Plan at a glance
Make sure it is Hunshui River Wharf (浑水河码头)
This Enshi Daqingjiang boat route departs from Hunshui River Wharf in Sancha Town, Enshi; the wharf is also known as the Enshi Daqingjiang Visitor Center. The trip lasts about five hours and is mainly a boat ride through the canyon scenery along the Qingjiang River, usually without going ashore. It suits visitors who want to rest or avoid long trail walks.
Cost and time
There is no separate entrance ticket, but a boat ticket is required. Adult tickets cost about CNY 175–180, while child and senior tickets are about CNY 120. From June 15 to October 15, 2026, the current C-line departures are 09:30 and 13:30; the round trip takes about five hours, so allow half a day.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
View Visit Optionsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
Choose the boat-only scenery
From the boat, you can see Honghuatang Stone Forest, Smiling Sleeping Buddha, Jingyang Bridge, Qianpu Gorge and the Qingjiang scenery around Butterfly Cliff. Boats usually slow down near Butterfly Cliff for photographs but do not normally land. This route suits visitors who want continuous views from the deck, have limited walking capacity or want a restful day after a strenuous hike.
Choose another route if you want to go ashore
If your priority is walking close to the rock walls and waterfalls, compare it with the Qingjiang Butterfly Cliff route from Jingyanghe Wharf. The Hunshui River and Jingyanghe routes have different boat times, landing arrangements and total durations, so check the wharf name when booking.
A relaxed choice for families
The route is entirely by boat and does not require a scenic-area hike. It works well for families with older adults or children, and for the day after a demanding canyon walk. The deck can be windy; anyone prone to seasickness or feeling cold should bring a layer and their usual medication.
Build your day
The boat itinerary
Board at Hunshui River Wharf, pass Honghuatang Stone Forest, Smiling Sleeping Buddha and Jingyang Bridge, then slow down near Butterfly Cliff for photographs before returning to Hunshui River Wharf. The trip takes about five hours and usually does not include a landing. Collect your car or connect to city transport after the boat returns.
Choose your deck position after boarding
The top deck gives the widest view of both banks. The stern deck is good for photographing the wake and the channel, while the side of the boat is useful as Butterfly Cliff comes closer. Deck and seating space are limited, so confirm where you may stand before moving around the boat.
Work the sailing into the day
For the 09:30 sailing, allow about one hour from Enshi city to the wharf, plus time to collect tickets and board. If the 13:30 sailing runs, the return will be later. The roughly 14:30 return applies to the main sailing and should be checked against the day's departure schedule.
Get there
Drive, hire a car or join a tour
Drive, hire a car or join a tour from Enshi city to Hunshui River Wharf; the journey takes about one hour, with parking near the Visitor Center. Navigate to “Hunshui River Wharf, Sancha Town, Enshi” or “Enshi Daqingjiang Visitor Center.” Jingyanghe Wharf is the entrance for a different product.
Public-transport connection
From the bus stop beside Enshi Railway Station, take bus 11 to the “州中心医院” (Enshi Prefecture Central Hospital) stop. Walk back about 200 m to Dongsheng Bus Station, then change to a scenic-area bus costing about CNY 20. With several transfers, include the connection time when booking your boat seat.
Know before you go
Reservations and sailings
In the peak season, reserve a boat seat at least one day ahead through an OTA or contact Enshi Daqingjiang Scenic Area at 0718-8277436 or 0718-8277727 to confirm the sailing. The visitor-center operating window is about 08:00–13:30, but boarding depends on the day's sailings. Confirm the name “Hunshui River Wharf” before setting out.
Sun, wind and seating
The top deck has the best views but also more wind. Bring an extra layer in spring and autumn and sun protection in summer; tie back long hair if needed. Choose an indoor seat for a steadier rest, keeping in mind that photographing through glass is less clear.
Food on board and optional spending
The boat sells boxed meals for about CNY 35 and may also offer local products and photography services. Dining choices near the wharf are limited, so bring water and a small snack from the city. The boat ticket, onboard food and photography services are charged separately; check what is included when booking.
Returning from the wharf
Wait until the boat returns to Hunshui River Wharf before collecting your car or changing to return transport. The area around the wharf is not convenient for a long wait or a full meal. If you need to return to Enshi city the same day, confirm the return sailing and transfer arrangements when booking.