Earth Core Valley~Journey to the Earth's Core!

Hidden deep in the western mountains of Hubei—“Earth's Crack”—explore the Earth Core Sinkhole and cliffside ancient villages for about 600 RMB per person! If you long for the secluded paradise described in "The Peach Blossom Spring," then we highly recommend this secret realm sealed by mountains for a thousand years—Earth Core Valley in Jianshi County, Enshi, Hubei. Here, the canyon is deep and the cliffs tower, with a tributary of the Qingjiang River winding through the earth's fissure. Suspension bridges hang in midair, plank roads cling to the cliffs, and looking up you see only a narrow strip of sky, like a crack in the earth. Surrounding this are scattered Tujia ancient villages and stone houses, with smoke curling from chimneys and the sounds of chickens and dogs—truly “China deep in the remote mountains.” 🌸 Best months to visit: April - June, September - October May is ideal: temperatures 18-25°C, lush vegetation, waterfalls abundant, mist swirling like a fairyland; Mountain flowers bloom, macaques are active, perfect for photography; October offers colorful autumn scenery, golden leaves dotting the canyon, fewer tourists; ❌ July-August is hot and humid with many mosquitoes; December-March some trails may be icy and closed. ✅ Recommended timing: Hiking enthusiasts should choose mid-May on weekdays to avoid crowds; Photographers should wait for clear skies after rain to capture the sea of clouds flowing through the valley. 🕐 How many days? Recommended 2 days 1 night for an in-depth experience. Earth Core Valley is large and complex, requiring a full day to hike the core route, combined with a slow visit to nearby villages for the best experience. ✅ Suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arrival + Earth Core Valley main scenic area Take the high-speed train to [Jianshi Station], then taxi about 40 minutes to the scenic area entrance (around 60 RMB); Buy tickets for [Earth Core Valley Scenic Area] (80 RMB, half price for students); Hike about 4-5 hours: descend from the “Heart of the Earth” entrance, pass the glass viewing platform, suspension plank road, Fuxi Cave, and Earth Core Sinkhole; Stay overnight at a guesthouse outside the scenic area or return to Jianshi town for accommodation (standard room about 150 RMB); Dinner with Tujia cuisine: stewed cured pig’s trotters with potatoes, blood tofu, baked potatoes (about 40 RMB per person). Day 2: Xiaoxihu Village or Shimen River Canyon (choose one) Morning visit to [Xiaoxihu Village]: an original ecological Tujia mountain village with stone paths, wooden houses, and century-old trees, free admission; Or choose [Shimen River Earth Core Scenic Area] (65 RMB ticket): more spectacular narrow sky and floating bridge on water; Return after noon. ✅ If time allows, stay an extra night to experience rural life. 💰 Budget for an ordinary traveler (per person): Round-trip transport: high-speed train to/from Hankou ≈ 260 RMB; local taxi ≈ 120 RMB Tickets: Earth Core Valley 80 RMB + optional Shimen River 65 RMB = 145 RMB Accommodation: budget guesthouse standard room ×1 night = 150 RMB Meals: 60 RMB per day ×2 days = 120 RMB Extras: scenic area shuttle bus 20 RMB (mandatory), insurance 5 RMB Total: about 600 RMB, can be controlled within 580 RMB with careful planning. 📌 Tips: Bring non-slip shoes! Plank roads are slippery, be cautious in rain; Not recommended for elderly or those afraid of heights to enter the core fissure area; Locals sell honey and kudzu root powder—buy in moderation and bargain; Free alternative: Xiaoxihu Village is fully open with no tickets or commercial activities. ✅ Must-see highlights: Earth Core Sinkhole and narrow sky: only a silver snake-like strip of sky overhead; Suspension plank road clinging to cliffs: a heart-pounding visual thrill; Fuxi Cave karst wonder: stalactites in countless shapes, lit like a dream; Xiaoxihu Village morning mist: smoke curling, like another world. 🔚 Conclusion: This is not a trendy check-in spot, but an adventure deep into the earth’s veins. Two days and one night, about 600 RMB per person, for a journey through the crust back to the primitive. Come, deep in the western mountains of Hubei, step into the true “Journey to the Earth’s Core.”