in Hubei, People's Republic of China
Photo: Zhangzhugang, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jingzhou (荆州 Jīngzhōu) is a city in Hubei Province on the banks of the Yangtze River (长江 Cháng Jiāng). It has been an important historical city for 6,000 years, and is particularly famous for being the capital for the State of Chu (楚国) during the Warring States Period, and for its importance during the Three Kingdoms Period.
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荆州古城
Also known as Jiangling City, it was built during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods as the capital of the Chu State. The current structure mainly dates from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Shaped like an irregular oval, the city covers about 4.5 km² and features a three-layer defense system of earthen walls, brick walls, and a surrounding moat. The existing walls, rebuilt in 1646, are made of brick and rammed earth joined with sticky rice lime mortar. With nine gates and two towers, it is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in southern China. Listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level in 1996 and rated a National 4A Tourist Attraction in 2003.
宾阳楼
Binyang Tower, located at the east gate (Yinbin Gate) of Jingzhou Ancient City, is one of the city's landmark buildings. Originally the Ming-era "Yinbin Tower," it was rebuilt several times and reconstructed in 1986–1987 in the Ming style, featuring a large wooden frame and a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, with a height of about 9.5–12.9 meters. The interior displays Three Kingdoms-themed statues and weapons. Binyang Tower served as an important defensive structure of the east gate and has been open to the public since its reconstruction in 1987.
关帝庙
The Jingzhou Guandi Temple, also known as the Guanyu Temple, is a national AAA tourist attraction built in 1396 during the Hongwu period of the Ming dynasty. It has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure reconstructed in 1987 based on Qing-era designs. Together with the Guandi Temples in Jiezhou, Dangyang, and Luoyang, it is one of the four major Guanyu memorial sites in China. The complex includes the main gate, main hall, and Sanyi Tower, housing statues and murals of Guan Yu and cultural relics such as the Green Dragon Crescent Blade. Temple fairs are held annually in the first lunar month and on the 13th day of the fifth lunar month, continuing local traditions honoring Guan Yu.
荆州博物馆
A local history museum with an area of 100,000 square meters. The Jingzhou Museum mainly displays ancient cultural relics from the Yangtze River and Han River areas. There is a rich collection of art works and artefacts, among which the most famous are the relics from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, the relics of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770BC-256BC) and those of the Qin and Han Dynasties.
张居正故居
Zhang Juzheng Former Residence is a national 3A tourist attraction, rebuilt in the Ming and Qing courtyard style on an area of about 7,000 square meters. Major structures include Taiyue Hall, Chunchong Hall, and the Zhang Wenzhong Memorial Hall. The site displays Zhang Juzheng's calligraphy, imperial gifts, and writings, along with themed exhibition halls and cultural installations showcasing his life and the culture of his era.
关羽祠
Jingzhou Guan Yu Temple is a nationally recognized 3A tourist attraction, that was built in the early Ming dynasty to honor Guan Yu, the historic defender of Jingzhou. Destroyed in 1940, it was rebuilt in 2010. The temple features traditional Ming and Qing architectural styles, with key structures including the main gate, main hall, Xianghe Hall, and Chengxin Hall. The main hall houses statues of Guan Yu and his sons, while the second floor displays a bronze statue and a "Guan Gong Life Map" sand model. Xianghe Hall features statues of Guan Yu's entire family, and Chengxin Hall displays statues of Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, Zhuge Liang, and Zhao Yun. The temple combines historical, cultural, and architectural elements, serving as a major site for worship, cultural appreciation, and the celebration of Guan Yu’s loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and courage.
万寿园
Wanshou Park is a 3A-rated national tourist attraction and key cultural heritage site, centered on the Ming-era Wanshou Pagoda and the Southern Song Guanyin Rock. The seven-story octagonal pagoda houses marble Buddha statues and numerous carved bricks, with its base slightly sunken due to the rising Yangtze riverbed. Guanyin Rock, named for its elephant-trunk shape, has served in flood control for centuries, with historical water marks and a flood memorial pavilion still visible. The park features Ming and Qing-style architecture, including the Nine-Dragon Wall, Wangjiang Pavilion, and a stele forest, along with ginkgo and plum trees, a root-carving gallery, and a stone appreciation hall. A riverside promenade offers views of the Yangtze and the city skyline.
