Jingmen

Jingmen (荆门) is a city in the central-western part of Hubei Province in the southern central region of China. Jingmen is known as the "Gateway to Jingchu" and is one of the cradles of Chu culture. With a long history and rich cultural heritage, the city boasts stunning natural landscapes, including the Zhanghe Scenic Area, Dahong Mountain, and the renowned Xianling Mausoleum. It is a captivating city that blends historical elegance with modern vitality.

Understand

Jingmen is also a city where industry and agriculture thrive together, with emerging industries developing rapidly. Local delicacies such as braised noodles, beef, and fish cakes highlight its regional charm.

Jingmen has a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by four distinct seasons, with warm and humid conditions. Spring is warm and rainy, summer is hot and humid, autumn is cool and pleasant with clear skies, and winter is cold and dry. The annual average temperature ranges from 15°C to 17°C, with abundant precipitation averaging between 1,000 mm and 1,300 mm per year. Jingmen also enjoys ample sunshine and distinct seasonal climatic features, making it highly suitable for agricultural production and the growth of various plants. It is a typical agricultural region in southern China.

Jingmen
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       21     8 1       32     10 3       51     15 7       73     22 13       117     27 18       123     30 22       180     32 24       149     31 24       74     28 19       70     22 14       43     16 8       18     10 2 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm Source:w:Jinmen City#Climate
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.8     46 33       1.3     51 37       2     59 44       2.9     71 55       4.6     80 64       4.8     85 71       7.1     89 76       5.9     88 74       2.9     82 66       2.8     72 56       1.7     61 46       0.7     50 36 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

History

The history of Jingmen dates back to the Neolithic Age, with the discovery of the Qujialing cultural site showcasing the brilliance of ancient civilization. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was an important area of the Chu State, leaving behind a wealth of Chu cultural relics. In the Han Dynasty, Jingmen became a significant transportation hub, fostering prosperous trade. By the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Jingmen had developed into a regional economic and cultural center. Today, Jingmen is renowned for its profound historical and cultural heritage, picturesque natural scenery, and its role as a hub of modern agriculture in China’s Agricultural Valley, making it a city that beautifully blends history with modernity.

Get in

By train

Jingmen has Jingmen Railway Station and Jingmen East Station (High-Speed Rail Station), providing both high-speed and regular train services for long-distance travel. It is convenient to travel from major cities in Hubei, such as Wuhan and Yichang, as well as to other parts of the country.

• 1 Jingmen Railway Station (荆门站), 4 Longquan Avenue, Dongbao District (东宝区金龙泉大道4号) (the nearest bus stop is the Quankou Police Station (泉口派出所) bus stop about 300 metres south of the station. The bus stop is served by bus nos. 1, 3, 9, 12 and 38), ☏ +86 724 6067366. 1路;3路;9路;12路;38路. (updated Apr 2020)

• 

  Jingmen Railway Station

  2 Zhongxiang Railway Station (钟祥站), 1 Shicheng Avenue East, Zhongxiang (钟祥市石城大道东路1号) (there is a bus stop just outside the station, which is served by bus nos. 2 and 3). (updated Apr 2020)

By bus

• 3 Jingmen North Bus Station (荆门汽车客运北站), Yueliang Hu Road, Duodao District (掇刀区月亮湖路) (local bus nos. 9 and 13), ☏ +86 724 6701678. (updated Apr 2020)
• 4 Jingmen South Bus Station (荆门汽车客运南站), Jingshan Avenue, Duodao District (掇刀区荆山大道) (local bus nos. 4, 9, 15, and 56), ☏ +86 724 2338443. Buses from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport arrive at this station. (updated Apr 2020)
• 5 Zhongxiang Bus Station (钟祥汽车客运站), 7/42 Wangfu Avenue, Zhongxiang (钟祥市王府大道42-7号) (local bus nos. 2, 3, 5 and 10), ☏ +86 724 4282860. (updated Apr 2020)

Get around

Jingmen boasts convenient transportation, offering diverse options for getting around the city and its surrounding areas with ease:

By public transportation

1. Buses： Jingmen has numerous bus routes covering major areas, including the city center, railway stations, high-speed rail stations, and various tourist attractions. Bus fares are affordable, making it an economical choice for getting around the city.
2. Taxis and ride-hailing services：Taxis in Jingmen are reasonably priced, with a starting fare of ¥6-8, suitable for short trips. Additionally, ride-hailing services like Didi and CaoCao are widely available and convenient to use.

By car

Jingmen is a hub in Hubei's transportation network, with major highways such as the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway (G42) and the Erguang Expressway (G55) passing through. The city has several bus terminals offering long-distance buses to nearby towns and other cities.

