Why Shiyan
Shiyan is a prefecture-level city situated in northwestern Hubei, China, bordering Henan, Chongqing, and Shaanxi. Its physical landscape features higher elevations in the far northern and southern reaches, framing a lower central region. Characterized by steep hills, high-gradient rivers such as the Han and Du, and sprawling woodlands covering nearly three-quarters of its territory, the region presents a dramatic mountain landscape.
The city's recorded history under its current name traces back to 1484. Formerly a small rural settlement, Shiyan underwent a major transformation during the late 1960s when it was selected to host primary industrial facilities. It subsequently developed into a major hub for China's automotive industry as the base for the Second Automobile Works, which later became Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Water management has also shaped its modern development, beginning with mid-century flood control projects along the Han River that created the Danjiangkou Dam and Reservoir.
Cultural tourism in Shiyan is anchored by the Wudang Mountains, an east-west range renowned as a vital center of the Taoist faith. The surrounding landscape features up to 200 Taoist monastic temples and religious sites. Among these, the Wudangshan area within the county-level city of Danjiangkou serves as a major destination, drawing substantial numbers of visitors daily to its sacred Taoist locations.
Beyond its cultural heritage, the area plays a key role in regional infrastructure. The Danjiangkou Reservoir forms the basis for the Middle Route of the South to North Water Transfer Project, which channels water from the Han River to northern cities including Beijing and Tianjin. Reflecting its urban development, Shiyan was named among China's top ten livable cities in 2007.
Visitors can access Shiyan through several transit options. Shiyan Wudangshan Airport is located 15 kilometers from the city center and 20 kilometers from Wudangshan, serving regular routes to numerous cities. The region is also connected by multiple expressways, national highways, the Xiangyu Railway, and the Wuhan–Shiyan high-speed railway line.
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