Enshi Grand Canyon

Enshi Grand Canyon

Enshi Grand Canyon is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

Acclaimed by experts as comparable to the Grand Canyon in the United States, the Enshi Grand Canyon on the Qingjiang River in Hubei is located in Tunbao Township and Banqiao Town of Enshi City, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in southwestern Hubei near the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. It is a section of the Qingjiang Grand Canyon. The canyon stretches 108 kilometers in length and covers a total area of over 300 square kilometers. The canyon boasts breathtaking sights such as hundred-mile cliffs, thousand-foot waterfalls, solitary towering peaks, pristine forests, and ancient villages. The natural scenic area mainly consists of the Grand River Terrace landscape, Front Mountain Cliffs, Large, Medium, and Small Longmen Peak Forests, Banqiao Cave Cluster, Longqiao Underground River, Yunlong River Gorge, Rear Mountain Solitary Peaks, Yulong Mountain Cliffs, Chaodongyan Cliffs, Tongpen Water Forest Park, and Tunbao Qingjiang River Gallery.

After conducting on-site inspections and comparisons, Professor Zhang Lianggao, a renowned architecture and tourism expert from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, concluded that the Enshi Grand Canyon is the most beautiful canyon in the world, “so captivating that even a brief visit leaves one spellbound.” In terms of grandeur, the Qingjiang Grand Canyon rivals the Grand Canyon in the United States; however, when it comes to scenic beauty, landscape richness, and diversity of levels, the Mufu section of the Enshi Grand Canyon far surpasses its American counterpart. Moreover, this area is the birthplace of Ba culture, rich in humanistic characteristics, whereas the Grand Canyon in the United States is inhabited by only a small number of Native Americans.

“Every inch of the 800-li-long Qingjiang River is a scenic wonder. It would be a great pity not to promote the highly valuable Enshi Grand Canyon to the world,” said Zhang Lianggao. The canyon features steep and lofty peaks that exude a majestic aura, while the clear waters of the Qingjiang River at the bottom of the valley offer a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. Within a 6-square-kilometer area of the Mufu Grand and Small Longmen, there are over 30 standalone peaks over 200 meters high; the tranquil Qingjiang River reflects the surrounding green mountains and arched bridges, creating a mirage-like illusion. Drifting down the river, surrounded by mist and flying white cranes, the scene feels like stepping into a serene and distant paradise.

The Enshi Grand Canyon has five major wonders:

The spectacular Enshi Grand Canyon boasts a grand and open space, richly layered landscapes, diverse mountain formations, and the deeply incised Qingjiang River valley, making it distinct from China’s Five Great Mountains and home to five unique wonders:

First is the Qingjiang Rising Clouds. Unlike the scattered and disorganized sea of clouds often seen over famous mountains, the clouds rising from the Qingjiang River in the Mufu Grand Canyon resemble a soaring giant dragon, winding and stretching for hundreds of miles with lush forms and breathtaking beauty.

Second is the Cliff-ringed Peak Cluster. Typically, karst landforms feature either cliffs or peak clusters, but rarely both. The Mufu Grand Canyon has both, and on a large scale with high scenic value. There are cliffs recessed among clustered peaks, as well as cliffs that jut out as if hovering above the peaks. Similar phenomena have not been discovered elsewhere in the world.

Third is the Sky Bridge Connected to Cave Clusters. Cave clusters are another highlight of the canyon. According to incomplete statistics, there are over 200 caves of various sizes along the canyon. For example, the Reyun Cave in Banqiao has two entrances separated by stone walls—one emits hot air, the other cold—and where they meet, mist swirls. The cave’s main hall can accommodate tens of thousands of people. A sky bridge complements the scene, harmonizing water and sky, people and nature, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere.

Fourth is the Gorge Meeting Waterfalls. The Yunlong River Gorge in the Enshi Grand Canyon is 7.5 kilometers long and reaches a maximum depth of 75 meters. The gorge is covered with colorful, peculiar rocks, lush ancient trees, and crystal-clear flowing streams. Especially stunning are the several waterfalls and springs cascading along the gorge’s banks, which inspire awe and tranquility.

Fifth is the Gorge Paired with Vertical Shafts (Sky Holes connected to the Gorge). A Sino-French exploration team, after ten years of research, recently announced that the underground river from Fengjie’s Longqiao River to the Enshi Grand Canyon is 50 kilometers long, the longest in the world. There are 108 vertical shafts above the underground river alone, resembling the famous Karez wells of Xinjiang—spectacular and rare.

The Enshi Grand Canyon is located in Tunbao Township and Banqiao Town of Enshi City, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in southwestern Hubei near the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. It is a section of the Qingjiang Grand Canyon. The canyon stretches 108 kilometers in length and covers a total area of over 300 square kilometers. Experts acclaim it as comparable to the Grand Canyon in the United States, making it one of the most beautiful canyons in the world. The canyon features breathtaking sights such as hundred-mile cliffs, thousand-foot waterfalls, solitary towering peaks, pristine forests, and ancient villages. The natural scenic area mainly consists of the Grand River Terrace landscape, Front Mountain Cliffs, Large, Medium, and Small Longmen Peak Forests, Banqiao Cave Cluster, Longqiao Underground River, Yunlong River Gorge, Rear Mountain Solitary Peaks, Yulong Mountain Cliffs, Chaodongyan Cliffs, Tongpen Water Forest Park, and Tunbao Qingjiang River Gallery.

Special Reminder: As the Enshi Grand Canyon is still under development, tourism facilities are not yet fully established, and transportation within the canyon is limited. Therefore, extra caution is advised when walking inside the valley.

Address: Near Township Road 047, Enshi City, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Type: Canyon, Forest, Geological Landform, Mountain, Waterfall

Rating: AAAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 1 day

Phone: 400-0718-126

Official Website: http://www.esdaxiagu.com/

Opening Hours:

Peak Season (March–November): 8:00–16:00; Off-Season (December–February): 8:00–15:00.

Ticket Information:

Peak Season (March–November): Qixingzhai 120 RMB, Yunlong Gorge 50 RMB; Off-Season (December–February): Qixingzhai 80 RMB. Shuttle bus 30 RMB (round trip); Cable car one-way 105 RMB, round trip 200 RMB; Escalator 30 RMB (one-way).

Tunbao Township: Located in the western part of Enshi City, 21 kilometers from the city center, Tunbao Township spans between 111°15′ and 110°27′ east longitude. It borders the Xiaoduanchuan Subdistrict to the east, Lichuan City to the west, Baiguo Township to the south, and Banqiao Town to the north. Known as a dazzling pearl on the 800-li-long Qingjiang River, it is also called the “Hometown of Hydropower” and the “Little Selenium Capital.” The township covers a total area of 350.69 square kilometers, stretching 60.7 kilometers from east to west and 7.7 kilometers from north to south. The area features undulating mountains, dense river networks, and significant elevation differences. Winters are mild and summers cool, offering four distinct seasons... More details about Tunbao Township++

Further Reading:

· Batch 28 National AAAAA-Level Tourist Attractions (July 2015)

·The 28th Batch of National 5A-Level Tourist Attractions (July 2015)