The construction of Gezhouba (Gezhou Dam) changed this sleepy first-century town into a thriving metropolis. Situated at the entrance to the Xiling Gorge and closest major city to the new Three Gorges Dam, it is the economic and cultural center of the western Hubei Province. In addition to the soaring locks of the Dam, the Three Travelers Cave, just six miles northwest of the city, is awe-inspiring. Here, both Tang-dynasty and Song-dynasty poets inscribed poems on the cave’s walls, and visiting literati throughout the ages have offered their own contributions.

Yichang City of Hubei Province lies at the east end of the Xiling Gorge. It's dividing point of the upper reach and middle reach. Yichang is one of the biggest ports along the Yangtze River with 230 kilometers (143 miles) of shoreline. The three gorges Project has gained the city more attention than ever. Together with the Gezhouba Water Control Project, Yichang will soon be the largest producer of hydroelectricity in China.

Covering an area of 21,083 square kilometers (5,209,723 acres), Yichang has a population of about 4 million. It is a subtropical monsoon climate zone. The yearly average temperature is around 15 degrees Centigrade (59F).The best seasons for visiting Yichang are spring and autumn.

Like many other cities in the three gorges region, Yichang is blessed with a long history of almost 2,000 years. In the Warring States Period (475-221), Yichang was the territory of the Chu Kingdom, where the Chu Culture once thrived. Celebrities such as Qu Yuan and Wang Zhaojun hail from Zigui County, and traces of the relics in the stories of Romance of the Three Kingdoms can be seen throughout the area.

In addition to its rich history, there is rich natural scenery in Yichang. Sanyou Cavern, Huangling Temple, and many other scenic spots like Baima Cave (White Horse Cave), Taohua Village (Peach blossom Village), Jinshi Cave (Golden Lion Cave), Baiguoshu Waterfall, and Jade Spring Temple (Yuquan Temple) can all be found nearby.