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.
Jingzhou, formerly known as Jiangling and Yingdu, is a prefecture-level city in Hubei Province, located in the south-central part of the province along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. It borders Wuhan to the east, Yueyang (Hunan Province) to the south, and Yichang to the west, covering about 14,100 square kilometers with a population of around 5.13 million.
The city has a humid subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and numerous rivers and lakes. Its fertile plains and rich water resources have earned Jingzhou the titles of “Land of Fish and Rice” and “China’s Granary.”
With a history dating back over 50,000 years, Jingzhou was the capital of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, making it the political and cultural center of the Chu civilization. Over the centuries, it remained an important regional hub through various dynasties, and in 1996 it officially became Jingzhou City.
Today, Jingzhou sits at the intersection of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and major national transport routes. It is not only a key agricultural base but also a city rich in cultural heritage, known as the birthplace of Chu culture and a major site of Three Kingdoms history.
Jingzhou has a long history and is one of the important birthplaces of ancient Chinese culture. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the State of Chu established its capital Ying here for over 400 years, making Jingzhou a political and cultural center of the time. In the Qin and Han dynasties, it became the seat of Nanjun and later the Jingzhou Inspectorate, establishing its regional importance. During the Tang and Song dynasties, it served as the seat of Jiangling Prefecture, and in the Five Dynasties period, it was the capital of the Nanping Kingdom. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, it remained the seat of Jingzhou Prefecture. In 1996, it was renamed Jingzhou City, becoming an important prefecture-level city in Hubei Province.
Jingzhou has a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons, abundant sunlight, and ample rainfall, with rain and heat occurring in the same season. Summers are hot and rainy, with a pronounced plum rain season often accompanied by heavy showers; winters are cold and dry with little precipitation; spring and autumn are mild and pleasant. Overall, the climate is suitable for living and tourism, with noticeable seasonal changes and moderate temperature variations throughout the year.
30.323258112.2770431Jingzhou Shashi Airport (荆州沙市机场), Zhangyao Line, Shashi District (about 20 kilometers from the city center), ☏ +86 716 8911111. The airport is a Class 4C regional airport that opened in 2021. It has a 2,600-meter runway and five boarding bridges, with an annual passenger capacity of 700,000. In 2024, it handled over 1 million passengers, ranking first in the province in growth rate. (updated Oct 2025)
30.3733112.20742Jingzhou Railway Station (荆洲站), Jingchu Avenue, Jingzhou District, ☏ +86 716 12306. Jingzhou Railway Station is a first-class passenger station on the Ning–Rong Railway, built in 2010 and officially opened in 2012. The station has 4 platforms and 9 tracks, with a total building area of about 50,000 square meters, making it the largest station along the Hanyi Railway. In 2017, the station added an energy-efficient entrance hall and expanded the lobby to improve passenger flow and waiting conditions. (updated Oct 2025)
30.175278111.6013893Songzixi Railway Station (松滋西站), Provincial Road 332, Zhangjiafan Village, Xinjiangkou Town, Songzi City, ☏ +86 716 12306. Songzi West Railway Station is a third-class passenger station on the Jiaoliu Railway, with 2 platforms and 4 tracks. The station building covers about 3,852 square meters and can accommodate 1,400 passengers. It was originally opened in 1978 as Zhangjiafan Station and underwent several renamings and administrative changes, becoming Songzi West Station in 2025. The station handles approximately 300,000 passengers and 700,000 tons of cargo annually. (updated Oct 2025)
Linked to the Chinese bus network, including Wuhan and Xiangfan.
30.3352112.23964Jingzhou Passenger Transport Hub (荆州客运枢纽站), East side of Jingzhou Railway Station, Jingzhou District, ☏ +86 716 4303219. Jingzhou Passenger Transport Hub is a first-class bus station covering about 82 acres, equipped with ticketing and security facilities. It operates 69 intercity and provincial routes, with an average of 240 departures per day, rising to 310 during peak periods. The station offers convenient connections, including shuttle buses to the railway station and multiple direct bus lines. (updated Oct 2025)
30.316386112.243255Shashi Long-Distance Bus Station (沙市长途客运站), No. 190, Beijing West Road, Shashi District, ☏ +86 716 4316565. Shashi Long-Distance Bus Station, established in 1945, is operated by Jingzhou Xianxing Transport Group. It is a ministerial-level civilized bus station, a model of industry standards in Hubei Province, one of the top ten bus stations, a consumer-satisfaction enterprise, and the only AAA first-class bus station in Jingzhou. (updated Oct 2025)
Jingzhou is a city famous for its ancient city walls and rich historical culture. Transportation is relatively convenient, with buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services as the main modes of travel. Since most attractions are concentrated in the Jingzhou Ancient City and Shashi urban area, public transportation is sufficient to easily visit the main tourist sites.
