Chengdu Summer Cool Guide | Complete Guide to Hongkou Rafting

🔥 Why Choose Hongkou Rafting? ✅ Thrills and Relaxation Combined: Experience the excitement of 10.2 km of free rafting with waves and rapids that alternate between thrilling and calm, allowing you to enjoy the scenery. For a more relaxed experience, opt for the 7.5 km guided rafting with professional rowers steering the boat, perfect for seniors and children. Two options to suit different preferences! ✅ Social Fun: The water fight segment is the highlight of the event. Whether you know each other or not, everyone grabs water guns and basins to splash water at each other, rediscovering childhood joy as laughter and splashes echo through the valley. ✅ Safety and Care: With well-maintained rafting facilities and staff guiding you throughout the experience, from boarding to the end of the journey, beginners and families can enjoy worry-free fun. Quick Info Address: Bai Ba Road, Longchi Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Available unless there’s extreme weather) Ticket Prices: Adult Ticket: ¥198/person Children over 1.3 meters: Same as adult price Children between 1-1.3 meters: ¥99/person Children under 1 meter: Not allowed to participate in rafting Transportation Tips: 🚗 Self-drive/Chartered Car: Navigate to "Hongkou Rafting". Taking Zikuan Road is faster, while Puhong Road offers scenic views for a more enjoyable drive. The site has a large parking lot. 🚌 Public Transport: First travel from Chengdu to Dujiangyan (via direct buses from Chadianzi Bus Station, Shuangliu Airport, or by fast train to Dujiangyan or Qingcheng Mountain). Then take a taxi to the rafting site. 🚣‍♂️ Two Rafting Options Explained 1️⃣ Free Rafting Route: 10.2 km, from Highland Pier to Shaping Pier Duration: About 1 hour Features: A boat for two or a family of three, no need to paddle manually, just follow the water flow. Ideal for thrill-seekers and families with children (children must be ≥1.3 meters). 2️⃣ Guided Rafting Route: 7.5 km, from Jiajia Valley Pier to Shaping Pier Duration: About 30 minutes Features: Two professional rowers steer the boat from the front and back. Each boat accommodates 6-8 people, offering a relaxed and worry-free experience, especially suitable for seniors, children (1-1.3 meters), or those preferring a laid-back adventure. ⏰ Peak Avoidance Tips: How to Enjoy Without Crowds? ⚠️ Peak Hours: 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM sees the highest visitor numbers, with queues possibly exceeding 1 hour. ✅ Smart Choices: Morning Visit: Arrive between 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM for fewer crowds, softer sunlight, and clearer water for a better experience. Weekday Visit: Weekends are busier; if possible, opt for Monday to Thursday to avoid the crowds. 🔔 Must-Have Checklist (Important!) 🧳 Essentials: Change of Clothes: Including underwear and shoes (you’ll get soaked during rafting, so quick-dry clothing is recommended). Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and hats (UV rays in the valley are strong, so avoid sunburn). Waterproof Phone Case: Choose a high-quality one with a strap for easy photo-taking during the trip, but ensure it’s securely fastened to prevent losing your phone. Quick-Dry Towel and Sandals: Avoid flip-flops as they can be swept away by the water; opt for closed-toe sandals or water shoes. 🚫 Prohibited Items: Valuable Jewelry (e.g., necklaces, bracelets, which can be lost during bumpy rides). Glass Items (to prevent breakage and injury). 📌 Practical Tips Water Fight Gear: Bring your own small water guns or basins as on-site purchases may be pricier. During "battles," avoid targeting seniors and children to prevent accidents. Storage: Lockers are available on-site (around ¥20 each). Travel light and bring only essentials. Food Suggestions: The site offers snacks like grilled sausages and cold noodles. Bring energy-boosting snacks (e.g., chocolate, bread) to replenish after rafting. Photo Opportunities: Photographers capture moments during the middle of the free rafting route. You can scan a code to view and purchase photos afterward (optional). One-Stop Summer Fun ✅ Morning: Visit Dujiangyan Scenic Area to explore ancient waterworks like Baopingkou and Feishayan, marvel at ancient engineering, and take stunning traditional-style photos at places like Fulong Temple. ✅ Afternoon: Head to Hongkou Rafting for a refreshing and thrilling water adventure. ✅ Evening: If time permits, drive 30 minutes to "Rongchuang Snow World" for indoor skiing or snow play, experiencing the unique "fire and ice" summer combo. ✅ Overnight Stay: Choose from guesthouses and hotels in Longchi Town, surrounded by mountains and rivers. Enjoy a breezy evening with snacks under the stars for a perfect summer retreat.