Luyuanping Canyon – Ticket, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

Luyuanping Canyon (鹿院坪), located in Enshi City, is an undeveloped scenic area within the Mu Fu Grand Canyon, boasting an average elevation of 1700 meters. Embraced by the Liu Liao River and the Zhong Jian River, Luyuanping lies in the watershed of the latter, nestled deep within the fissures of the canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs on all sides. The descent from the mountaintop at Qiaowan Yap to the valley floor at Qiaowan spans a vertical drop of over 500 meters. The zigzagging road, locally known as the “Forty-Two Turns,” was painstakingly carved into the cliffs, providing a thrilling and picturesque journey.

Spanning from the mountaintop to the valley floor, the route features 1528 steps, revealing the unique and challenging topography of Luyuanping Canyon. This distinctive landscape has preserved the ecological integrity of the region, including its mountains, rivers, forests, fields, roads, and traditional farmsteads, contributing to the formation of a distinctive local culture and customs. Luyuanping Canyon stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur and human resilience in harmonizing with the rugged beauty of the untamed wilderness.

Table of Contents

• Basic Information
• Location and Transportation
• Pristine Village
• Marvellous Attractions
• Vlog about Luyuanping Canyon
• Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
• Attractions near Luyuanping Canyon

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Luyuanping Canyon is situated within Enshi City, Hubei Province, specifically in the undeveloped area of the Mu Fu Grand Canyon Development Zone, nestled in Xintian Village of Banqiao Town. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:

Chartered Transportation: Consider hiring a private car or charter service. Numerous vehicles are available at the parking area outside Enshi Railway Station upon exiting. This option provides flexibility and convenience.

Specialized Bus Service: Take the Enshi-Luyuanping dedicated bus from the local bus station. This cost-effective option offers a direct route to Luyuanping Canyon, ensuring a straightforward journey from the Enshi area.

Pristine Village

Nestled within the captivating Luyuanping Canyon is the pristine village where transportation relies solely on one’s own two legs. Here, the residents uphold agricultural traditions that date back centuries. Engaging in self-sustaining practices, they cultivate and brew their tea, cook using wood-fired stoves, and easily unearth coal for heating purposes, as it naturally protrudes from the earth’s surface.

The village’s architecture predominantly features stilted houses constructed with wooden boards, enclosed by railings, allowing for excellent ventilation and warmth. Topped with tiled roofs, the upper floors accommodate residents, while the lower levels house livestock and store miscellaneous items. These traditional dwellings serve as living artifacts, embodying the historical essence of the Tujia ethnic group’s architectural heritage.

Every aspect of daily life in the village reflects self-sufficiency, with residents crafting their own food, production tools, and household items. Throughout the village, one can spot manually carved stone mills, water mills, stone basins, single-wood bellows, windmills, wooden storage containers, and various other tools that speak to a bygone era. The rustic simplicity of these items encapsulates history, preserving and transmitting ancient cultural knowledge through the ages.

Marvellous Attractions

Luyuanping Canyon boasts several notable attractions that showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area. One such highlight is the Heavenly Gate Arch, a renowned natural wonder within the Luyuanping scenic area. Rising approximately 20 meters high and spanning about 10 meters wide, this majestic stone arch provides a breathtaking backdrop for memorable photographs.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the canyon drifting experience is a thrilling water activity in Luyuanping. Spanning a length of around 3 kilometers, the drifting adventure offers stunning scenic views along the way, making it an ideal activity for families or friends looking for a shared adventure.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region by visiting the Tujia Ethnic Village. Here, you can explore traditional Tujia architecture, costumes, folk dances, and more, gaining insights into the warm hospitality and vibrant culture of the Tujia people.

Vlog about Luyuanping Canyon

Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

Take the Longest Inclined Elevator: Inside the scenic area, there’s the world’s longest inclined elevator, which saves you from climbing thousands of steps. It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets for the elevator. Prices are 90 yuan for a one-way trip and 180 yuan for a round trip.

Use the Scenic Area Shuttle: Once you descend from the elevator, there’s a shuttle service available for 10 yuan per person. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to walk the same distance, which would take around 30-40 minutes.

Try the Slide: After visiting the fourth-level waterfall, you have the option to take a slide down the mountain for an additional fee of 20 yuan per person. It provides a fun and quick way to descend.

Spot Wild Deer: Keep an eye out for wild deer 🦌 near the bus stop and convenience store at the bottom of the mountain. It’s a unique opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitat.

Be Prepared for Changing Weather: Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket to protect yourself in case of rain.

Attractions near Luyuanping Canyon

Tenglong Cave – A colossal natural wonder

Yulong Cave – A place full of white calcite deposits

Enshi Grand Canyon – A composite karst landscape

Qingjiang Ancient Riverbed – A hiking paradise