Mengdonghe River Rafting

Located in the west of Hunan Province, Mengdonghe River is only 80km away to the southeast of Zhangjiajie city. River snakes in deep gorges through Yongshun and Guzhang counties for 100 kilometers, and is nestled among mountains and remote canyon towering with limestone cliffs and fast-flowing water through it, providing an excellent waterway for whitewater rafting in skin rafts. So Mengdonghe River Rafting is honored as No.1 Rafting Under Heaven, as It comes to be a golden adventurous river, for the green woods and up to sky cliffs standing by its sides.

Rafting Experience
 

The whole floating distance of Mengdonghe River is about 17 kilometers with the most exciting upper stream floating. The rafting starts from Hani Palace, which is about 40 kilometers away from Furong Town (1 hours’ driving) and ends at Niuluhe(about 30 minutes’ driving to Furong Town). The rafting lasts for 2.5 to 3 hours. 

While enjoy the exciting rafting, you will go downwards along the river with a small boat, going through waves passing “Triangular Rock”, "Thirteen Waves”, "Chicken House Gate”, "Yanwang Beach”, "Luoshui Pond”, "Earth waterfall”, "Mengsi Valley”, etc, totally several dozens of scenic spots. At both sides of Mengdonghe River, there are cliffs standing superbly, falls suspending high in the air, ancient relics full of the place. While rating, one may feel as if they were jumping to the air from the ground, or dropping to a deep valley from the sky, or galloping on horse backs, or riding clouds and mist. With great admiration, one feels shocked first and then delighted. It is really worth trying. 

The terminal point of the rafting is sited in Niulu River Bridge, which is also an integrated service area. You can take a shuttle bus to get back to starting place. Or you can have some food and then take a bus to visit Furong Town.

Usually, it takes Zhangjiajie as the transport base to travel to Medonghe River. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours travel from Zhangjaijie to Medonghe River area. So you have to spend one whole day to do the rafting with to and from Zhangjiajie.

Transportation and Accommodation

Mengdong River Rafting is located near Furong Town in Yongshun County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. The starting point of the rafting route is about 40 kilometers from Furong Town. Most visitors choose to stay overnight in Furong Town and head to Hanigong, the rafting departure point, early the next morning.

• From Zhangjiajie: Around 2.5 hours by car
• From Jishou: About 1 hour by car
• From Fenghuang Ancient Town: About 2 hours by car

How to get to Mengdonghe River Rafting from Zhangjiajie 

Mengdonghe River is about 80km away from Zhangjiajie downtown. It is suggested to rent a car for one day to transfer you from Zhangjiajie to the starting point of the rafting (about 2 hours’ driving). After enjoying 3 hours’ rafting along the river, be transferred back to Zhangjiajie and the day tour ends.

Recommended Itinerary

Morning:
Arrive early at the rafting site for ticketing and safety checks. You may choose between a guided raft (with a boatman) or a self-operated raft (requires basic skills and signing a safety agreement).
 

Afternoon:
Drift through rapids and calm stretches, passing scenic spots like Hani Palace Waterfall, Niantu Waterfall, and Yanwang Beach. Take breaks for photos or water fights with other rafters—an exciting highlight of the trip.
 

Evening:
After the rafting ends, relax with delicious Tujia-style dishes such as smoked bacon, sour fish soup, or spicy river prawns. Many visitors continue their journey to Furong Town for a night stay.

Travel Tips

【Best time to visit】 from May to September each year is the best time to do the Mengdonghe River Rafting, then the temperature is not too low. The water would be too cold from October to March to do the rafting, especially fro December to February in winter. It usually takes about 3 hours to do the rafting 

【How to get to Mengdonghe River Rafting from Zhangjiajie】 Mengdonghe River is about 80km away from Zhangjiajie downtown. It is suggested to rent a car for one day to transfer you from Zhangjiajie to the starting point of the rafting (about 2 hours’ driving). After enjoying 3 hours’ rafting along the river, be transferred back to Zhangjiajie and the day tour ends.

【What to Bring】: Pack essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, non-slip shoes, and a waterproof bag. It’s recommended to wear dark-colored, quick-drying clothes and avoid bringing valuables.

【Safety Guidelines】: Follow all park regulations carefully. Always wear your life jacket and safety helmet properly. Keep the raft balanced during the trip and avoid collisions. If you fall into the water, stay calm and swim to the shore or wait for rescue.
 
【Consumption Tips】: Food and drinks inside the scenic area may be more expensive, so it’s best to bring some snacks and drinking water in advance. Be aware that some areas may have guided or optional consumption activities—choose wisely according to your needs.

Ticket Price

Rafting operates from early April to late October, with possible adjustments based on weather. Summer (May–September) is peak season.

Ticket prices:

• Guided rafting (12-person raft with boatman): approx. ¥160–220 per person
• Self-guided rafting (2-person raft): approx. ¥220 per person
• Tickets are usually purchased on-site.

Duration: 2.5–3 hours for standard rafting; 3–5 hours for self-guided rafting.