Western Zhejiang Grand Canyon

浙西大峡谷

A famous scenic spot in northwest Zhejiang, with mountains stacked up and a river flowing through the canyon. You can also experience rafting in the turbulent river section.
It is divided into four major areas. Jianmen Pass and Baima Cliff are the main tourist areas, where you can enjoy the strange peaks and waterfalls, as well as exciting performances such as high-altitude tightrope walking and bamboo pole dance.
Tuolin Waterfall is a smaller tourist area, where you can see the beautiful Yansheng Waterfall and Longmen Waterfall. You can especially feel the coolness after the summer rain.
The Laoduixi Scenic Area displays agricultural cultural landscapes such as water wheels and old oil wheels, and you can also see ethnic minority bamboo pole dances and other activities.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Lin’an District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province (浙江省杭州市临安区)

  • History: The Zhexi Grand Canyon was formed through millions of years of geological changes, erosion, and water carving. It is a natural scenic area that combines mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and unique canyon landscapes. It has been an important ecological conservation site and a destination for eco-tourism since the late 20th century when it was officially developed as a tourist attraction.

  • Architecture: As a natural canyon, the “architecture” here refers mainly to its striking geological formations — towering cliffs, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, suspension bridges, and walkways built along cliffs to allow visitors to explore safely.

  • Cultural Value: The canyon reflects Zhejiang’s ecological richness, with dense subtropical forests, tea-growing culture in the surrounding villages, and local folk traditions. It is often seen as a place to appreciate harmony between humans and nature, also popular with painters and photographers.

  • Other Information: The area covers waterfalls such as “Dragon Waterfall (龙瀑)” and natural pools. It is also a popular summer escape because of its cool and refreshing environment.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 08:00–17:30 (may vary seasonally)

  • Ticket Price:
    Adult: ~¥80–100
    Children/Students: ~¥40–50
    Seniors: Discounted prices

  • Best Photo Spots: At the cliffside plank roads, Dragon Waterfall (龙瀑), Rainbow Bridge (彩虹桥), and canyon viewpoints where mist rises from waterfalls.

  • Time Reference: About 4–6 hours for a full visit; can be extended to a whole day if including rafting or hiking.

  • Other Information: Rafting activities are available in summer; hiking trails are well maintained but require comfortable shoes.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury:
    Lin’an Narada Grand Hotel (临安开元名都大酒店)
    Hangzhou Fuchun Resort (富春山居度假村)
  • Mid-range:
    Zhexi Canyon Holiday Hotel (浙西大峡谷假日酒店)
    Lin’an Yintai Resort (临安银泰度假酒店)
  • Budget & Boutique:
    Local homestays (农家乐) around canyon villages
    Canyon Youth Hostel (峡谷青年旅舍)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes:
    Bamboo Shoots with Pork (笋干红烧肉)
    Lin’an Walnuts (临安山核桃)
    Stone Pot Fish (石锅鱼)
    Tea-Smoked Duck (茶香鸭)
    Wild Vegetable Stir Fry (野菜炒)
  • Famous Spots:
    Canyon Farmhouse Restaurants (峡谷农家乐) for authentic local flavors
    Lin’an Specialty Food Street (临安小吃街) for street snacks
    Tea House near canyon entrance for walnut cakes and green tea

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Lin’an Walnuts (临安山核桃)
    Walnut Cake (核桃糕)
    Local Bamboo Products (竹制品)
    Lin’an Tea (临安茶叶)

Transportation

  • From Hangzhou City Center (杭州): Take a long-distance bus from Hangzhou West Bus Station (杭州汽车西站) to Lin’an (临安), then transfer by local bus or taxi to Zhexi Grand Canyon (浙西大峡谷).
  • By Car: Drive from Hangzhou via G56 Expressway toward Lin’an, about 2.5 hours to the canyon.
  • From Lin’an City (临安): Take a shuttle bus or taxi directly to the scenic area (~30 km, about 40 minutes).
  • Self-driving is convenient, with parking available near the scenic entrance.

Nearby Attractions

  • Dragon Waterfall (龙瀑) – inside the scenic area, ~0.5 km from main gate, walk along the canyon trail.
  • Rainbow Bridge (彩虹桥) – ~1 km inside the scenic area, accessible via walking path.
  • Qingshan Lake (青山湖) – about 2 km from canyon entrance, 10 minutes by car.
  • Small Tea Villages (茶村) – within 1–2 km, easily reached by walking or short rides.

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear non-slip shoes; the trails can be slippery near waterfalls.
  • Bring a raincoat or poncho; mist and sudden rain showers are common.
  • Best visiting seasons: spring (lush greenery, high waterfalls) and summer (cool climate, rafting).
  • Winter visits are less crowded but some areas may be closed due to safety concerns.
  • Carry cash for small local shops and farmhouses.
  • Photography lovers should bring wide-angle lenses for canyon shots.
  • Stay hydrated and bring light snacks for long hikes.

