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Located east of the Nineteen Peaks, the Thousand-foot Valley meanders for five miles. It is formed by the opposing Danxia landforms of the Nineteen Peaks and Taitou Mountain. It is nationally renowned as a filming location for CCTV series such as "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," "Shaolin Martial King," and "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils."
Qianzhang Yougu, located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, is quite different from the more common canyons in Zhejiang Province, featuring a more spectacular Danxia landform. A stream divides the valley into two sides, each with a trail: the right trail follows the mountainside, while the left trail runs close to the water. As you go deeper, the green hills outside the valley gradually give way to Danxia mountains. The steep cliffs rival those of the Three Gorges, and in the afternoon sun, the red of the Danxia mountains, the green of the bamboo, and the yellow of the leaves interweave to create a beautiful scene.
To facilitate tourists' visits, the 600-meter Qianzhang Yougu Tunnel at the end of the valley is connected to the Xinjing Highway, completing the Nineteen Peaks to Qianzhang Yougu tourist loop, making it an ideal place for tourists to engage in adventure, curiosity, scientific research, leisure and other recreational activities.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Best in summer
Small wooden bridge
A few farmhouses stand at the mouth of a thousand-foot-deep valley, surrounded by towering peaks. The Hanfei River, jutting out from between the peaks, flows down past the village, crossed by a small wooden bridge. Flat tea and mulberry fields lie in front of the village, nestled in a bamboo forest at the foot of the peaks. The crisscrossing paths, bamboo-fenced cottages, and the shaded peach and willow trees create a breathtakingly beautiful scene, creating a unique and elegant Jiangnan mountain village.
winding paths leading to secluded places
From the Thousand-foot Valley, along the stream, you enter a lush bamboo forest. The winding path winds through the valley, flanked by the strange rock formations of "Mother of Life" and "Root of Life." This creates a sense of serenity, tranquility, and coolness. A rock pillar rises abruptly from the hillside on the right, resembling a celestial candle. This feature is known as "Root of Life." To the right, a small hill is named "Mother of Life," and locals call it "Big Belly Rock."
Listening to the Qin in the Stone Chamber
There is a cave under the rock on the east side of Qianzhang Youbao. Outside the cave, there is a stone that looks like an ancient zither. The brook gurgles, the green bamboo whistles, and the dragon roars and whispers, which sounds like the sound of a zither. It is said that this was the study place of Wang Yao, the prime minister of the Southern Song Dynasty.
30 yuan
Summer time: 7:30-17:00
Winter: 8:00-17:00
Thousand-foot Valley in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, is famous for its dramatic natural beauty, featuring steep cliffs, abundant waterfalls, and serene streams. The valley holds cultural significance as it is home to ancient temples and has long been a place of pilgrimage and contemplation. Its tranquil beauty makes it an ideal spot for outdoor activities and spiritual retreat.
Thousand-foot Valley is located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, about a 2-hour drive from Hangzhou city center. Visitors can take a taxi or bus from Shaoxing city, or drive directly to the site. Public transport options are limited, so taxis or rented vehicles are the most convenient option.
The valley is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and the valley is at its most scenic.
The entrance fee for Thousand-foot Valley is approximately 60 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through third-party ticket platforms and the official website.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak travel seasons or weekends to avoid long queues. Booking a few days in advance is ideal.
Visitors should allocate about 4 to 6 hours to explore the valley fully, which includes hiking, visiting temples, and enjoying the natural scenery. A full day may be required for a more relaxed visit, with time to explore at leisure.
Guided tours are available in both Mandarin and English. Audio guides are available for rent in several languages, including English, at the entrance.
The recommended route is to begin with the main trail leading to the waterfall area, then visit the temples along the way. End the day by relaxing near the river or taking a boat ride.
Night visits and light shows are not commonly available. Special tours may be offered during major holidays or festivals, so it’s best to check with the local tourism office for updates.
The valley can get crowded on weekends and during Chinese holidays. The best times to visit are during weekdays or early in the morning on weekends to avoid the crowds.
There are public toilets and rest areas located at various points along the trails. Food and drink stalls are available at the entrance, and a few small shops sell local souvenirs.
While some of the trails are steep and challenging, the valley does offer easier paths near the entrance for elderly visitors or families with children. The area is not fully accessible for those with mobility impairments due to the terrain.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted widely at most facilities in Thousand-foot Valley. Cash is also accepted, but mobile payment is more convenient.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the valley’s entrance offering traditional Chinese dishes and snacks. The town of Shaoxing, about 30 minutes away, also has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the local eateries, though halal options may be more limited. It's a good idea to confirm the menu with the restaurant before ordering.
Souvenir shops are located at the entrance of the valley, offering local products such as tea, handcrafted goods, and traditional Shaoxing wine.
After visiting Thousand-foot Valley, visitors can take a taxi or bus back to Shaoxing city. From there, taxis or public transportation can be used to continue the trip to other destinations such as Shaoxing’s historic sites or nearby nature reserves.
