Huanghua Island

Huanghua Island is a natural island on the main course of the Yangtze River within Zhong County and is considered the geographic center of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region. The island is known for its patchwork of fields, beautiful scenery and diverse plant life. Rare species can be found throughout the island, including the lotus leaf fern, often referred to as the panda of the plant world. In 2016, the area was designated as a National Wetland Park.

Shaped by its distinctive terrain, with water on all sides and steep cliffs on three, the island once hosted Huanghua City during the Song Dynasty. It formed an important part of the Sichuan and Chongqing defense line during the long standoff between the Song and Yuan. It is one of the few known examples of an isolated island fortress system in China. Although the city was later leveled by Yuan forces, many cultural relics remain, including remnants of the city wall, the former county yamen and cliff inscriptions. Archaeological work on the island is now largely complete. As one of the first Three Gorges Archaeological Site Parks open to visitors, it offers a rare opportunity to explore an authentic historic site.

On the morning of Day 4 of the four night cruise from Yichang to Chongqing, you can visit the site in person and take part in a hands-on simulated archaeological excavation to experience the work of an archaeologist.