中山公园
Jingzhou Zhongshan Park, established in 1933, is one of the largest comprehensive parks on the Jianghan Plain. Its main attractions include the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Chunqiu Pavilion, and the Tomb of Sun Shuao. The park consists of a southern area with a zoo and bonsai garden, and a northern area centered around Jiangjin Lake and the Chu Embankment Corridor. With lush greenery, seasonal flowers, and monuments such as the Sun Yat-sen statue and Zhongzheng Pavilion, it serves as a popular urban retreat combining natural and cultural attractions.
章华寺
Zhanghua Temple was built around 1325 during the Yuan Dynasty and is one of the most renowned Buddhist temples in the Jingchu region. The temple features a grand palace-style layout with main halls such as the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Amitabha Hall. Along with Guiyuan Temple in Hanyang and Yuquan Temple in Dangyang, it is known as one of the "Three Great Monasteries of Hubei" and is designated as a provincial cultural heritage site.
楚王车马阵
The Chuwang Chariot and Horse Formation Scenic Area (Xiongjiazhong National Archaeological Site Park) is Hubei's first national archaeological park and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Covering 731 acres, it centers on the royal tomb complex of the Chu Kingdom, featuring the main tomb, subsidiary tombs, sacrificial pits, and chariot-horse pits. Excavations uncovered 138 burial tombs, 40 chariot pits, and over 200 sacrificial pits, with more than 3,000 cultural relics unearthed. The on-site exhibition hall displays valuable bronze and jade artifacts, showcasing the rich heritage of Chu culture. Occasionally, the park hosts a special event where visitors can recite Chu Ci to gain free admission.
荆州方特东方神画
Opened in September 2019, Jingzhou Fantawild Oriental Heritage is a high-tech cultural theme park focused on Chinese history and Jingchu regional culture. The park includes 41 indoor and outdoor themed attractions and around 200 facilities, using technologies such as laser multimedia, 3D effects, and miniature scenes to present themes related to figures and stories such as Qu Yuan, Nüwa Mending the Sky, and the Cowherd and Weaver Girl.
荆州海洋世界
Jingzhou Ocean World is a large marine-themed cultural and recreational complex. It features one of Central China's large indoor aquariums, a Caribbean-themed water area, an IMAX-style theater, a children's activity zone, as well as a themed night market and local food section. Its main elements include marine displays, entertainment facilities, and regional cultural settings.
洪湖湿地国家级自然保护区
Honghu Wetland National Nature Reserve centers on the freshwater wetland ecosystem of Lake Honghu and contains diverse wildlife and relatively preserved ecological landscapes. The area includes lakeside paths, water routes, and several indoor public facilities such as game rooms and multipurpose halls, which are used for ecological exhibitions, environmental education, or group activities.
张居正街
Zhang Juzheng Street is a district focused on food and cultural displays, featuring a range of local snacks and traditional pastries, along with shops from long-established brands. The area includes digital exhibitions, heritage displays, and festival performances such as Sichuan opera face-changing, fish lantern dances, and light shows. It also offers cultural products such as Chu-style lacquerware and embroidery, as well as related craft activities.
荆州鱼糕节
Held annually in winter in Gong'an County, the festival showcases the local fish cake industry and culinary traditions. Activities include winter fishing ceremonies, fish cake challenges, "Whole Fish Feast" cooking and tasting events, and Chu-style New Year fairs, offering visitors hands-on food experiences. Gong'an County is recognized as the "Hometown of Fish Cakes in China."
荆州桃花会
Held in spring, visitors can enjoy large areas of blooming peach trees and spring scenery. The festival also features folk performances and local product fairs, allowing visitors to experience local culture and specialty goods.
荆州荷花节
Held during the summer lotus season, visitors can take boat rides through lotus ponds, admire flowers, pick lotus seeds, and participate in photography contests and cultural performances, showcasing local water-town scenery and lotus culture.
荆州楚文化节
A major cultural festival promoting Chu heritage, featuring intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, academic seminars, international exchanges, public performances, and immersive experiences. The festival integrates elements such as Chu lacquer, bamboo slips, and embroidery with modern technology, highlighting both historical depth and contemporary innovation, enhancing the city's cultural brand.
