Places I Still Want to Visit: Enshi

Here's a 4-day summer travel guide for Enshi: **Day 1: First Impressions of Enshi City** - **Morning**: Arrive in Enshi, check in at your booked hotel, and rest. If time permits, visit the Xidu Tea Market in the city to explore local specialties like selenium-rich tea. - **Afternoon**: Head to the Tujia Daughter City, a hub of Tujia culture. Stroll through the folk street to buy handmade Xilankapu souvenirs, dress in traditional Tujia attire for photos, and immerse yourself in the experience. - **Evening**: Enjoy local delicacies like Zhangguan Hezha (tofu dish), cured pork with roasted potatoes, and Tujia savory pancakes at the night market. After dinner, watch Tujia song and dance performances and join the "Bowl-Smashing Wine" ritual to soak up the unique cultural vibe. **Day 2: Adventure in Enshi Grand Canyon** - **Morning**: Visit the Enshi Grand Canyon, hailed as the "Oriental Colorado." Start with a hike through Yunlong Ground Fissure to witness the spectacular sight of waterfalls cascading through rock formations. - **Afternoon**: Take the cable car to the summit of Qixingzhai and marvel at the "One Incense Stick" geological wonder. Walk along the cliffside plank path to admire the canyon’s stunning landscapes and peculiar rock formations. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for safety. - **Evening**: Stay at a nearby homestay, savor local dishes like stir-fried cured pork and corn cakes, and unwind in the tranquil surroundings. **Day 3: A Fantasy Journey Through Caves and Stone Forests** - **Morning**: Explore Tenglong Cave, where you can take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view. Don’t miss the majestic Wolong Swallows the River Waterfall, along with dazzling laser shows and Tujia performances. - **Afternoon**: Head to Suobuya Stone Forest, wandering through 460-million-year-old underwater stone formations. Discover attractions like "Lotus Village" and marvel at nature’s artistry. - **Evening**: Stay in Lichuan city and try specialties like steamed beef with rice flour at Gegewang Restaurant to recharge for the next day. **Day 4: Tusi City and Departure** - **Morning**: Visit Tusi City to explore the well-preserved ancient Tujia architecture of Jiujintang. Admire the intricate eaves and brackets while learning about Tujia history and customs. - **Afternoon**: Arrange for transportation to the train station or airport based on your departure time, concluding your wonderful Enshi trip. **Food Recommendations** Must-try dishes include Zhangguan Hezha, Shefan (festive rice), stir-fried cured pork with dried tofu, and cured pork knuckle hotpot. Don’t miss local snacks like Tujia savory pancakes and roasted potatoes. **Accommodation Tips** In the city, opt for homestays near Tujia Daughter City to experience stilt-house architecture. For scenic stays, Yunqi Homestay near the Grand Canyon offers beautiful mountain views. **Travel Tips** Enshi’s mountainous terrain brings unpredictable weather—pack rain gear and sun protection. Attractions are spread out with winding roads; motion-sickness-prone travelers should prepare medication. For the floating boat experience at Pingshan Canyon, arrive early at the dock for better light and fewer crowds.