Jishou Travel Guide
Jishou is in China's Hunan Province at the foot of Wuling Mountain. This city is a local capital and remains one of the best places in China to encounter the Miao and Tujia ethnic minority tribes.
- Worth It?
- Jishou is a great stopping point for those interested in China's minority groups.
- What to Do
- visit ethnic minority villages, go trekking in the mountains.
- Best Time to Go
- after the summer rains have passed, usually between September and November.
- How Long?
- One or two days are enough to enjoy Jishou.
- Trivia
- centuries ago, these ethnic groups were walled in by the Southern Great Wall to prevent insurrection.
Most of the attractions are nature-based, with Wuling Mountain looming as a backdrop to Jishou. Tourists can arrange guided treks of the mountain countryside, scaling cliffs to take in panoramic views or taking boats down the river, stopping off at provincial villages along the way.
For cultural encounters, head to Wangcun Village where the Tujia ethnic group carries on a way of life that has changed very little in the past 2,000 years. Meanwhile, the Miao people can be visited in the Dehang Scenic Area west of Jishou. In either event, tourists are welcomed warmly and have plenty of opportunity to learn about the traditions and festivals of these unique cultures.
Travel to Jishou - Getting There
The Jishou train station connects to cities across the region including Changsha (8 hours), where am international airport operates flights across China as well as to a few international destinations such as Seoul (6 hours, 15 minutes), Hong Kong (3 hours, 45 minutes) and Taipei.
Jishou Things to Do
Jishou Attractions
Side trips from Jishou
- Dehang Scenic Area
- in the west suburbs of Jishou, this area features old trees, waterfalls and Miao villages.
- Mendong River
- this river travels a total of 125 miles and passes through many picturesque valleys with caves and other natural features.
Best of the World 
Best in the Country 
Recommended 
