Simply a paradise on earth—Enshi Pingshan Grand Canyon
Dear family, I recently visited Pingshan Grand Canyon and was truly speechless from its beauty! Every snap I took looked like a stunning masterpiece. Let me quickly share this super detailed travel and photo guide with you all!
Preparation
1. Best time to visit: May to September is the ideal period. During this time, the water volume is abundant, and when sunlight shines directly into the canyon bottom, the floating boat effect is absolutely spectacular. The water surface shows a dreamy blue-green color, perfect for photos! If you don’t mind the cold, winter has fewer tourists and clearer water, offering a unique charm, but be sure to dress warmly. Avoid continuous rain or heavy rain days, as the water will be murky and the park may close. Check the weather three days before your trip.
2. Ticket booking: Adult tickets are 210 RMB (includes admission + one-way boat ticket), students and seniors over 60 pay 128 RMB, seniors over 70 enter free but must buy a 45 RMB boat ticket. The park limits 3,000 visitors daily during peak season, so be sure to book online in advance or you might waste your trip!
Transportation Guide
1. External transportation:
- From Enshi:
- Bus: Take a bus from Enshi Bus Station to Hefeng Xinghe Bus Station, about 3 hours, ticket price 60 RMB. From there, transfer to the village shuttle bus (10 RMB) or carpool (15 RMB) to the scenic area.
- Charter/Carpool: Direct from Enshi city to the scenic area, 110 RMB per person one way, about 2.5 hours.
- Self-driving: Navigate directly to “Hefeng Pingshan Canyon Area A Parking Lot.” Highway toll from Enshi is about 190 RMB. The mountain roads have many curves, so drive carefully.
2. Internal transportation: From the parking lot to the scenic entrance, you must take a shuttle bus, 10 RMB per person. If you drive yourself, this is a must-buy.
Accommodation Suggestions
1. Near the scenic entrance: Jujia Homestay, Junyao Homestay, prices start at 100 RMB/night, great value, and you can enter the park quickly in the morning to catch the best photo opportunities.
2. High-end scenic stays: Yunbuwan Linxia Homestay has an infinity pool and sea of clouds views; Yinping Mountain Lodge is full of design sense, perfect for those who care about accommodation quality.
3. County town: Jiuyue Hotel, Yuanlong Hotel, 200 RMB+, staying in town lets you experience Hefeng’s nightlife and try local teppanyaki.
Photo Spots and Tips
1. Floating boat check-in:
- Golden time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when sunlight shines vertically, the water is as clear as glass, maximizing the floating effect.
- Shooting spot: At the canyon bottom “Ruoye Boat Self-rowing Area,” 20-30 RMB for 2 minutes of selfies, or pay 30-40 RMB for a photographer to capture shots; you can also choose drone aerial photography, 168 RMB for a 30-second video plus aerial photos.
- Outfit advice: Wear bright-colored long dresses like white, red, or orange. Avoid dark colors. Ethnic costumes are available for rent on-site, 50-80 RMB per set.
2. Secret boat sightseeing: One-way boat ride about 15 minutes, passing spots like “One Line Sky” and “Five-foot Gate.” Sitting in the front or back row is better for photos. For more freedom, you can charter a black canopy boat, 298 RMB for 4 people, which goes deeper into less crowded river sections, perfectly avoiding crowds.
3. Free popular spots:
- Bixin Cliff: Inside Nuoyuan Cave, just follow the signs. It’s popular, so expect queues. Arrive early to reduce waiting time.
- Wangyue Bridge: If you stay near the scenic area, come here at night to enjoy the “April Triple View” phenomenon—moon in the sky, moon on the water, and moon on the bridge all aligned, super beautiful.
Avoid Pitfalls and Notes
1. Avoid fatigue: At steep stair sections, you can ride a slide bar, 500 RMB for under 80kg; heavier weights pay extra.
2. Avoid traps: Life jackets smell on rainy days; use disposable shower caps and sun-protective clothing as a barrier. For photo packages, clarify the number of retouched photos. Selfie boat rentals have strict time limits, so manage your time carefully.
3. Avoid missing out: If driving, combine a visit to Xuan’en Pengjiazai and Shiziguan for a full experience. Plan your route in advance to make the most of your trip.
Cost Summary
1. Tickets: Adults 210 RMB, discounted 128 RMB (students, seniors, etc.).
2. Transportation: From Enshi, bus plus transfer about 85 RMB; charter/carpool 110 RMB one way per person; self-driving highway toll about 190 RMB (from Enshi); scenic shuttle bus 10 RMB.
3. Photos: Floating boat selfie 20-30 RMB for 2 minutes, photographer shots 30-40 RMB each, drone aerial 168 RMB.
4. Accommodation: Homestays near the park from 100 RMB/night, county hotels 200 RMB+.
Friends, follow this guide and you’re guaranteed to have a great time at Pingshan Grand Canyon and take stunning photos to dominate your social circle! If you have any questions, leave a comment below~