Enshi Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located in Enshi City, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers a total area of 300 square kilometers, with a core sightseeing area of 35 square kilometers. The canyon is 108 kilometers long, with an average depth of 200 meters and a maximum depth of 400 meters. The scenic area is famous for its majestic and precipitous canyon landforms, diverse karst landscapes, and rich Tujia ethnic customs. It is known as a "World Geological Wonder" and the "Colorado of the East."
History and Culture
The Enshi region, where Enshi Grand Canyon is located, is home to ethnic minorities such as the Tujia and Miao peoples and has a long-standing ethnic culture and historical heritage. Numerous traditional Tujia villages and folk cultures are preserved around the canyon.
According to historical research, the Ba people already lived and multiplied here as early as the pre-Qin period. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, this area became an important region under Tusi rule, leaving behind rich remains of Tusi culture. The cliffside plank road in the scenic area was a transportation route opened by the ancient Ba people.
The Enshi Grand Canyon area also preserves unique intangible cultural heritage such as Tujia architecture, songs and dances, and marriage customs. Traditional practices such as stilted buildings, the hand-waving dance, and crying marriage are still passed down today.
Main Attractions
Yunlong Ground Fissure
It is 3.6 kilometers long, with an average depth of 75 meters and a maximum depth of 100 meters. It is an extremely rare ground fissure landscape in the world. The rock walls on both sides of the fissure are steep, with flying waterfalls and flowing springs dotted throughout, forming the magnificent landscape of a "thin strip of sky."
Qixingzhai
At an altitude of 1,500-1,900 meters, it is composed of seven stone peaks of different shapes, arranged like the Big Dipper. Inside the village are peculiar stone pillar landscapes such as "Incense Stick" and "Twin Towers," which are landmark attractions of Enshi Grand Canyon.
Cliffside Plank Road
With a total length of 488 meters, it hangs on a cliff with a vertical height of more than 300 meters and is known as "the most dangerous plank road in the world." The narrowest part of the plank road is only 1.2 meters wide. Walking on it allows visitors to overlook the panoramic view of the canyon, offering a thrilling and exciting experience.
Longmen Stone Forest
With an area of about 5 square kilometers, it is composed of thousands of stone pillars and peaks in various shapes, like a maze. Famous landscapes such as "Guest-Welcoming Pine" and "General Rock" are found in the stone forest. It is a typical karst landform.
Tour Routes：
Recommended one-day tour route: In the morning, take the scenic area shuttle bus to visit Yunlong Ground Fissure; have lunch at the visitor center at noon; in the afternoon, go to the Qixingzhai scenic area and enjoy attractions such as the Cliffside Plank Road and Incense Stick along the way; return in the evening. Visitors with better physical strength can choose a hiking route to deeply experience the canyon scenery.
Travel Tips：
The best tourist seasons are spring and autumn (April-June, September-November), when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is most beautiful.
It is recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip hiking shoes, as some sections are relatively steep.
The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to take the scenic area shuttle bus to save energy.
Prepare rain gear and sun protection supplies, as the weather in mountainous areas is changeable.
Respect local ethnic minority customs, especially when visiting villages.
Notes：
Some areas of the scenic area are at higher altitudes, so pay attention to preventing altitude sickness.
The Cliffside Plank Road is relatively thrilling, and visitors with a fear of heights or heart disease should proceed with caution.
Protect the environment and do not litter or damage geological landscapes.
Signals in the scenic area are unstable, so it is recommended to download offline maps in advance.
When purchasing local specialties, pay attention to distinguishing authenticity and buy from regular shops.
Some sections may be closed on rainy days, so please check the weather before traveling.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from Enshi city area, drive about 60 kilometers via Enshi Avenue and Tunyu Highway, about 1.5 hours by car.
Bus: There are direct tourist shuttle buses to the scenic area from Enshi Passenger Station, about 2 hours by bus.
Airplane: Fly to Enshi Xujiaping Airport, then transfer to a taxi or tourist shuttle to the scenic area.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round, with daily opening hours from 8:00 to 16:00 (extended to 17:00 in peak season). The scenic area shuttle bus operates from 8:00 to 17:30. Visitors are advised to arrange their time reasonably and reserve 4-6 hours for sightseeing.
Tickets：
Package tickets start from 110 yuan. They are divided into Route One package tickets and Route Two package tickets. Helicopter aerial tours start from 688 yuan.