Back from Enshi, but I really don't recommend visiting in July because...

✨With its picturesque mountains and rivers, misty clouds, and rich Tujia ethnic culture, every inch of this land exudes intoxicating charm. July in Enshi offers pleasant weather and lush greenery, making it the perfect time for travel. Now, let's embark on your Enshi adventure with this guide!

🚗How to Get There

• By Air: Enshi Xujiaping Airport is close to the city center, with direct flights from many cities for convenient access.

• By Train: Enshi Station and Enshi Grand Canyon Station connect to nationwide destinations, allowing you to enjoy scenic views along the way.

• By Car: For those who prefer independent travel, driving is also a great option with beautiful scenery en route, but be cautious about mountain road safety.

🌟6 Must-Visit Attractions

1. Enshi Grand Canyon:

◦ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

◦ Tickets: Combo tickets (including entrance, shuttle bus, and cable car) cost around 200-300 RMB (subject to change).

◦ Opening Hours: Peak season (March 1 - November 30) 8:00-16:00; Off-season (December 1 - end of February) 8:30-15:30 (subject to adjustments; check official announcements).

◦ Highlights: Known as "the most beautiful scar on Earth," it features spectacular sights like the "One Incense Stick" stone pillar, thrilling cliffside plank walks, and the Yunlong Ground Fissure with hundred-meter drops—a true marvel of nature.

2. Ping Mountain Canyon:

◦ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

◦ Tickets: Around 160 RMB (includes boat ticket).

◦ Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00.

◦ Highlights: Dubbed "China's Semporna," its crystal-clear turquoise waters create a dreamy scene. Ride a "floating boat" for surreal photos that look like you're hovering in mid-air.

3. Suobaya Stone Forest:

◦ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

◦ Tickets: Around 98 RMB.

◦ Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00.

◦ Highlights: Called the "World's First Ordovician Stone Forest," these 460-million-year-old weathered rocks form bizarre shapes, making you feel like you're wandering through an oceanic world of stone.

4. Lion Pass:

◦ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

◦ Tickets: Adult 80 RMB, shuttle bus 30 RMB.

◦ Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30.

◦ Highlights: Famous for its viral floating bridge, where ripples follow your steps with stunning mountain reflections. The canyon views are equally breathtaking.

5. Tujia Daughter City:

◦ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

◦ Tickets: Free.

◦ Opening Hours: Open all day.

◦ Highlights: A must-visit cultural spot in downtown Enshi, preserving traditional Tujia architecture and lifestyle. Enjoy daytime folk performances and local dishes like oil tea soup and Hezha (lazy tofu). At night, the lantern-lit streets buzz with energy.

6. Enshi Tusi Castle:

◦ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

◦ Tickets: Adults 45 RMB; children/seniors 25 RMB.

◦ Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30.

◦ Highlights: A restored ancient Tusi palace showcasing the history of the Western Hubei chieftain system. Features include the Nine-Entry Hall and Bell-Drum Tower, with scheduled Tusi ritual performances.

🍱What to Eat

• Tujia Smoked Bacon: A local specialty—firm, aromatic, and delicious whether stir-fried or eaten plain.

• Hezha (Lazy Tofu): Silky and nutritious, a staple in Tujia cuisine.

• Zhangguan Hezha: A famous restaurant specializing in Hezha and other Tujia dishes.

• Baren Hall: Offers authentic Tujia meals alongside vibrant ethnic performances.

👗What to Wear
July temperatures are high in Enshi’s urban areas (summer attire is fine), but scenic spots are 5-8°C cooler with unpredictable weather. Pack a light jacket, umbrella/raincoat, and comfortable sneakers/hiking shoes for exploring.

🏠Where to Stay

• Downtown Enshi: Diverse lodging options with convenient transport. Stay near Daughter City for easy nighttime access.

• Near Attractions: For nature immersion, choose B&Bs around Enshi Grand Canyon or Ping Mountain Canyon (book early; prices may be higher).

❗Tips

• Plan Ahead: July is peak season—book transport and hotels early.

• Bug Protection: Lush vegetation means more insects; bring repellent.

• Safety First: Follow staff instructions during boat rides (Ping Mountain) or cliff walks (Enshi Grand Canyon).

• Respect Customs: Enshi is a Tujia-Miao autonomous prefecture. Learn basic Tujia etiquette, especially in Daughter City.

🎈Travel is a soul-refreshing escape. Enshi’s landscapes, cuisine, and unique culture promise unforgettable memories. Pack your bags and set off on your Enshi journey today!