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The Western Zhejiang Grand Canyon, located within the Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve in Lin'an City, on the border between Zhejiang and Anhui, boasts a uniquely poetic charm, with a white horse emerging from the rocks and a yellow ox plowing the cliffs. Compared to the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, the canyon offers a uniquely poetic experience. The canyon's tourist area is a linear, ring-shaped belt, stretching 80 kilometers and divided into three scenic sections.
The first scenic section, commonly known as "Dragon Well Gorge," stretches from the Longgang Di Tower to the Yutiao Baxiantan Pond. It's a valley traversed by a giant stream, approximately 18 kilometers long. With its unique peaks, beautiful waterfalls, and precipitous cliffs, Longjing Gorge is known for its "white horses emerging from the rocks, yellow cattle plowing the cliffs."
The second scenic section is called "Shangxi Gorge", which starts from Yutiao Huaguang Bridge and ends at Shangxi Taizijian. It is about 26 kilometers long. The gorge is high and steep, the water is fast, and the rocks are strange and interesting. It is also the only production area of the national treasure chicken blood stone.
The third scenic section is called "Zhemen Gorge", which stretches from Taizijian to Maxiaoshishilong Village, with a total length of nearly 30 kilometers. The canyon is dotted with waterfalls, stone cliffs and other well-known wonders such as the Big and Small Stone Gate.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for traveling, when the natural colors are at their most vibrant and the climate is at its most pleasant.
The main scenic spots include Longjing, Heron Pond, Diaoshui Rock, Zhelin Waterfall, Jianmen Pass, Xishui Beach, Shemen Bay, Laodui Creek, Shixiang Bay, Baima Cliff, and Tianchi Lake in western Zhejiang.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Tickets for the Grand Canyon of Western Zhejiang (Zhelin Waterfall + Jianmen Pass + Laodui Creek + Baima Cliff) are 130 yuan per person.
Summer: 8:00-16:00
Winter: 8:00-15:30
Western Zhejiang Grand Canyon lies within the Qingliangfeng (清凉峰) National Nature Reserve, on the border region between Zhejiang and Anhui. ([turn0search1][turn0search18][turn0search5]) It is one of China’s earlier developed canyon ecological scenic areas in East China. ([turn0search5][turn0search8]) The canyon’s geology is tied to mountain ranges extending from Huangshan, and its rivers are part of the Qiantang River’s headwaters. ([turn0search18][turn0search8]) The canyon area totals ~83 km in length split into three scenic sections: Longjing Gorge (first, ~18 km), Shangxi Gorge (~26 km), and Zhemen Gorge (~30 km). Only the first section is currently open to tourists. ([turn0search4][turn0search5][turn0search18])
It is located in Lin’an District (临安) of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, in the Qingliangfeng nature reserve. ([turn0search1][turn0search5][turn0search18]) To get there from Hangzhou: take a bus from Hangzhou West Coach Station to Daoshi / Longgang, then local transport to Canyon gate (e.g. via Taiping Bridge). ([turn0search6][turn0search11]) Also, special bus lines or shuttles are arranged: for example, K598 from Hangzhou to Zhexi Canyon (departing from certain bus terminals), subject to reservation. ([turn0search23][turn0search8]) Once inside, walking or hiking trails and cableways (ropeway) are used to move between cliff / cliff-top viewpoints.
Opening hours (for the developed section): 08:30–16:00 (some sources) ([turn0search7][turn0search8]) Another source gives: for March 2 to November 30 → 7:00–17:30; Dec 1 to March 1 → 8:00–16:00. ([turn0search18]) The best times to visit are spring to autumn (April–October) when water flow is good, weather mild, foliage lush. In rainy season, trails may close. ([turn0search8][turn0search5])
For the whole canyon (as much as is open): ¥110 per person (through ticket) according to one source. ([turn0search18]) For segment tickets: about ¥60 per section. ([turn0search18]) Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office onsite or via travel / ticketing websites.
During peak periods, holidays, or weekends, it’s advisable to book in advance (online) to secure access, as numbers may be controlled. For off-peak days, same-day tickets may suffice.
To visit the developed first section (Longjing Gorge, waterfalls, Jianmen, Baima Cliff), budgeting half a day to one full day is realistic. ([turn0search5][turn0search8]) If you aim to explore less developed sections or hike deeper, more time may be needed (1–2 days).
I did not find definitive evidence of audio guides or guided tours in languages other than Chinese. Local guided tours in Mandarin may be available.
A typical route: enter at the Longjing Gorge entrance (south entrance), follow the main trail northwards, visit Zhelin Waterfall, then hike through Jianmen Pass, proceed to Baima Cliff (take cableway up/down), and explore side coves and pools en route. The flow is linear along the gorge — walkable paths and optional water / rafting paths intersect.
I found no clear evidence of regular night visits, light shows, or nighttime tours. Some occasional or seasonal events (e.g. firefly watching) may happen informally. ([turn0search10])
Peak crowds occur on weekends, public holidays, and during summer. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, non-holiday periods, and shoulder seasons (spring, late autumn).
The developed segment offers restroom facilities, snack shops, visitor centers, cableway, trail signage and seating/rest pavilions. In less developed or remote trail zones, facilities may be more limited.
Some segments (waterfall viewing decks, cableway) are more accessible to elderly or children. Steeper trails, canyon bottoms, or rafting portions may be challenging for those with limited mobility. Disabled access is likely limited in rugged terrain.
In Zhejiang scenic areas, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are widely accepted in ticket offices, shops, and restaurants. It’s wise to carry some cash for backup or small vendors.
At the base areas and adjacent villages, you’ll find local restaurants serving Hangzhou / Zhejiang cuisine, snack vendors, teahouses. Some guesthouses / B&Bs near the canyon provide meals for guests.
Vegetarian / vegan dishes (tofu, vegetables) are likely available in local Chinese restaurants. Halal options may be limited; best to ask in larger nearby towns.
For example, Likes Boutique Designer B&B (Western Zhejiang Grand Canyon Branch) is located near the canyon in Longgang Town. ([turn0search14]) Other guesthouses, inns, and small hotels are in Longgang / Longgshu / Wuxing Village areas.
Souvenir shops in visitor centers and along trails will sell local crafts, teas, postcards, hiking accessories, local specialty foods.
Return to Hangzhou city via bus/shuttle or private car. From there, connect by metro, train or onward travel elsewhere in Zhejiang.
