Traveling to Yichang’s Sanxiarenjia 三峡人家
Searching for the Heart of China
Viewing the three gorges dam is truly nothing more than a few minutes of gawking at an engineering marvel that fails to hold one’s interest. That does not mean your whole trip to Yichang was in vain, however. There is still much to be explored among the Yangtze River and the winding mountains which line its steep shores.
The pictures of classic Chinese junks docked against a romantic landscape which can only be found in paintings is more than enough to entice travelers to make the treck out to Sanxia Renjia (三峡人家). Is the trip to this paradise in the heart of China nothing more than a tourist trap or a place where you can truly embrace the country’s traditional culture?
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Getting to Sanxiarenjia
As most tourists will find, traveling through China without basic language skills will make the simplest task a daunting one. Getting to Sanxiarenjia is no exception.
The easiest way to get to the park is from the Yiling Long Distance Bus Station (夷陵客运站) in Yichang. From there you can get a direct bus to Sanxiarenjia. The bus number 10-1 will take you straight to the ticketing office for only 15 Yuan (2 USD)
After arriving at the entrance to Sanxiaranjia you will need to buy a ticket for both the ferry to the complex and the park itself. Both are included in the 180 Yuan fee paid at the ticketing window. After flashing your ticket and enjoying a scenic ride along the Yangtze River, you will see the traditional curved roofs and Chinese junks greeting you as you pull into the dock of Sanxiarenjia.
Get all the info you need to get to sanxiarenjia here!
The Money Shot
From the second you get off of the ferry you be greeted with a postcard-esque scene. A beautiful girl stares off dreamingly on a Chinese junk, donning traditional clothing and a parasol. On a bamboo raft not far away, another actor in this living work of art serenades the girl with the sounds of his flute.
More than likely, it was this sight which originally drew you to Sanxiarenjia in the first place. While it does look like a scene which would be found hanging in one of the classical art galleries in China, it does lack a certain sense of authenticity. Depending on what you are looking for while traveling through the country, you could either sigh in awe or cringe at the commercial selling out of Chinese culture.
Finding the Locals
Following the river, you will find the same snacks and souvenirs found at any other tourist trap in China. Fried foods, green tea cakes, beverages, and candies line either side of the walkway taking you to some of the other parts of this Disney-like Chinese theme park.
After escaping the shops, performances, and plaster castles, the far end of the complex offers a more candid look at life along the Yangtze River. Many of the restaurants begin to seem more local, with children playing outside as the parents are busy indoors preparing meals or lazily lounging around.
You will also stumble upon historical military checkpoints from the ousted Kuomintang, still donning their Nationalist emblems and flags. For those who are really sick to their stomach by the fake atmosphere of sanxiarenjia, you will also find many old farmhouses and traditional graves situated on the slopes of the Yangtze River.
Looking for more to do in Hubei? Check out Tang City!
Disney China
You may find yourself having a love-hate relationship with Sanxiarenjia. On one hand, you do get some beautiful views of the Yangtze river winding its way through the mountains, on the other you have to endure some cringe-worthy performances and attempts at creating a whimsical theme park.
At one time tourists could enjoy a river cruise taking passengers from Chongqing all the way to Shanghai. This route has ceased due to the capsizing of a ship claiming 396 souls. Rather than ensuring that all boats are up to code, many tours along Chinese many rivers have been terminated altogether.
Sanxiarenjia is one of the few places that will take you to the hard of the gorges and the Yangtze river. Unfortunately, you will have to endure tacky performances and bored actors in the process.
Still wanting to take one of the few river tours left in China? Check them out here!
Dispelling the Myth
Sanxiarenjia is located truly in the heart of the three gorges in Hubei. The location is a place where you can find a rich culture of a people who for centuries lived on the water, singing as they floated along the Yangtze. While the surrounding areas are rooted deep with tradition, Sanxiarenjia is not. The Disney approach to presenting Chinese culture comes across as tacky rather than authentic.
If you are looking for nothing more than that one money shot of a girl standing on a bamboo raft and some traditional Chinese boats then sanxiarenjia may be worth the trip. If you are searching for true Yangtze culture, you may have to look a little more off of the beaten path.
