Western Hunan (Xiangxi), Hunan Province

Dehang Canyon

德夯峡谷Ethnic Culture · Nature

Dehang is famed for its beautiful natural scenery, including Liusha Waterfall, Pangu Peak, the marvellous Aizhai Highway and the views of Yuquan Gate. Its ethnic culture is equally rich,…

Dehang Canyon

Dehang Canyon, Western Hunan (Xiangxi) · Glabb · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Key facts

Admission
¥80
Time needed
0.5–2 days
Getting there
Shared minibuses run from Jishou Railway Station (吉首火车站) directly to the scenic area. The fare is ¥10.
Guidebook rating
4 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 1978. Open in Google Maps

About Dehang Canyon

Dehang is famed for its beautiful natural scenery, including Liusha Waterfall, Pangu Peak, the marvellous Aizhai Highway and the views of Yuquan Gate. Its ethnic culture is equally rich, with Miao hospitality, the "door-blocking" custom of antiphonal singing, song festivals, and traditional Miao and Tujia song and dance such as Miao drum dancing.

Tips from the guidebook

  • 1. Aizhai: Aizhai is a well-known typical Miao village, and the most perilous stretch of the Xiang-Yu Highway passes through it. Over a stretch of only one or two kilometres, the road makes 13 bends and climbs more than 500 to 600 metres. The Aizhai Bridge, which opened to traffic in 2012, stands here. Its majestic presence has earned it a place among the "10 New Wonders of the World You Must Visit".
  • 2. Liusha Waterfall: Located 10 kilometres west of Aizhai, the waterfall has a drop of 216 metres, ranking first in the country.
  • 3. Yanzi Gorge Waterfall Cluster: Near Liusha Waterfall is the Yanzi Gorge Waterfall Cluster, at the head of the Dehang Stream. It consists of ten cascades, each with a drop of around 200 metres. In the rainy season the falls merge into a single sheet about 300 metres wide, a truly spectacular sight.
  • 4. Thunder God Cave: Northeast of Dehang lies Thunder God Cave. Legend has it that white wisps of smoke rise from its entrance just before heavy rain, a phenomenon too marvellous to describe.
  • Liusha Waterfall at Dehang

Frequently asked questions

How much does Dehang Canyon cost?

Admission to Dehang Canyon is ¥80, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

How do I get to Dehang Canyon?

Shared minibuses run from Jishou Railway Station (吉首火车站) directly to the scenic area. The fare is ¥10.

How long should I spend at Dehang Canyon?

Plan on 0.5–2 days for Dehang Canyon.

Where is Dehang Canyon?

Dehang Canyon is in Western Hunan (Xiangxi), Hunan Province, in the Central China of China.

More places in Western Hunan (Xiangxi)

Miaoren Valley — illustration

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Fenghuang Ancient Town — illustration

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