Plan at a glance
A short creek walk beside Muyu Town
Xiangxi Yuan is at No. 1 Yingbin Avenue in Muyu Town, with its entrance directly beside the road and about 1.5 kilometres from Muyu Bus Station. The main experience is a one-way creek-valley trail: after entering, you walk the route, and the exit does not fully coincide with the entrance parking area. The highlights are the valley, waterfalls, Qingtan (青潭, “Green Pool”), waterwheel and Xiyaochi (洗药池, literally “Medicine-Washing Pool”); allow 1–2 hours.
Xiangxi Yuan has a separate ticket of about CNY 30 per person and is not part of the Shennongjia six-area pass. Opening hours are approximately 07:30–17:30, with ticketing and same-day access subject to the on-site notice. Overseas visitors should confirm a passport-accepted purchase route before buying.
Two walking lengths
The quick route takes about 40–60 minutes: walk uphill to the highest point at Xiyaochi and descend by the path on the other side. The highlights route takes about 1.5–2 hours, starting at the entrance waterfall, then following the stream past Qingtan, the waterwheel and the forest to the upper exit. From there, walk or take a taxi about 1.4 kilometres back to the car park.
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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Creek water, waterfalls and forest
The area below the entrance waterfall and the rocky bank at Xiyaochi are the main places for brief contact with the water. The creek is clear, and the water’s colour and clarity are easier to appreciate in direct sunlight. Qingtan, the waterwheel, a stone bridge, moss-covered paths and primeval forest line the walk; stop at each point according to your interest.
Who is it for?
Xiangxi Yuan suits visitors looking for an easy walk, creek photography and a short nature stop. Entering between 09:00 and 14:00 on a clear day gives better light for seeing and photographing the water than an overcast day or late afternoon. Families with young children can stay near the entrance and front section, but the cold water and slippery rocks require close adult supervision.
Build your day
40–60-minute quick route
Enter through the single main gate and follow the main path uphill to Xiyaochi. After a short stop, descend by the path on the other side to the exit. The quick route leaves from the opposite side, so the exit does not fully coincide with the entrance parking area; if you only want the water scenery and photographs, leave by this route.
1.5–2-hour highlights route
Spend time at the entrance waterfall, then walk slowly along the boardwalk past Qingtan, the waterwheel, the stone bridge and the forest before reaching Xiyaochi. Leave through the upper exit, then walk or take a taxi about 1.4 kilometres back to the car park. Arrange the return before entering.
When to end the trail
If the weather is already unsettled or someone in the group has limited walking energy before entering, stay near the entrance and front section rather than starting the complete one-way trail. Once you have entered the one-way route, follow the open path to the exit and do not walk back against the direction of travel.
Get there
Walk or take a short transfer from Muyu
The scenic area is about 1.5 kilometres from Muyu Bus Station, so you can walk, take a taxi or hire a car to the single main entrance. There is no need for an internal shuttle; after entry, the route is entirely on foot. Visitors without their own car should arrange the vehicle for the return from the upper exit to the car park.
Parking and nearby stops
There is a car park at the entrance, but spaces are limited, so arrive early on holidays. Xiangxi Yuan can share a short day around Muyu with Shennong Altar and Tiansheng Bridge, but it has a separate ticket and entrance, and all three visits need their own parking and walking arrangements.
Know before you go
Slippery paths and cold creek water
The path is damp, and stone slabs and moss can make the footing slippery. Wear shoes with good grip and hold the railings where provided. The creek is very cold: brief contact is possible at the entrance waterfall and Xiyaochi, but do not soak for a long time or step into deep or fast-moving water. Stay on the open banks while playing near the water.
Do not rely on a toilet inside the scenic area; use the public toilet opposite the entrance before going in. A light jacket is useful in summer. In rain, mist or fading afternoon light, finish the trail early and do not stop for photographs on slippery ground.
Food and supplies
Food and facilities inside Xiangxi Yuan are limited, so buy water and snacks and plan your meals in Muyu Town. After the visit, follow the 1.4-kilometre route back to the car park, then return to Muyu for accommodation or continue to another nearby attraction.
Back in Muyu, local choices include cold-water fish, cured meat and potatoes; choose a restaurant and check its opening on the day. Dry off promptly after contact with the water and keep food packed away.