Xuan'en

Introducing Xuan En

Xuan'en County, located in southwestern Hubei Province, on the upper reaches of the Qingjiang River, is a county under the jurisdiction of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Situated on the southwestern border of Hubei Province, it borders Hefeng, Xianfeng to the west, Enshi City to the north, Laifeng to the southwest, and Longshan and Sangzhi counties in Hunan Province to the southeast. With a rich ethnic heritage, the county is home to 24 ethnic groups, including Han, Tujia, Hui, Miao, and Dong. It is rich in natural resources, with a wide variety of mineral resources and diverse flora and fauna. Xuan'en County boasts unique tourism attractions, including the Youshui River Scenic Area, the Gongshui River Scenic Area, the Qizimei Mountain Scenic Area, the Dragon and Lion Dance Tourist Area, Pengjiazhai, and the Qingyang Pavilion Ancient Street.

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Most Popular FAQs for Xuan'en

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Xuan’en (宣恩) is a county under the administration of Enshi Tujia & Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hubei Province. The name “Xuan’en” was conferred in 1736 during the Qianlong era; it literally means “propagate grace,” reflecting the imperial naming tradition. The region is home to Tujia, Miao, and other ethnic minorities, and retains elements of Tujia cultural heritage (for example, in architecture, folk customs, and local festivals). The scenic attractions like the Lion Pass Scenic Area (Shiziguan) combine natural canyon and karst landforms with local cultural landscapes, making it one of the core tourism assets of Xuan’en. In the town center, features like Wenlan Bridge and riverside lighting/riverboat shows reflect efforts to boost the local tourism and nighttime economy.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Xuan’en County lies in southwestern Hubei Province within the Enshi Tujia & Miao Autonomous Prefecture. To reach Xuan’en, you can travel via Enshi city (which has airport and railway). From Enshi, take a bus or road transport to Xuan’en (about 1.5 hours) Within Xuan’en, local roads, taxis, and walking can bring you around town (e.g. to Wenlan Bridge, riverside corridors). For the major scenic areas like Lion Pass, you may drive, hire a local tour, or use the shuttle services inside the park.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

For Lion Pass Scenic Area, typical opening hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The best times are during spring and autumn (mild weather, clear skies) or days when the water and light conditions are favorable for the floating bridge and canyon views. In the town center along the river, evening times are great for light shows and riverside ambiance.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

For Lion Pass Scenic Area, the adult ticket is about ¥120. Children under 1.2 m or seniors over 70 may be free (or discounted) in that scenic area. For other local sites like Enshi Tusi Fort, the ticket is about ¥45 per adult (with discounts for students / veterans) per local guide planning. Tickets are generally purchased offline at the scenic entrances, though for popular periods some areas may support advance booking via official websites or third-party platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

In regular (non-holiday) periods, advance booking is usually not strictly necessary. However, during peak holiday seasons (e.g. National Day, Golden Week) or weekends, it is prudent to book tickets (especially for Lion Pass or river cruises) 1–2 days ahead. For special night shows or limited-capacity features, booking earlier is safer.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To experience the highlights of Xuan’en (town + scenic areas), allocate 1.5 to 2 days. If combining lion pass / canyon area + Enshi Grand Canyon (in neighboring areas) then 2–3 days is better.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The floating bridge (“Dream of the Covered Bridge”) at Lion Pass, and the drive-through canyon loops.
• Waterfalls, narrow cliff gorges, “one-line sky” slots, and cliffside tombs in the canyon.
• Townside: Wenlan Bridge and riverside lights, bamboo raft rides, and nighttime river ambiance.
• Moda Tower viewpoint.
• Pengjiazhai ethnic village and local folklore.
• Enshi Grand Canyon (if making a side trip).

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, local guided tours (in Chinese) are available in major scenic spots. Audio guides in English are less certain (many sites focus on Chinese-speaking tourists). At times, you may be able to request bilingual guides via third-party platforms or private tour operators.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The observation decks overlooking the floating bridge and canyon in Lion Pass.
• Shots from above Moda Tower or from hillside vantage points overlooking the town and river.
• Evening riverside along Gongshui with lamps, fountains, and reflections.
• The narrow cliff gorges or “one-line sky” corridors in the canyon.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A suggested one-day route:

• Morning: Depart early for Lion Pass Scenic Area, drive through the canyon loop, cross floating bridge, explore waterfalls, slot gorges, macaque area.
• Afternoon: Return toward town, have lunch, visit Pengjiazhai or Moda Tower for panorama.
• Evening: Enjoy riverside walk along Gongshui, boat ride, light/fountain show, cross Wenlan Bridge, night photography.

If you have extra time, on Day 2 drive to Enshi Grand Canyon as a side trip.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes. In town, there are nighttime riverside light shows, fountains, and evening boat rides on the Gongshui River. Some scenic areas may offer limited evening access or special lighting events, though the canyon areas primarily operate daytime hours.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Xuan’en’s scenic areas can become crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are weekday mornings (non-holiday periods) in shoulder seasons (spring, autumn). Early opening hours help avoid peak crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Scenic areas typically offer restrooms, snack vendors, water stations, shuttle buses, and rest shelters. In town along the river and near the bridges there are food stalls, snack booths, small shops, and footpaths. Hotels and guesthouses in town provide dining and convenience amenities.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

For elderly and children, many of the scenic drives and shuttle buses reduce walking burden, making the main highlights accessible. However, some gorges, steps, narrow paths, or cliff edges may be less suitable for highly mobile-impaired visitors. Check with the site for ramps or special assistance.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In town and at major scenic spot ticket offices, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and major credit or debit cards are commonly accepted. However, in more remote vendors, small snack stalls, or inside rural areas, cash is still useful to carry.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In Xuan’en town along the river and near the scenic entrances, there are local restaurants, snack booths, and small cafes offering local cuisine and refreshments. Some hotels and guesthouses also have in-house dining services.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options (e.g. tofu, vegetable dishes, local stir-fries) are generally available in Chinese restaurants. Halal options are less assured in small county settings; one may need to ask locally or stay in larger guesthouses.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Some accommodations in Xuan’en include: - Narada Hotel Xuan’en - Jinhao Hotel (near Gongshui / Wenlan Bridge) - Local homestays / guesthouses near the scenic area (e.g. Riverside Homestay) - Boutique or rural guesthouses in the hills near Lion Pass for immersive experience

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

- Enshi Grand Canyon: a powerful karst canyon scenic spot not far from Xuan’en. - Other parts of Enshi region: in Enshi city there are Tusi cultural sites, cave systems (Tenglong Cave in Lichuan is nearby).

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, in the town and near scenic area exits there are souvenir shops and stalls. Typical souvenirs include ethnic handicrafts (woven goods, embroidery), local tea, minor folk art, local preserves or snacks.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Xuan’en, you can return to Enshi city by bus or private transfer to connect to rail or flights. From Enshi, you can travel by high-speed rail, conventional train, or fly via Enshi Xujiaping Airport to broader destinations. If heading to neighboring scenic zones in Enshi Prefecture, a car or tour van is convenient.