National Geographic wasn't wrong - Enshi, Hubei is truly a paradise!

As spring lingers and the scenery flourishes, when the first warm breeze of spring blows through, Enshi becomes nature's spilled palette, breathtakingly beautiful. As a Trip.com travel blogger, I'm bringing you a detailed spring travel guide to Enshi, allowing you to immerse yourself in this earthly paradise. Pre-trip Preparation Documents: Bring your ID card and various discount cards (such as student ID, senior card) to enjoy discounts on attraction tickets. Clothing: Spring temperatures in Enshi vary greatly, with cooler mornings and evenings. Pack a light down jacket or warm coat, along with long-sleeve T-shirts and jeans, plus a comfortable pair of sneakers for hiking. If you enjoy photography, don't forget to bring pretty dresses for stunning photos among the mountains and waters. Skincare and Sun Protection: UV rays are strong in Enshi, so bring sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses even in spring. Moisturizing products are also essential to prevent dry skin. Other Items: Power bank, rain gear (mountain weather can be unpredictable), digestive medicine (in case of stomach discomfort when trying local food). Transportation Guide Getting There: - By Air: Enshi Xujiaping Airport is close to downtown, with flights to and from major cities. Take the airport bus, taxi, or public bus to reach downtown. - By Train/High-speed Rail: Enshi Station and Enshi Grand Canyon Station are the main rail hubs. High-speed rail offers convenient access to nearby cities. Getting Around: - Public Transport: City buses reach major attractions, but services to remote scenic spots are limited. Check schedules in advance. - Car Rental/Private Car: For group travel, renting or hiring a car offers flexibility and allows stops to enjoy scenery along the way. - Scenic Area Shuttles: Direct buses to various attractions are available from downtown. Book tickets in advance for convenience. Attraction Guide Enshi Grand Canyon: - In spring, the canyon is covered in fresh greenery with misty clouds wreathing the mountains. The Incense Stick Peak at Qixing Stockade appears even more majestic under the spring sun, like nature's gift to spring. In Yunlong Ground Fissure, waterfalls thunder and streams flow amid lush vegetation on both banks. - Route: Visitor Center → Cable car up → Qixing Stockade (Small Gate → Middle Gate → Main Gate → Incense Stick Peak → Mother and Child Peak) → Walk or take elevator down → Yunlong Ground Fissure → Return to visitor center. Allow 6-8 hours, bring snacks for energy. Luyuanping: - This hidden paradise is especially beautiful in spring. Wildflowers bloom across the mountains, creating a pastoral scene with verdant valleys and rustic villages. - Route: Xintian Village parking lot → Hike down to valley (1.5-2 hours, beautiful but steep trail, be careful) → Explore valley (waterfalls, countryside, ancient bridges) → Return same way or take sightseeing elevator up (fee applies). Limited dining options in valley, bring food. Pingshan Canyon: - Known as "China's Sipadan," the canyon's crystal-clear spring waters make boats appear to float in air. Steep cliffs line both sides, with sunlight filtering through the trees creating dancing shadows on the water. - Route: Visitor Center → Shuttle bus → Walk to canyon entrance → Boat tour (30-40 minutes, great for photos) → Walk boardwalk to view canyon → Return to visitor center. Book tickets online to avoid peak queues. Suobuya Stone Forest: - As the world's first Ordovician stone forest, Suobuya takes on special charm in spring. Moss and fresh flowers grow among the rocks like nature's bonsai. The "Lotus Throne" in Lotus Fortress area appears sacred and solemn in spring sunshine. - Route: Visitor Center → Scenic shuttle → Lotus Fortress → Mozigou → Jiulong Convergence → Return to visitor center. Allow 3-4 hours, local snacks available in scenic area. Food Recommendations Zhangguan Hezha: A local specialty chain serving hezha (soybean paste soup with vegetables). Smooth texture, nutritious, various flavors with different side dishes. Badong Baked Potatoes: Crispy outside, tender inside, topped with green onions and chili powder. Found throughout Enshi's streets. Tujia Cured Meat: Golden-brown cured meat, flavorful but not greasy. Can be stir-fried alone or with potatoes and dried beans. Oil Tea Soup: Traditional Tujia drink made with tea leaves, ginger, and garlic, served with fried rice and peanuts. Rich flavor, energizing for breakfast. Accommodation Suggestions Downtown Enshi: Convenient transportation, various accommodation options at different price points. Recommended areas: Wuyangba or Tuqiaoba for food and shopping access. Near Attractions: For in-depth experience, consider stays near scenic areas. Options include Nuerzhai Resort Hotel near Enshi Grand Canyon for canyon views, or guesthouses near Pingshan Canyon for tranquil environment. Important Notes Bring motion sickness medicine as Enshi's mountain roads are winding. Protect the environment and properly dispose of waste to preserve the natural beauty. Be careful of slippery conditions during spring rains and avoid dangerous areas. Spring in Enshi speaks nature's gentleness through every scene. Pack your bags and embrace this spring rendezvous - you'll surely be captivated by Enshi's beauty!