Autumn in Dehang Grand Canyon is the wildest landscape gallery in Western Hunan

While people flock to Fenghuang Ancient Town, I took a solitary turn into Dehang Grand Canyon in Western Hunan. Hi, I am Xiaoxi, a seeker of pristine scenery. This place is known as the "Natural Gallery of Western Hunan," and autumn is undoubtedly its most beautiful season. The weather is dry and crisp, the creek water clear, and the mountains and forests on both sides are dyed in vibrant autumn colors by the breeze. Compared to the lush greenery of spring and summer, it adds a layer of depth and grandeur.

【“X days Y nights” Detailed Itinerary (combined with Fenghuang Ancient Town)】
Day 1: Depart from Jishou or Fenghuang Ancient Town, arrive at Dehang Miao Village by noon, and check into a homestay in the village. In the afternoon, visit key attractions such as Liusha Waterfall and Yudai Waterfall, and feel the autumn atmosphere along the canyon trail.
Day 2: In the morning, challenge Tianwentai to experience the thrill of cliff edges and overlook the panoramic view of the canyon. In the afternoon, enjoy Miao ethnic folk performances and participate in interactive activities. In the evening, savor a long table feast in the Miao village and experience Miao hospitality.
Day 3: Spend the morning strolling through the quiet Miao village, then return to Fenghuang or Jishou to continue your journey.

【Autumn Exploration Highlights】
✅ The clear beauty of the waterfalls: Liusha Waterfall, Yudai Waterfall, and others scattered throughout the canyon. The water flow in autumn is moderate, not as fierce as in summer, but more elegant and clear.
✅ The autumn life vibe of the Miao village: Dehang Miao Village is nestled in the canyon. In autumn, corn and chili peppers are dried in the village, full of harvest joy and rich life atmosphere.
✅ The steep views from Tianwentai: A natural viewing platform that requires some climbing to reach. Standing on it, you can overlook the entire autumn scenery of Dehang Canyon with excellent views.

【In-depth Experience: Getting Drunk at the Miao Village Long Table Feast】
That night, we sat around a long wooden table with tourists from all over the country and Miao brothers and sisters from the village. The table was filled with Miao specialty dishes: sour soup fish, cured meat, blood rice duck... Miao girls sang toast songs, holding horn cups to toast. The rice wine was mellow at first sip but had a strong aftertaste. After several rounds, the atmosphere became lively, and strangers began to toast and chat with each other. Outside was a chilly autumn night, inside was warm human warmth. At that moment, all strangers and barriers melted away in this enthusiastic atmosphere. I was not only drunk on the rice wine but also intoxicated by the simple and passionate human life of Western Hunan.

【Practical Information TIPS】
✍🏻 Dehang Grand Canyon is not far from Jishou City and Fenghuang Ancient Town; you can take a chartered car or a shuttle bus to get there.
✍🏻 The homestays in the village are relatively simple but offer an immersive experience of Miao village life.
✍🏻 Respect Miao customs, such as not touching children’s heads casually and responding politely to toasts at the long table feast.
✍🏻 Wear comfortable shoes for canyon hiking; some sections are slippery.
✍🏻 There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening in autumn, so dress accordingly.

This autumn, if you go to Western Hunan, don’t just stay in Fenghuang. Spend a day at Dehang Grand Canyon, and you will see a more original and vivid side of Western Hunan.