Maoyanhe Drift in Zhangjiajie

Maoyanhe Drift in Zhangjiajie

Maoyanhe Drift (茅岩河漂流) is the most scenic, thrilling, and challenging section of the Lishui River (澧水河). The drifting route covers a distance of 18 kilometers with a total drop of 66 meters, passing through 55 rapids that offer a perfect blend of excitement and safety.

The riverbanks feature towering cliffs, sharp peaks, cascading waterfalls, and flowing springs. The mountain terrain is rugged, the river current races like arrows, and the waves surge like galloping horses. The drift takes you through narrow gorges, where the water rushes around rocks and twists along the cliffs, creating an adrenaline-pumping experience with dramatic height differences.

Chinese Name: 茅岩河漂流
Rating: AAAA-level scenic spot (AAAA级)
Starting Point: Jiutian Cave in Sangzhi County (桑植县九天洞)
Total Length: Over 100 kilometers
Famous Spots: Yuhuang Stone Cave (玉皇石窟), known for its hot springs (温泉)

Highlights of Maoyanhe Drift

Maoyanhe Scenic Area

The Maoyanhe section of the Lishui River is renowned for its natural beauty and thrilling rapids. The 18-kilometer drift features a 66-meter drop and passes through 55 exciting rapids.

Zhangjiajie Maoyanhe Jiutian Cave Scenic Area (张家界茅岩河九天洞旅游风景区) starts from Jiutian Cave (九天洞) in Sangzhi County, passes through the ancient town of Kuzhuzhai (苦竹寨), traverses the mysterious Kuzhuhe Grand Canyon (苦竹河大峡谷), and ends at Yuhuang Stone Cave (玉皇石窟), famous for its grottoes.

The entire scenic route spans over 100 kilometers, integrating natural landscapes, cultural heritage, historical sites, and local customs. In 2006, it was awarded the title of a National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction.

Baili Gallery — The Hundred-Mile Gallery (百里画廊)

Maoyanhe is often referred to as the “Hundred-Mile Gallery” (百里画廊) due to its picturesque and charming scenery. Recognized as a Provincial-Level Scenic Spot in Hunan Province (湖南省省级风景名胜区), the Maoyanhe drift covers a distance of 20 kilometers with a 66-meter drop, making it one of the largest drifting tourism projects in China.

Drifting down the Maoyanhe River in a rubber boat, you’ll be greeted by steep stone cliffs, lush green mountains, and glowing gorges, with numerous rapids and fast-flowing waters adding to the thrill.

Yuhuang Stone Cave — The Largest Grotto Complex in Southern China (玉皇石窟)

Located on the southern slope of Makong Mountain (麻空山), 7 kilometers west of Zhangjiajie City (张家界市), Yuhuang Stone Cave (玉皇石窟) is the largest and best-preserved grotto complex in southern China.

The cave, built during the Qing Dynasty by local benefactor Li Jingkai (李京开), stretches over 300 meters from east to west and contains eight chambers across three levels (upper, middle, and lower). It houses 10 statues and over 50 stone carvings, making it a key cultural heritage site in Hunan Province (湖南省重点文物保护单位).

Maoyanhe Hot Springs (茅岩河温泉)

The hot springs along the Maoyanhe River are a special highlight, especially those in Wentang Town (温塘镇) along the lower reaches of the Lishui River.

The right bank hot spring is level with the river’s surface, with water temperatures around 50°C. Locals often use this spot for washing and bathing.
The left bank hot spring is 20 meters above the river, with water temperatures between 37–39°C and a flow rate of over 300 tons per hour.

Must-See Attractions Along the Drifting Route

While drifting, you’ll pass by several fascinating sites:

Wentang Ancient Ferry (温塘古渡)
Suoyingtan (索影潭)
Zongkoutan (枞蔸滩)
Yanbantan (岩板滩)
Lianhuantan (连环滩)
Shuidongzi Waterfall (水洞子瀑布)
Yuanyangzhou (鸳鸯洲)
Jima Village (寄马庄)
Heishe (黑社)
Xingzitan (星子滩)
Mao’ertan (猫儿滩)
Yanhe Gorge (岩河峡)
Huoshaorong (火烧溶)
Xinlantan (新澜滩)
Raolantan (绕澜滩)
Yinyangtan (阴阳滩)
Huangtucheng (黄土城)
Zuzhou River (阻舟河)
Xiangbizitan (象鼻子滩)
Magutan (麻姑滩)
Dalanzi Beach (大澜子滩)
Xiaolanzi Beach (小澜子滩)
Chengjiayan (撑架岩)

Transportation Guide

By Bus

Depart from Zhangjiajie City (张家界市) to Wentang (温塘), drift along the Maoyanhe River, and return to Zhangjiajie City via Huayan (花岩). The entire journey takes about 3 hours.
Alternatively, take a train or flight to Zhangjiajie, then board Bus No. 13 to reach the Maoyanhe Scenic Area.

Self-Driving Route

The Maoyanhe Drift connects to the Zhangluo Highway (张罗公路) in the south, the Zhangsang 1835 Line (张桑1835线) in the west, and the Xiaowen Road (小温公路) running through the area.
These roads link with major routes like Zhangluo, Zhangqing, and Changzhang Highways, offering convenient access for self-driving tourists.

Ticket Information

Ticket Price: 160 RMB
Ticket Collection: At the scenic area’s ticket office
Notes:
- Additional 3 RMB for insurance
- Free admission for children under 1.2 meters
- Discounts for seniors aged 70+ with valid ID
- Active military personnel receive discounts with military ID