Summer Trip to Longfeng Gorge: Hidden Gem in the Wild Stream
In July, Shehong was tightly wrapped in heatwaves. Hearing from fellow travelers that the stream valley in Longfeng Gorge was cool like another world, my friend and I grabbed our sandals and headed for the mountains. This place is a hidden summer retreat for locals, with no official scenic area entrance; we relied entirely on directions from villagers at the foot of the mountain to find it.
Entering the Valley: Finding a Wild Path by Stepping on Stream Stones
Following the winding mountain road downwards, we could hear the rushing sound of water from afar. The car stopped in an open area at the foot of the mountain, where fellow hikers were gathered, taking off their shoes and changing into sandals. At the entrance, locals had set up small stalls, selling homemade wild flower honey. The fragrance of locust blossoms mixed with the dampness of the stream wafted over, instantly dispelling half of the summer heat.
Walking further into the stream valley, the so-called "path" was actually a dry riverbed. In summer, water flowed down through the cracks in the rocks, leaving the exposed stream stones smooth and rounded. We hopped from stone to stone, and occasionally, if we lost our footing, our feet would land in shallow puddles. The icy cold stream water instantly covered our ankles, making us scream with both surprise and delight. Along the path, vitex flowers bloomed purple, wild peaches hung with fuzzy green fruits, and mountain dates adorned the branches with a reddish hue. I picked one and put it in my mouth; the tartness mixed with the wild freshness was quite appetizing.
Trekking Upstream: Geological Code in the Valley
The deeper we went into the valley, the clearer the stream became, and the rock walls on both sides grew steeper. Suddenly, my friend pointed at the rock wall and exclaimed, "Look at the patterns on those stones!" I leaned in closer and saw that the grayish-brown rocks were covered with dense fossils—some looked like flattened leaves, with veins so clear you could count them; others resembled spiral shells, as if freshly pulled from the sea. Later, I learned from research that Longfeng Gorge is a Jurassic geological relic, and these are "time imprints" left by ancient organisms millions of years ago. I squatted in the stream, reaching out to touch the fossils on the rock wall. The coolness at my fingertips, mixed with the awe of traversing millions of years, was more refreshing than air conditioning.
At the narrowest part of the valley, the rock walls on both sides were almost touching. Sunlight could only filter through a crack overhead, casting a long, thin band of light onto the stream, like walking into a natural air-conditioned room. We rested on the stream stones, soaking our feet in the water, watching small fish swim around our feet. The only sounds were the water and cicadas, and even the wind carried the coolness of the stream.
Encountering a Waterfall: A Refreshing Oasis Hidden in the Mountain Hollow
After walking deeper for about half an hour, we suddenly heard a roaring sound of water. Turning around a mountain hollow, we saw a waterfall gushing out from a crack in the rock face halfway up the mountain, crashing into the pool below, and sending spray far and wide. We quickly ran over and stood on the shallow bank beneath the waterfall. The mist sprayed on our faces, cool and refreshing, washing away all the heat from our bodies. The water in the pool was as green as jade. Some people were swimming in the pool with inner tubes, their laughter mixing with the sound of water, echoing far through the valley.
I took off my jacket and sat on a stone by the pool, watching the sunlight pass through the mist, reflecting a small rainbow on the water's surface. The mountain breeze blew in from the valley entrance, carrying the fragrance of grass and trees. Suddenly, the summer heat felt insignificant in this wild mountain stream valley.
Looking Back on the Return Journey: Packing Coolness into Our Bags
As the sun began to set, we reluctantly started our journey back. On the way down, we met many fellow hikers carrying mineral water bottles filled with stream water—they said the mountain spring water was very cold, perfect for chilling watermelon at home. I also filled a bottle, holding it in my hand, the coolness spreading from my palm to my arm, and then to my heart.
When we reached the valley entrance, the setting sun was painting the mountain peaks orange. I looked back at Longfeng Gorge; it was like a green ribbon, hidden among the mountains, quiet and peaceful, with only the sound of water still echoing through the valley.
This summer trip to Longfeng Gorge had no elaborate attractions, only endless stream stones to step on, countless fossils to touch, and a refreshing coolness hidden in the valley. It turns out that summer happiness is never about hiding in an air-conditioned room, but about venturing into the wilderness, letting the stream water cover your ankles, letting the mountain breeze caress your cheeks, and finding the most primitive coolness in nature.
I. Basic Information
Opening Hours
- China Jurassic Exploration Tourist Area (Gorge + Geological Museum): 08:30-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30).
- Longfeng Gorge Rafting: Summer 9:00-16:30 (Generally open July-August, subject to scenic area announcements).
Ticket Information
- Scenic Area Pass (includes Petrified Wood Geological Museum, 4D Cinema, Gorge Trekking): 50 RMB/person.
- Concession Policy: Students, teachers, and seniors aged 60-65 enjoy discounted tickets with valid ID; children under 1.3 meters, seniors over 65, active military personnel, and disabled individuals receive free admission; for rafting, children under 1.4 meters and those celebrating their birthday on the day of visit enjoy discounts with ID, and active military personnel raft for free.
II. Transportation Guide
Self-driving (Recommended for more freedom)
1. From Chengdu: Chengyu Ring Expressway → Hurong Expressway → Longsheng Toll Station Exit → X057 County Road → Liulong Road → Longfeng Gorge Scenic Area. Approximately 120 km, 2-hour drive. Road conditions are good, and there is free parking at the scenic area.
2. From Suining: Suining Urban Area → Hurong Expressway → Longsheng Toll Station → Liulong Road → Scenic Area. Approximately 40 km, 1-hour drive.
3. From Mianyang: Chengyu Ring Expressway → Hurong Expressway → Longsheng Toll Station → Scenic Area. Approximately 90 km, 1.5-hour drive.
Public Transportation
- Shehong City: From Shehong North Roundabout, take the Shehong-Mingxing Town tourist shuttle bus. The terminal stop is the scenic area entrance. Buses are frequent, and the fare is about 15 RMB.
- Suining City: From Suining North Roundabout, take the direct tourist special line bus to the scenic area. The fare is about 15 RMB, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
III. Local Delicacies (Scenic Area + Mingxing Town)
1. Shehong Local Snacks: Suizhou Tofu Skin, Five-Spice Chongbing, Wozi Liangfen (jelly noodles). Spicy, fresh, and fragrant with unique textures. You can eat your fill for 10-20 RMB per person.
2. Farmhouse Dishes: Farmhouses around the scenic area mainly offer local farmhouse dishes such as firewood chicken, stir-fried wild vegetables, local chicken soup, and steamed crucian carp. Ingredients are fresh, and flavors are authentic, suitable for family gatherings.
3. Specialty Drinks: Shehong Barley Wine, local herbal tea. Refreshing and helps cut through richness.