Loujiang Xiaosanxia Drift in Zhangjiajie

Loujiang Drift (娄江漂流) is located in Jiangya Town (江垭镇), Cili County (慈利县), Zhangjiajie City (张家界市), about 20 kilometers from Wulingyuan District (武陵源区) and approximately 70 kilometers from the downtown area of Zhangjiajie City. The S305 Provincial Road passes through the scenic area, which features a typical karst landform with stunning natural landscapes.

The Loujiang drifting route began development in 1998 and officially opened to the public in 2003. The drift is renowned for its thrilling waters and dramatic gorges.

Introduction

Loujiang Drift is also known as the “Little Three Gorges” (小三峡). The drifting route spans 38 kilometers and is divided into two sections: the upper section covering 16 kilometers and the lower section covering 22 kilometers. Along the route, there are 18 rapids, and the entire drift takes around 2 hours. Both sides of the river are lined with towering cliffs, deep gorges, lush vegetation, and fast currents, creating an exciting and breathtaking experience.

Loujiang Drift blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. Tourists can marvel at the various stone peaks, stone pillars, stone elephants, and stone silicons. Historical sites along the route include the Tang Dynasty Xingguo Temple (唐朝兴国寺), Song Dynasty Suokou Fortress (宋代索口寨), Ming Dynasty Jiuxi Garrison (明朝九溪卫), and the former residence of Du Xinwu (杜心武), a martial artist and hero in modern Chinese history.

Famous for its unpredictable waters and thrilling gorges, Loujiang Drift is the closest and most exciting water entertainment project near Zhangjiajie’s core scenic areas. It is a highlight of any Zhangjiajie tour.

A Flowing Landscape

Drifting down the Loujiang River feels like moving through a painting. The scenery along the way constantly changes — ancient trees, small bridges, villages, stone walls, deep gorges, and swirling rapids. The journey is both poetic and picturesque. At dangerous turns, the romance of the mountains and rivers unfolds, while the silent green hills seem to be flipping through the ancient natural scrolls.

A Flowing History

This river also carries a rich historical narrative. From the “Louzhong Barbarians” (娄中蛮) in the Eastern Han Dynasty, to the Tang Dynasty’s Xingguo Temple (兴国寺), the Song Dynasty’s Suokou Fortress (索口寨), and the Ming Dynasty’s Jiuxi Garrison (九溪卫), the history is engraved on the blue stones, standing as a lasting display. The heroic figure Du Xinwu (杜心武), known as the “Southern and Northern Hero,” walked out of the rocky fields of Jiangya (江垭) and trained by the Loujiang River at Doumi Temple (斗米观) and Fanzeng Mountain (饭甑山). He later stepped into modern Chinese history, transitioning from “Sun Yat-sen’s bodyguard” to the “Natural Gate Master” in martial arts, leaving behind an unmatched legend along the Loujiang.

Attractions

Loujiang Drift (娄江漂流)

The Loujiang Drift route, known as the “Little Three Gorges” (小三峡), stretches 16 kilometers. After two hours of thrilling surfing and rafting, visitors arrive at the terminal point — Jiangya Hot Spring Resort (江垭温泉度假村). The route features deep gorges, flying waterfalls, swift rapids, and breathtaking moments.

Along the way, the scenery is ever-changing: ancient trees, bridges, villages, stone walls, gorges, rapids, and swirling waters. There are more than 100 attractions, such as:

  • Washing Beach of the King’s Concubines (天王妃子洗衣滩): Named after the concubines of King Xiang (向王天子) of the Tujia ethnic group, who supposedly washed clothes here.

  • Zhang Lang’s Devotion Beach (张郎徇情樟儿滩): Associated with the legendary story of Zhang Lang.

  • King Xiang’s Horse Shooting Beach (向王射马滩): A site where King Xiang practiced horse archery.

  • Jiang Taigong’s Fishing Platform (姜太公钓鱼台): A stone cliff on the left bank of the river with a hanging vine, resembling Jiang Taigong fishing.

There are also numerous stone formations shaped like elephants, pigs, horses, and roosters. Egrets soar in the blue sky, while mandarin ducks playfully paddle in the water.

Pinghu Tour (平湖游)

Starting from Jiangya Dam (江垭大坝) and ending at Beizi Creek (贝子溪) in Sangzhi (桑植), this 60-kilometer journey offers a tranquil boat ride through serene waters. Lush ancient trees, babbling brooks, and singing birds create a breathtaking natural painting.

The “Four Wonders of Loujiang Pinghu” (溇江平湖四绝) include:

  • Yinmen Mountain (阴门山)

  • Chuan Eye Cave (穿眼洞)

  • Luoxiang Pool Waterfall (落香潭瀑布)

  • Liaocheng (廖城)

Particularly intriguing is Yinmen Mountain (阴门山), a natural formation on the southern bank of Loujiang that resembles a woman’s private parts. What baffles everyone is that the mountain mysteriously “bleeds” red water once a month, like a menstruating girl — an unsolved riddle of nature.

Washing Beach of the King’s Concubines (天王妃子洗衣滩)

In Tujia history, King Xiang (向王天子), highly revered by his people, led a famous uprising at what is now known as Tianzi Mountain (天子山). The Washing Beach of the King’s Concubines is said to be where his concubines washed clothes for the warriors.

Jiang Taigong’s Fishing Platform (姜太公钓鱼台)

Past a rapid, the left bank reveals a stone cliff with a long, hanging vine — named Jiang Taigong’s Fishing Platform. It vividly symbolizes the legendary story of Jiang Taigong fishing.

Sitting in the Well Looking at the Sky (坐井观天)

Loujiang twists and turns through the mountains. When looking up, the surrounding peaks form a perfect circular “well rim,” creating the illusion of “sitting in a well and gazing at the sky.” This metaphorical view reminds visitors that there are always greater heights and broader horizons beyond what we see.

Shengdou Pool and Eight-Ear Pot (升斗潭、八耳锅)

At this spot, the river suddenly calms, and a small yet elegant pool appears — Shengdou Pool, meaning a pool so small it could be measured by “one sheng and one dou” (ancient Chinese units of volume).

Legend tells of a time when drought hit both sides of Loujiang, and villagers faced starvation. A deity sent down an iron pot with eight ears, allowing people to take only what they needed. However, a greedy landlord tried to take endless amounts of grain, angering the deity. With a thunderous roar, the pot, the landlord, his servants, and the grain all plunged into Loujiang River, never to resurface. The story serves as a warning against greed.

Location

Loujiang Drift is located in Jiangya Town (江垭镇), east of Zhangjiajie City. It is only 30 kilometers from the main entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园) and accessible via high-grade highways, making it a 40-minute drive.

Self-Driving Route: Zhangjiajie People’s Square (张家界人民广场) → Nanzheng Street (南正街) → Ziwu Road (子午路) → Provincial Road 306 (306省道) → Chaoyang Road (朝阳路) → Jiangya Town (江垭镇)

Features

Loujiang Drift is famous for its thrilling waters and breathtaking gorges. It is the closest and most exhilarating water activity near Zhangjiajie’s core scenic area — a must-see on a Zhangjiajie boutique tour route.

Reviews

“This is a moving landscape. Drifting downstream, the scenery constantly changes — ancient trees, small bridges, villages, stone walls, and rapids, like a flowing painting.”

“This is a flowing history. From the ‘Louzhong Barbarians’ of the Eastern Han Dynasty to modern heroes like Du Xinwu, the river holds a story engraved in stone — a living, breathing historical scroll.”