Wild Horse River Rafting

Wild Horse River Rafting

The Wild Horse River is 8 kilometers long and 20 meters wide, with a perennial flow. Legend has it that wild horses once lived along its banks in ancient times, hence the name "Wild Horse River." The exposed strata of the Wild Horse River are the oldest in the Shennongjia area, known as the "Shennongjia Group," which formed approximately 1.9 to 1 billion years ago. The strata of the Wild Horse River are part of the upper sub-group of the Shennongjia Group, primarily composed of limestone, dolomite,

and shale. Due to the highly typical exposure of these strata, they have also been named the "Wild Horse River Formation." The entire formation is 1,369 meters thick and consists of massive, medium-thick bedded, and striped dolomite, along with stromatolite-bearing dolomite. The stromatolites include the Wild Horse River Yolusha stromatolite and

the Wild Horse River Baikal stromatolite. From the bottom up, there is a decrease in clay content and contemporaneous detritus, alongside an increase in quartz sand grains and siliceous material. The silica stones in the riverbed of the Wild Horse River become clean and shiny under the impact of flowing water.

The water cascades down the rock layers, forming layered waterfalls that surge like galloping horses, creating a spectacular sight.

Wild Horse River Rafting: On March 8, 2004, the Shennongjia Wild Horse River Rafting Company grandly launched its self-guided inflatable raft rafting project. The first phase of the developed river section is located in the core area of the Shennongjia Hongping Gallery. The upper rafting dock starts at the hot spring source in Wenquan Town, Hongping, and the lower dock ends at Tiechanghe in Hongping Town, covering a total distance of about 5.5 kilometers with a rafting duration of approximately 1.5 hours. Along the way, lush green mountains, beautiful waters, thrilling rapids, and gentle flows complement each other. The natural scenery—featuring peculiar peaks, picturesque waters, rapid currents, dangerous shoals, strange rocks, and dense forests—attracts both domestic and international tourists. Coupled with the added charm of scenic spots along the route, it forms a primitive and rustic natural style.

The rafting inflatable boats come in 2-person and 4-person sizes. Each person is provided with a wooden paddle, a set of waterproof clothing, and a pair of slippers, ensuring attentive and thoughtful service. At the rapid sections, there are dedicated staff for reminders and safety. The water flow here varies in intensity, offering both excitement and comfort. Sitting in colorful rubber rafts and drifting downstream, with small boats gliding through the water and towering green mountains passing by on both sides, allows one to enjoy the thrill of letting loose in nature.

Self-Guided Travel: Take a bus or train from Wuhan to Yichang, then take a bus from Yichang’s long-distance bus station to Gaoyang (bus fare 25 RMB, every 30 minutes). From Gaoyang to Muyu, it’s 10 RMB, and from Muyu to Wenquan, it’s 8 RMB.

Self-Drive Travel: From Wuhan, take the Han-Yi Expressway for 298 km to reach the Yichang Dongshan Toll Station (115 RMB). 80 meters after exiting the toll station, turn right off the highway onto Fazhan Avenue, then turn left heading northwest. Drive to the Jiangjiawan Toll Station (15 RMB), then continue for about 4 km and turn left at the crossroads (heading toward Xingshan and Muyu, not the Shennongjia Songbai direction). After driving 64 km, turn left at the Lianghekou Bridge in Gaolan Town, then turn right toward Huangliang. Drive 64 km, then turn left, continue for 18 km to Gaoyang, turn right toward Muyu Town, drive 19 km in the direction of Hongping to reach Wenquan, and arrive at the Windsor Resort. Go forward another 4 km to reach the Wild Horse River rafting point.