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.
Route 1, 14, 19, 23, 51, and 103: Connect major attractions such as the Ancient City, Zhang Juzheng’s Former Residence, Guan Di Temple, and the Jingzhou Museum.
Route 22 Tourist Line: Operates between the Railway Station, Fantawild Oriental Heritage Park, and the Garden Expo Park.
Intercity and scenic routes: Provide access to suburban attractions such as the Chuwang Chariot and Horse Site and Honghu Ecotourism Area.
Note: Some routes may be temporarily adjusted; it is recommended to check the latest bus information before traveling.
Taxis are one of the main transportation options in Jingzhou, known for their regulated operation, transparent pricing, and various booking methods. All vehicles are equipped with taximeters, GPS tracking, and emergency alarm systems. Vehicle colors indicate different operation types: mint green or Bordeaux red for franchise taxis, and blue-white for government-operated ones. Each taxi displays the company name and the “12328” supervision hotline on the doors, with a bilingual “Taxi” sign on the roof.
During the daytime (5:00–23:00), the starting fare is ¥7 for the first 2 km; at night (23:00–5:00), it is ¥10 for the first 3 km. The rate is ¥1.7 per km for distances up to 10 km and ¥2.5 per km beyond that, with additional waiting charges after a short grace period.
Passengers can hail taxis on the street or book rides by calling 95128 or using the WeChat mini program “95128 Transportation Service”. The platform charges no extra service fees and allows advance reservations.
The taxi industry in Jingzhou is strictly regulated, with prohibitions against overcharging, refusing passengers, unauthorized ride-sharing, or bargaining. Complaints can be made by calling 0716-8278140 or the 12328 hotline. It is recommended to use licensed taxis or official ride-hailing platforms and avoid unregistered vehicles.
Note that some drivers may not carry small change, so it’s advisable to prepare ¥10 or ¥20 bills in advance. During rush hours or holidays, passengers might need to queue for taxis at busy areas such as Jingzhou Railway Station or Shashi Airport.
Jingzhou’s flat terrain makes cycling both flexible and scenic. Shared bicycles and e-bikes are available citywide, unlockable via mobile app with no deposit, costing around ¥1–2 per 10–15 minutes, and must be returned within designated parking zones. Around the Ancient City, electric bikes can be rented for about ¥30 per two hours, with routes starting from the East Gate connecting major sights. The city’s cycling lanes are well developed, making it ideal for short-distance travel and leisure rides.
30.347846112.2159441Binyang Tower (宾阳楼), 50 meters east of the intersection of Neihuan North Road and Zhang Juzheng Street, Jingzhou District (take bus routes 19, 51, or 14 to Zhang Juzheng Former Residence Station, then walk about 3 minutes to reach the site), ☏ +86 716 8450389. 08:00-21:00. 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. ¥35.
30.349348112.19772Guandi Temple (关帝庙), No. 48 Aimin Road, Jingzhou District (take bus routes 12, 14, or 17 to South Gate Station, then walk about 5 minutes to reach the site), ☏ +86 716 8467774. 08:00-17:30. 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. ¥20.
Jingzhou Museum30.35366112.1805783Jingzhou Museum (荆州博物馆), 166 Jingzhong Road (荆中路166号) (take bus routes 19 or 103 to “Ximen Jingzhou Museum” Station, then you will arrive at the museum), ☏ +86 716 8494808, [email protected]. 9AM-5PM, no entry after 4PM, closed on Mondays. 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. Free.
