Live Your Best Lives
Come to Enshi and experience selenium for yourself! Known as the "World Selenium Capital," Enshi is Hubei's only ethnic minority autonomous prefecture and boasts the world's largest independent selenium deposit. Enshi Tujia Autonomous Prefecture, nestled at the intersection of Hubei, Hunan, and Chongqing provinces, lies along the scenic 30th parallel north. Unsung, Enshi boasts a variety of unique landscapes nestled amidst towering mountains. Its ancient Bachu culture, combined with its unique geographical advantages, shrouds Enshi in a veil of mystery. On a beautiful day, let You Xiaoxia take you to uncover this hidden gem and discover this forgotten paradise!
Enshi has a subtropical monsoon and monsoon humid climate, characterized by few severe cold winters, no scorching heat in summer, more fog than sunshine, humidity all year round, abundant precipitation, and rain and heat occurring at the same time.
The scenery varies throughout the year (April to October is the best).
Special reminder: Due to the frequent rain and fog in Enshi Prefecture, and the simultaneous occurrence of rain and heat, travel here is often affected by several days of bad weather. Therefore, it is best to avoid the rainy season, check the weather forecast, and take protective measures.
Enshi Prefecture is mainly mountainous, with well-developed karst landforms and numerous caves and karst depressions. Its natural scenery is famous for its "magnificent, unique, beautiful, secluded and dangerous"
Enshi Grand Canyon
It is praised by experts as comparable to the Grand Canyon in the United States. It is a section of the Qingjiang Grand Canyon. The canyon is 108 kilometers long and covers an area of 300 square kilometers. It is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.
Enshi Tenglong Cave Scenic Area
Tenglong Cave is a national AAAA-level scenic spot and the largest discovered karst cave in China.
Tusi City
Located in the northwest of Enshi City, it is the only landmark project of Tusi culture in the Tujia area in the country with the largest scale, the most magnificent project, the most unique style and the most beautiful landscape.
Daughter City
As the eighth man-made ancient town in the country, Tujia Daughter City has a reasonable and carefully planned overall architectural style, combining antique style with Tujia stilt houses, perfectly reflecting the folk customs of the Tujia people.
Recommended number of days for a visit: 3-5 days
Enshi is known for its natural beauty, including the Enshi Grand Canyon and lush landscapes, as well as its cultural heritage, particularly the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups. The region is important for its unique blend of traditions, ethnic diversity, and stunning scenery.
Enshi is located in the western part of Hubei Province. To get there, take a flight to Enshi Xujiaping Airport, or a train to Enshi Railway Station. From there, local taxis, buses, or walking can be used to reach different attractions within the city and surrounding areas.
Enshi is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are from April to October, when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. The main attractions generally open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The entrance fee for attractions like the Enshi Grand Canyon is approximately 100-200 RMB, depending on the specific area or tour. Tickets can be bought online through official tourism websites or on-site at the attractions.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak travel seasons (especially summer and national holidays). It’s best to book tickets 1-3 days in advance, especially for popular spots like the Grand Canyon.
To fully explore Enshi’s main attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, hot springs, and cultural sites, 2-3 days is recommended. A full day is enough for a visit to the Grand Canyon, while the cultural experiences can be enjoyed in half a day.
Guided tours are available for many of the attractions, especially the Grand Canyon. Tours are typically offered in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides can be arranged in advance, particularly for foreign tourists.
Start with a visit to the Enshi Grand Canyon, followed by a relaxing dip in the hot springs. In the afternoon, explore the Tujia villages and enjoy a cultural show or try local cuisine. If time permits, take a boat tour along the Enshi River.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not common, but some cultural performances may take place in the evening in Tujia villages. Special night tours are also available during festivals or cultural events.
Enshi is not typically crowded, except during public holidays and the summer season. The least crowded times are weekdays in the off-season (spring and autumn).
Facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and small shops are available at most major tourist spots, including the Grand Canyon and hot springs. It is advisable to carry extra water if venturing on long hikes or during peak summer months.
Some areas, especially the Enshi Grand Canyon, may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to steep terrain. However, certain viewpoints and cultural sites are accessible, and there are facilities for families with children.
Cash is still accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used and preferred. Credit cards may be accepted in larger hotels or restaurants in the city.
There are local eateries serving Hubei and Tujia cuisine. Restaurants near the Grand Canyon and hot springs offer traditional meals, including fish dishes, bamboo shoots, and rice noodles.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants, but halal food may be limited. It’s advisable to ask restaurant staff in advance about specific dietary needs.
There are several mid-range hotels in Enshi city, including options near the Grand Canyon. For a more authentic experience, you can also stay in local guesthouses or resorts near the hot springs.
Souvenir shops are located near the Grand Canyon and cultural sites, selling local handicrafts such as bamboo items, ethnic textiles, and tea products.