By bicycle and on foot

Jingmen's urban layout is well-planned, making cycling and walking ideal for exploring the city. There are public bike rental stations throughout the city for residents and visitors.

By plane or ferry

• 6 Zhanghe Airport. Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen primarily provides general aviation services and short-haul flights. Although there are few commercial flights, the aviation infrastructure is steadily improving. (updated Dec 2024)
• 7 Zhanghe River Navigation. The Zhanghe River is an important waterway in Jingmen, suitable for sightseeing and leisure activities, though it has limited commercial shipping functions. (updated Dec 2024)

By car

The areas around Jingmen are known for their natural beauty, making self-driving a great way to explore nearby attractions. Popular destinations include Zhanghe Scenic Area, Love Aviation Town, and Xianling Mausoleum in Zhongxiang, all of which are easily accessible with ample parking facilities.Jingmen offers a wide range of transportation options, catering to both local commuting needs and providing convenient choices for visitors on short or long journeys.

See

Central Jingmen

• 1 Jingmen Museum (荆门市博物馆), 19 Xiangshan Avenue, Dongbao District (东宝区象山大道19号) (the nearest bus stop is Xiangshan 3rd Road (象山三路), which is served by bus nos. 1, 5 and 29), ☏ +86 724 2345328, hbjmbwg@yeah.net. 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays. Free. (updated Apr 2020)
• 2 Zhang River Scenic Area (漳河风景区, 漳河旅游风景区), Dongbao District (东宝区) (bus no. 21 terminates here), ☏ +86 724 6077018, +86 724 6077019. The scenic area is open from 08:30 to 17:00. Boats depart at 09:00 and 13:00. The ticket office is open from 08:30 to 12:50. Visitors can stay at the Zhang He (Zhang River) Peninsula Hotel (漳河半岛酒店). ¥20 to visit Yangguang Beach (阳光沙滩), ¥70 to visit Huxin Island (湖心岛), ¥50 for the boat trip to the island. Combo tickets are ¥110. (updated Apr 2020)

Zhongxiang

• 3 Xianling Tomb (明显陵), No. 1 Xianling Road, Zhongxiang (钟祥市显陵路1号) (about 7 km northeast of Zhongxiang Bus Station and about 6 km northeast of Zhongxiang Railway Station; if arriving in Zhongxiang by bus, walk to Chengtian Avenue East (承天大道东路) and catch bus no. 6; if you arrive by train, catch bus no. 6 from Mochou Lake Road (莫愁湖路)), ☏ +86 724 4217387, zxmxlglc@163.com. 08:30-17:00. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties". It commemorates Zhu Youyuan, a locally based scion of the Ming Dynasty's ruling family, and his wife, whose teenage son Zhu Houcong happened to inherit the throne when the previous emperor died without issue. Once Zhu Houcong went to Beijing and became the Ming's new Jiajing Emperor, he had his deceased parents posthumously elevated to the imperial rank, and had an imperial-style mausoleum built for them next to their country estate. ¥65. 
• 4 Yuanyou Palace (元佑宫), 5 Yuanyou Road, Zhongxiang (钟祥市元佑路5号) (on the northwestern side of Jingyue Lake; take bus no. 2 to Guihe Pond (龟鹤池)). 08:30-11:30, 14:30-17:30. The Jiajing Emperor's (Zhu Houcong's) ancestral hall. Built between 1540 and 1553 in the same style as the Forbidden City in Beijing. When the emperor revisited his hometown, he would often come here to pay homage to his ancestors. ¥10. (updated Apr 2020)
• 5 Zhongxiang Museum (钟祥市博物馆), 28 Mochou Lake Road, Zhongxiang (钟祥市莫愁湖路28号) (on the east side of Mochou Lake; bus no. 6 stops outside the museum), ☏ +86 724 4263337, +86 724 4222904. 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays. Free. (updated Apr 2020)

Do

In Jingmen, you can experience a rich blend of natural landscapes and cultural heritage, while also enjoying the convenience of modern urban amenities. Here are some things you can do in Jingmen

1. Taste Local Cuisine Jingmen offers a variety of local delicacies, such as Jingmen fish, hot dry noodles, and dried tofu. You can try these dishes at local restaurants and street food stalls.
2. Experience Local Culture Jingmen is one of the important origins of Chu culture. You can visit museums and cultural centers to learn more about the history and traditions of the Chu State.
3. Enjoy Outdoor Activities Jingmen’s surrounding areas offer many natural scenic spots suitable for hiking, cycling, and photography, especially around Zhanghe and rural landscapes. It's a great place to experience tranquility and nature.
4. Shopping and Entertainment Jingmen’s commercial districts and shopping malls offer a variety of shopping and entertainment options. You can buy local specialties and souvenirs.

Whether you enjoy history and culture or outdoor adventures, Jingmen offers a wide range of activities and experiences.

