Hubei • Enshi | 4-Day 3-Night Ultimate Travel Guide to Hefeng

🎓 **Where to go for graduation trip? How about Enshi!** With the gaokao over and university graduation done, it's time for a spontaneous adventure! Enshi in Hubei, this hidden gem deep in the mountains, boasts canyons, waterfalls, starry skies, and delicious food. Most importantly, it’s where you and your friends will create unforgettable memories. This 4-day, 3-night Enshi travel guide will take you through Pingshan Canyon in Hefeng, staying amidst stunning scenery and savoring authentic local flavors, making your graduation trip both relaxing and memorable! --- 🗺️ Recommended Itinerary (4 Days, 3 Nights) Day 1: Arrive in Enshi → Hefeng County 🚗 After arriving in Enshi, consider hiring a car or taking a shuttle bus to Hefeng County (about 2.5 hours). For a lively and convenient stay, choose Jiuyue Hotel, Kuaiyi Hotel, or Lidun International Hotel, with plenty of dining and entertainment options nearby. On a budget? Jujia Homestay and Junyao Homestay offer great value—clean and cozy, perfect for students. For dinner, try Hefeng’s specialty teppanyaki—spots like "Mountain Family" or "Hunan Sister Teppanyaki" are local favorites, serving authentic and affordable dishes. --- Day 2: Pingshan Canyon Day Trip 🏞️ Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds and get the best photos! The must-try activity is the floating boat photo op—best between 10 AM and 1 PM when sunlight dances on the water for stunning effects. Hike the canyon’s plank trails to experience waterfalls and the cool air of the primeval forest. For lodging, Shanyunge Homestay features an infinity pool and lawn, plus starry skies and sea of clouds at night—pure magic. Budget-friendly options like Guanshan Xiaozhu and Yinping·Shanshe are also great, close to the canyon and serene. Pack snacks for the canyon; back in town, try "Suo Diu" (a Tusi secret dish), "Jin Bao Yin" (corn-rice mix), and "Shuqu'er Baba" (local glutinous cakes). --- Day 3: Dongjia River → Xuanen Night Views 🌉 Morning: Head to Dongjia River’s karst valley for the surreal "trees in water, boats in trees" scenery—perfect for early-morning boating photos. Afternoon: Travel to Xuanen County. Stroll along Gongshui River at dusk; Rainbow Bridge’s night views are Instagram gold. Stay at Xuanen Jindian Junlun Hotel for riverside rooms with breathtaking views. Dinner? Try Xuanen’s firewood chicken—aromatic and delicious—paired with sweet, sticky "Baogu Baba" (corn cakes), a local dessert. --- Day 4: Enshi Grand Canyon → Return 🏔️ On the last day, hire a car to Enshi Grand Canyon (about 2 hours). Must-see spots: Qixingzhai and Yunlong Ground Fissure. Take the cable car to save energy and enjoy jaw-dropping views. Lunch near the canyon? Try "Zhangguan Hezha," a savory bean-residue hotpot with bacon and tofu—hearty and warming. Other local bites like Tujia bacon, "Kang Potatoes," and oil tea soup are also worth sampling. --- 🏨 Hotel Recommendations (By Category) - **Luxury**: Shanyunge Homestay, Jindian Junlun Hotel Infinity pools, river views, starry nights—perfect for photos and relaxation. - **Budget-Friendly**: Jujia Homestay, Junyao Homestay Affordable, clean, and ideal for students. - **Scenic**: Guanshan Xiaozhu, Yinping·Shanshe Close to nature, peaceful—great for quiet seekers. - **Convenient**: Jiuyue Hotel, Lidun International Hotel Surrounded by food and transport, perfect for first-timers. --- 🍽️ Enshi & Hefeng Must-Try Foods - **Zhangguan Hezha**: Bean-residue hotpot with bacon and tofu—rich and fragrant, an Enshi classic. - **Tujia Bacon**: Smoky and flavorful, best stir-fried with "Zha Guangjiao" (pickled peppers). - **Kang Potatoes**: Crispy outside, soft inside—a popular street snack. - **Shuqu'er Baba**: Traditional glutinous cakes, fragrant and uniquely textured. - **Jin Bao Yin (Corn-Rice Mix)**: Steamed cornmeal and rice—a hearty local staple. - **Suo Diu**: A Rongmei Tusi secret dish cooked with spice stones—uniquely interactive. - **Baogu Baba**: Sweet, soft corn cakes—Xuanen’s signature dessert. --- ✅ Practical Tips - **Tickets**: Book Pingshan Canyon and Enshi Grand Canyon 3 days ahead in peak season. **Book on Trip.com for discounts and convenience**. - **Packing**: Canyon temps vary—bring a windbreaker or light jacket. - **Transport**: Attractions are spread out; hire a car (~300–500 RMB/day) or join group rides. --- Want more sights like Shiziguan, Daughter City, or Tenglong Cave? Extend your trip! Hope this guide adds ease and joy to your graduation adventure—have fun! 🎓🌿