Mengdong River Rafting
China’s “No.1 Wild Rafting Spot,” Mengdong River carves through Xiangxi’s karst mountains, blending adrenaline-pumping rapids with lush gorges and Tujia-Miao cultural villages. Ranked as one of the world’s top 10 rafting destinations, it’s a 17-km thrill ride through 108 obstacles, waterfalls, and primeval forests.
Historical Overview
Discovered in the 1990s, Mengdong River became a rafting mecca after hosting international adventure races. Its name, meaning “fierce river” in Tujia dialect, reflects its historical reputation as a transport route for local minorities. Today, it’s a UNESCO-recognized geopark preserving 400-million-year-old fossil strata and rare plants like the dove tree.
Structural Layout
The rafting route spans three sections:
Upper Reach: Gentle currents and limestone cliffs (ideal for families).
Middle Reach: Class III-IV rapids like “Dragon’s Gate” and “Nuolangxi Falls.”
Lower Reach: Calm stretches for swimming and Tujia village visits.
Major Attractions
Nuolangxi Waterfall: A 10-meter cascade where rafts plunge through mist.
Mysterious Cave: Paddle through a 300-meter-long subterranean river.
Dragon’s Gate Rapid: The river’s steepest drop (4 meters).
Tujia Villages: Watch folk dances and try mifen (rice noodles) onshore.
Primeval Forest: Spot kingfishers and rare cycads along the banks.
Suggested Itineraries
- Express Thrill (2 hours):
Haotou Start → Nuolangxi Falls → Dragon’s Gate → Fulong Finish.
Highlights: Non-stop rapids and waterfall splashdown.
- Adventure Route (4 hours):
Add the Mysterious Cave and a 1-km hike to a cliff-top pavilion.
Highlights: Caving, rapids, and panoramic views.
- Cultural Immersion (Full Day):
Include a Tujia village tour, lunch with locals, and bamboo-raft sunset cruise.
Highlights: Cultural interactions and post-raft relaxation.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Fliggy, Mafengwo, or the official Xiangxi Tourism platform (7 days prior).
On-Site: Tickets at Haotou or Fulong stations; arrive early to avoid queues.
Prices: ¥228 (adults), ¥128 (children under 1.4m). Group discounts for 10+ people.
Includes: Raft, helmet, life jacket, and shuttle bus.
Transportation
Bus: From Zhangjiajie Central Station to Furong Town (1.5 hours), then taxi to Haotou (20 mins).
Taxi: ¥150–200 from Jishou City; negotiate return fare.
Tours: Day trips from Zhangjiajie or Fenghuang include rafting and village visits.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Season: May–October (summer rapids are fiercest).
Safety: Wear the provided life jacket; avoid loose items.
Pack: Waterproof phone case, quick-dry clothes, and sturdy shoes.
Pro Tip: Visit after rain for maximum rapids intensity!
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
