Lianyun Mountain Rafting in Pingjiang

Lianyun Mountain Rafting in Pingjiang

Lianyun Mountain is part of the Luoxiao Mountain Range and is named for the clouds that often shroud its peaks throughout the year. It is also known as Chunshan. Dominating the southern part of Pingjiang County, the mountain range has ten peaks over 1,000 meters in elevation, with its main peak reaching 1,600.3 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in the county. The mountain features rich vegetation, with over 50 families and 120 species of trees, including valuable species such as camphor, ginkgo, and metasequoia. It is also abundant in wildlife, with over 30 species of birds like the crested goshawk and hill myna, and more than 20 species of mammals such as leopards and foxes. “Liuyun Emerald Cliff” was one of the Eight Scenic Spots of old Pingjiang. Lianyun Mountain is divided into five major areas: Gujia Cave, Xujia Cave, Lutou Cave, Zaomen Cave. Major attractions include Moonlight Rock, Swallow Rock, Jade Maiden Pool, Front Pot Holding Back Back Pot, Demon Face Grotto, Cold Grandma Hollow, Twelve-Story Tower, and One-Line Waterfall.

The Lianyun Mountain Rafting in Pingjiang originates at Sapian’ao, located at the junction of Pingjiang and Liuyang in Lutou Forest Farm, Jiayi Town, within the Lianyun Mountain Range. The river flows 30 kilometers to Yikou, where it joins the water from Kantang before flowing into the Miluo River. The drainage area covers 113 square kilometers, with a natural drop of 308 meters. The river runs northward through the entire canyon, collecting more than ten streams and waterfalls along the way. The canyon is characterized by high mountains, dense forests, rapid streams, and is known for its winding turns — with a saying that there are “several bends in every li, each uniquely scenic.” There are also long rapids, dangerous rapids, and winding rapids, making it an ideal destination for exploration and adventure. The area is surrounded by mountains, with deep valleys, rich vegetation, and well-preserved natural ecology. Rare wildlife such as the South China tiger, clouded leopard, pangolin, golden pheasant, mandarin duck, and red-billed leiothrix can be found here. The area also hosts over 1,000 species of wild plants, including medicinal herbs, with rare plants such as metasequoia, Pistacia weinmannifolia, ginkgo, golden larch, and coptis among them — truly a “museum of wildlife.”

Lianyun Mountain Rafting is situated in Huannxin Village, Xianchong Forest Farm, Jiayi Town, Pingjiang County, nestled deep within the majestic ranges of Liuyun Mountain, the highest peak in northeastern Hunan. The rafting course features winding river channels, rapid currents, steep cliffs, and deep canyons. The entire rafting route is approximately 8 kilometers long with a total drop of 160 meters, taking over two hours to complete. It is an ideal spot for two-person self-guided inflatable kayak rafting. The first phase of the developed course is 5 kilometers long and takes about one and a half hours.

Scenic Area Address: Jiayi Town, Pingjiang County, Yueyang City, Hunan Province

Transportation by Bus: Take a bus from Yueyang to Pingjiang County, then transfer to a minibus to reach the site.

Self-Drive Route: Changsha – Take the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway heading north – Exit at Pingjiang/Miluo, Yueyang – After exiting, turn right onto Pingwu Highway to Pingjiang County Roundabout, then turn left onto Tianyue Avenue – At the third roundabout, turn right onto Liujiatan Bridge towards Shiniuzhai – Turn right at Sanshi – Shuankou – Turn right at Xianchong Intersection onto the cement road – Drive about 10 kilometers to reach Lianyun Fishing Village (Ticket Center) – Walk about 5 kilometers uphill to reach the rafting starting point dock.