Enshi Grand Canyon: A Convergence of Natural Wonders

📍 Location: Enshi Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located in Gaoping Town, Jianshi County, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province. 🚗 Transportation: - By air: Arrive at Enshi Airport, then transfer to Gaoping. The journey is 76 km and takes about 1 hour. - By water: From the Yangtze River Golden Waterway to Badong Port, it is 75 km from Shimen River Scenic Area, about a 1-hour drive. - By car: If driving, take the Gaoping interchange exit on the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway and drive for 5 km. Yichang is 120 km from Gaoping via expressway, and Enshi is 76 km from Gaoping via expressway. - By train: Whether you are coming from Wuhan, Xiangyang, or Yichang, or from Chengdu, Chongqing, or Wanzhou, you can take a special bus from Enshi Station or Jianshi Station directly to the scenic area. 👍️ Must-see attractions: - "Cloud Top" Glass Bridge: The bridge has a total length of 286m, a width of 2.6m, and is about 200m above the river valley. The bridge deck is made of transparent glass, with some sections featuring animated glass for a unique walking experience. Walking on it offers panoramic views and a thrilling sensation of floating in the air. - Cliffside Plank Road: This is one of the most "challenging" plank roads in Hubei. Built along the cliffs, it offers breathtaking views of the deep valley. The scenery is both dangerous and spectacular, with each step providing a unique experience. - Underground Caves: Known for their "wildness," the caves have a total length of 2,600m. Along the way, there are attractions such as the Echo Spring, Emerald Wonderland, Salt God Palace, and Underground Rainbow. The canyon is deep and mysterious, with steep cliffs, cascading streams, and clear water, resembling a secluded wonderland. - Ancient Bashu Salt Road: With a history of about 6,000 years, it is hailed by *China National Geographic* as the fifth largest ancient road in China. It retains the original ecological features of the "Bashu Throat" since the pre-Qin period. Walking on the ancient road, you can feel the weight of history and the wisdom of the ancients. - Heart of the Earth: Uniquely shaped like the heart of the earth, this is a romantic spot in the scenic area. Many tourists take photos here to create lasting memories. 🎟️ Ticket prices: - Adult tickets booked online are usually CNY 120. - Ticket + shuttle bus: The original price for an adult package is CNY 150; discounted tickets (children/seniors/students) are CNY 90. 💗 Other tips: - Visiting time: The scenic area is 5.8 km long and requires walking the entire length without backtracking, which takes about 3–4 hours. It is recommended to plan your time accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. - Transportation within the scenic area: You can purchase a round-trip shuttle bus ticket for CNY 30. There is also an aerial "magic carpet" escalator. Purchasing a ticket on-site for this escalator can save you 30 minutes of walking and is suitable for visitors with limited mobility or those who prefer a more relaxed experience. - Best time to visit: Summer (May to July) is recommended. The climate in the valley is pleasant during this time, neither too cold nor too hot. You can also experience various water activities, such as kayaking, cliffside rafting, and water swings. - Accommodation recommendations: For an immersive experience of the tranquility and beauty of the scenic area, you can stay at the Dixingu Yashe Hotel inside the scenic area. There are three room types available: glass houses, Qiankun Bay rooms, and space capsules. You can enjoy the sunrise over the canyon and the starry sky at night. Alternatively, you can choose other accommodations in nearby Gaoping Town. - Food recommendations: In addition to sightseeing, you can savor local specialties such as selenium-rich products, Tan family dishes, Enshi bean curd, Guankou grapes, Jianshi kiwi fruit, "gold wrapped in silver" (a local dish), Jingyang white grapefruit, Jingyang chicken, and roasted potatoes, allowing you to enjoy your trip from the first bite.