Shiyan Travel Guide

Population: 3,460,000

Area: 23,727 square kilometers (9,161 square miles)

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division: 2 districts (Zhangwan, Maojian); 5 counties (Yunxian, Zhushan, Fangxian, Yunxi, Zhuxi); 1 county-level city (Danjiangkou)

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0719-8683356 (Shiyan City)
0719-5665639 (Wudang Mountains)
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China: 0719-8661067

Location: Shiyan is situated in the northwest of Hubei Province, the upper reach of the Han River. It borders Xiangfan City in the east, at the convergence of Hubei, Shaanxi, Henan and Chongqing. As a juncture of north, southwest and northwest China, it is a town of great important in Hubei.

History: According to the archaeological discovery of the site of Qinglongquan in Yunxian County, its civilization can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. It belonged to Chu Kingdom before the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC) set up county in the area, and the successive dynasties continued to follow this administrative division. It gained its present name in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) for the ten dams built to help irrigation.

Physical Features: Influenced by the Qinling Mountains, Wudang Mountains and Daba Mountains, the terrain undulates obviously. On the whole the landform is higher in the west and lower in the east, inclining from the north and south to the central part. On the banks of Han River, river valleys and basins are distributed in turns.

Climatic Features: Enjoying a subtropical continental monsoon climate, Shiyan is warmer in winter and hotter in summer than other places at the same latitudes. June to August concentrates most of the rainfall and heat of a year.

When to Go: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Shiyan.

Local Highlights: Wudang International Tourist Festival (September or October)

Special Local Products: herbal medicine, tea

Scenic Spots:
Wudang Mountains: Located in the northwest of Danjiangkou City, the Wudang Mountains is one of the most distinguished Taoist mountains in China. Apart from the beautiful natural sceneries, ancient buildings on the mountain make it a cultural treasure-house. And the Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains was listed in the World Heritage in 1994.
Other Scenic Spots: Wulonghe Scenic Area, Danjiang Dam, Saiwudang Nature Reserve

Tourist Tips: The Shennongjia Forest Zone borders Fangxian County and Zhushan County in the north, and it is adjacent to the Wudang Mountains. It is the most well-preserved subtropical forest in China. Visitors might arrange it in the tourist schedule while traveling Shiyan. For the opening of Hanshi (Wuhan - Shiyan) Freeway, about three hours are needed from Wuhan to Shiyan.