[2025 Jishou Attraction] Travel Guide for Dehang Canyon (Updated Aug)

Nestled atop the mountains of Xiangxi, Dehang Miao Village is like a pearl forgotten by time, quietly radiating its ancient charm. Walking along the cobblestone paths and weaving through the stilted wooden houses, you feel as though you've traveled back a thousand years to the Xiangxi region. The jingling of silver ornaments worn by Miao women and the echoing songs in the mountain streams create a mesmerizing atmosphere. At the long-table feast, the aroma of sour fish soup and cured meat tantalizes your taste buds, offering an authentic taste of Miao cuisine. As night falls, the bonfires are lit, and the passionate Miao singing and dancing bring the village to life under the starry sky, immersing you in their warmth and simplicity. Here, there are no bustling tourist groups—only the most genuine Miao village life. With an oil-paper umbrella in hand, you can stroll along misty terraced fields, watch the sea of clouds roll by, and listen to ancient legends. In this secluded haven, your soul finds long-lost peace and belonging. Dehang is not just a village; it is a dreamlike journey through time.

Capital of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hunan, this area has seen frequent human activity since the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. It is a multi-ethnic region and one of the birthplaces of Wuling culture, with 67 intangible cultural heritage items at various levels, 1 national-level cultural relic protection unit, and 7 provincial-level cultural relic protection units. 🗺️ Area: 1,094.67 square kilometers 🌡️ Temperature: Annual average 16.4°C 🍜 Cuisine: Cured meat, sour meat, and you can try Miao ethnic specialty dishes 💦 Water system: Dong River, Tuo River, Wanyong River, Sima River, and others, with rivers crisscrossing the area ✈️ Transportation: High-speed rail, Biancheng Airport, no restrictions on out-of-town license plates for self-driving 🌳 Best travel time: Spring to catch the Miao festival on April 8, autumn for pleasant weather ❗️ Recommended attractions: Qianzhou Ancient City, Xiangxi Prefecture Museum Next time to visit: Aizhai Wonder, Dehang Miao Village ⚠️ Suggestions: 1. Not far from Fenghuang, Biancheng, and Furong Town; if you have enough time, you can visit them all 2. More suitable for leisure and vacation than for travel Why do I want to travel to Jishou❓ Because the museum here exhibits Nuo culture, the local specialty food is delicious, and from watching "The Battle Against Bandits on Wulong Mountain" to "Nuqing Xiangxi," I want to see this mysterious place with my own eyes Photos 2-13: Xiangxi Prefecture Museum Photos 14-18: Qianzhou Ancient City

