Zigui

Located at the foot of Woniu Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in western part of Hubei Province, Zigui is the hometown of Qu Yuan, the great poet, during the Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC). Zigui has been a county since the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220). The city, surrounded by walls, has a very classical architectural style. As it is in shape of a gourd, the city is called 'The Gourd City.' Since the city wall is composed of piled up stones, the city is also named 'The Stone City.' Xiling Gorge is just about seven miles from it.

According to legend, before Qu Yuan was exiled, his elder sister came back from far away to console him. Later generations chose the name Zigui as the county name to show their respect to this kind sister. 'Zi' means sister and 'Gui', coming back.

Because of the reservoir of the Three Gorges Dam Project, part of the Zigui territory has been submerged. So, residents moved their homes to the new county of Zigui which abuts the Three Gorges Dam, 23 miles away from the original county to the west and 25 miles to Yichang City to the east.

Now, Zigui County is a modern county with new buildings while at the same time still featuring an historic atmosphere. As Zigui is the hometown of Qu Yuan, numerous sites and legends are related to him. On the Fenghuang Mountain (Phoenix Mountain) of the new county, the spectacular Three Gorges Dam is well admired. The Culture Village of Qu Yuan is under construction on the mountain. The Qu Yuan Temple will be moved to the mountain as well. The Xiangxi (Fragrance Stream) of Zigui has many legends about Wang Zhaojun, one of the four ancient beauties of China. Other natural scenery like Xiling Gorge and Jiuwanxi Stream are also the must–sees while visiting Zigui.

Every year, when the traditional Dragon Boat Festival is held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month the people of Zigui remember Qu Yuan mainly by eating Zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings) and having dragon boat races. This celebration has been passed down from generation to generation. Compared to other regions, the festival is busier since it is the hometown of Qu Yuan.

Local Product: oranges

Sightseeing List:
Qu Yuan Temple
Fragrant Stream (Xiangxi Stream)