This wonderland located along the 30°N latitude may not appear as cool on the temperature chart as Shennongjia, but deep in the mountains of Enshi, it is truly refreshing! The scenery is absolutely stunning as well.
No matter how blazing the sun shines outside, as long as you retreat into the mountains of Enshi, it becomes a natural sanctuary of shade and coolness. Sinkholes, gorges, mysterious caves, hidden rivers… secluded yet soothing.
Moreover, the most important thing is: visiting here feels like stepping into a fairyland. The emerald-green, crystal-clear rivers are so transparent that sitting in a boat feels as if you are floating in the sky. 
This place has gorges with steep cliffs and rare water highways… a “travel paradise” in the eyes of adventurers. It has been rated by CNN as “China’s Most Beautiful Wonderland,” listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and selected by China National Geography as “The Most Beautiful Place in China.” Once you visit, you’ll understand that these praises are truly well-deserved.
Here, there are more spectacular cliffs than the Grand Canyon in the United States. On one side, there are vertical 90° stone walls; on the other, a 90° deep abyss. The feeling of walking here is half heaven, half hell, leaving visitors clapping their hands in awe!
Here, there is a stunning sacred spot known as China’s “Semporna,” where you can experience sitting in a boat on the water, feeling like you’re floating in mid-air. This scene perfectly illustrates the artistic conception described in Li Daoyuan’s Commentary on the Water Classic: “Looking down at the swimming fish, as if floating in the sky.”
Here, there are treasures that soar into the clouds and the Earth’s “most beautiful scars,” where waterfalls flow freely. How liberating and exhilarating it is!
If you come to Enshi, you must visit the Enshi Grand Canyon. It has been praised by experts as comparable to the Grand Canyon in the United States. It is a true museum of karst topography that makes your trip worthwhile. Here, there is the thrilling Cliff Corridor, suspended more than 1,700 meters above sea level, midway up the cliff. Above and below, there are towering cliffs of a thousand feet. The journey is both thrilling and exciting, with swirling mountain mists at times, making it feel like you’re walking in a floating fairyland.
Here, you’ll find the towering “One Incense Pillar,” the treasure of the canyon. It stands approximately 150 meters high with a minimum diameter of just 4 meters, resembling a solemn general standing guard over this mysterious land.
Here, there is the mysterious and unique Yunlong Crevice. You need to descend 399 steep steps to reach it. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls in various forms, the wonder of the “U-shaped” crevice, colorful karst sculptures, all mysterious and unique.
Butterfly Valley is an iconic scenic spot of the Qingjiang River, named because its valley resembles butterfly wings. Like a pearl on the Qingjiang River, it adds endless charm to the river. The best way to explore it is by taking a boat tour, where you can admire the lifelike butterfly reflections in the water and enjoy the steep cliffs on both sides.
You must visit the Shiziguan Water Bridge. Walking along this floating bridge, surrounded by layers of lush green mountains, is an incredibly refreshing experience. The bridge sways gently as people walk on it, making visitors feel playful and lively. When vehicles pass, it creates significant vibrations, and the bridge undulates like waves, providing an exhilarating and thrilling experience.
You must visit Hefeng Ping Mountain Gorge. Rivaling the difficulty of Shu Road, this gorge is surrounded by peaks. Looking up, you’ll see towering cliffs; looking down, you’ll see crystal-clear streams—a feast for the eyes.
Hefeng Dodging Gorge is called China’s “Semporna” because of its deep, remote canyon. This hidden water paradise has preserved its pristine state, sparking curiosity to explore. A small boat glides slowly on the crystal-clear river. Sitting inside feels like floating in mid-air, creating an unreal sense of dreamy wonder.
In Banqiao Deer Courtyard, you can experience the feeling of returning to nature and enjoy the beauty of a secluded paradise. Surrounded by mountains and cliffs that form natural barriers, this area is truly a hidden gem. To reach it, you need plenty of stamina to face over a thousand stone steps. Hiking enthusiasts will find this journey worthwhile. Along the way, waterfalls reveal themselves in and out of view, their mist refreshing your face, leaving you feeling cool and comfortable.
Diaoya Hanging Cliff Road, praised by CCTV as a “Sky Highway,” lies on the road from Enshi City to Hefeng County, on the opposite side of the renowned Hefeng Ping Mountain. The majestic cliffs stretch over ten kilometers. This road, carved entirely by hand, is a miracle of road history. Look up to see the suspended cliffs above, and look down to see a bottomless abyss, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding scenery.
Tusi City traces the origins of Enshi’s culture to Lijun. As a testament to the ethnic culture of western Hubei, Tusi City allows you to delve into the history and passage of time reflected in Tusi culture. The city walls were built by adapting to the natural terrain, stretching continuously and impressively. Climbing these walls offers a panoramic view of modern Enshi.
Qiyue Mountain in Lichuan is the largest grassland in southern China, with the famous National Highway 318 passing through. With an average altitude above 1,500 meters, the grassland turns lush green in summer, dotted with grazing cattle and sheep, presenting a vast, boundless scene. In winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland, its beauty captivating the hearts of visitors.
Tenglong Cave in Lichuan is hailed as one of China’s six most beautiful tourism caves. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and rivers, it is a perfect blend of nature and culture. Inside the cave, there are mountains within mountains and caves within caves. You’ll hear the thunderous roar of waterfalls and witness a thousand karst formations, with ever-changing lights adding an air of mystery.
Don’t Miss the Local Cuisine Apart from the endless natural scenery, Enshi also offers an array of irresistible local delicacies:
Tujia Smoked Bacon
Hezha
Shefan (Community Rice)
Enshi Baby Potatoes
If you’ve never set foot in the mountains and waters of Enshi, make it a priority. This earthly wonderland is worth your visit!