### Xiangxi Travel Guide and Expenses 1. Itinerary **Day 1: Arrive in Jishou** - **Morning**: Arrive in Jishou, check in to the hotel, and take a break. - **Afternoon**: Explore downtown Jishou and visit Qianzhou Ancient City. - **Evening**: Enjoy local specialties, such as cured meat and sour fish. **Day 2: Fenghuang Ancient Town** - **Morning**: Travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town and visit the former residence of Shen Congwen and the East Gate Tower. - **Afternoon**: Stroll along the Tuojiang River and experience the charm of the stilt houses. - **Evening**: Admire the night view of the ancient town and experience the bar culture. **Day 3: Dehang Grand Canyon** - **Morning**: Travel to Dehang Grand Canyon and hike through the canyon scenery. - **Afternoon**: Visit the Aizhai Bridge and experience the glass walkway. - **Evening**: Return to Jishou and rest. **Day 4: Furong Town** - **Morning**: Travel to Furong Town and explore the ancient town. - **Afternoon**: Visit the waterfalls and experience Tujia culture. - **Evening**: Return to Jishou and end the trip. 2. Transportation - **Airplane**: Arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport or Huaihua Zhijiang Airport, and transfer to a bus or train to Jishou. - **Train**: Take a direct train to Jishou Railway Station. - **Self-driving**: Depart from Changsha and take the Changsha-Zhangjiajie Expressway and Zhangjiajie-Huaihua Expressway to Jishou. 3. Accommodation Recommendations - **Jishou**: Jishou International Hotel, Jishou Kaile Grand Hotel. - **Fenghuang**: Guesthouses in Fenghuang Ancient Town, homestays by the Tuojiang River in Fenghuang. - **Furong Town**: Unique guesthouses in Furong Town. 4. Food Recommendations - **Cured meat**: Xiangxi's unique cured meat with a distinctive flavor. - **Sour fish**: A traditional Tujia dish with a sour and spicy taste. - **Blood curd duck**: A Fenghuang specialty, a perfect combination of duck meat and blood curd. 5. Budget - **Transportation**: Round-trip airfare/train tickets approx. CNY 1,000–2,000, local transportation approx. CNY 300–500. - **Accommodation**: CNY 200–500 per night, approx. CNY 800–2,000 for 4 nights. - **Food**: Approx. CNY 100–200 per day, approx. CNY 400–800 for 4 days. - **Tickets**: Total tickets for various attractions approx. CNY 300–500. - **Other**: Shopping, souvenirs, etc., approx. CNY 200–500. **Total**: Approx. CNY 2,700–5,800. Actual expenses depend on individual spending habits. 6. Important Notes - **Weather**: The Xiangxi area is rainy. Check the weather forecast before traveling and bring rain gear. - **Safety**: Pay attention to safety while hiking and follow the scenic area regulations. - **Cultural respect**: Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities. I hope this guide can help you plan a pleasant trip to Xiangxi!

Day 1: Dehang Miao Village (Dehang Miao Village is a well-preserved Miao ethnic village. The ticket includes a guided tour, so you won't get lost.) ⚠️Notes: 1. Ticket: 80 RMB/person (includes Liusha Waterfall, Observatory, Jidou Miao Village, Yuquan Gate, Miao Ethnic Performance, etc. Performances are from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM) 2. Liusha Waterfall Sightseeing Bus: 18 RMB/person (Student ticket: 9 RMB/person) 3. Large-scale Miao Village Performance: Separate ticket required, 200 RMB/person Day 2: Furong Town Deep Exploration Route: Furong Town Scenic Area Entrance—Baishou Hall—Tongzhu Garden—Tuwang Bridge—Tingtao Road Ancient Street—Yinan Square—Huashao Camping Base—Chushu Tongjin—Great Waterfall—Blessing Corridor—City Gate Wharf—Xizhou Tongzhu Museum—Wuli Stone Slab Street (Movie filming location No. 113 Liu Xiaoqing Rice Tofu Shop)—Jumping Rock—Youyang Palace Day 3: Zuo Long Gorge Hiking ⚠️Notes: 1. Ticket: 88 RMB/person 2. Equipment: Non-slip shoes, climbing gloves, mosquito repellent, approximately 3 hours 3. ⚠️Reminder: Wear non-slip shoes! Buy water outside the scenic area, no supply stations along the way, those afraid of heights or with poor stamina should turn back halfway. Also, there's delicious homemade bacon at the top. Day 4: Red Stone Forest (Check the weather before departure, the color is more red on sunny days and more black-brown on cloudy days) Transportation: Recommended self-driving or chartered car, 0.5h from Furong Town Route: Yangtze Ancient Sea—Human Pool—Ordovician Seabed—Flower Bag—Ice Stone Couple—Observation Deck—Eight Great Gods—Fossil Area—Lucky Gate—Tianchi—Seabed Tunnel Day 5: Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Ticket: Official 278 RMB/person, Seafood Market 245 RMB/person, need to book one day in advance, approximately 6 hours Route: B Line Shuttle Bus—Cableway Entrance—Tianmen Cave—999 Steps—Tianmen Mountain Waterfall—7-segment Automatic Escalator—Mountain Top ❤️Tips: 1. Bring your ID for entry 2. No need to buy shoe covers, glass walkway has spares 3. Bring at least 1 bottle of water and snacks, there are restaurants on the mountain 4. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, wear sports shoes, and preferably a windbreaker Day 6: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Ticket: 277 RMB/person (valid for 4 days, but does not include cableway and elevator) Route: East Gate—Landmark Gate—Bailong Elevator—Yuanjiajie—Tianzi Mountain—Golden Whip Stream Day 7: Tea Dong Ancient Town No ticket required Route: River Crossing Command Post—Tea Dong Ancient Wharf—Hong'an Ancient Town—Boat to Guizhou—'One Foot in Three Provinces'—Shen Congwen's Former Residence—Cuicui Island—Cuicui Residence Day 8: Phoenix Ancient Town 5A Scenic Area Recommended Route: Hotel—Hongqiao—Beibian Street Wharf—Shengheng Gate—Yang Family Ancestral Hall—North Gate Tower—Jumping Rock—Xueqiao—Nanhua Gate—Bar—Hongqiao—Dongguan Gate—Shawan Wharf—Yingxi Gate—Wanming Tower—Duocui Tower—Fengqiao—Wuqiao—Yunqiao—Back to Hotel Pitfall Guide ⚠️ 1. Renting clothes for photos, prices can be bargained, usually 60-80 RMB/day, off-season 30-50 RMB/day (also note that false eyelashes may be charged extra, be sure to ask clearly)

