This place is amazing for escaping the summer heat!
Bashan Grand Canyon is divided into two main areas: Taoxi Valley + Elephant Cave (water play and karst caves), and Luopanding (alpine sea of clouds + glass bridge). The attractions are spread out, so buying a sightseeing bus ticket is a must. Private cars are not allowed inside the canyon.
📍Address: Dukou Tujia Ethnic Township, Xuanhan County, Dazhou. Navigate to Bashan Grand Canyon Dukou Visitor Center.
⏰Hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
1. Tickets (buying online is more cost-effective)
1. Taoxi Valley + Elephant Cave (main water play area, a must-visit)
· Online package: CNY 104 (includes admission + round-trip sightseeing bus), CNY 120 on-site
· Sightseeing bus: CNY 30 (mandatory, no discounts; all visitors, including those with free admission, must purchase this)
· Concessions: Free admission for children under 1.2m and seniors 70+; half-price admission for students and seniors aged 60–69 (please bring original ID/documents)
2. Luopanding (alpine high-altitude activities, optional)
· Luopanding package: CNY 134 (admission + round-trip cable car + sightseeing bus)
· Optional activities: Yunding Feidu Glass Bridge, Via Ferrata cliff climbing, "Step by Step" thrill walk, and spring water rafting (open June–September, CNY 119/person)
3. Night show (optional)
"Dream Back to the Ba State" live-action performance. Features a 360° rotating stage. Evening showtimes. Tickets sold separately. Convenient to watch if staying in the town.
2. Routes for the two areas (family-friendly leisure route + in-depth hiking route)
Area A: Elephant Cave + Taoxi Valley (best for summer, 21°C natural air conditioning)
1. Elephant Cave (30 mins)
A karst cave with a constant temperature of 18°C. Features lighting and Ba culture projections. Cool and refreshing, suitable for all ages.
2. Taoxi Valley (core area, 2–3 hours)
✅Family-friendly leisure route (recommended for seniors and children, 2.6km flat path):
Yuanyang Covered Bridge > Zhulian Waterfall > Bashan Monkey Park > Cave Coffee > shallow water play area. Return via the same path. The entire route is flat and suitable for wading and catching crabs.
✅Adventurer's loop (for hiking enthusiasts, 9.6km, 3.5 hours):
Lianghekou > Yuquan River Plank Road > Yuquan Waterfall > Huajiagou Sightseeing Elevator > Dahongyan Hanging Plank Road. Features canyons, deep pools, streams, and waterfalls with icy cold water.
⚠️Tips: When entering the valley, take the flat path on the right; the left path is all uphill and very tiring. Bring a change of clothes and water shoes for playing in the water.
Area B: Luopanding (alpine sea of clouds, best for day 2)
Take the sightseeing bus up the mountain > cable car (20-minute ride with panoramic mountain views) > Yunding Feidu Glass Bridge > Yew Plank Road > Zhuangyuan Pavilion (best spot for panoramic photos) > Via Ferrata (thrill activity). Sea of clouds is common on sunny days; morning is recommended.
3. Itinerary (ready-to-use plans)
Plan 1: One-day trip (short distance; driving from Baoji and returning the same day is very tight, better for locals in Dazhou)
Visitor Center > sightseeing bus > Elephant Cave > Taoxi Valley family water play route > return. If time permits, add the Luopanding cable car.
Plan 2: Two-day trip (recommended, best for those departing from Baoji)
Day 1 (canyon water play)
Morning: Arrive at Visitor Center > Elephant Cave > Taoxi Valley hiking and water play (try spring water rafting in summer);
Afternoon: Visit Sangshuping Tujia Village;
Evening: Stay in Dukou Town, watch "Dream Back to the Ba State" live-action performance and the Tujia bonfire party.
Day 2 (alpine sea of clouds)
Early morning sightseeing bus up the mountain > Luopanding cable car > glass bridge + Zhuangyuan Pavilion sightseeing. Return in the afternoon.
4. Transportation (focus on driving if departing from Baoji)
1. Driving (highly recommended)
Baoji > Lianhuo Expressway > Baomao Expressway, exit at Bashan Grand Canyon toll station. Total trip is about 4.5 hours.
Parking: Visitor Center parking lot, CNY 10 per day. Private cars cannot enter the scenic area; you must take the sightseeing bus.
2. Public transport
High-speed train to Xuanhan Station > 40-minute ride-share/taxi to the scenic area.
There are direct shuttle buses from Dazhou West Passenger Station, fare CNY 40–60, but departures are infrequent.
5. Accommodation (3 tiers to choose from)
① Top choice: Dukou Town (most convenient, best for watching the show)
Located right next to the Visitor Center, with plenty of dining and shopping options. Walk back to your hotel after the evening show.
· Budget guesthouse: Xuanhan Yijulou Inn, around CNY 100+, clean, near the scenic area, suitable for families.
· Comfortable hotel: Junrui Hotel, a popular spot in town, features Tujia cured pork trotter soup pot, convenient dining (some rooms may have a musty smell, check reviews before booking).
② Summer retreat choice: Sangshuping hillside (lower temperatures, quiet vacation)
· Yunding Forest Resort Hotel: Hillside cabins + tent rooms, forest oxygen bar, great for escaping the heat. Suitable for those wanting a quiet mountain view and an early start to Luopanding for the sea of clouds. Prices from CNY 260, must book in advance during summer.
③ Value choice: Chain hotels in Xuanhan County
1.5-hour drive, lower rates, suitable for one-day trips without staying in the scenic area.
6. Must-try food (Tujia style)
✅Tujia cured pork trotter soup pot, Fankui aged cured meat, pine mushroom stewed chicken, alpine potato feast, small river fish, and potato pancakes.
The soup pot at Junrui Hotel in town is highly rated.
7. Essentials + tips
✅Gear: Light jacket (large temperature difference in caves and on the mountain peak, 6–8°C cooler), raincoat (frequent mountain showers), water shoes + change of clothes (you will get wet), sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
⚠️Tips:
1. Sightseeing bus is mandatory; attractions are several kilometers apart and walking is not feasible.
2. Don't buy the glass bridge ticket separately; buying a package in advance is more cost-effective.
3. Spring water rafting is only open from June to September; call to confirm if it's operating before you go.
4. In Taoxi Valley, try to stick to the family-friendly flat loop; the large loop is strenuous and not recommended for seniors.
5. Accommodation is limited during holidays; book at least 7 days in advance.