Autumn colors the cliffs! Check out the sea of ​​clouds and karst wonders, a 2-day, 1-night guide to Enshi Grand Canyon: Enshi Grand Canyon is a "World Geopark" and in autumn

Autumn paints the cliffs! Check out the sea of ​​clouds and karst wonders in this 2-day, 1-night guide to the Enshi Grand Canyon: A World Geopark, the Enshi Grand Canyon is ablaze with vibrant colors in autumn. Red and yellow shrubs contrast with karst peaks, and seas of clouds entwine the cliffs. Key sights like the "One Incense Stick" and the "Cloud Dragon Ground Crack" add to the poetic beauty. It's the perfect place to escape the crowds and truly appreciate autumn. This tried-and-true guide and route will help you unlock the secrets of autumn: I. Autumn Highlights - Limited Views: From September to November, the canyon experiences crisp, clear skies, and average temperatures of 15-22°C. The lush greenery is dotted with golden and crimson hues, and the chance of mist is high. The combination of seas of clouds and rainbow waterfalls on the cliffs will double your photo opportunities. Dual Wonders: Qixingzhai's 150-meter "One Incense Stick" stone pillar stands majestically, while the Cliff Corridor hangs atop a thousand-meter cliff. Yunlong Ground Fissure, known as "Earth's Most Beautiful Scar," interweaves cascading waterfalls and ancient riverbeds, creating a shrouded wonderland filled with mist. Cultural Immersion: Along the way, you'll see the remains of Tujia stilt houses. Around the scenic area, you can experience bowl-smashing wine and the waving hand dance. During the autumn harvest season, you can also savor delicious Tujia farmhouse cuisine. II. Essential Pre-Trip Guide Best Time: Late September to Early November, avoiding the rainy season for comfortable temperatures and the chance to enjoy both autumn scenery and encounter seas of clouds. The scenic area is less crowded and offers no long lines. Essential Items: Non-slip sneakers (the plank road can get damp), a lightweight windproof jacket (temperature fluctuations are significant in the mountains), rain gear (weather can be unpredictable), sunscreen, a power bank, and a small amount of high-energy snacks. Photography enthusiasts are recommended to bring a wide-angle lens to capture panoramic views of the peaks. - Tickets and Transportation: - Tickets: The package (entrance ticket + cable car + sightseeing bus) is approximately 250-280 RMB. The ascending cable car (recommended) is approximately 105 RMB. The descending escalator can be purchased as needed, and booking online in advance is more cost-effective. - Transportation: From Enshi City/Enshi Station, drive directly to the scenic area in 1.5 hours. Direct tourist buses are available from the passenger transport center, making it a cost-effective option for solo travelers. III. 2-Day, 1-Night Highlights Route (No Detours + Energy Saving) Day 1: Check out the Cliff Views and Overnight at a Mountain B&B - Arrive at the scenic area between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM and begin your itinerary: Take the cable car and sightseeing bus from the visitor center directly to the core area, saving initial travel energy.​ - 09:30-12:30 Hours: Tour the core section of Qixingzhai: Take the ascending cable car up the mountain, heading straight to the cliff corridor. Walk along the thousand-meter cliff plank road, with the mountain on one side and the abyss on the other. The autumn mist makes the scenery even more breathtaking and magnificent. Along the way, visit iconic attractions such as Echo Valley, Yizhuxiang (a peak insured for 100 million yuan, best photographed from the side), and Mother and Child Love. Capture the autumn scenery of the peaks with a wide-angle lens. - 12:30-13:30 Hours: Lunch at a restaurant within the Qixingzhai scenic area. Recommended dishes include Tujia cured meat and stir-fried wild vegetables, priced at 60-80 yuan per person. You can also bring your own dry food and picnic at the observation deck. Dining with the mountain views is truly relaxing.​ - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Exploring Yunlong Fissure: Take the scenic shuttle bus to Yunlong Fissure, descend along the plank road, and explore "Earth's Most Beautiful Scar." Visit Rainbow Waterfall (a rainbow is easily visible on clear days), Yunlong Waterfall, and the Stone Curtain. Be aware of the slippery surface due to the heavy moisture, so wearing non-slip shoes is essential. - 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Return Rest and Refreshment: Take the vertical sightseeing elevator or walk out of the Fissure, then return to the scenic area entrance by scenic shuttle bus. Head to Mufu Ancient Town and check into a guesthouse. Enjoy mountain views from the window, and some guesthouses offer sunrise views over the sea of ​​clouds. - 6:30 PM Dinner Experience: Savor Tujia specialties in the ancient town. Recommended dishes include Zhangguan Hezha (unlimited Hezha and side dishes), Enshi small potatoes, and Baiyang dried tofu. After dinner, stroll through the ancient town and soak in the tranquil mountain night. Day 2: Enjoy the Autumn in Depth or Explore the Surrounding Area (Choose One) - Option A: Enjoy the Autumn in Depth of the Canyon - 08:00 Wake up early to admire the sea of ​​clouds in the mountains (high probability of sunny weather). After breakfast at the B&B, re-enter the scenic area and visit previously unvisited attractions such as Yixiantian (One Line Sky) and Dadishanchuan (Earth Mountain River), avoiding the crowds for photo opportunities. - 10:30 Return to the Visitor Center by scenic shuttle bus and cable car. - Option B: Explore the Surrounding Secret Area - 08:00 Depart from Mufu Ancient Town and drive one hour to Tenglong Cave (the largest karst cave in Asia). Enjoy a laser show and Tujia song and dance performances, and experience the fusion of the karst cave and the autumn scenery. - 14:00 Return to Enshi City. En route, stop at the Tujia Daughter City to experience the bowl-breaking wine-making and hand-waving dance, and purchase local specialties such as Three Gorges sweet potato cakes. IV. Autumn Travel Tips - There's a lot of walking involved. Those with limited stamina must purchase tickets for the ascending cable car and descending escalator to avoid knee injuries. Elderly and children should exercise according to their abilities. - Mountain weather is unpredictable, and the temperature swings between morning and evening in autumn are significant. Bring a windproof jacket and rain gear. The plank paths become slippery after rain, so be careful when walking. - The best times for autumn photography are between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The soft light creates a more layered effect, and the sea of ​​clouds and autumn scenery are more vibrant. It's recommended to wait a while at popular attractions to avoid crowds. - Respect local customs and refrain from climbing cliffs or picking vegetation to protect the canyon's ecological environment.