Recommended itineraries

  • 1-Day Trip:
    Hangzhou (杭州) → Lin’an (临安) → Zhexi Grand Canyon (浙西大峡谷)
    Morning: Arrive and hike through canyon trails and waterfalls
    Afternoon: Enjoy rafting or tea house relaxation
    Return to Hangzhou by bus/car
  • 2-Day Trip:
    D1: Hangzhou (杭州) → Zhexi Grand Canyon (浙西大峡谷) – hiking and rafting
    D2: Visit Qingshan Lake (青山湖) → explore tea villages (茶村) → return to Hangzhou
    Transportation: Local taxi or shuttle between attractions, then long-distance bus/car back to Hangzhou
  • 3-Day Eco-Cultural Tour:
    D1: Hangzhou (杭州) → Lin’an (临安) → Zhexi Grand Canyon (浙西大峡谷)
    D2: Qingshan Lake (青山湖) boating → explore Lin’an Walnut Cultural Village (核桃文化村)
    D3: Visit tea plantations in Lin’an (临安茶园) → return to Hangzhou
    Transportation: Combination of shuttle buses, taxis, and self-driving

User Reviews

By Talk about cattle |

The Grand Canyon of Western Zhejiang is located in the Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve in Lin'an District, Hangzhou City, where Zhejiang and Anhui meet. It is named "Western Zhejiang" because it is located in the northwest of Zhejiang. The canyon is surrounded by high mountains and fast-flowing rivers. The mountains are the remnants of Huangshan Mountain and the rivers are the source of Qiantang River. The ring-shaped narrow valley is 83 kilometers long. There are flowers and trees all along the way. The landform is peculiar. Strange peaks and beautiful rocks "grow" on the cliffs on both sides of the canyon with a huge drop. It is known as "white horses emerge from the rocks and yellow cattle plow on the walls". Compared with the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, it has its own poetic and picturesque appreciation.

By Wang Limei |

Summer vacation is coming, I took my children and the whole family to visit the Grand Canyon of Western Zhejiang, and bought parent-child tickets. We played the high-altitude zipline and rafting, and took the children to play together, which enhanced the relationship between the children and us. At the same time, there are more trees here. When we were playing, it was also cloudy, very cool, and not hot at all. It was really comfortable and a suitable place to visit during the summer vacation.

The children’s favorite thing is to go to Laodui Creek. This year there is a childhood memory exhibition here, with fishing, Angry Birds, Subor game consoles, marbles, etc. We played in this scenic spot alone for an entire afternoon, and in the end we were clamoring that we didn’t want to leave, hahaha.

By aikooooooooo |

For the company's team building, we chose the Grand Canyon of Western Zhejiang in Hangzhou. Because it was a group trip, the price was much cheaper. We chartered a bus and went along the mountain road to the top of Baima Cliff to take the cable car. We also went to see the big waterfall of Zhelin Waterfall. We also went rafting in a medium-sized kayak with colleagues, which was very interesting. So, you still have to go to the mountains to escape the summer heat.

By Lonely waiting for dawn lover |

Following the advice of a friend in Hangzhou, my girlfriend and I came to the 4A Zhejiang West Grand Canyon. The ticket price is 130 yuan per person. There are four major scenic spots: Zhelin Waterfall, Baima Cliff, Jianmen Pass, and Laodui Creek. Each has its own characteristics. The weather here is suitable and it is a good place to escape the summer heat. The most impressive thing is the rafting project at Jianmen Pass. It is exciting and fun. I will go there again next time.

By Northeast Red Out |

A natural oxygen bar, with fresh and pleasant air, beautiful environment, surrounded by green trees and crystal clear streams, you can fully enjoy the most primitive appearance of nature. I especially love Jianmen Pass and Zhelin Waterfall.

By Candlelight brings warmth |

There is a large area of ​​virgin forest, which is green at a glance. There are streams and waterfalls interspersed on the mountains. The environment is beautiful and it is also nice to take pictures because of the natural filter.

There is also a 70s and 80s Show theme event this summer. People born in the 90s said that it brought back a lot of memories and it was very interesting. Seeing many parents bringing their children to play, it was like going back to the summer vacation when they were students.

By China-TravelNote users |

I went there with my parents. They praised the environment here and thought the air was fresh. The rest areas were very close and convenient for climbing. We also took the cable car. The cable car here was a bit exciting. It didn't stop and wait for you to get on. It was always running, so I jumped in. The cable car was running slowly, so I could see the surrounding mountains and waters. It was a very good experience.

There was also a theme event in one of the scenic spots called the 70s and 80s Show. I thought it was from my parents' generation, but I was a 90s kid. They played video games and spinning tops. My parents said it was like my childhood. I really missed it.

By Lena |

August 2011, trip to the Grand Canyon and Xixi Wetland in Western Zhejiang

By Big Bad Wolf |

The scenic area is currently divided into four major tourist areas, Jianmen Pass and Baima Cliff are the main tourist areas

By Walter Jin |

I went to Lin'an for the first time in 2003 and loved the canyon scenery and Shuangxi rafting.

By Sheep Sheep Sheep |

2015.10

I remember the wonderful trip~The Grand Canyon is very humid, so remember to put on more clothes in autumn!

