Grand Canyon and Baofeng Lake Scenic Area – 1 day tour

Baofenghu Scenic Area

On our way from our hotel, No.5 Valley Lodge, to the Grand Canyon, we stopped at the Baofeng scenic area, as it was on the way. The area features a temple as well as some hiking opportunities and a scenic boat ride on a beautiful lake.

We decided for the “lazy” version, to drive to the lake by bus (the bus stop is right after then entrance, you cannot miss it.

We took the bus back to the entrance area and then hiked about 1 hour in the woods. There is a steep hill to go up, if you go to path on the left, you end up near the lake (it is only about 10 minutes walk). If you go to the path on the right, you will come to an seemingly abandoned, yet nice temple.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

The Zhangjiajie canyon is some 260m deep and features a 430m long glass bridge across. We have been to the Grand Canyon in the US and this natural wonder is definitely on the same level. You have to go in on the one end (south) and come out on the other end (north).

You start at the visitor center, where luckily for us, there were almost no people at all (June 2020, probably due to COVID and also not being any holiday season). I cannot remember the entrance fee, but i believe it was around 120-140 RMB/person.

Crossing the bridge is really is not for the faint of heart, especialy if you are afraid of heights. Even though you know there is glass a few centimeters thick below you, your mind always tells you you are going to fall. It is a strange experience. There is a metal walkway on the sides, so if you don’t feel like constantly walking “in the air” you can walk there. It is still an amazing experience.

After crossing the bridge, you descend the canyon. There are several elevators (i remember 3, each one is charged for extra, some 30 RMB or so per person) and stairs you have to take. At the bottom, the area was not yet completely finished (June 2020). It is basically a path made of wooden planks along the canyons walls. There is a river flowing in the middle and the scenery is breathtaking.

The last part you have to go by boat. The total hike was unexpectedly long, it took nearly 4 hours from entering the part to exiting. Of course you can spend more time, but there is not any additional areas you can go, the path through the valley is very straightforward.

Wulingyuan “Traditional Village” area

There was not much going on at that time, but we enjoyed the time nevertheless or perhaps because of the lack of many tourists. There are all kind of shops, we bought some paintings and tea. The shop owners were very nice.

The whole tour can be done easily in one day.