Qingjiang ancient riverbed

Introducing Qingjiang Ancient Riverbed

The ancient Qingjiang Riverbed, located in Lichuan City, Hubei Province, stretches for eight kilometers. Uninhabited for a ten-mile radius, the scenery is breathtaking. With breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, towering peaks, primeval forests, and ancient villages, it's considered Lichuan's most beautiful outdoor hiking route.

The scenic area primarily comprises Yixiantian (One Line Sky), Panda Cave, Big and Small Dragon Gates, Dujiazhai (Double Village), a cluster of caves, underground rivers, fissures, a single peak, Elephant Trunk Hill, and the Qingjiang River Gallery. Within these, caves within caves, interconnected caves, mountains within caves, and mountains within caves, densely packed with underground streams, numerous rock crevices, and numerous stalactites. The ancient riverbed boasts a comprehensive geological structure, a typical karst landform. Its complex and diverse structure offers breathtaking scenery along the way, and its ruins are dotted with caves, steep cliffs, and collapsed boulders. This route is a classic outdoor hiking route in mainland China.

Climate and best time to travel

June-September

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Shennong Creek

Shennong Creek is a perennial stream on the north bank of the Yangtze River in Badong County, Hubei Province. It originates on the southern slope of Shennongjia, known as the "Highest Peak in Central China." It is a National 5A-level Scenic Area. Its banks offer unique scenery, combining majesty, beauty, danger, and wonder. Four gorges have been developed and utilized: Longchang Gorge, Yingwu Gorge, Mianzhu Gorge, and Shennong Gorge. Longchang Gorge is renowned for its majesty, Yingwu Gorge for its beauty, Mianzhu Gorge for its danger, and Shennong Gorge for its wonder.

Enshi Tenglong Cave

There are mountains within the cave, and caves within the mountains. The water cave and dry cave are connected, and the main cave and branch caves are interconnected. There is no poisonous gas, snakes, scorpions, or pollution. The temperature inside the cave is constant at 14-18 degrees Celsius all year round, and the air is flowing freely. It is currently one of the largest karst caves in China and one of the world's top-class caves.

Enshi Grand Canyon

The canyon boasts cenotes, tiankeng (sinkholes), fissures, natural bridges, over 200 karst caves, cascading peaks, and a dramatic cliff that nearly perpendicularly cuts through the gorge. Within the canyon, a nearly 10-kilometer-long fissure offers a breathtaking depth, boasting countless rare and unique mountains, waterways, caves, and birds. Eleven scenic spots are featured, including Daheqi, the Big and Small Dragon Gates, the Yunlong River Waterfall, the Qianshan Cliffs, the Mazhai Cliffs, the Chaodongyan Tunnel, the Cheba Reservoir, the Luozhentian Farm, the Tianlou Dizhen Power Station, and the Tongpenshui Forest Park.

Attraction opening hours

8:00-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Qingjiang ancient riverbed

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

The Qingjiang Ancient Riverbed is the remnant channel of the Qingjiang River before geological shifts and river diversion (pre-Three Gorges era). It showcases ancient riverbed morphology, karst landscape, caves, and collapsed formations. Its geological value is high: it provides a visible record of paleo-river courses, subterranean river systems, and karst evolution in the Enshi area. It also has increasing recognition among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts for its wild, less developed route and dramatic scenery.

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

The Qingjiang Ancient Riverbed is in Lichuan City, Enshi Prefecture, Hubei Province (northwest of Jingzhao Villa, approx. 240 m from there) . From Lichuan city you can take a taxi (≈ 30 minutes) to the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, you walk / hike along the riverbed route. The route is remote and uninhabited over much of its length, so direct public transit inside is limited.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The site is open year-round, 24/7 (i.e. the natural terrain isn’t strictly gated) Best times: spring through autumn (April to October), on dry days (avoid rainy periods because paths and rocks get slippery) Also, early morning or midday helps avoid shadows in canyon and better light for photos.

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

There is no entrance fee / free admission for the Qingjiang Ancient Riverbed itself. You don’t generally need to buy tickets (for the basic trail access).

