The origin of this cave may be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. In 819, three Tang Dynasty poets, Bai Juyi, his brother Bai Xingjian and Yuan Zhen, met in Yichang and made an excursion to this site. While enjoying the spectacular scenery, they inscribed some poems on the cave walls. Afterwards they were considered as the 'First Three Travelers'. Later during the Song Dynasty, namely about 700 years ago, the famous litterateur Su Xun with his two sons Su Shi and Su Zhe - also two noted authors, visited here twice and wrote some poems and articles; soon the cave became famous throughout China.

Three Travelers' Cave has two interconnected entrances, one as wide and tall as a city gate while the other so low that a tourist has to climb through it on all fours. The bigger section measures six meters in height and 20-30 meters both in breadth and depth.Three stalactites divide it into two chambers, the front one being spacious and bright and the rear one having a ceiling shaped like a hanging bell. The floor of the cave issues the sound of a drum when the tourist stamps his feet on it, and smaller rocks near its walls sound like a chime when struck. These are three wonders of Three Travelers' Cave: Heavenly Bell, Earth Drum, and Side Chime. Cool in summer and warm in winter.More than forty stone inscriptions both inside and outside the cave are still discernible. Poet and articles might not be that famous to western travelers, but it is truly a great place to sample the greatness of the Three Gorges. When you see people on the ships far away waving to you and yielding, you can stop waving and yielding back from the high cliff.A road made of planks leads to the cliff cave. The thirty-meter long cave is considered a magic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites and stone pillars. Fifteen meters inside the cave, a pair of big stalactite pillars dangles down like a gate, which divides the cave into two parts. Many poetic inscriptions on the interior cliff walls demonstrate different calligraphy styles and are highly valued in the study of Chinese literature. An ear-like cave lying beside Three Travelers' Cave offers a panoramic view of the Yangtze River.

Around the cave, there are many historical sites related to the Three Kingdoms Period. The most famous is a tower peak, on top of which stands a statue of Zhang Fei, a general of Shu in Three Kingdom Period. It was said that he beat drums to train his troops here.

At the south of the cave, there is a tower peak, on top of which stands a statue of Zhang Fei, a general of Shu in Three Kingdom Period. It was said that he had hit drums to train his troops here. And small platform got its name "Zhang Fei Hitting Drum Platform".

Three Travelers' Cave is a tourist highlight both because of its approximate to Yichang and the spectacular terrain it is on. It is caught between towering peaks and skirted by a clear stream called Xialao Brook. Its top commands a view of Nanjin Pass where the dangerous upper section of the Yangtze River gives way to the middle reaches along which navigation is relatively easy.

Located in a cliff of the northern peak of Xiling Hill, 10 kilometers northwest of Yichang city, Three Travelers' Cave overlooks Xialiao Stream. Carved with poems and graffiti of ancient visitors, the cave is frequently visited by admiring visitors.