Buy

In Jingmen, you can buy many local specialty products and souvenirs. Here are some recommendations worth trying:

1. Jingmen Specialties
   • Jingmen Fish: The waters around Jingmen, especially Zhanghe River, are known for fresh fish, which is delicious and tender.
   • Dried Tofu: Jingmen's dried tofu has a unique taste and chewy texture, making it a popular local snack or side dish.
   • Hot Dry Noodles: While hot dry noodles are a specialty of Wuhan, many local restaurants in Jingmen also serve this classic dish.
2. Local Products
   • Dried Scallops, Dried Shrimp, and Other Seafood: Jingmen has a rich variety of seafood, and fresh dried scallops and dried shrimp are local specialties, perfect for taking home.
   • Daylily (Huanghuacai): Daylilies from Jingmen are known for their unique flavor and nutritional value, and are a traditional ingredient in the area.
3. Handicrafts and Souvenirs
   • Chu Culture-related Handicrafts: As an important origin of Chu culture, Jingmen offers a variety of handicrafts related to Chu culture, such as ceramics, carvings, and embroidery.
4. Local Liquor Jingmen also produces many traditional local wines, which make great souvenirs or gifts.

Eat

In Jingmen, you can taste a variety of local delicacies. Here are some signature dishes worth trying:

1. Jingmen Fish The waters around Jingmen, especially Zhanghe River, are rich in fresh fish, known for their tender meat. These fish are often made into steamed fish or clear soup fish, traditional dishes in the region.

2. 

   Hot Dry Noodles

   
   Although hot dry noodles originated in Wuhan, they can also be found in many restaurants in Jingmen. The dish is flavorful and spicy, topped with sesame paste and various ingredients, offering a rich taste.
3. Dried Tofu Jingmen's dried tofu has a chewy texture and unique flavor. It is often enjoyed as a snack or with drinks, and many people like to pair it with chili and seasonings.
4. Daylilies (Huanghuacai) Daylilies in Jingmen are fresh and nutritious, often used in soups or stir-fried dishes. They have a refreshing taste and are quite popular.
5. Barbecue Street barbecue is very popular in Jingmen, with a variety of grilled meats, skewers, and fish, making it a mouthwatering experience.
6. Chopped Chili Fish Head This dish uses fish heads paired with chopped chili, creating a flavorful and spicy taste, with a distinctive local flavor.

Jingmen’s cuisine offers both traditional Hubei flavors and unique local twists, catering to those who enjoy light flavors as well as those who prefer bold and spicy tastes.

Drink

In Jingmen, you can enjoy a variety of local beverages. Here are some worth trying:

1. Jingmen Tea Jingmen is known for its high-quality tea, especially green and black teas. The local tea is fragrant and refreshing, making it a popular choice for many people as a daily drink.
2. Soy Milk and Fried Dough Sticks Soy milk and fried dough sticks (youtiao) are common breakfast items in Jingmen. The soy milk is smooth and rich, while the youtiao is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack.
3. Daylily Soup In Jingmen, daylilies are not only used in dishes but also made into a refreshing soup. It’s light and delicious, making it a popular summer drink to help cool off.
4. Traditional Baijiu (White Liquor) Jingmen produces many types of traditional baijiu, known for its strong, smooth taste and unique flavor, perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings.
5. Fruit Drinks Due to the warm climate in Jingmen, the area produces a variety of fresh fruits. You can enjoy freshly squeezed fruit juices or fruit teas, particularly those made from citrus, grapes, and apples.

Jingmen offers a diverse range of drinks, from traditional teas to modern fruit juices and alcoholic beverages, catering to various tastes.

Sleep

In Jingmen, you can choose from a variety of hotels, ranging from luxury hotels to budget options. Here are some recommended hotels along with their approximate coordinates:

1. 1 Ramada Plaza Jingmen. (updated Dec 2024) This is a four-star hotel with complete facilities, offering a high-quality accommodation experience. It is located in the city center, making it convenient to visit major attractions and business districts.
2. 2 Jingmen Hotel. (updated Dec 2024)This hotel provides a comfortable environment and more traditional services, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. It is centrally located, with convenient transportation.
3. 3 Jingmen Jiuhua Hotel. (updated Dec 2024)This hotel features modern facilities and is suitable for business travelers. It offers various services, such as a restaurant and conference facilities.
4. 4 Wanda Realm Jingmen. (updated Dec 2024)This is a five-star hotel offering luxurious accommodation, including amenities such as a spa, gym, and various dining options. It is perfect for both business and leisure travelers.
5. 5 GreenTree Inn Jingmen. (updated Dec 2024)This is a budget-friendly hotel offering simple and comfortable accommodations, ideal for travelers on a budget. It is conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to get around.