张有才烧烤小排档
A late-night establishment specializing in charcoal-grilled dishes and claypot stews. Notable items include fire-grilled beef and claypot beef prepared with duck or goose feet, reflecting a common local late-night dining format.
荆州虾皇 (新天地店)
Focuses on crayfish dishes such as oil-braised shrimp, steamed shrimp, and shrimp balls, highlighting local crayfish cuisine. It becomes busy during peak seasons, with a menu centered on various crayfish preparations.
西园面馆
A long-running breakfast shop with over forty years of history, known for Zaotang noodles and Dalian noodles. Offers toppings such as pork, beef, chicken, and shredded eel. The environment retains traditional features typical of local breakfast places.
黄家塘米粉 (总店)
Serves smooth, elastic rice noodles in slow-simmered beef bone broth, with options including braised beef, offal, or intestines, reflecting traditional rice noodle practices and local flavors.
外婆老家 (古城店)
Offers Jingchu-style home cooking using local ingredients, with dishes such as fish cake and stuffed lotus root, centered on regional household cuisine.
放牛娃民俗土菜馆 (荆南路店)
Specializes in rural-style dishes with large portions, featuring items such as braised beef brisket with bamboo shoots, spicy yellow catfish, and Hakka tofu, representing local rural food traditions.
民间厨房・私房菜
A small restaurant serving homestyle dishes, featuring a rotating blackboard menu. Notable items include rabbit hot pot with crispy yam, dry-fried cabbage, spicy mandarin fish, and salted egg yolk pumpkin. The menu reflects everyday homemade cooking.
老街坊饭庄
An established restaurant offering Jingzhou home-style dishes such as fish cake, stuffed lotus root, braised tofu sheets with pork, and stir-fried dishes. Ingredients are sourced locally, and seasonal items—like lotus seed soup in summer and pork rib lotus root soup in winter—are part of the rotating menu.
五一路
Wuyi Road in Jingzhou is a food street with many eateries operating throughout the day. Common offerings include rice noodles, liangxia jelly, pan-fried dumplings, hot pot and marinated dishes. Most vendors use traditional local preparation methods.
大赛巷
A historic alley dating back to the Yuan dynasty and renamed during the Ming dynasty. It now functions primarily as a dining area with numerous restaurants and food stalls offering Jingzhou-style cuisine. Many items are prepared using traditional methods.
燕子凉虾
Swallow Liangxia has over 30 years of history, following traditional preparation methods. The liangxia grains are large-headed and small-tailed, soft with slight chewiness, typically served in cold syrup with mint. The shop also offers lotus root starch drinks with apple pieces. It is a commonly consumed summer beverage in the Jingzhou area.
凉水记
Liangshuiji is a liangxia shop that uses rice to make handmade liangxia, prepared fresh daily. The grains are plump, soft, and slightly sweet, and can be served with syrup or osmanthus flavor for a refreshing taste. The shop also offers lianggao and other desserts.
喆喆米酿
Zhezhe Miniang is a shop producing handmade fermented rice drinks made with glutinous rice and ingredients such as rose and osmanthus. The drinks have a mild sweetness and light aroma with a slight alcoholic taste. Both traditional and floral versions are available, along with simple snacks and tea.
茹菓
Ruguo is a fruit tea brand originating from Jingzhou, founded in 2013 and later developed into a fresh fruit tea chain. It promotes a "no added ice or water" concept, using seasonal fruits to highlight natural flavor and freshness. Its menu features drinks such as avocado pomelo tea, hand-shaken lemon tea, and grape tea with pulp, with customizable sweetness levels. Known for its fresh ingredients and diverse choices, Ruguo has become a representative local beverage brand with outlets in Jingzhou and nearby cities.
荆州戴斯温德姆酒店
The hotel offers 93 smart guest rooms, some featuring panoramic windows and separate wet and dry bathrooms. Facilities include a fitness center, self-service laundry, accessible amenities, Chinese and Western restaurants, meeting rooms, and banquet halls. Services such as a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and car-hailing assistance are available.
全季酒店
Ji Hotel is a mid-range hotel with modern facilities. Rooms include various types and are equipped with voice-controlled systems for lighting and curtains. Public facilities include a fitness room, self-service laundry and a business lounge.