3-day tour of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, full of excitement! This super practical guide will take you on a tour of mysterious Xiangxi, with no pitfalls or missed attractions. Save it now! -- Must-see attractions: 🌟 Fenghuang Ancient Town: The ancient town is built along the mountains, with the Tuo River flowing through it. The red and ancient city walls stand quietly, telling stories of a thousand years. 🏞️ Dehang Grand Canyon: The canyon is incredibly beautiful and graceful. Stroll through it and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Don't forget to climb up and look at the spectacular Liusha Waterfall. 🎭 Miao Village in Mo Rong: Here, you can enjoy authentic Miao art and taste the simple Miao customs, as if you have traveled back in time to the ancient era. 🏰 Qianzhou Ancient Town: The architecture of the ancient town is like a painting, with every stroke full of historical atmosphere. The blooming lotus flowers in the pond add a touch of poetry to the painting. -- Travel tips: - 📸Photo spots: Furong Town and Red Stone Forest in Xiangxi are beautiful photo spots. Don't miss them! - 🛍️Specialty prices: Xiangxi's bacon and grandma's dishes are very famous and reasonably priced, making them great souvenirs. - ✈️Airport transportation: Xiangxi Biancheng Airport is conveniently located, making it easy to reach major attractions. - 🎭Customs and traditions: In Xiangxi, you can experience traditional Tujia and Miao festivals and feel the unique folk culture. -- The beauty of Xiangxi is waiting for you to discover! We look forward to your trip to Xiangxi, leaving unforgettable memories! 🌸

