Located in the north bank of the Yangtze River and the east mouth of the Three Gorges, Yichang City has a history of more than 2,400 years. Also known as Yiling in ancient times, Yichang is one of the cradles of the Chu culture. The city occupies a total area of 21,600 square kilometers and has a population of 4 million. With geographical advantages, Yichang has been a commodity distribution center and transport hub for west Hubei Province and east Sichuan Province since ancient times. The convenient water transport channel helps Yichang reach Sichuan in the west and Jiangsu and Shanghai in the east. Yichang enjoys the fame of ¡§the Gateway to the Three Gorges¡¨ and ¡§a Bright Pearl at the Mouth of the Three Gorges¡¨, etc.

Geographical features of Yichang are diverse, with mountains, hills and plains. The terrain of Yichang tilts towards southeast from northwest, with Daba Mountain in the northwest part, Wushan Mountain in the central part and Wuling Mountain in the southwest part. Yidu, Zhijiang, Dangyang and Yuan¡¦an in the east of Yichang are hilly and plain areas. In subtropical monsoon zone of humid climate, Yichang has distinctive four seasons, with longer springs and autumns. Annual average rainfall is between 992.1 to 1,404.1 millimeters. Majority of rains are in June and July. With comparatively high temperature, Yichang has an annual average temperature of 13.1¢J~18¢J and a long frog-free period.

Yichang is the hometown of the famous poet Qu Yuan in the Warring States Period and Wang Zhaojun in the Han Dynasty, with the cultural relics of Qu Yuan Temple and Zhaojun Village. The Dangyang, Zhijiang and Yuan¡¦an area in northeast Yichang has been a strategic place. In the Three Kingdom period, the major battles between Wei and Shu states and between Wu and Shu states all took place in this area, having left many historic sites such as ancient battlefield Changbanpo, Tomb of General Guan Yu, the place where General Guan Yu made its power felt, the Maicheng ruins and Huimapo, etc. The Changyang and Wufeng area in southwest Yichang is known for its Ba culture, Tujia ethnic folk custom and beautiful natural sceneries of mountains and waters. Yichang is well known for its Three Gorges tour routes.