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 belong to the oldest geological formations in Shennongjia, 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, consisting 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 bottom to top, there is a decrease in clay content and contemporaneous detritus, accompanied by an increase in quartz sand grains and siliceous materials. The silica stones in the riverbed become bright and shiny under the impact of flowing water.

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

　　Wild Horse River Rafting: Shennongjia Wild Horse River Rafting Company officially launched its self-guided rubber raft rafting project on March 8, 2004. The first phase of the developed river section is located in the core area of Shennongjia’s Hongping Gallery. The upper 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 currents complement each other. The natural scenery—including peculiar peaks, picturesque waters, rapid torrents, perilous 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 rubber boats come in 2-person and 4-person models. Each person is provided with a wooden paddle, a set of waterproof clothing, and a pair of slippers. The service is attentive and thoughtful. At the rapids, there are staff members to alert and protect you. The water flow here varies in intensity, offering both excitement and comfort. Sitting in colorful inflatable rafts and drifting downstream, with the small boat gliding through the water and towering green mountains passing by on either side, allows you to enjoy the thrill of letting loose in nature.

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

　　Self-Drive: 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. At the crossroads, turn left (toward Xingshan and Muyu, not the Shennongjia Songbai direction). Drive 64 km, then turn left toward Gaolan Town. Cross the Lianghekou Bridge and 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. Drive forward another 4 km to reach the Wild Horse River rafting point.