30.346887112.215414Zhang Juzheng Former Residence (张居正故居), No. 2, Jingnan Road, Jingzhou District (take bus routes 1, 12, or 18 to Zhang Juzheng Former Residence Station or Jinfeng Square Station), ☏ +86 716 8450389. 08:00-21:00. 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. ¥20. (updated Oct 2025)
30.350174112.2103715Ancient city wall (古城墙), Jingzhou Ancient City Historical and Cultural Tourism Area, No. 2 Zhang Juzheng Street, Jingzhou District (take bus routes 1, 14, or 15 to Zhang Juzheng Former Residence Station, then walk 100 meters west to reach the site), ☏ +86 716 8455077. 24 hours. The Jingzhou Ancient City Wall, built during the Five Dynasties, is the only brick city in China known for long-term continuous use and relatively complete preservation. The existing wall dates from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a perimeter of about 11,281 meters, featuring six gates, watchtowers, arrow towers, and other defensive structures. The enclosed area is approximately 4.5 km², with a moat about 12,200 meters long. As an important military defense structure from the cold weapon era, the wall has historical, artistic, and scientific significance. It was listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level in 1996. Free.
30.39144112.2421621Jingzhou Fantawild Oriental Heritage (荆州方特东方神画), No. 1 Fantawild Road, Jinan Eco-Cultural Tourism Zone, Jingzhou District (take the No. 22 tourist shuttle directly from Jingzhou Railway Station), ☏ +86 716 4108222. 10:00-17:00（Monday to Friday） 09:30-17:30（Saturday to Sunday）. Jingzhou Fantawild Oriental Heritage is a large high-tech cultural theme park opened in September 2019. The park centers on Chinese history and Jingchu regional culture, featuring 41 indoor and outdoor themed attractions and over 200 leisure facilities, including experiences like Chu Music, Qu Yuan, Nuwa Mends the Sky, and Cowherd and Weaver Girl. It combines traditional stories with advanced technology such as laser multimedia, 3D effects, and miniature scenes, offering interactive and immersive cultural experiences. ¥280（Standard Ticket）¥199（Senior Ticket，Child Ticket）. (updated Oct 2025)
30.356241112.2698492Jingzhou Ocean World (荆州海洋世界), 6 Tiangu Avenue, Shashi District, 500 meters north of the 318 National Road intersection, east side of the street (take Bus 35 to Yinhu Road–Tiangu Avenue Stop, then walk 152 meters to reach the destination), ☏ +86 716 4163555, toll-free: +86 18772666736. 09:30-18:00. Jingzhou Ocean World is a large marine cultural tourism resort offering a variety of interactive and recreational experiences. The park features Central China’s largest indoor aquarium, a Caribbean-themed water park, an IMAX-style theater, a children’s play and learning area, as well as a themed night market and local specialty food district. Visitors can observe marine life, enjoy water-based entertainment, watch large-format films, and explore local culture and cuisine, making it a comprehensive destination for sightseeing, play, and leisure activities. ¥128（Water Park） ¥100（Aquarium）. (updated Oct 2025)
29.802994113.4430373Honghu Wetland National Nature Reserve (洪湖湿地国家级自然保护区), Jinwan Avenue, Honghu City (about 60 km from downtown Jingzhou, it can be reached by driving west along Jinwan Avenue to the shore of Honghu Lake), ☏ +86 716 2742799. 08:00—17:00 . Honghu Wetland National Nature Reserve is a major freshwater wetland ecosystem centered on Lake Honghu, known for its diverse wildlife and pristine ecology. Visitors can enjoy eco-friendly leisure activities such as cycling through scenic routes, boating and lotus picking during summer, or fishing along the lakeshore. The park also offers indoor facilities like game rooms and multipurpose halls for group gatherings, combining nature exploration with relaxation. ¥70. (updated Oct 2025)
30.348543112.2092054Zhang Juzheng Street (张居正街), No. 7, Zhang Juzheng Street, Jingzhou District (take bus routes Xin 1, 22, or 12, get off at Beiyuan Station or Zhang Juzheng Former Residence Station, then walk about 100 meters west). Zhang Juzheng Street is a multifunctional street focusing on food and entertainment. It features numerous local eateries and traditional snacks, including heritage treats like Ai Zi pies, Jingcheng rice pastries, and specialty delicacies from long-established brands. The street also offers cultural and interactive experiences, such as digital exhibitions, heritage displays, live performances, and festival events including Sichuan opera face-changing, fish lantern dances, and light shows. Visitors can shop for cultural products like Chu-style lacquerware and embroidery, and participate in hands-on activities such as making sugar figurines or sewing Chu-style sachets. (updated Oct 2025)
Jingzhou’s seasonal festivals blend cuisine, nature, and Chu culture. In winter, the Fish Cake Festival offers full-fish feasts and making experiences; spring features the Peach Blossom Fair with folk shows; summer brings the Lotus Festival with boating and lotus picking; and the Chu Culture Festival showcases heritage and innovation.