High-speed rail direct access 🚅, unveiling the breathtaking secret realm hidden in the deep mountains of Xiangxi, so beautiful it takes your breath away! 😍✨ I've always heard the legends of the fairyland of Aizhai in Xiangxi, but seeing it with my own eyes, oh my, I'm at a loss for words and regret not coming earlier! 😢😢 Dehang Grand Canyon, it's simply a 'race track exclusive for birds' 🐦, with cliffs piercing the sky and a gorge so deep you can hear your own heartbeat. 🌄💓 And hidden in this secluded valley is a utopian retreat—Dehang Miao Village, with small bridges and flowing water, as if time slows down here. 🌉🏡 Walking on the bridge, the chasm instantly turns into a thoroughfare, and the Badai Master silently prays at the observatory, adding a touch of mystery to this land with ancient rituals. 🧘‍♀️✨🌟 🌟【Aizhai One-Day Tour Super Guide】is here! 🎉 Dehang Miao Village → Liusha Waterfall → Aizhai Bridge → Tianwen Platform → Shibadong, not one can be missed! 👇 1️⃣🌈Dehang Miao Village: The grandeur of a billion-year-old canyon meets the tenderness of a thousand-year-old Miao village, every step is a story, every sound is the enthusiasm of the Miao people. 👋💕 Walking in here is like traveling to another time and space, living in seclusion, and your soul finds unprecedented tranquility. 😌💖 2️⃣💦Liusha Waterfall: Located within the Miao village, with a drop of 216 meters, the water flows like silk threads, turning into a dreamy quicksand at the bottom of the valley. 👣🌊 You can choose to take a leisurely 30-minute walk or take a scenic shuttle bus to easily reach this natural wonder and feel the shock. 🚶‍♀️🚌 3️⃣🌉Aizhai Bridge: Spanning the grand canyon, with a vertical height of 355 meters, driving on it feels like entering a fairyland with clouds and mist. 🚗🌫️ Don't forget the viewing platform on the mountain top, and those internet-famous homestays and restaurants, it's chilly at high altitudes, but the scenery is definitely worth your shivers! 🏞️🏨🍽️ 4️⃣🏞️Tianwen Platform: Located not far from the bridge, a solitary platform on the edge of a cliff, with a waterfall roaring on one side and the smoke from the Miao village on the other, and a deep gorge beneath your feet, standing there, the whole world becomes quiet. 👣🌊🏡 The brave ones can also descend into the depths of the gorge to explore more unknown beauties. 🔍👣 5️⃣🏡Shibadong: Another secret realm embraced by the Wuling Mountains, an ancient village that is quiet and simple, where intangible cultural heritage like Miao embroidery shines brightly. 🚗🏞️ Drive there, set off anytime, from the first light of dawn to the twilight, every moment here is worth your stay. 🌅🌌 Remember, Shibadong welcomes you from 7 AM to 11 PM, don't miss this deep affection from Xiangxi! 🎁🎈

The natural scenic spot in Jishou is the Dehang Grand Canyon, which is located right under the Aizhai Bridge. Within the Dehang Grand Canyon, there are several Miao villages, including the Dehang Miao Village. There is a direct bus, number 11, from Jishou train station to the village for 5 yuan. The village has now turned into a large accommodation area, with no more of the original ecological villages left. However, surrounding the village, there are natural sceneries such as the Yuequanxi Canyon, Tianwen Platform, and Liusha Waterfall. There is also a convenient route to the Dehang Grand Canyon. After visiting the Aizhai Bridge, there is a shuttle service from the Dajiao ticket office directly to the Tianwen Platform in the canyon. Then you can walk down the canyon, and it's all downhill, leading directly to the Dehang Miao Village. From there, you can take the number 11 bus back to Jishou from the Dehang Miao Village parking lot, making it a nice day trip.

A Village in the Gorge - Dehang Miao Village. Inside the Dehang Grand Canyon, there is a Miao village, with three valleys, of which Yiquan Stream and Jiulong Stream have been developed. Yiquan Stream leads to Tianwen Platform, and Jiulong Stream leads to Jiulong Pool and Liusha Waterfall. There are electric shuttle services for both routes, with a round trip to Yiquan Stream costing 12 yuan, to the foot of the mountain, and it takes about an hour to climb to Tianwen Platform; Jiulong Stream costs 18 yuan, to Liusha Waterfall. The distances are not far, and if you have plenty of time, you can also hike. There are two performances in the village every day, with the morning one at ten-thirty. After watching the performance, having lunch, and taking a nap, you can hike both routes in the afternoon. A few days ago, I went from Aizhai Bridge to Tianwen Platform, walked down a short distance from Tianwen Platform, and today I climbed to the position where I came down that day. The most time-saving and effortless itinerary to tour Dehang Grand Canyon is to stay at the train station, take the shuttle bus in front of the train station to Aizhai Bridge, then go to Jidou Miao Village and Tianwen Platform, descend from Tianwen Platform, pass Yiquan Stream to Dehang Miao Village, then go to Jiulong Stream, to Liusha Waterfall, return to Miao Village, and take the shuttle bus back to the train station from Miao Village. If you're quick, one day is enough, but if you want to take it slow, you can stay overnight in Dehang Miao Village. (Train Station - Aizhai Bridge - Tianwen Platform - Dehang Miao Village - Liusha Waterfall - Dehang Miao Village - Train Station) This way, you don't have to climb mountains, but it's more troublesome for self-drivers, as the car is still parked on the mountain. The Dehang Grand Canyon is as beautiful as a fairyland when shrouded in mist, and it's a bit regrettable that I haven't seen the mist during these continuous sunny days.

