Autumn Challenge at Jindao Gorge: Hiking Guide and Medal Collection Story

Deep in the canyon, every step is a scenic view, and a medal awaits at the finish line. Last weekend, three friends and I drove to Jindao Gorge in Beibei for an unforgettable autumn hike. We not only admired the spectacular canyon but also successfully earned a limited-edition medal. As a hiking enthusiast, I’ve put together a practical guide to help others who want to go. Preparation: Tickets and Transportation We purchased hiking tickets for 69.9 yuan in advance on the official platform. This price includes the scenic area entrance and the circular shuttle bus, which is quite cost-effective. We left the main city at 7 a.m., setting navigation to "Jindao Gorge Tourist Transfer Center (Liuyin Town, Xihe Village)." A special reminder: do not navigate directly to the scenic area entrance, as it can be very troublesome. Parking at the transfer center costs only 6 yuan, which we split among the four of us, making it almost negligible. After parking, we took the scenic area bus to the South Gate using the ticket QR code. The ride took about 15 minutes and was included in the ticket price, so no extra fee was needed. Route Selection and Check-in Tips After arriving at the South Gate, we scanned the "Jindao Gorge Tourism" WeChat public account QR code in the rules display area to enter the hiking challenge section. After discussion, two of us chose the classic route, and the other two took on the hardcore route. The classic route is about 6 kilometers long with an elevation gain of about 210 meters. It requires check-ins at the South Gate, True Love Pool, Shaxi Lake, One Line Sky, and Big Bamboo House, ending at the lower station of the cable car. The hardcore route is about 10 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 620 meters. It adds Cangdao Cave, Wangfo Road, and Thousand Steps Ladder to the classic route, finishing at the North Gate. An important tip: you must open the mini-program and scan the code to check in within the South Gate area. Once you leave this area, the timer cannot be started. At each check-in point, you need to take a photo showing your face and the check-in device together and upload it immediately. The network signal is unstable in the One Line Sky area, but staff told us we could upload photos later at Big Bamboo House, which is very user-friendly. Hiking Experience in the Canyon The first half of the classic route is relatively gentle, with wooden boardwalks winding along the canyon, flowing water beneath, and steep rock walls on both sides. The emerald water of True Love Pool and the narrow crevice of One Line Sky made us stop frequently to take photos. The hardcore route I chose became noticeably more difficult after Cangdao Cave. The continuous climb on the Thousand Steps Ladder made our leg muscles ache, but luckily we brought trekking poles, which eased the pressure on our knees. The canyon is quite humid, and some sections are slippery. One of our friends slipped but fortunately was not injured. So, anti-slip shoes are definitely essential. Throughout the hike, we constantly reminded each other about the check-in rules to avoid missing the medal due to technical issues. The pairs were especially cautious because if one person missed a check-in, neither would receive a medal. Successfully Receiving the Medal Our friends on the classic route finished in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, while the hardcore group arrived at the finish line before the 2 hour and 30 minute time limit. At the North Gate ticket office, staff verified our check-in records and photos before finally awarding the long-awaited medals. Medal collection is only available before 5:00 p.m. on the same day, with no extensions, so be sure to plan your time well. Practical Tips and Cost Summary Recommended gear: anti-slip sports shoes, a lightweight backpack, bottled water, and a power bank are essential. Sunscreen is needed if it’s sunny, and trekking poles help reduce knee strain. Time management: ticket checking for the hiking challenge stops daily at 2:00 p.m., so it’s best to start early to avoid rushing. Medal strategy: although the first 10 finishers each day receive medals, for most people, completing within the time limits (1.5 hours for the classic route, 2.5 hours for the hardcore route) is a more realistic goal. Medals are unlimited and can be claimed by anyone who meets the criteria. Cost breakdown: the total cost for four people was about 800 yuan (69.9 yuan × 4 for tickets + 200 yuan for fuel + 200 yuan for lunch + miscellaneous), averaging about 200 yuan per person, which is very cost-effective. After the hike, we stopped by the nearby Pianyan Ancient Town for lunch, just a few minutes’ drive away. The old buildings and authentic farmhouse dishes provided a perfect ending to our hike. The autumn scenery of Jindao Gorge is worth experiencing for every nature lover, and the medal hanging on your chest will be the best witness to this beautiful memory.