Jingzhou Fish Cake Festival(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.”
Jingzhou Peach Blossom Festival（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.
Jingzhou Lotus Festival（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.
Jingzhou Chu Culture Festival（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.
Chu embroidery, Fish Cake (鱼糕 yúgāo), Steamed Marbled Meat (粉蒸肉 fěnzhēngròu), Miss Hu's duck (小胡鸭 Xiǎohúyā)
30.33112.271Wuyue Plaza (吾悦广场), No. 109, Jianghan North Road, Shashi District, ☏ +86 716 4088000. 10:00-22:00. 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. (updated Oct 2025)
30.355112.19442Jing Street (荆街), Guan Gong Memorial Park, Dongdi Street, Jingzhou District (by bus routes 19, 33, or 51; get off at Guanyu Memorial Park Station and walk about 200 meters.). 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. (updated Oct 2025)
30.353448112.1805363Jingzhou Museum Gift Shop (荆州博物馆文创商店), F1, Treasures Hall, Jingzhou Museum, 166 Jingzhou Middle Road, Jingzhou District, ☏ +86 716 8494574. 09:00-17:00 (Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday). 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. (updated Oct 2025)
30.35269112.190164Chuxiang Youli Flagship Store (楚乡有礼旗舰店), 38 Nanmen Street, Jingzhou District (take bus routes 1, 2, or 10 to Jingzhou Ancient City or Nanmen Station, then walk to the site), toll-free: +86 15972755561. 09：00-18：00. Chuxiang Youli Flagship Store is a regional brand store in Jingzhou, showcasing local culture and specialty products. Located in a historic Qing-era building, it combines traditional architecture with modern retail, featuring cultural and creative exhibition areas, heritage workshops, and experiential spaces. The store offers over 90 products across five categories—clothing, food, daily use, collectibles, and gifts—including Chu-style silk scarves, lacquerware tea sets, miniature replicas of ancient artifacts, and culturally inspired clothing. Local agricultural products such as rice, wild vegetable oil, and traditional snacks are also available, often packaged as gift sets. Regular events like music salons and heritage experiences make the store both a shopping destination and a place to experience and learn about Jingchu culture. (updated Oct 2025)
30.337289112.2256245Wanda Plaza (万达广场), 508 West Beijing Road, Jingzhou District (take bus routes 1, 23, 32, or 103 and get off at Wanda Plaza Station), ☏ +86 716 4309999. 09:00-22:00. Wanda Plaza, opened in 2014, is the city’s first large-scale one-stop urban lifestyle complex. Covering 160,000 m² of retail space over five above-ground and two underground floors, it houses 173 brands, including anchor stores like RT-Mart, Wanda Cinema, Haidilao, and Uniqlo, as well as over 40 exclusive Wanda brands such as LEGO and MO&Co. The plaza offers fashion retail, dining, family entertainment, and immersive experiences, with more than 1,000 parking spaces, making it a major shopping and leisure destination for locals and visitors. (updated Oct 2025)
Traditional cuisine from the historic State of Chu is a must try while in Jingzhou. It has a unique flavor that is absolutely delicious. Ask for a place with Chu flavor (楚味) dishes. Various options of breakfast, most of them are all kinds of noodle or soup.
Danyang is two hours away by bus, and might be worth a day trip if you are a Three Kingdoms fan or a Guan Yu fan. It is the home of the mausoleum for Guan Yu's body (his head rests in Luoyang). Also in town, look for a giant statue in the middle of an intersection en route between the mausoleum and the bus station - if you poke around nearby, there is a hidden little park up some stairs on a hill that is full of life sized painted statues of many of the main Three Kingdoms figures.
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