Ever since I was young, I've had a mysterious longing for the Miao villages of Xiangxi that are not well known to others. This time, I finally took advantage of the weekend to visit this niche Miao village, and the 2-day and 1-night trip was unforgettable. Day1: Dehang Agricultural Culture Park→Zijin Square Dehang Fantasy Theater Experience the traditional customs of the Miao nationality, the special welcome wine, experience wax printing, blacksmithing, oil pressing, tofu grinding (all can be tasted for free, enthusiastic and hospitable), the fantasy performance is a must-see, with stunning lighting and stage beauty, in a word, it's breathtaking! Day2: Jidouzhai Observatory Cliff Glass Walkway→Tianqiao Xianju→Chadong An Square Aizhai Bridge The astronomical observatory is really spectacular, named after Qu Yuan's poem 'Astronomy', with a diameter of more than six meters and a three-year span facing the sky, surrounded by clouds and fog all year round, very mysterious. Cliff Walkway: The cliff walkway with a vertical drop of 300-400 meters, with a total length of 1.6km, allows you to feel the natural canyon up close, not for the faint-hearted. Aizhai Bridge: The world's first suspension bridge, connecting two large mountains, overlooking the Dehang Grand Canyon, you can also experience bungee jumping, those who are brave and confident can give it a try. At the end, there is a cliff café, sitting in the café and taking pictures of the big bridge is very photogenic.

| The village in the canyon——Dehang Miao Village. ✨At the magical latitude of 30 degrees north Chinese Paladin It is close to the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom that Zhao Linger has been protecting with all her heart. In my imagination, it is the mysterious and unique Xiangxi area In reality, it is truly home to the world’s most magnificent civilizational landscape. Jishouer Village is a sacred place that has been widely spread among the Miao people since ancient times. The "Mysterious Journey" of Hunan Xiangxi starts from here - 📍Location: Jishou City, the capital of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture 🚗Transportation: From the high-speed rail departure point to Jishou East Station, you can take bus No. 22 and transfer to bus No. 11 after exiting the station. The journey takes about 2 hours to reach the scenic spot 🎫Panoramic area pass: 280 yuan/person - ✨【Jishou Essence Route】 Aizhai Bridge Scenic Area (Cliff Plank Road-Aizhai Bridge) ➡️Jidou Miao Village Scenic Area (Tianwen Terrace-Jidou Miao Village) ➡️Dehang Grand Canyon Scenic Area (Dehang Miao Village-Jiulongxi-Yuquanxi) ➡️Ganzhou Ancient City➡️The City That Never Sleeps - ✨【Must-visit tourist attractions guide】 ✅Cliff plank road The cliffs with a drop of 300-400 meters provide a panoramic view of the wonders in the sky It is also the aerial walkway leading to the Aizhai Bridge. ✅Aizhai Bridge An important traffic artery in the north of Xiangxi, the design of the bridge's suspension cables and the bridge body are breathtaking. It is also a high-altitude scenic spot that overlooks the entire Aizhai Town. ✅Tianwen Station A sacred place for the Miao people to pray and offer sacrifices, a paradise on earth surrounded by clouds and mist Here it is obvious ✅Jidou Miao Village The fireworks world of the Miao people. Find a farmhouse here. Feel the cultural charm of the Miao people ✅Dehang Grand Canyon The ancient and mysterious Miao legends can be experienced here The limestone canyon landscape offers spectacular views You can also feel the tortuous and moving deeds of the Miao people ✅Dehang Miao Village The ancient village with crisscrossing streams and rivers has a very pleasant climate. This is also a unique Miao village tribe. ✅Jiulongxi The waterfall flows down in Jiulongxi Grand Canyon The stunning scenery you can see is also a kind of secret place. ✅Yuquan Creek Another wonderful view in Dehang Miao Village: the stream flowing down The combination of the misty village is a match made in heaven ✅Ganzhou Ancient City The small bridges, flowing water and natural landscapes in the ancient city are all in one go This place is a cultural window to the mysterious Xiangxi. ✅Xiangxi Never Sleeps City The grand lighting scene in the park is undoubtedly a symbol of Xiangxi culture. The landscape after nightfall is matched with the stage and performances with ethnic characteristics. A journey to the city that never sleeps in Xiangxi culture is slowly unfolding - ✨The "Mysterious Journey" is really opened in Xiangxi "Hundred-year-old road and bridge landscape, thousand-year-old Miao village style, ten-thousand-year-old canyon scenery" "Everything is mysterious, everything is mysterious" This mysterious city shrouded in clouds and mist is waiting for you in Jishou