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

Because there's no general ticket required, advance booking is usually unnecessary. However, for organized hiking tours, local guides, or transport services (to trailhead), booking ahead (a day or more) is advisable.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

For core/essence sections: 1–3 hours is often sufficient for parts of the route. For more complete or extended exploration (deeper segments, round trips): 4–8 hours depending on fitness, route, and weather.

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

• “One-Line Sky” slit opening to sky in narrow gorge segments
• Panda Cave — cave features inside karst system
• Dragon Gates (First, Second, Third Dragon Gate) — cave passage features
• Solitary Peak, Elephant Nose Mountain, stone galleries, riverbed slabs
• Ancient / exclusive villages (Dujia Village, etc.) along the route
• Dark River / underground river segments, cave groups, fissures and collapsed boulders

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

There is no clear documentation of fixed audio guides or multilingual tours in the site itself. Many hikers prefer to go with local guides or join outdoor groups to navigate tricky or less marked sections. Local guides likely speak Chinese; arranging bilingual guides may require advance request.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The riverbed slabs with moss, rippled stone surfaces in open canyon sections
• Dragon Gate entrances or cave mouths (contrast light & dark)
• Narrow “One-Line Sky” openings letting a slice of sky via cliffs
• Elevated vantage points overlooking the ancient riverbed corridor
• Light filtering through forest canopy in canyon portions
• Reflective pools or calm shallow channels during dry periods

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A typical “essence” route is: start at Jingzhao Villa → pass through caves and canal sections → First Dragon Gate → grassland segments → Hero Slope → onward through Second & Third Dragon Gates → Solitary Village → riverbed gallery → Stonehenge → return via same or alternate exit. Some choose one-way crossing or partial route depending on stamina, turning back before more remote segments. Beyond that, routes may branch to Shentan Cave, Black Hole (where river reemerges), or connect to adjacent trails.

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

No clear evidence that night visits, lighting shows, or special evening tours are standard. Because the terrain is remote and unlit, night hiking could be dangerous unless part of a guided adventure group.

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

This is a relatively remote, less developed route, so compared to major scenic spots it is less crowded. The least crowded times are weekday mornings or off-peak seasons (avoiding holiday periods). Early or mid-day is preferable before afternoon hikers arrive.

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

Facilities are limited because the route is wild and remote. You may find basic rest stops in villages or near exits, small shops near trailheads. You should carry your own water, snacks, first aid, and essential supplies.

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

Because much of the route involves uneven stone slabs, climbing, cave passages, and segments requiring hands and feet, it is not well suited for visitors with limited mobility, elderly persons with weak endurance, or disabled visitors. Children can partake if physically capable and accompanied. For safer segments or partial paths, consult a guide for which sections are more manageable.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Since there is no formal ticketing, payment is mostly for transport, guides, or peripheral services. Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are commonly accepted in local towns for services, but in remote segments small vendors (if any) may require cash. Carry some cash as backup.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

At the trailhead or in nearby villages, you may find local food vendors, small guesthouse meals. In Lichuan city, there are more restaurants and cafes to serve before/after your hike.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options (rice, vegetables, tofu) are likely in local restaurants. Strict vegan or halal options may be scarce in rural parts; check ahead or bring snacks.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

In Lichuan city there are hotels, guesthouses, homestays. Along or near the route, there may be rustic inns or mountain guesthouses (e.g. Longmen Inn is mentioned in travel reports) Staying in Lichuan gives you more options and easier access.

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

• Tenglong Cave — the cave system source of Qing River, not far from this area.
• Enshi Grand Canyon / Qixingzhai — classic karst canyon scenery, reachable from Enshi region.
• Yunlong Ground Fissure / Yunlong Waterfall — another natural scenic zone in Enshi area. These make good pairings for multi-day outdoor tours.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

At trailhead or near exit villages you may find small shops selling local crafts, snacks, tea, local specialties (e.g. local tea, mushrooms, dried goods). Souvenir offerings tend to be modest in this remote setting.

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

After completing the hike, return by taxi or prearranged transport to Lichuan city. From Lichuan, you can take bus or train to other destinations, or transfer to Enshi to visit other scenic zones. If combining with other spots, plan a car/van transfer or join guided tours linking attractions.