Zuo Long Gorge in Xiangxi, Hunan: Once You Enter the Heart of the Earth, You Won't Want to Leave

⛰️Zuo Long Gorge is a very distinctive scenic area located in Hongshilin Town, Guzhang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, China. It faces the famous Furong Town across the You River.

🚶🏻‍♂️Core Features
The biggest feature of Zuo Long Gorge lies in its unique way of touring and the preservation of its pristine natural scenery. It is known as "China's First Special Trail."
1. Canyon and Streams with Waterfalls: Zuo Long Gorge is a karst landform canyon formed by long-term wind and water erosion. Inside the canyon, streams flow gently, and numerous waterfalls of various shapes abound.
2. Cliffside Trails: This is the most attractive part of Zuo Long Gorge. The entire tour route is almost built along the sheer cliffs of the canyon, with diverse trail forms including:
· Cliff plank walkways: Wooden plank paths fixed on vertical cliff walls.
· Iron chains: Visitors need to hold onto iron chains to climb on the rocks.
· Stone steps: Steps carved into the rocks.
· Iron ladders: Vertical ladders connecting different heights.
3. Primal and Adventurous Feel: Touring Zuo Long Gorge feels more like a "canyon adventure" rather than a simple walk for sightseeing. Visitors need to use both hands and feet, actively participating, making the experience very immersive.

🏞️Main Attractions
· Heicao Gorge: The most perilous section of the canyon, with towering cliffs on both sides, a deep valley bottom, and dim lighting, adding to its mysterious atmosphere.
· Waterfalls in the Canyon: Such as "Banshan Waterfall" and "Golden Toad Waterfall," where water cascades from high places, providing a refreshing coolness.
· Tujia Village: At the canyon's exit, there is a small Tujia ethnic village where visitors can experience local ethnic customs.

Tour Information

🛤️Location: Hongshilin Town, Guzhang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province.

🚗Transportation:
Most common way: First arrive at Furong Town. From Furong Town, take a taxi or local vehicle to Zuo Long Gorge Scenic Area, about a 15-20 minute drive.
· Self-driving: Navigate to "Zuo Long Gorge Scenic Area," which has a parking lot.

👉🏻Tour Difficulty: Moderate to high, requiring a certain level of physical fitness. Not suitable for very young children, elderly, or those with mobility difficulties. (However, it has been seen that very young boys around 5-6 years old can complete the entire route independently.)

⏰Recommended Duration: About 2-4 hours to complete the whole route, depending on personal speed and stopping time.

👀Best Season to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant. Although summer is hot, the canyon is very cool inside, making it a great place to escape the heat. After rain, the water volume is abundant, and the waterfalls become more spectacular, but be cautious of slippery paths.