The moment you step into Dehang Miao Village, it feels like entering a world cut off from the rest of society. This place is known as the 'Drum Township of the World', brimming with a strong ethnic charm. The ancient village architecture is exceptionally well-preserved, with the morning mist creating an ethereal atmosphere, turning the whole Miao Village into a mysterious painting. The old wooden houses and cobblestone paths all exude the weathered breath of time. In the afternoon, the sun envelops everything, casting warm rays of light. Walking along the path, with small, deliberate steps, you slowly make your way towards the waterfall in the great canyon. Along the way, the green mountains and clear waters create a picturesque scene. It's as if you're in a paradise on earth, where the soul is greatly relaxed and satisfied.

Compared to Fenghuang Ancient Town, I love the joyful Dehang Canyon in the valley even more. What comes to mind when you think of the Dehang Miao Village? If it were me, I would imagine it as a village nestled within a canyon, probably still maintaining a traditional way of life, with well-preserved houses—that kind of feeling. So, let's see if it's like that, shall we? Dehang Miao Village, in the Miao language, is said to be: the most beautiful canyon. Dehang Miao Village is located deep in the canyon, surrounded by many giant canyons, with numerous smaller ones scattered throughout. Actually, getting to Dehang is not easy; there is no railway. We drove all the way down the Aizhai Highway, which is also known as the most dangerous road in the world. It's quite thrilling; this short hill slope of only 440 meters has an incline of over 70 degrees. You need to be careful when driving here, and then when you reach the flat road, you can see the beautiful scenery shown in the first picture, taken with a mobile phone's original camera. I was captivated by the scenery before me, wow, the landscape hidden in this small canyon is so beautiful. I keep saying, if possible, I would like to stay here forever, just daydreaming, walking barefoot to the stream to play in the water. In fact, living in the city, it's increasingly hard to find scenery that can relax the mind. If at this moment you could have a cup of hot tea, a cup of coffee, and chat about everyday life with someone, that would be a very pleasant and satisfying experience.

The 'four world firsts' Aizhai Bridge is spectacular The Aizhai Bridge (Ai'zhai Bridge) is located above the Dehang Grand Canyon. The Aizhai Bridge line is 1779 meters long and the main bridge is 1414 meters long. The bridge has created 'four world firsts'. It is the world's largest steel truss suspension bridge spanning canyons; second, it is the first time in the world to adopt a completely separate design scheme for towers and beams; third, it is the first time in the world to adopt a rock anchor cable structure and use carbon fiber to replace steel strands for the first time; fourth, it has pioneered the 'rail cable sliding method' for beam erection, this new process has increased the speed of beam erection by nearly ten times. Then there are programs in the scenic area to enjoy. 📍Location: Aizhai Bridge 📷Equipment: Canon 6D Mark II, Canon 24-105mm F4, sigma 50mm F1.4 💿Software: Capture One Aizhai Bridge