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Explore the stunning views of the Dadu River Canyon, hike along the designated trails, and enjoy the diverse wildlife and geological formations. Don't miss the spectacular photo opportunities from the observation points.
The Dadu River Gorge, located at the junction of Jinkouhe District, Leshan City, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, and Ganluo County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is approximately 26 kilometers long and is the longest, most dangerous, narrowest, deepest, most majestic, most rugged, and most secluded canyon in Sichuan. It is twice as deep as the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and 860 meters deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States.
There are steep mountains, strange peaks and bizarre rocks on both sides of the canyon. The Dadu River is dangerous and the waves are fierce. Birds and beasts roam on both sides of the canyon. The cliffs and deep valleys are connected into one, which is a dazzling sight.
The Dadu River Canyon was designated a National Geopark by the Ministry of Land and Resources in 2001, and was named one of the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Canyons in China " by China National Geographic, China's most authoritative geography and tourism magazine, in 2005 .
June to August is the rainy season, so please be careful when visiting the canyon. The best time to visit is April to May and September to October .
Recommended play time: more than 3 hours
free
All day
The Dadu River Canyon National Geopark is a unique geological site known for its deep river valleys and dramatic canyon landscapes. It is significant for its rich biodiversity and the geological formations that date back millions of years.
Located in Leshan, Sichuan, the geopark can be accessed by taxi or bus from Leshan city center. It's also possible to reach it by car for a more scenic route.
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the landscapes are most vibrant.
The entrance fee is 80 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official tourism websites for advance booking.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons (spring and national holidays). A day or two ahead is sufficient for booking online.
You will need around 3-4 hours to fully explore the geopark, including hiking trails and enjoying the scenic viewpoints.
Must-see highlights include the panoramic viewpoints over the Dadu River Canyon, the dramatic cliffs, and the variety of flora and fauna along the trails.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides can be arranged with prior notice. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin and occasionally in English.
The best photography spots include the canyon observation deck, the river valleys from the elevated walkways, and the geological formations along the hiking paths.
Start with the canyon observation deck for panoramic views, then follow the main hiking trail through the geological formations, and end at the riverbanks for a closer look at the landscape.
There are no night visits or light shows currently available, but special tours can be arranged for groups with advance notice.
The park can be crowded during weekends and holidays. The best time to visit for fewer crowds is on weekdays, especially in the morning.
Toilets, food stalls, water stations, and rest areas are available throughout the park. There are also souvenir shops near the entrance.
The park is accessible for most visitors, though some areas may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors due to the terrain. There are paved paths and rest areas along the trails.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted at most facilities, though it's always good to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Inside the park, there are food stalls offering snacks and beverages. Nearby, you can find local Sichuan restaurants offering traditional dishes like hot pot and noodle soups.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most restaurants in the area. Halal food may be found at specific restaurants catering to Muslim visitors in the nearby towns.
There are a few mid-range hotels and guesthouses near the park entrance. For more upscale accommodations, you can stay in Leshan city and commute to the park.
Nearby attractions include the Leshan Giant Buddha, the Mount Emei Scenic Area, and the Xixiangchi Hot Springs, which can be easily combined in a day trip.
Souvenir shops within the park sell local handicrafts, such as stone carvings, traditional Chinese tea sets, and souvenirs related to the Dadu River Canyon.
Public buses and taxis are available to continue your trip to nearby attractions or Leshan city. Alternatively, you can drive to other tourist destinations like Mount Emei.
