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Hike the trails around the canyon, enjoy the natural landscapes, and take photos of the stunning cliffs and flowing streams. Visit the waterfall at the end of the main trail for the best views. Explore the surrounding forest and observe the local flora and fauna.
Xiyuan Canyon Scenic Area, a southeastern extension of Wuyi Mountain, is a key point in Fujian's "Green Triangle" tourism landscape and a vital component of the "North Mountain, South Water" Greater Wuyi Mountain. It is a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area and is planned to be a National Nature Reserve and a National Key Scenic Spot. Xiyuan Canyon Scenic Area is also one of the three tourist centers within the Greater Wuyi Tourism Plan and is the closest ecological leisure and vacation destination to a city in my country.
The Xiyuan Canyon Scenic Area is located southwest of Nanping City, just 3.3 kilometers from the city center. It's known as "The First Stream and Mountain," "A Grand View Garden of Waterfalls," "A Peach Blossom Wonderland," and "A Ten-Mile Canyon, a Ten-Mile Gallery." Within the area, peaks and cliffs confront each other, mountain streams embrace each other, waterfalls cascade, streams flow, and the canyon is deep, entwined with vines, birdsong, insect chirping, and the sounds of temple bells and drums echo through the depths of the valley. Deep within the canyon, the view suddenly opens up, paths intersect, chickens and dogs chirp, and the scenery is like a paradise in paradise.
The Zhongyan Waterfalls, one of the eight ancient scenic spots in Nanping, plunge 900 meters into the dense forest, creating a picturesque scene of "a waterfall 10,000 feet high, breaking through the misty green mountains." In addition, the area is home to over 1,500 plant species and dozens of rare animals. Among them, the "small-leaved hemp vine," which has long been extinct in Europe, can be found everywhere here. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, it has been a summer retreat and sightseeing destination for dignitaries.
With a subtropical monsoon humid climate, Xiyuan Canyon is a national 4A-level scenic spot and the core scenic spot of the Mangdang Mountain Nature Reserve in Yanping District, Nanping City. It is only 3.3 kilometers away from the center of Nanping City. It is now a provincial scenic spot with an area of 28 square kilometers. There are scenic spots such as Canyon Gallery, Paradise, Waterfall View, Longde Temple, and Zhonglianhua Mountain. More than 100 scenic spots have been developed. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The Xiyuan Canyon Scenic Area is divided into canyons, ancient roads, strange rocks, waterfalls, streams, lakes, biological organisms, and other natural landscapes, as well as rich cultural landscapes. "The scenery is no less than Wuyi, Tiantai, Yandang, Lushan and other world-famous scenic spots."
It is recommended to play for 3 hours.
20 yuan/person
8:30-17:00
Xiyuan Canyon is known for its dramatic rock formations, deep gorges, and clear streams. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers, showcasing the unique geological features of the Fujian region. It is a key destination for eco-tourism and outdoor activities.
Xiyuan Canyon is located in Nanping, Fujian. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the city center. Public transport options are limited, but taxis are a convenient and popular choice for visitors. Walking is possible from nearby points, though a vehicle is typically recommended.
The canyon is open year-round, with typical visiting hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, as the weather is mild and the surrounding landscape is at its most vibrant. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
The entrance fee is approximately 40-60 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through various local booking platforms. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but is advised during peak seasons. Booking 1-2 days ahead should be sufficient to avoid long queues and ensure availability.
You can expect to spend around 3-4 hours exploring the canyon, including hiking the trails, stopping for photos, and enjoying the waterfalls. A full day may be required if you wish to explore the surrounding areas in detail.
The main highlight is the stunning waterfall at the end of the trail. Other notable spots include the dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear streams, and the surrounding forested areas that provide ample opportunities for photography.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not commonly offered, but some tour guides may be able to provide English explanations if arranged in advance.
The best viewpoints are located at the waterfall and the top of the main trail, offering panoramic views of the canyon. The rock formations along the paths also make for great photo opportunities.
Start by walking the main trail leading to the waterfall. This route offers the best scenic views and access to the major highlights of the canyon. The paths around the cliffside also offer great vantage points.
Night visits and light shows are not available. The canyon is best enjoyed during the day when the natural beauty of the landscape can be fully appreciated.
The canyon can get crowded on weekends and holidays, particularly during peak seasons like summer. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially early in the morning or during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and small food stalls are available near the entrance. There are no large restaurants or shops, so it’s advisable to bring your own water and snacks.
The main trails are suitable for children and elderly visitors, but some areas may be difficult to access due to uneven terrain. Disabled visitors may face challenges navigating the hiking paths, as the area is largely natural and rugged.
Cash is generally required for smaller transactions, such as purchasing food or souvenirs. Larger payments, such as for tickets, may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay, especially at the entrance.
There are no major restaurants inside the canyon, but small food stalls at the entrance offer snacks and local dishes. For more dining options, head to Nanping city, where you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian options are available at some nearby restaurants in Nanping. Vegan and halal options may be limited, so it is advisable to check in advance if you have specific dietary needs.
There are several hotels in Nanping, located about 30-40 minutes from the canyon. These range from budget accommodations to mid-range options. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in a guesthouse or eco-lodge near the park entrance.
Nearby attractions include Wuyi Mountain, which offers scenic hiking trails and tea plantation tours. The city of Nanping also has historical landmarks and cultural sites worth exploring.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance selling local handicrafts, such as wooden carvings, tea products, and traditional Fujian items. These make for great souvenirs or gifts to take home.
After visiting Xiyuan Canyon, the best options to continue your trip are by taxi or private car. Public buses may be available for longer distances, but taxis provide the most convenience for onward travel.