荆州华美达酒店
Jingzhou Ramada Hotel is located in Shashi District near major commercial areas and sites such as Jingzhou Ancient City. Opened in 2023, the 24-story hotel has 192 rooms including deluxe, city-view, family and suite options, some with panoramic windows. Facilities include a breakfast restaurant, gym, laundry room, meeting spaces, parking and charging services. Basic services include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and express check-in/out.
盟达酒店
Mengda Hotel Jingzhou is a four-star business hotel decorated in a European style, offering accommodation, dining, and conference facilities. Conveniently located near the Jingzhou Municipal Government and Wenhu Park, it features over 70 guest rooms with modern amenities such as smart toilets, automatic curtains, and Bluetooth speakers. The hotel also includes multifunctional halls, a banquet hall, a teahouse, and game rooms. The Chinese restaurant serves Cantonese, Hunan, and Sichuan cuisine in a clean and well-managed environment.
漫心府酒店
Manxin Mansion Hotel is a boutique hotel themed around Chu culture. The hotel blends modern minimalism with traditional Chu-style elegance, featuring façades inspired by classical Eastern architecture and interiors decorated with Chu cultural artworks. Rooms are equipped with smart toilets, premium bath amenities, and voice-control systems, with some offering private hot-spring tubs, scenic terraces, or family-friendly designs. Facilities include a restaurant, teahouse, gym, bar, and meeting room, while the rooftop terrace provides views of the ancient city at night. The hotel combines cultural charm with modern comfort.
吾悦广场
The plaza is a large shopping and leisure complex featuring a 100,000-square-meter shopping center and pedestrian street. It houses over 200 brands, including several first stores in Jingzhou. The venue offers public facilities such as a children's play area and nursing rooms, and provides a wide variety of dining options, including hot pot, barbecue, and local cuisine.
万达广场
Wanda Plaza, opened in 2014, is one of the city's major urban commercial complexes. It contains a variety of retail, dining, cinema, and family entertainment facilities, with over a hundred brands including supermarkets, restaurant chains, apparel stores, and several Wanda-affiliated shops.
荆街
Jing Street is a cultural, commercial, and tourist district within the Jingzhou Ancient City. It features local specialties such as Songzi Du's Chicken, Gong'an Guokui, and Maozui Marinated Chicken, which can be enjoyed on-site or purchased as souvenirs. The street also has cultural and creative stalls themed around Chu and Three Kingdoms culture, offering handicrafts and souvenirs, making it a popular place to shop for Jingzhou specialties.
荆州博物馆文创商店
The Jingzhou Museum Gift Shop offers a wide range of cultural and creative products inspired by the museum's collections of silk, lacquerware, and bronze artifacts. Items include silk goods, ceramics, woodcrafts, jade ornaments, stationery, and accessories, such as the "Tiger Seat and Bird Drum" mini figurine, canvas bags featuring Chu-style patterns, and milk tea cups modeled after Warring States–period wine vessels.
楚乡有礼旗舰店
The Chuxiang Youli Flagship Store is a regional brand venue that showcases local culture and specialty goods. Located in a restored Qing-era building, it combines traditional architectural elements with modern retail displays. The store includes cultural and creative exhibition areas, heritage workshops, and experiential spaces. Its products span clothing, food items, daily-use goods, collectibles, and gifts, such as Chu-style silk scarves, lacquerware tea sets, and artifact-themed merchandise, along with local agricultural products and traditional foods.
沙市洋码头文创园
Shashi Wharf Cultural and Creative Park is a commercial and leisure area converted from former factory buildings. The Brilliant Outlet Shopping Park features brand outlets, trend shops, and local designer labels. The Grain Warehouse Art Space offers Jingchu-themed cultural and creative products, including original character merchandise, embroidered scarves, and canvas bags. The park emphasizes fashion, creative industries, and regional cultural elements.
By train
By bus
Linked to the Chinese bus network, including Wuhan and Xiangfan.
By bus
Jingzhou's bus network covers major urban areas, tourist attractions, and transportation hubs. Fares are inexpensive (generally ¥1–2), and passengers can pay using a transit card or mobile QR code.
By taxi
Taxis are one of the main transportation options in Jingzhou, known for their regulated operation, transparent pricing, and various booking methods.
By bicycle
Jingzhou's flat terrain makes cycling both flexible and scenic.
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Jingzhou (Shashi) · Regional · SHS
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