4 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Enshi | The Grand Canyon of China!

The highlight of Enshi tourism, the Enshi Grand Canyon, is often referred to as the most beautiful canyon on Earth and is also known as the “Grand Canyon of China.”
The canyon features endless sheer cliffs, countless waterfalls, deep valleys, and towering rock formations—offering a spectacular panorama of natural beauty. It’s also famous for its diverse karst topography, earning it the nickname “Natural Karst Geology Museum.” All the major sights within the canyon can be explored on foot, though some areas are accessible via cable cars and escalators. Riding the cable car provides a breathtaking view from above and helps save time, making it a highly recommended option.
Located about 50 km from central Enshi, the canyon is a signature attraction of the region and is conveniently reachable by buses departing from various locations. Summer is the best season to visit, but be sure to take precautions against strong UV rays, such as applying sunscreen.

2. Enshi Tusi Castle

Enshi is one of the largest towns in China that has preserved the traditional culture of the Tujia ethnic group. Tusi Castle is a castle located in Enshi, and “Tusi” refers to the tribal leaders of the Tujia people.
The first must-see point during a visit to Tusi Castle is the gate tower at the entrance. Built to honor the dignity and achievements of the Tusi, the four-tiered roof is adorned with many red lanterns, creating a uniquely elegant appearance. Other highlights inside the castle include the Mochong Building, the Nine-Hall Palace of the Royal Residence, and the Bell Tower. The traditional Tujia-style stilt houses, known as “Diaojiaolou,” are also very popular with tourists.
To reach Enshi Tusi Castle, take bus No. 30 from Enshi Station and get off at the Tusi Castle bus stop. It's easily accessible from the city center, so if you have time in your itinerary, a leisurely walk to the site is also a pleasant option.

3. Suobuyan Stone Forest

The Suobuyan Stone Forest is the second-largest stone forest in China. A "stone forest" is, quite literally, a natural spectacle where massive rocks stand densely packed together like trees in a forest. It is said to have formed during the Ordovician period, around 460 million years ago. The term "Suobuyan" comes from the language of the Tujia people, the main ethnic group in Enshi, and means "the path between three peaks."
This stone forest is said to have over 100 scenic spots of various sizes, but four in particular—Qinglong Temple, Lianhua Village, Mozi Valley, and Jiulong Convergence—are especially popular with tourists and are collectively known as the "Four Great Scenic Areas." When visiting Suobuyan Stone Forest, be sure not to miss these highlights. The stone forest is located about 54 kilometers from the city of Enshi. To visit, you can either join a local tour or take a bus to the Suobuyan Scenic Area from Xidu Plaza in Enshi City.

4. Qingjiang River

Qingjiang is a major first-class tributary of the Yangtze River, stretching 423 kilometers in total length. It originates from Mount Qiyue in Enshi Prefecture, flows from west to east through Enshi, and eventually joins the Yangtze. The river basin is incredibly picturesque and scenic, to the extent that it’s often called the “800-Li Qingjiang Gallery.”
Along the Qingjiang River, there are various sightseeing options including cruise boats for enjoying the riverside scenery and rafting for the more adventurous. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hubei Province. You can choose from 25-seater speedboats, called “flying boats,” to luxurious cruise ships that hold several hundred people—depending on the style of experience you're looking for.
The easiest way to tour Qingjiang is to sign up for a local one-day tour from within Enshi City. These tours usually include efficient visits to major attractions such as the Honghuatang Stone Forest, Dayandong Waterfall, and the Thousand Waterfalls Gorge. Be sure to explore the vast natural beauty of Enshi through a Qingjiang River tour.

◎ Summary

Enshi is a mystical region where you can immerse yourself in both grand natural landscapes and the rich culture of ethnic minorities. From Wuhan, you can take a domestic flight to Enshi Airport in just over an hour, or take the high-speed train which takes about 4.5 hours. While it takes a bit more time, there are also plenty of long-distance buses available. Alternatively, you can travel from Chongqing on the western side via the Yuwan Railway line.
Enshi is still a hidden gem, relatively unknown to foreign tourists. Now is the perfect time to visit—before it becomes too commercialized.

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4 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Enshi | The Grand Canyon of China!