Gulongxia Original Ecological Area

Introducing Gulongxia Original Ecological Area

Gulong Gorge is located in Binjiang Gorge, Qingxin District, Qingyuan City, 68 kilometers from downtown Guangzhou. Hidden within the vast mountains of northern Guangdong, Gulong Gorge is nestled between the Wanzhangzhai Peaks, which rise hundreds of meters above sea level. The valleys on both sides are deep, with cascading springs and waterfalls, sloping cliffside trees, and a profusion of exotic plants. The scenic beauty can be summed up in ten words: unique, hidden, charming, ingenious, secluded, vast, breathtaking, dangerous, complete, and ancient.

The scenic area has the world's longest suspended glass platform; the world's widest waterfall viewing glass bridge; the world's largest high-altitude sightseeing glass combination; and the world's highest starting and ending drop jungle flying project.

Qingyuan is the hometown of rafting in China, and Gulong Gorge, as the pinnacle of Qingyuan rafting, has been commented by the industry as "For rafting in China, look to Qingyuan; for rafting in Qingyuan, look to Gulong."

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons, rafting is available in summer

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Glass Canyon

The world's first towering masterpiece integrating a suspended glass platform, a glass plank road and a glass suspension bridge, it suspends the glass sightseeing combination in the nature's high mountain canyons and waterfalls, creating a magnificent and harmonious whole.

International Rafting Competition

The Gulongxia International Rafting Course covers a total length of 6,063 meters, with a drop of 378 meters and a maximum speed of 72 kilometers per hour. It is divided into two sections: the "Peak Course" and the "Extreme Course." This is the longest course, the greatest drop, and the fastest current in Guangdong Province. It is known as the "King of Drops" and the "Pinnacle of Rafting."

Thousand-foot waterfall

Nestled between peaks thousands of meters in height, the Gulong Gorge boasts deep valleys, cascading springs and waterfalls, lush cliffside trees, and a profusion of exotic plants. Within the canyon, 30 million square meters of pristine subtropical forest remain, with a forest coverage rate of 99.1%. The waterfalls rise in six tiers: Shuanglong, Feilong, Jiaolong, Canglong, Jianlong, and Wanzhangya. A 600-meter-long plank road traverses the rainforest.

Jungle Leap

Starting from the top of the waterfall, you'll glide to the vertical drop at the starting point of the rafting, covering a distance of 3.13 kilometers. There are 19 unparalleled viewing platforms, 13 obstacle courses, flying over six magnificent waterfalls, five aerial glides, two vertical drops, and finally a 35-meter high Tarzan jump.

Recommended play time: half a day to 1 day

Tickets

238 yuan/person

---

Most Popular FAQs for Gulongxia Original Ecological Area

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

Gulongxia Original Ecological Tourism Area is known for its pristine natural environment, rivers, and rich biodiversity. It serves as an important ecological preservation area and a destination for eco-tourism and outdoor activities.

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

• Located in Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province, China.
• Accessible by taxi or private car from Qingyuan city center (about 1–1.5 hours drive).
• Some local buses operate routes to the entrance, but private transport is more convenient.
• Walking and light hiking are required within the scenic area to reach viewpoints.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Opening hours: generally 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
• Best seasons are spring and autumn for mild weather and colorful scenery.
• Early morning on weekdays is recommended to avoid crowds.

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

• Entrance fee: approximately 80–100 CNY per person.
• Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or via official tourism websites and travel apps.

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

Booking is recommended during weekends and peak seasons; 1–2 days in advance is usually sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

4–6 hours for a full-day visit, including hiking, sightseeing, and optional bamboo rafting.

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

• Gulong River and scenic waterfalls.
• Forest trails and ecological zones.
• Bamboo rafting area.
• Main observation decks with panoramic views of valleys and cliffs.

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

Guided tours are available in Chinese; limited English-speaking guides may be arranged in advance. Audio guides are generally not available.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• River bends and waterfall areas.
• Panoramic viewpoints along the main trails.
• Suspension bridges over rivers and gorges.
• Bamboo rafting sections for unique photos from the water.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Enter from the main entrance, follow marked trails to waterfalls and observation decks, optionally take bamboo rafting along the river, then loop back to the entrance.

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

Night visits and light shows are generally not offered; the area is best explored during daytime for safety and visibility.

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

• Least crowded on weekdays, especially mornings.
• Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier.
• Visiting outside peak tourist season reduces crowds significantly.

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

• Public restrooms near the entrance and key trail areas.
• Small snack stalls and restaurants at the entrance.
• Benches and rest areas along the main trails.
• Souvenir and convenience shops near the entrance.

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

Moderate hiking is required; some trails are steep and may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children should be supervised.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted; cash is useful for small purchases in remote areas.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Local restaurants and small cafes near the entrance serve Cantonese cuisine and snacks; some offer set meals for tourists.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available; halal options may require prior inquiry or specific restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and chain hotels are available in Qingyuan city, around 30–40 minutes by car from Gulongxia.

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

• Feilai Temple Scenic Area
• Qingyuan Hot Springs
• Fogang County natural reserves

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops near the entrance sell local handicrafts, dried fruits, teas, and postcards.

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

• Taxi or ride-hailing services back to Qingyuan city center.
• Private car hire for visiting nearby attractions.
• Local buses connecting to other scenic areas in Qingyuan.