Jiaolong Canyon - Flying Dragon Gorge 2025

Glass observation platforms at a height of 200 meters in the heart of Zhejiang Province

Flying Dragon Gorge in Zhejiang Province

Jiaolong Canyon (θ›ŸιΎ™ε€§ε³‘θ°·) is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Eastern China. It got the name "Flying Dragon" for its winding shape resembling the body of a mythical dragon soaring between the cliffs. In 2025, the canyon is equipped with modern viewing platforms and safe routes, while preserving the wild beauty of untouched nature.

This is an ideal place for those looking for extreme experiences in China: you will walk across a glass bridge over the abyss, take hundreds of photos against breathtaking views, and feel complete unity with nature. Just 4-5 hours' drive from Shanghai – and you are in a completely different world.

Distance from Shanghai
~350 km
Travel time
4-5 hours
Best season
April - November
Glass platform height
~200 meters

How to get there from Shanghai in 2025

In 2025, new high-speed trains and routes have appeared, making travel more convenient:

πŸš— Private car / Rental

G60 highway (Shanghai-Kunming) to Lishui, then S33 highway to Jinyun County. Toll road ~250 yuan one way.

~500-800 RMB (fuel + tolls)
4-5 hours (no traffic)
πŸš„ High-speed train + πŸš• Taxi (recommended)

New express from Shanghai Hongqiao to Lishui (only 2 hours, several daily departures). Then taxi or local bus to the canyon (1 hour).

~350-450 RMB (train) + 180-220 RMB (taxi)
3.5-4 hours total
🚌 Bus tour (hassle-free)

Group or private tours from Shanghai with guide, transfer, and tickets. Great option for a first visit.

~650-1100 RMB per person
1-2 days
πŸ’‘ 2025 hack

Download offline maps (Amap or Baidu Maps) – mobile signal in the mountains is unstable. If traveling by train, it's best to get a ticket to Lishui rather than Jinyun: there are more taxis and a higher chance of finding a Russian/English speaking driver through the Didi app.

What awaits you in Jiaolong Canyon

  • Glass "Dragon Arch" – a new 2025 viewing platform shaped like a dragon's tail, extending 15 meters over the abyss.
  • Round panoramic platform – the classic platform at a height of 200 m with a 360Β° panorama.
  • Glass bridge "Dragon Flight" – a 280-meter crossing with a transparent floor, reinforced to new safety standards.
  • Dragon Serpentine Trail – a scenic route along the mountain river with waterfalls and natural pools.
  • Rock terraces – natural viewpoints at different levels offering the best photo opportunities.
  • Suspended swings over the abyss – a new adrenaline attraction for thrill-seekers (extra charge).

Which route to choose?

RouteTimeDifficultyFor whom
Classic loop (main)
2-3 h
Moderate
Most tourists, families with children aged 10+
Extreme + glass attractions
3-4 h
High
Adrenaline seekers, no fear of heights
Easy walk (to the first waterfall)
1-1.5 h
Low
Elderly, small children, visitors with restrictions
πŸ“Œ Note

On weekdays there are almost no queues; on weekends and holidays there can be up to 40 minutes wait for the glass bridge. Plan your visit in the morning (by 8:30) or after 15:00.

What to bring in 2025

  • Comfortable trekking shoes – a must! Regular sneakers may slip on wet steps.
  • Water (1.5-2 liters) – there is only one drinking water source on the route (at the entrance).
  • Quick snack (bars, nuts) – a restaurant is only at the foot.
  • Raincoat or light windbreaker – weather in the gorge changes every 15 minutes.
  • Power bank – you will take many photos and use maps/navigation.
  • Cash (yuan) – the terminal may not work at ticket offices, and signal may be lost.
  • Sunscreen and hat – even on cloudy days.
⚠️ Important warning

Glass platforms may be closed in strong winds (over 15 m/s), thunderstorms, or icing. Check the weather forecast for your travel day. People with acrophobia, epilepsy, or serious cardiovascular diseases should choose a different route.

πŸ’° Current prices for 2025

Entrance ticket (including glass platform)
110 yuan
Glass bridge (additional)
60 yuan
Suspended swings / bungee
80 yuan
Car parking
20 yuan/day
Electric car to the foot (optional)
10 yuan
Portable charger rental
5 yuan/hour
πŸ“… Best time to visit in 2025

April–May (azalea blooming), September–October (golden autumn, comfortable temperature +18..+25). Avoid "Golden Week" (October 1-7) and May holidays – the canyon is overcrowded on these days.

Jiaolong Canyon in photos: Dragon Gorge

πŸ‘₯ Real tourist reviews 2024-2025

Ekaterina, Moscow May 2025
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We went with a weekend group. Very cool! We were afraid of heights, but the glass platform turned out not as scary as it seemed. Fantastic views, the guide told us legends about the dragon. I recommend taking trekking poles – there are really many steps.
Anton & Yulia, Saint Petersburg October 2024
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The road is long, but it's worth it. We rented a car – very convenient, we could stop for photos along the way. On a weekday there were few people, we crossed the glass bridge without waiting. The downside is that there are almost no signs in Russian/English, good thing we downloaded a translator.
Petrov family, Shanghai July 2025
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We went with two children (8 and 14). We took the easy route, the kids were thrilled with the swings over the cliff! We had lunch at the cafe at the entrance – decent food, reasonable prices (60 yuan for a main course). We returned by train, very comfortable.
πŸ“£ Leave your review

If you have already visited Jiaolong Canyon, write to us on Telegram @salaoshi2 – we will publish your review on the website and give you a 10% discount on your next tour.

🏨 Where to stay near the canyon

πŸ™οΈ Lishui city

Hotels from 250 to 800 yuan. Good selection near the train station. Recommended: Jinjiang Inn, Holiday Inn Express.

🏑 Guesthouses at the foot

Traditional Chinese guesthouses with home cooking. From 180 to 400 yuan per room. Book via Trip.com or WeChat.

β›Ί Glamping in the mountains (new 2025)

Tents with all amenities right near the canyon. 600 yuan per night (breakfast included). Reservation required 2 weeks in advance.

🌐 Useful apps

For your trip you will need: Didi (taxi), Baidu Maps (navigation), Pleco (translator). Install them in advance, and also download offline maps of the Zhejiang region.