A dramatic steel walkway bolted to a sheer canyon wall, with views of the needle-like Yiliushui rock pinnacles below.
The Qixing Zhai Plank Walk traces a steel walkway bolted directly into the cliff face of the Enshi Grand Canyon Scenic Area, Xiaoxi Township, Enshi Prefecture, Hubei Province. Hikers reach the trailhead by the scenic area's shuttle bus, which runs from the main entrance gate to the Qixing Zhai stop after purchasing the park entrance ticket. The 6km loop clings to canyon walls between roughly 1,000m and 1,700m elevation, with the plank sections themselves largely level but connected by steep stone stairways that account for most of the route's elevation change. The walkway surface is metal grating and planking with railings along the outer, exposed edge, built directly against the rock; sections pass beneath overhanging cliff and through narrow, fissure-like gaps in the stone. Exposure is significant throughout, with sheer drops of several hundred metres below much of the walkway, and there is little to no shade for long stretches. Along the route, hikers get close views of the needle-like Yiliushui rock pinnacles rising from the canyon floor, as well as the Yihegu and Qixing Zhai lookout platforms. There are no natural water sources on the walkway; small rest points with vendors and toilets are spaced along the loop at the main viewing platforms. Hikers pressed for time can turn back at the first major overlook after roughly 2km, which offers canyon and pinnacle views without committing to the full loop and its connecting stairways.
| Distance | 6km cliffside walkway loop |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4–6 hours |
| Difficulty | hard |
| Trailhead | Mode: Scenic area shuttle bus from the main gate to the Qixing Zhai trailhead |
| Best season | April–May, September–October |
| Address | Enshi Grand Canyon Scenic Area, Xiaoxi Township, Enshi |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Xiaoxi Township, Enshi
What to bring
Sturdy hiking shoes; walkway and railings are built into the cliff face
Weather through the year in China
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for China.
Location
Enshi Grand Canyon Scenic Area, Xiaoxi Township, Enshi
30.4000, 109.3600 View on map
Highlights
- Steel plank walkway bolted directly into the canyon cliff face
- Close-up views of the needle-like Yiliushui rock pinnacles
- Narrow rock-fissure passages and overhanging cliff sections
- Multiple lookout platforms across the 1,000–1,700m elevation range
Tips for visiting
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes, as sections involve steep stone stairs connecting the plank walkways
- This trail is not recommended for those with a strong fear of heights, given the sustained exposure along the cliff edge
- Visit outside peak holiday weeks, since the narrow walkway sections can bottleneck badly with crowds
- Carry water, as options are limited to a few vendor stalls at the main platforms
When to visit
Visit April–May or September–October for mild temperatures; arrive on a weekday morning to avoid bottlenecks on the narrow walkway sections.
Accessibility
The narrow, railed walkway with connecting stone stairways is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible; the terrain and exposure make it unsuitable for visitors with significant mobility limitations.
Frequently asked questions
Is the plank walk safe in wet weather?
The metal walkway can become slippery when wet, and the scenic area may restrict access during heavy rain or storms; checking conditions before departure is worthwhile.
How strenuous is the full 6km loop?
It involves sustained walking with steep connecting stairways and significant height exposure, making it more demanding than its distance alone suggests.
Can visitors shorten the walk?
Yes, turning back at the first major overlook around the 2km mark still provides strong views of the canyon and pinnacles.