For your first trip to Enshi, you can’t miss the breathtaking scenery of the canyons and the authentic cultural heritage of the Tujia ethnic group. With numerous attractions in Enshi, planning your itinerary in the mountainous region might seem overwhelming, but do not worry – here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you have a memorable and relaxing experience exploring Enshi.
Day 1: Enshi City: Enshi Grand Canyon
Start your journey from Enshi Train Station’s nearby Bus Terminal. Hop on a bus to “Enshi – Grand Canyon” for a fare of 25 yuan per person, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours.
Enshi Grand Canyon is often hailed as the “Oriental Colorado Grand Canyon,” boasting stunning landscapes that are a must-visit for first-time Enshi visitors. The canyon comprises two main areas: Yunlong River Rift and Qixingzhai Scenic Area. It’s recommended to explore both areas during your first visit. Yunlong River Rift is renowned for its cliffside waterfalls, with seven cascades in total. During the summer, the waterfalls are particularly impressive with their abundant flow. Don’t miss capturing some memorable shots of the breathtaking Yunlong River Rift waterfalls. Qixingzhai Scenic Area is famous for attractions like Thin Line of Sky, Incense Peak, and Cliff Corridor, offering a maze-like experience amidst the stone forest.
Day 2: Enshi City: Suobuya Stone Forest – Enshi Tujia Daughter’s City
First Stop: Suobuya Scenic Area (Half Day)
Suobuya Stone Forest is the largest karst sedimentary rock formation in China with dense vegetation cover. The scenic area comprises four major attractions: Lotus Village, Mozi Vally, Jiulong Creeks, and Qinglong Temple. Among them, Lotus Village stands out as the most captivating. If time is limited, prioritize visiting Lotus Village and Mozi Valley. Suobuya also features a natural village of the Tujia ethnic group, offering a glimpse into their simple lifestyle and traditional cuisine such as Hezha Soup, Baogu Wine, and specialty cured meats.
Second Stop: Tujia Daughter’s City (Half Day)
After exploring Suobuya, take the “Suobuya – Enshi” tourist shuttle bus back to Enshi for 25 yuan per person, with a journey time of 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at Enshi Long-distance Bus Station, take a taxi to Enshi Tujia Daughter’s City, approximately half an hour away, for around thirty yuan. Alternatively, you can take bus route 31 to the entrance of Tujia Daughter’s City.
Enshi Tujia Daughter’s City, known as the “top destination for daughters worldwide and the first city for daughters under the sky,” is located in Qiliping, Enshi City. The architectural style of the scenic area combines ancient and Tujia stilted house styles. Inspired by the traditional customs of Tujia matchmaking meetings, the city hosts large-scale traditional Tujia matchmaking shows on weekends. Inside Tujia Daughter’s City, you’ll find the Tujia Folk Museum, offering insights into the ancestral lifestyle of the Tujia people.
Tips: It’s best to visit Enshi Tujia Daughter’s City in the evening when the lights of over five hundred distinctive guesthouses illuminate the area, offering a wide array of Tujia specialty products for souvenir shopping.
Day 3: Lichuan City: Tenglong Cave – Tusi City Wall
First Stop: Enshi Tenglong Cave (Half Day)
Enshi Tenglong Cave Scenic Area comprises water caves, dry caves, Liyu Cave, Liangfeng Cave, and Dujia Village, along with three dragon gates and Huaxian Sinkhole. The cave system is vast and complex. The most notable feature is the 23-meter waterfall at the entrance of the water cave, known as the “Sleeping Dragon Swallowing the River.” The sound of water echoes off the cliffs, resembling thunder, making it a must-visit spot for capturing videos. Apart from cave exploration, Tenglong Cave also hosts the “Yishui Lichuan” indoor light show, which might interest visitors.
Tips: Tenglong Cave maintains a constant temperature of 14 to 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Visitors are advised to wear a T-shirt with an extra layer to adapt to the temperature change inside the cave.
Second Stop: Enshi Tusi City (Half Day)
Return to Enshi from Tenglong Cave and take a taxi from Enshi Bus Station to Tusi City for convenience. Alternatively, visitors can take buses 5 or 17 to Tusi City Station.
The Tusi system in the Tujia area of Enshi originated in the Yuan Dynasty and lasted until the 13th year of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, spanning over 450 years. The Enshi Tusi City, constructed here, is the only symbolic project of Tujia Tusi culture in the country. When visiting Tusi City, explore landmarks such as the Gate Tower, Jiujingtang, and Bell Tower.
Tips: The attic where the children of the Tusi family lived offers the best view. It’s recommended to climb up to the attic top and admire the panoramic view of Tusi City.