Plan at a glance
Identify Jingyanghe Wharf
Qingjiang Butterfly Cliff Scenic Area departs from Jingyanghe Wharf in Jianshi County. The main experience is a boat ride along the Qingjiang River, with the choice of going ashore to see Butterfly Cliff up close. Qingjiang Butterfly Cliff is also commonly called Butterfly Rock; the two names refer to the same main rock-wall attraction on this route.
Boat-only or shore route?
The boat-only return trip takes about three hours. The highlights route includes a 40–50-minute boat ride, about one hour of walking after landing, and about four hours in total. An adult ticket costs about CNY 180. Choose the shore route for a closer look at the waterfalls and rock walls; visitors with limited mobility or who prefer not to walk can choose the boat-only route.
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
Boat-only route
Board at Jingyanghe Wharf and travel along the river before returning, without going ashore, for about three hours. From the boat you can see the canyon, river surface and the overall outline of Butterfly Cliff. It suits visitors saving energy for other attractions, travelling with older adults or simply wanting a boat-based sightseeing experience.
Go ashore for a closer view
On the highlights route, get off at a wharf near Butterfly Cliff and walk about one hour along the path to see the rock-wall waterfalls and riverside scenery, then take a boat back. Water is usually more abundant during the June–August rainy season, which can help with waterfall photography but also brings rain and slippery paths.
Choose your deck view
The second- or third-floor deck has a wider view, while the stern is good for photographing Butterfly Cliff's full outline on the return journey. The shore route adds walking and waiting to board, so the boat-only route is often easier for visitors with limited mobility.
For a boat-only canyon route from a different wharf, see Enshi Daqingjiang Scenic Area.
Build your day
3-hour boat-only route
Board at Jingyanghe Wharf and travel along the Qingjiang River to the Butterfly Cliff area. View the waterfalls and rock walls from the boat, then return to the wharf, for about three hours in total. There is no landing, making it easy to keep the outing to half a day.
4-hour highlights route
From Jingyanghe Wharf, take the boat for about 40–50 minutes to the wharf near Butterfly Cliff. Walk along the path for about one hour to see the Butterfly Cliff waterfalls and riverside scenery, then take the boat back to Jingyanghe Wharf, for about four hours in total. Return with the assigned boat and keep the path visit within the connection to the next sailing.
Plan photo stops on the boat and shore
On the outward journey, the second- or third-floor deck gives a good view of the canyon; the stern is useful for a full view of Butterfly Cliff on the way back. After landing, photograph the waterfall and portraits from the open rock-wall path. Stay on the open path and do not approach the water on slippery sections for a better angle.
Get there
Drive to Jingyanghe Wharf
Drive to “Jingyanghe Wharf, Jianshi County,” about 1.5–2 hours from Enshi city; parking is available at the wharf. Confirm the day's sailings and landing route on arrival, then choose the boat-only or highlights route. Park on the Jingyanghe Wharf side.
Train and local bus
By public transport, take a train from Enshi to Jianshi Station, then change to a bus for Jingyang Town. The bus costs about CNY 35 and takes about 1.5–2 hours. It is a local through-bus, so confirm the drop-off point with the driver and arrange the return connection in advance.
Know before you go
Sailings and queues
In the peak season, several departures run between about 09:00 and 14:00, often around once an hour. In the low season there may be only two departures, and boats may also leave at fixed times when demand is low. Queues can form at the visitor center and boarding points during holidays; confirm the day's sailing before leaving, and an early departure usually makes the return easier to arrange.
Walking, shoes and weather
The shore route involves about one hour of walking, mostly on level ground with a few stairs, so shoes with good grip are useful. Rain makes the path and boat railings more slippery, and changing weather can affect water levels, visibility and sailings. Choose the boat-only route if you do not want the walking.
Optional activities and charges
The glass walkway and forest water slide are optional extras, not required to see Butterfly Cliff. “Free” photos may cost extra if you want large prints or digital copies; using your own camera or phone keeps the cost clear.
Food and the return journey
Food choices around Jingyanghe Wharf are limited, so eat in Enshi city or Jianshi County and carry water and a small amount of food. After the highlights route returns to the wharf, collect your car or change to public transport. If you are using buses, plan the bus and boat connections together.