Lion's Gate Travel Guide

Lion's Gate Scenic Area is located in Xuan'en County, Enshi Prefecture, Hubei Province. It is a natural attraction combining canyon landscapes, karst formations, cultural heritage, and viral internet experiences, renowned for its "floating bridge on water" and circular canyon scenery. Below is the latest 2025 travel guide, curated with practical information and highlights of the scenic area. I. Key Highlights 1. Viral Floating Bridge "Dream of the Corridor Bridge" This 318-meter-long wooden floating bridge spans an emerald lake. When vehicles cross at a steady 20 km/h, the bridge sways with the waves, creating unique S-shaped ripples—dubbed "China's Most Beautiful Floating Bridge." For best photos, capture the panorama from observation decks or drone angles; sunny days offer oil-painting textures while rainy days create ink-wash aesthetics. 2. Canyon & Waterfall Wonders The area features Dry Canyon (Mandarin Duck Gorge) and Water Canyon (Male-Female Gorge), showcasing over 30 natural and cultural sights including Lion's Roar Waterfall, Sinkhole Falls, "One-Line Sky" crevice, and cliffside coffins. The latter is Xuan'en's only suspended burial relic, hidden on a 100-meter cliff for an air of mystery. 3. Macaque Encounters & Outdoor Adventures The wild macaque reserve hosts 100+ monkeys for close-up observation. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and "car surfing" (driving through water-covered roads in the scenic area's final section). II. Transportation Guide • External Transport 1. Flight/Train: Arrive at Enshi Xujiaping Airport or Enshi Railway Station, then take a bus to Xuan'en County (1.5-hour ride, ¥23). 2. Self-drive: Navigate to "Lion's Gate Tourist Area." Vehicles under 7 seats can enter, allowing you to experience the thrill of "driving on jade waves" (weight limit 2,600kg; motorcycles/RVs prohibited). • In-park Transport: Tickets include shuttle buses (¥30/person) covering key spots. Self-driving or purchasing shuttle tickets is recommended to save energy. III. Tickets & Opening Hours • Admission: ¥120/person (same price year-round), half-price for students/seniors (60-70); free for seniors 70+, military personnel, and disabled visitors. • Opening Hours: ◦ Peak season (Apr-Oct) 08:00-17:30 ◦ Off-season (Nov-Mar) 08:30-17:00. IV. Itinerary Suggestions 1-Day Highlights Tour • Morning: Head straight to the "Dream of the Corridor Bridge," photograph the panorama, then hike Water Canyon to see geysers, Lion's Mouth, and cliff coffins. • Afternoon: Explore Dry Canyon, try car surfing, interact with macaques at Water Village, and watch sunset at Sunview Pavilion. 2-Day In-Depth Tour • Day1: Lion's Gate core area + canyon trek; stay at nearby B&Bs (e.g., "Riverside Homestay," ~¥200/night with breakfast). • Day2: Combine with nearby attractions like Wujiatai Tea Garden (tea-picking), Enshi Grand Canyon (2-hour drive), or night cruise on Gongshui River in Xuan'en. V. Food Recommendations • Tujia Smoked Bacon: Richly flavored, best stir-fried with zhaguangjiao (fermented chili). • Zhangguan Hezha: Tofu residue hotpot, light yet savory—pair with Suoyi rice. • Grilled Potatoes: Charcoal-roasted baby potatoes with chili powder, ¥5/serving at night markets. • Dining Tips: Limited food options in-park; pack snacks or visit Xuan'en's "Canyon Restaurant" for Tujia braised dishes. VI. Accommodation Options • Luxury: Enshi's "Auston Yatego Hotel" (near airport, smart amenities, ~¥400/night). • Boutique B&Bs: "Clouds Over Fields" near Lion's Gate (forest-view rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, ~¥300/night). • Budget Pick: Xuan'en's "Baren Hall Inn" (Tujia-style, ~¥100/person). VII. Important Notes 1. Safety: No speeding/lingering on the floating bridge; heed rockfall warnings during rains. 2. Attire: Wear anti-slip shoes; bring sunproof jackets/rain gear (mountain weather changes rapidly). 3. Reservations: Book tickets in advance via platforms like "Zhiyin Hubei" during holidays to avoid queues. 4. Cultural Events: During festivals like Spring Festival, catch Tujia "Eight-Treasure Bronze Bell Dance" performances. VIII. Nearby Attractions • Enshi Grand Canyon: 2-hour drive to see "One Incense Stick" rock pillar and cliffside plank paths. • Furong Town: Cross into Hunan for waterfall night views (¥108 ticket includes "Blossoming Furong" show). Lion's Gate charms visitors with its harmony of nature and culture—whether through the adrenaline of driving the floating bridge or the serenity of canyon hikes, it offers an escape from urban bustle.