Hongshi Gorge Travel Guide: See Red Cliffs & Avoid Crowds
Planning a trip to Hongshi Gorge? This guide covers tickets, best times to visit, hiking routes, and local tips to maximize your experience at Yulin's red sandstone wonder.
Read storyHongshi Gorge (Red Stone Gorge)
Hongshi Gorge (Red Stone Gorge) Travel Guide View all
Hongshi Gorge (Red Stone Gorge) Overview
The Great Wall passes through the gorge. Red rocks, blue water, and interconnected grottoes give it the name 'Stele Forest of the Frontier'.
Hongshi Gorge (Red Stone Gorge) Opening Hours & Tickets
- 08:00–18:00 (summer) 08:00–17:00 (winter)
- Best season: May–October; the gorge is especially green in summer and boasts colourful foliage in October.
- Ticket note: On-site tickets, no advance booking required for individuals. Student and senior...
Essential Hongshi Gorge (Red Stone Gorge) Visitor Information
- Enquiries: +86 912 382 3333
- Parking lot
- restrooms
- ticket office
- tea houses
- souvenir shops
How to Get to Hongshi Gorge (Red Stone Gorge)
- Taxi from Yulin city center: ~20 min, about ¥30–40.
- Bus: Tourist bus or city bus No. 3 to Hongshi Gorge stop.
Hongshi Gorge (Red Stone Gorge) Travel Safety & Advice
Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119. Staff are stationed along the main path.
Practical Info
- Beiyue Temple Village, Yuyang Town, Yuyang District, Yulin City, Yulin, Shaanxi
- 08:00–18:00 (summer) 08:00–17:00 (winter)
- +86 912 382 3333
We keep this guide current.
Ratings
★★★★☆
4.0
(5 reviews)
On-site notes & editorial review
Tickets
- On-site tickets, no advance booking required for individuals. Student and senior...
Online booking may be required
Tips
Mix easily with Zhenbeitai in one day trip. Avoid the first days of major Chinese holidays when local tourists surge.
Reality Check
- - Rock carvings and cave shrines line narrow canyon paths; can feel crowded in the middle of the day.
- - Some paths are wet and slippery – wear non-slip shoes.
- - The river inside the gorge gives a welcome cool breeze in summer.
Where to Stay Near Hongshi Gorge (Red Stone Gorge) View all
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Recent Reviews
Good, but not great for the price. The gorge itself is nice—colorful rock formations and a peaceful stream. But the entry ticket felt steep for what you actually get: you can see the main features in under an hour. The signs explaining the history were faded and hard to read. I'd say go if you're in the area, but don't go out of your way.
We visited with our two kids (ages 6 and 9). They loved running along the boardwalks and spotting tiny fish in the pools. However, I wish there were more shaded rest areas—we got pretty sunburned by noon. Also, the only food option was a pricey snack shack. Scenery is top-notch though.
A perfect half-day escape! The geology here is incredible—layer after layer of red sandstone carved by the river. I brought my sketchbook and spent hours just sitting near the main waterfall. Entrance fee is reasonable, and the staff at the ticket booth were friendly. Would recommend sturdy shoes; lots of stairs!
Hongshi Gorge is beautiful no doubt, but I felt it was a bit overhyped. The pathways are crowded even on a weekday, and some of the viewing platforms are tiny. Also, the water level was low when I visited, so the cascades weren't as dramatic as the photos suggest. Worth seeing, but manage expectations.
Absolutely stunning gorge! The red cliffs against the blue sky are a photographer's dream. We went early morning and had the place almost to ourselves—just the sound of water and birds. The walkways are well-maintained, and the views at every turn left me speechless. Definitely a highlight of our trip.
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