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Cili County, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China
One of must visit site inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with spectacular scenery of grand canyon, caves, forest, mountain and rivers
The Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Zone in Zhangjiajie. A stream flows through the mountain gully; and many high peaks in various forms on both sides of gully shrouded in drifting mist look like a group of nature sculptures.
Suoxi Valley covers an area of more than 180 square kilometers and is the largest of the three zones. Unlike the solitary stone monoliths of Zhangjiajie, the mountains of Suoxiyu stretch out one after another, like an unfolding scroll of a Chinese painting. However, in the east, there is a collection of caves, for example, Yellow Dragon Cave and Goddess Cave. These are caves made of limestone.
Besides the rock formations and beautiful rivers and streams, a distinct feature of Suoxiyu is its bridges and caves. Constructed on cliffs, the bridges are noted for their risky location. Most of them were built by hand of blocks of rocks chiseled to dovetail perfectly together. The limestone caves create fascinating underground palaces. Altogether there are 59 of them, many full of odd and unique shaped stalactites and stalagmites.
In terms of rare animals, Suoxi Valley boasts more than 20 species, such as leopards, pangolins, and giant salamanders. There are more than 20 groups of rhesus monkeys with their total number reaching to 1,000. According to scientific statistics, trees here have 93 families, 208 genus, and 679 species in all. Among them, those that are under national special protection reach to 19 species. Wild medicinal herbs are extraordinarily rich. There are 500 species in all.
The Suoxi Valley Scenic Area presents a diverse and captivating landscape characterized by elegant peaks, serene valleys, crystal-clear waters, and mysterious caves. The area is shaped like a basin, with high mountains surrounding a lower central region, creating a visually stunning natural amphitheater.
Within this vast area, eight major scenic sub-areas have been developed: West Sea, Ten-Mile Gallery, Shuirao Simen, Baizhang Gorge, Baofeng Lake, Yellow Dragon Cave, Goddess Cave, and Yingwo Village.
A well-developed road network—totaling 54.3 kilometers—connects Suoxi Valley with Zhangjiajie City, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and nearby highways to Cili and Changsha. Paved tourist walkways have also been built across the area, with a total length of 9.4 kilometers, linking several scenic routes including Lvyuan Mountain Villa–Tianzi Mountain, Ten-mile Gallery–Wolong Ridge–West Sea, Tiantai Baofeng Bridge, and Yingwo Village–Baofeng Lake Boat Terminal.
1. Explore the Caves – Yellow Dragon Cave
Suoxi Valley is a subterranean marvel with 59 karst caves scattered across the region, the crown jewel is Yellow Dragon Cave (黄龙洞)—one of China's most extensive and impressive limestone caverns. Stretching over 10 kilometers, it features four distinct layers with dry corridors and underground rivers. Inside, you’ll find cascading waterfalls, still deep pools, stone forests, and naturally formed halls with colorful lighting, earning it the nickname “a vast universe underground.”You can even take a boat ride through its dark, quiet waters for a magical experience.
Other famous caves include Fairy Cave (仙女洞), Guanyin Cave, Camel Cave, and Golden Rooster Cave.
2. Experience the Beauty of Water – Baofeng Lake
Water gives Suoxi Valley a gentle, flowing rhythm that contrasts beautifully with its jagged peaks. A highlight is Baofeng Lake (宝峰湖), a high-altitude mountain lake often referred to as “a heavenly pool on Earth.” Sitting at over 1,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by forested cliffs, the lake reflects the sky and peaks with mirror-like clarity. A peaceful boat ride across the lake reveals hidden rock formations and echoes of local folk songs drifting across the water. The calm, emerald surface and crisp mountain air make it a dreamlike escape from the everyday.
3. Walk the Ten-Mile Gallery
Ten-Mile Gallery (十里画廊) is the artistic heart of Suoxi Valley. Along this 5-kilometer scenic corridor, stone peaks line both sides like a painter’s masterpiece, forming over 200 natural sculptures that resemble people, animals, and mythical beings.
As you walk or take the eco-train through the valley, spot formations such as “Peacock Spreading Its Tail”, “Longevity God Greeting Guests”, “Old Man Gathering Herbs”, and “Tiger Roaring at the Sky.” The landscape changes subtly with every step, offering endless photo opportunities and poetic inspiration. It’s no exaggeration to say you are walking inside a traditional Chinese painting.
4. Cross the Cliffside Bridges
Suoxi Valley is famous for its dramatic natural bridges and cliffside walkways. The Self-Born Bridge (自生桥), also called Fairy Bridge (仙女桥), is one of the most awe-inspiring. Naturally formed and about 26 meters long but less than 2 meters wide, this narrow rock bridge connects two towering peaks and hangs dizzyingly over a deep chasm. From the bridge, winds whistle through the cliff walls and pine trees cling to the rock—creating a thrilling yet sacred atmosphere.
5. Spot Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat
Suoxi Valley’s protected ecosystem supports more than 20 species of animals, including elusive leopards, pangolins, and giant salamanders. You’re most likely to encounter rhesus monkeys, which often gather in large groups near Monkey Park (猢猴园) and other open areas. They are curious but wild—avoid feeding them, and admire from a respectful distance.
6. Enjoy a Botanical Discovery Walk
With over 679 plant species across 93 families, including 19 protected species, the valley is an open-air botanical garden. Herbal plants grow abundantly along trails and cliffs—over 500 wild medicinal herb species thrive here. Whether you're exploring the Botanical Garden area or wandering through natural forests, keep an eye out for rare and vibrant blooms, ancient trees, and unique leaf shapes. Seasonal changes ensure that every visit offers new botanical wonders.
Suoxi Valley is part of the Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is generally combined with the main Wulingyuan ticket, which gives access to multiple scenic areas including Suoxi Valley, Tianzishan, Yuanjiajie, and Yangjiajie.
From Zhangjiajie City:
Suoxi Valley is about 35–40 km from downtown Zhangjiajie. You can take a direct tourist bus or taxi from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to Wulingyuan Entrance (武陵源门票站), which is the main gateway to Suoxi Valley. The drive takes about 40–50 minutes.
From Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:
Roads and eco-bus lines connect Suoxi Valley with other core scenic areas such as Tianzishan, Yangjiajie, and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. You can ride the eco-friendly shuttle buses that operate within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
Suoxi Valley, together with Tianzi Mountain and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, forms the core of the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area. These three areas are closely connected and often explored as a single, continuous journey. The following 2-day itinerary combines their most iconic natural and cultural highlights for your reference.
Day 1: Core Scenic Exploration
Morning (08:00-11:30)
Afternoon (13:00-17:30)
Day 2: Adventure & Culture
Morning (07:30-12:00)
Afternoon (14:00-18:00)
If you have more time, consider adding Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge (1hr drive away). Current summer opening hours are 07:00-18:00 at all sites.
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