Plan at a glance
Entrances, tickets and opening hours
Shiwaiyan is in Xia’ao Village, Hesheng Town, Yongjia County, Wenzhou. The east gate is the usual visitor centre, while the west gate is near Ling Shang Renjia. Admission is about CNY 50. The ferry costs about CNY 5 per person, and the kayak package costs about CNY 120; the ferry and kayak are charged separately from admission.
The park usually opens from 08:00 to 17:00 and may stay open until 17:30 from May to October. Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the east-gate short route, about 3 hours for an east-to-west crossing and about 3 hours for a kayak-and-shallow-water route.
Choosing a route
The main east-gate route is mostly flat and suits families and visitors who want a light walk. The west gate is remote. If you plan to cross the park, arrange a shuttle or return transport before setting out; do not leave the return until you finish the walk.
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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Shiwaiyan and the Small Three Gorges
Shiwaiyan is a red rock peak about 306 metres high, rising beside the river and forming the park’s most recognisable landform. The water route between the ferry pier and the west gate is known as the Small Three Gorges, where you can see the cliffs and reflections from the water.
The bridge opposite the east entrance, the riverside path and the stepping stones offer views of the peak and stream. Rain, water level and visibility affect the water colour and walking conditions, so use the actual conditions on the day for photography.
Ferry, kayak and shallow water
The ferry is useful for adding the water section between the east gate and the Small Three Gorges to a short route. The kayak course follows about 2.5 kilometres of river and is available only when the weather, water level and operating conditions allow. Kayak departures usually end around 16:00, so include the queue and the walk back in your plan.
When the water level is low and conditions are safe, you can wade in a shallow area. River stones may be covered with algae, and deep water is not suitable for swimming. Adults should stay with children near the water and should not let them approach the edge alone.
Build your day
East-gate short route
Enter through the east gate, follow the riverside path to Warrior Rock, take the ferry from the pier, then pass the lawn pavilion and a short flight of steps before returning to the east gate. The route takes about 1.5–2 hours and suits visitors travelling with older adults or children, or those continuing to another attraction the same day.
If someone in your group does not want to take the ferry, walk to the riverside viewpoints and return through the east gate. Do not add the west-gate crossing at the last minute, as the return connection may not be available.
East gate to west gate
Visitors on a first trip who are comfortable with a longer walk can start at the east gate, follow the riverside path to the ferry pier, cross into the Small Three Gorges, continue west over the stepping-stone bridge and leave through the west gate. Before setting out, reserve the west-gate shuttle at the east visitor centre. It costs about CNY 5–10 per person and returns you to the east gate to collect your car or continue your trip.
It is difficult to find a taxi at the west gate, and ride-hailing cars may not accept the trip or may add a surcharge. Without a pre-arranged shuttle, hired car or second vehicle, this route is not recommended.
Summer water route
When the weather and water level are suitable, you can kayak from the east gate, walk back along the riverside path and then wade in a safe shallow area. Kayaking usually ends at 16:00. If the activity is suspended, use the land route instead of rushing over wet stones.
Get there
Driving
Drive to the Shiwaiyan Scenic Area Visitor Centre at the east gate. Parking costs about CNY 10 per visit. The east gate is the easiest place to collect your car; if you plan to leave from the west gate, arrange a shuttle or place a second vehicle near the west side in advance.
High-speed rail and public transport
From Nanxi River Station, a taxi takes about 30 minutes to Shiwaiyan. You can also rent a car from Wenzhou South Station. Public transport usually requires a bus from the Oubei ferry-terminal bus station to Yantou Town, followed by a less frequent minibus to Shiwaiyan. Confirm the same-day connections before travelling.
Return between the two gates
The east and west gates are not interchangeable parking entrances. Whether you can return to the east gate after a crossing depends on the reserved shuttle, hired car or second vehicle. The remote west gate is not a good place to solve the return plan at the end of the visit.
Know before you go
Wet surfaces and entering the water
River stones may have algae. If you wade or walk in the stream, wear proper water shoes or other footwear with good grip. Do not swim in deep water, stand on stones where the depth is unclear or cross a safety boundary for a better photograph.
Kayaking and weather
Kayaking depends on weather and water level and may stop during a dry period. The activity has an end time around 16:00. Confirm that it is running, and leave time for equipment, queuing and the return walk to the east gate.
Supplies and meals
There are few shops inside the scenic area, so bring enough drinking water and simple food. There are food options outside the east gate, but prices and availability vary. Do not make a meal a fixed waiting point in the route.
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