Shiyan
Shiyan is a prefecture-level city in northwestern Hubei, China, bordering Henan to the northeast, Chongqing to the southwest, and Shaanxi to the north and west.
At the 2020 census, its population was 3,209,004 of whom 1,033,407 lived in the built-up area made up of 2 urban districts of Maojian and Zhangwan on 1,193 square kilometres as Yunyang is not conurbated. In 2007, the city was named among China's top ten livable cities by Chinese Cities Brand Value Report, which was released at 2007 Beijing Summit of China Cities Forum.
Getting to Shiyan
- 01Shiyan Wudangshan Airport
- 02Shiyan Railway Station
- 03Shiyan East Railway Station
- 04Wudangshan Railway Station
Worth seeing
- 01Shiyan Museum
- 02Shiyan People's Park
- 03Wudang Mountains
- 04Carefree Valley
A beautiful hiking area with monkeys, waterfalls, and fresh water pools large enough to take a dip.
- 05Golden Hall
Built at the same time as the Forbidden City as a thanks to the god Zhen Wu for helping the emperor take over the country.
Things to do
Study Kung Fu. Wudang Kung Fu is one of the two most famous styles of Chinese martial arts. There are many schools to choose from. You can study for a day or for years. Si Shifu 司师父 If you are interested in learning fighting techniques this is one of the best schools on the mountain. Purple Heaven Palace School If you are interested in learning Taiji for the sake of motion and beauty, this is one of the best schools.
Where to eat
Gexian Rice Vinegar (葛仙米醋): Gexian Rice Vinegar in Shiyan is a local specialty seasoning, known for its natural fermentation and unique production process. Lao You Bing (老油饼): A traditional snack in Shiyan, it is a pan-fried and deep-fried pastry, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delightful aroma.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see file page), Wikimedia Commons.