The scenic course at Hongkou National Nature Reserve near Longxi in Dujiangyan, about 75 km northwest of central Chengdu, covers roughly 22 km of the reserve's 24.2 km rafting line at an easy, family-friendly pace through forested river canyon. This section is graded for a broad range of participants, including children accompanied by an adult, since the current is generally gentle with only intermittent small rapids; no prior rafting experience is required. The rafting concession, operated directly by Hongkou National Nature Reserve, provides a helmet, life jacket, water shoes and a secure locker as part of the ticket price, so travelers only need to bring quick-dry clothing, swimwear worn underneath, and a change of dry clothes for afterward. The concession has run organized rafting on this river for many years and is the sole operator on the reserve's managed section, giving it de facto authority over safety standards along the route. Before boarding, staff give a safety briefing covering paddle commands, what to do if a raft flips, and the location of safety personnel stationed along the banks at trickier bends; rescue boats and reserve staff patrol the course during operating hours. The best season runs May to September, when river flow is highest and water temperature is comfortable for getting wet; visitors should avoid rafting shortly after heavy rain, when the reserve may suspend trips due to elevated and unpredictable flow, and should check ahead during the shoulder months of April and October, when water levels can be too low or too cold for a comfortable run.
| Price | CNY 170 ($23) including helmet, life jacket, water shoes and a locker |
|---|---|
| Duration | Around 2 hours on the water |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | May-September, when river flow is highest and swimming-warm |
| Address | Hongkou National Nature Reserve, Longxi, Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan, China |
Activity facts
- Where
- Longxi, Dujiangyan, about 75 km northwest of central Chengdu
Equipment
- Quick-dry clothing and swimwear underneath
- Change of dry clothes for after
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Sandals or the provided water shoes
Location
Hongkou National Nature Reserve, Longxi, Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
31.1600, 103.6300 View on map
Highlights
- 22 km scenic river run through Hongkou Nature Reserve canyon
- Suitable for families and rafting first-timers
- Full safety kit included in the ticket price
- Forested canyon scenery for most of the route
Tips for visiting
- Book on weekday mornings in July-August to avoid the longest queues at the put-in point
- Check reserve announcements after heavy rain, since trips can be suspended for high water
- Wear the provided water shoes rather than flip-flops, which can be lost in the current
- Store phones and valuables in the included locker rather than a personal dry bag
Frequently asked questions
Is the scenic course suitable for children?
Yes, the scenic course is graded for an easy pace with only intermittent small rapids, making it suitable for children accompanied by an adult.
What is included in the rafting ticket price?
The ticket includes a helmet, life jacket, water shoes and a locker for valuables during the roughly two-hour trip.
What happens if it rains before the trip?
The reserve may suspend rafting after heavy rain due to elevated and unpredictable river flow, so checking ahead on the day is advisable.
When is the water warm enough for rafting?
May through September offers the highest flow and warmest water; April and October can be too cold or too low for a comfortable run.