Plan at a glance
Where the walk is
The high-altitude cliff walk is in the Elephant Trunk Hill area of Mount Longhu’s main scenic area. Take the sightseeing bus from the visitor center before entering. Yuxian Pool is the suitable starting stop for the full walk, while Elephant Trunk Hill East Gate is suitable for going directly to the core viewpoints. Neither entrance is within walking distance of the visitor center.
Tickets and opening hours
The cliff walk follows the main scenic area’s opening schedule. Follow the main-area announcement for the day, and no separate cliff-walk ticket is charged. The main-area ticket, sightseeing bus, entry process, and temporary-closure arrangements depend on the product and on-site instructions for that day.
Two time options
The East Gate short route takes about 30–50 minutes, including a 10–15 minute section of steps and time at the core platforms. The full route from Yuxian Pool takes about 1–1.5 hours and covers about 3 kilometers on foot. Most of the full route is relatively level, but you still need to manage the entrance steps and one-way 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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Close views of Danxia and the Luxi River
The walk follows the Elephant Trunk Hill cliff, with close views of the Danxia rock walls, the Luxi River, and the surrounding peaks. About 95% of the full route is level, making it suitable for visitors who want mountain views without a long mountain climb.
Elephant Trunk Hill viewpoints
The Elephant Trunk Hill viewpoints provide the classic “Stone Elephant Drinking Water” angle and the main position for photographing the “World’s No. 1 Sacred Elephant.” Several viewpoints along the route work well for photographing the rock formations or taking back-facing portraits against the scenery; the depth around the bends is more pronounced than from a single platform.
Who the routes suit
The short route suits visitors with limited time and families traveling with older adults or children. The full route suits visitors who want to walk the complete cliff section. Because the route follows a cliff, visitors who are afraid of heights or have limited mobility should first consider whether they can manage the entrance steps, then choose the East Gate short route or the Yuxian Pool full route.
Build your day
East Gate short route: 30–50 minutes
Take the sightseeing bus from the visitor center to Elephant Trunk Hill East Gate. After entering, walk up the 10–15 minute stair section to the core viewpoints, photograph Elephant Trunk Hill and the “Stone Elephant Drinking Water” angle, then return to the East Gate by the same route. This short route does not enter the complete one-way section from Yuxian Pool to East Gate. Once back at the stop, leave according to the sightseeing-bus arrangement for the day.
Full route from Yuxian Pool: 1–1.5 hours
Take the sightseeing bus from the visitor center to Yuxian Pool. Enter the walk and follow the approximately 3-kilometer path, passing several viewpoints before exiting at Elephant Trunk Hill East Gate. Most of the full route is a gentle walkway; time at the viewpoints and for photographs will affect the total.
One-way section and transfers
The full route from Yuxian Pool to Elephant Trunk Hill East Gate follows a one-way flow. Once you reach East Gate, reconnect with the sightseeing bus; you cannot walk back along the cliff path to Yuxian Pool. The East Gate short route is different: stay around the core platforms and return to the same gate. The return arrangements for the two options are not the same.
Get there
Take the sightseeing bus to the entrance
The visitor center is the transfer point for the cliff walk. Take the scenic-area sightseeing bus and get off at either Yuxian Pool or Elephant Trunk Hill East Gate. Choose Yuxian Pool for the complete walk, or East Gate to keep the walking portion focused on the core platforms. Check the day’s stops and return arrangements before boarding.
Parking and a rest stop
If driving, set the navigation destination to the Mount Longhu Scenic Area visitor center. The reference parking fee is CNY 20 per day. Wumencun can be used for a short rest and meal after the walk. Parking information is available for the main visitor center, while separate parking at the cliff-walk entrances is not confirmed.
Know before you go
Steps and fear-of-heights limits
The East Gate short route still requires about 10–15 minutes of steps to reach the core platforms. The level sections of the full route do not mean that this uphill section can be skipped. The walk and viewpoints are close to a cliff. Stay within designated visitor areas and do not cross barriers or move toward a dangerous edge for a photograph.
One-way flow and weather changes
The full Yuxian Pool–East Gate route is walked in one direction only. Rain, strong winds, or on-site safety controls may affect access and viewpoint opening. Follow the same-day information for sightseeing-bus transfers, temporary closures, and the actual way to leave.
Tickets and on-site sales
The cliff walk itself does not charge a separate admission fee; check the main-area ticket and sightseeing-bus products under the day’s rules. If another paid experience is offered on site, first confirm its name, price, and whether it is necessary for the cliff-walk visit.