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Hiking · Zhejiang, Zhejiang

Nanxi River Gorge Trail

  • Difficultymoderate
  • Distance8km one-way along the riverside path
  • Duration4 hours
  • Elevation150m cumulative gain
  • Rating★ 4.4
  • TransportBus from Wenzhou to Yantou town in Yongjia County, then local bus or bamboo raft between the Nanxi River sub-scenic areas

The Nanxi River Gorge Trail follows the riverside path through the Nanxi River National Scenic Area in Yongjia County, Wenzhou, an area known for its limestone gorges, waterfalls and traditional villages along the water. Access is by bus from Wenzhou to Yantou town in Yongjia County, followed by a local bus or bamboo raft to move between the river's separate sub-scenic areas, each requiring its own or a combined entrance ticket.

The Nanxi River Gorge Trail follows the riverside path through the Nanxi River National Scenic Area in Yongjia County, Wenzhou, an area known for its limestone gorges, waterfalls and traditional villages along the water. Access is by bus from Wenzhou to Yantou town in Yongjia County, followed by a local bus or bamboo raft to move between the river's separate sub-scenic areas, each requiring its own or a combined entrance ticket. The route covers about 8 kilometres one-way along the riverside path with 150 metres of cumulative elevation gain over roughly 4 hours, on a mix of paved riverside walkways and dirt sections, keeping the technical difficulty moderate mainly because of the sustained distance rather than steep terrain. The path stays largely at river level with intermittent shade from riverside trees, alternating with open stretches beside the water where sun exposure is higher. Landmarks along the route include the Nanxi River's covered wooden bridges, several waterfalls fed by tributary streams, and traditional Yongjia villages with preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture; the village of Furong makes a natural midpoint stop and turnaround for a shorter walk. Village shops and tea houses along the way offer food and water, and there are no wilderness shelters needed since the trail passes through inhabited areas throughout.

Practical information for Nanxi River Gorge Trail
Distance 8km one-way along the riverside path
Duration 4 hours
Difficulty moderate
Trailhead Bus from Wenzhou to Yantou town in Yongjia County, then local bus or bamboo raft between the Nanxi River sub-scenic areas
Best season April to June and September to November
Address Nanxi River Scenic Area, Yongjia County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325100, China

Trail facts

Trail area
Nanxi River National Scenic Area, Yongjia County, Wenzhou

What to bring

  • Hiking shoes
  • 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear for optional river stops

Weather through the year in Zhejiang

JAN FEB 11° MAR 17° APR 22° MAY 26° JUN 31° JUL 32° AUG 27° SEP 21° OCT 15° NOV DEC

Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding

Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Zhejiang.

Location

Nanxi River Scenic Area, Yongjia County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325100, China

28.1450, 120.6883 View on map

Highlights

  • Covered wooden bridges spanning the Nanxi River
  • Traditional Yongjia villages with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture
  • Waterfalls fed by tributary streams along the gorge
  • Optional bamboo raft rides between river sub-scenic areas

Tips for visiting

  • Bring swimwear if planning to stop at any of the river's swimming spots along the way
  • Combine walking with a bamboo raft segment to cover the full 8 kilometres more comfortably
  • Village tea houses along the route are a good source of water and snacks without needing to carry much
  • Furong village makes a convenient midpoint to shorten the walk if time is limited

When to visit

April to June and September to November bring comfortable temperatures and good water levels for the waterfalls; summer river stops are popular for cooling off.

Accessibility

Paved riverside sections near the villages are relatively flat and walkable, but the full 8-kilometre route includes uneven dirt stretches not suited to wheelchairs or strollers.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Nanxi River Gorge Trail?

The one-way riverside route covers about 8 kilometres with 150 metres of elevation gain, taking roughly 4 hours.

Do hikers need to walk the whole route?

No, bamboo rafts and local buses connect the river's sub-scenic areas for those who want to cover part of the distance by water or road.

What villages are along the route?

Traditional Yongjia villages including Furong, known for its preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture.

Is swimming possible along the river?

Yes, there are spots suited to swimming, and swimwear is worth packing in warmer months.