By The Wind in the Quiet Valley |

The Grand Canyon of Western Zhejiang is a very unique landscape in East China. The first choice for visiting the Grand Canyon is Baima Cliff, followed by rafting in Longjing Gorge; then take a leisurely stroll along the Jianmenguan Plank Road. If there is still time, you can take the scenic bus to visit Zhelin Waterfall and Laodui Creek.



The water at Baima Cliff is lively and vivid. The whole journey along the mountain road in the valley is accompanied by the sound of water jumping like pearls and jade. In addition to the "Jiutian Waterfall" at the end of the road, there are many waterfalls hanging from high rocks on the cliff, like silk or curtains, each with its own changes, leaping down to the lush greenery. A waterwheel beside the mountain stream is slowly turning under the impact of the stream, harmoniously blending into the natural world.



The rafting in western Zhejiang is divided into two categories: gentle landscape rafting and high-altitude passion rafting. Among them, the excitement of the [Longjing Gorge Rafting] with a height difference of 68 meters from head to tail is impeccable. The whole rafting of 2 kilometers and about 1 hour will rush down 8 wave points along the mountain, and the vertical drop of the largest wave point is 6 meters. The whole kayak rotates in the turbulent water and constantly hits the rocks, and then dives down in various postures.

By Maddy |

Rafting is fun. I went there during the National Day holiday and there were not many people.

By 37514681 |

I recommend a one-day tour. It's best if you have your own car. If you don't have a car, you can share a car with your companions. The scenic spot is a bit far away, and it is definitely unrealistic to walk by yourself. It would be better to go when the weather is hot, and you can also play rafting.

By /v 小Y |

It includes four major scenic spots: Baima Cliff, Laodui Creek, Jianmen Pass and Zhelin Waterfall. Among them, Baima Cliff and Laodui Creek are relatively close, and Jianmen Pass and Zhelin Waterfall are relatively close.

By ❤Striving Mama Mai |

The mountain road is winding and narrow, but the bus service to the scenic spot is good. Experienced drivers are very familiar with the mountain road. There are people at the entrance of the scenic spot. When there is no car, just ask them to call a bus and the bus will come. It is very convenient and saves trouble.

By Panda |

I think this photo is the most touching. It is a late autumn afternoon. After having a good meal and a good drink, I am basking in the sun with my friends.

By Situ Dingyi |

I plan to have lunch at the Grand Canyon. I'll just order whatever I want. The difference between the Grand Canyon and Tianmu Mountain is that there are more activities to do there.

By Walker 2014 |

We went to the scenic area. Our route was Baima Cliff - Laodui Creek - Jianmen Pass (some people chose rafting) - Zhelin Waterfall. In the morning, we went to Baima Cliff and Laodui Creek. After playing, some people chose rafting, and some people chose to walk through Jianmen Pass. As for what is fun in each scenic area, I will not say much here. You should come and experience it yourself. There are also many related introductions on the Internet, but I personally think it is better not to say it, to keep a sense of mystery, haha

By Happy Street |

Longjing Gorge Passion Rafting near the Grand Canyon of Western Zhejiang This rafting was the most exciting one for us, lasting for an hour.

By Revolutionary Youth |

The ticket price of the Grand Canyon in Western Zhejiang is expensive, and there is no half-price discount for seniors over 60 and students (available in Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Jiangsu). At the same time, the service of the scenic spot is not satisfactory. It may be that there are fewer tourists during the off-season (few tourists are not a reason for neglect). First, the transportation between the scenic spots is not waiting for people, but people waiting for cars. Tourists only call for cars after they arrive, which wastes a lot of tourists' time; second, the staff get off work early. At 16:30 in the afternoon in mid-April, the sky was still bright and the sun was shining, and the scenic spot was closed and the transportation bus was off work, so tourists had to rush. We entered the scenic spot at around 1 pm and started to play. We could have basically finished the tour, so we only visited two and a half scenic spots and ended. I didn't know that I could drive to various scenic spots. If I drive by myself, the time for playing is completely enough. But I have to remind you that the mountain road to Baima Cliff is very steep and narrow, and it is not easy to drive. If there are bee friends who drive to the scenic spot by themselves, it is recommended to take the scenic spot shuttle bus to the Baima Cliff.

By Yu Chen Xiu |

When I went to the Grand Canyon in Western Zhejiang, it was the dry season in autumn. There was little water along the way, and I could only see the exposed riverbed and rocks, which was quite disappointing. So I don't recommend coming in autumn.

The point is that I was shocked by the unreasonable planning here. The Grand Canyon of Western Zhejiang has four parts, Zhelin Waterfall, Laodui Creek, Jianmen Pass, and Baima Cliff. When we went to Zhelin Waterfall, there were still natural landscapes along the way. Although it was the dry season, at least many of them were dry, and there were waterfalls. Everyone was in a good mood. But when we arrived at Laodui Creek, although the tour guide of the scenic area had told us that there were mostly cultural landscapes, I really didn't expect that the so-called cultural landscapes turned out to be a haunted house that had nothing to do with the Grand Canyon, bamboo pole dance, and the Red Revolution Memorial Hall. There was even a cableway built in a place that was only a few steps away. The tour guide asked us to participate in the project everywhere. It was a mess, which made us lose interest.


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