Plan at a glance
Location and tickets
Yequgou is along Guishan Tourism Avenue in Yuancheng District, within the Xinfengjiang Forest Park area and about 10 kilometres from the city. The usual entrance is the main gate of Yequgou Tourism Area, which is in the mountains and difficult to reach by public transport.
The entrance ticket costs about CNY 50 on site and about CNY 45 online; children under 1.2 metres enter free. The sightseeing vehicle costs about CNY 12 one way, and the dark-cave rafting package costs about CNY 108–120. Rafting usually starts around 1 May each year, but the operating season and age rules must be confirmed for the day; the area generally opens from 08:30 to 17:30 and stops entry at 17:00.
Visit length
Allow about 2–3 hours for the waterfall and forest paths. Combining the forest walk, Tongtian River and more streamside sections takes about 4–5 hours; if you add the dark-cave rafting, plan for half a day to a full day and leave time for changing clothes and using the lockers.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Xiangshui Waterfall and Tongtian River
Xiangshui Waterfall, Tongtian River and the shallow forest streams are Yequgou’s main natural sights, suitable for summer cooling, families and visitors who enjoy woodland paths. The trails near the water include steps and wet ground, so wear non-slip shoes and do not prepare as if this were a flat city park.
Fox Ravine forest walk
The Fox Ravine walking area passes through fir woodland and includes simple bridges and forest activity features, making it suitable for outdoor visitors who want more walking. It requires more effort than a short waterfall stop; families and visitors with average fitness can use the sightseeing vehicle to reduce the uphill section, although it does not cover every path.
Dark-cave rafting and seasonal water activities
The dark-cave rafting course passes through caves and stream sections and usually takes about 40–50 minutes. It is a seasonal paid attraction with cold mountain water; children under five are not advised to take part, and the operating season, age and height limits and other rules must be confirmed for the day.
Build your day
A relaxed 2–3 hour visit
After entering through the main gate, take the sightseeing vehicle uphill, walk to Xiangshui Waterfall, and then follow the forest boardwalk gradually back towards the exit. The vehicle costs about CNY 12 one way and suits families, older visitors or anyone who wants to avoid a continuous uphill walk.
Walking to the waterfall takes about one hour and includes steps and slopes. Strollers are not suitable for the full walking route by default; check which sections are passable before deciding how long to stay by the stream.
A 4–5 hour forest and stream visit
Enter the Fox Ravine walking area, follow the woodland paths and simple bridge sections to Xiangshui Waterfall, continue to Tongtian River, and take the sightseeing vehicle down. The visit combines walking, steps and time beside the water, so starting in the morning or during cooler weather is more comfortable.
Stay in permitted shallow-water areas and do not cross barriers or walk along unopened riverbanks to get closer to a waterfall or current. Use the sightseeing vehicle for the return where possible rather than spending all your energy on the descent.
A half-day dark-cave rafting visit
If rafting is operating, walk the forest and stream sections in the morning, eat at the area around midday, and take the dark-cave rafting in the afternoon according to the project schedule. You will normally need to change clothes afterwards, and the locker costs about CNY 40 per use; check your belongings and return transport before leaving.
Get there
Driving and parking
Driving to “Yequgou Tourism Area” is the easiest option, and parking costs about CNY 10 per visit. It is deep in the mountains and a taxi may take a long time to arrive after the visit; without a car, arrange the downhill vehicle in advance rather than relying on a taxi at the gate.
High-speed rail and taxis
From Heyuan East Railway Station, a taxi to Yequgou takes about 30–40 minutes. Public transport is inconvenient and return vehicles are limited, so a chartered car or an agreed round trip is better for a same-day visit.
Know before you go
Rafting, water and safety
Dark-cave rafting is not part of the entrance ticket and requires a separate ticket, as well as suitable season, age and operating conditions. The mountain water is cold and can cause cramps; wear non-slip shoes, bring a change of clothes, and do not take children under five on the rafting.
Some sections have no toilets or small shops, and insects are common in the forest. Bring water, snacks and insect repellent; shoes with good grip are more useful than ordinary sandals.
Project boundaries and the return trip
The entrance ticket, sightseeing vehicle and rafting package are separate. Pet access, rafting and other interactive facilities should be confirmed at the entrance and with the project operator for the day; a single platform listing should not be treated as a year-round service guarantee.
Yequgou can be combined with Guishan, Wanlv Lake or Wanlv Valley by car, but the attractions are not walkable between one another. Nearby farm restaurants serve five-finger peach chicken, Hakka stuffed tofu and clay-oven chicken; consider both opening times and the return vehicle before choosing where to eat.