🚣 Rafting Near Shanghai – Best Routes for 2026
Complete guide to rafting near Shanghai: extreme rapids in Huxiaoxia Gorge, Dragon Canyon, family-friendly routes in Anji, glass slides, and more. Prices, photos, tips.
Rafting is a great way to spend an active weekend and escape the megacity. Within 3–4 hours' drive from Shanghai, there are plenty of options – from calm family floats to real extreme descents on wild rivers. This selection covers the best rafting locations for a one-day trip.
🏞️ Best Rafting Spots Near Shanghai
Huxiaoxia Gorge – for thrill seekers
Very difficultThe toughest route in our list, designed for experienced rafters. Powerful rapids and a real challenge with nature.
Price: from $280 per group
- Rapids class IV–V
- Waves up to 2 m
- Only for trained (age 14+)
Extreme rafting "Mountain Bay" – the speed formula
Very difficultCalled the "Formula‑1" of rafting in Zhejiang. 3.5 km with a 208 m drop – incredible speed, sharp turns, and a huge adrenaline rush.
Price: from $280 per group
- Fastest and steepest descent in the region
- 208 m drop – like a 70‑storey building
- Only for trained (age 16+)
Extreme rafting "Nine Heavens" in Anji – for the brave
Very difficult3 km, 120 m drop, 12 powerful rapids including a 4‑m cascade. Only for the boldest!
Price: from $260 per group
- 12 powerful rapids, including a 4‑m cascade
- High speed and adrenaline
- Only adults (age 18+)
Extreme rafting on the border of two provinces
Very difficultThe most adventurous in Eastern China: 16 unique rapids, 130 m drop, max 10‑m fall. Runs along the border of Anhui and Zhejiang – "one raft, two provinces". Only for the fearless!
Price: from $340 per group
- 16 rapids, none alike
- Maximum drop 10 m
- Only for trained (age 14+)
Dragon Canyon in Anji – balance of adrenaline and comfort
DifficultA relatively new route that is quickly gaining popularity. A great mix of extreme and scenic views.
Price: from $250 per group
- 17 obstacles including a 100‑m tunnel with light effects
- 6‑m drop
- Picturesque bamboo forests
Rafting on Dragon King Mountain – source of Huangpu
DifficultRafting at the source of the Huangpu River: 3 km with a 100 m drop. Wild rapids and stunning bamboo landscapes.
Price: from $240 per group
- Source of Huangpu River
- 100 m drop
- Stunning mountain and bamboo views
Glass slide + mountain river – double extreme
DifficultUnique combo: a thrilling 1200‑m glass slide at 58 m height, then 3 km of rafting on a wild river.
Price: from $270 per group
- 1200‑m glass slide at 58 m height
- Then 3 km of wild rafting
- Double adrenaline rush
Golden Peak Canyon – rafting with an underground tunnel
DifficultThe route starts with a 700‑m underground tunnel in complete darkness, then bursts out into the light – an unforgettable experience.
Price: from $250 per group
- 700‑m underground tunnel in total darkness
- Sudden exit to daylight and 30‑m speed drop
- Alternating wild currents and calm pools
Longjing Gorge – glass slide + rafting
DifficultUnique combo: 1200‑m glass slide at 58 m height, then 3 km of rafting on crystal‑clear mountain water with a 128 m drop. Unbelievable thrills!
Price: from $340 per group
- Glass slide 1200 m, drop 68 m
- Rafting 3 km, drop 128 m, 7 waterfalls
- Pure spring water (source at 928 m)
- For adults (height ≥130 cm, weight ≤100 kg)
Extreme rafting in Xiaohuangshan Canyon
DifficultOne of the most exciting routes in Eastern China! 3.5 km of wild water, nearly 200 m drop. Steep descents, water slides, and picturesque canyon views. A real challenge for adrenaline lovers!
Price: from $320 per group
- Drop nearly 200 m
- Steep descents and water slides
- Spectacular canyon views
Northern Zhejiang Gorge in Anji – perfect for families
MediumGreat choice for family outings. Not too extreme, but plenty of excitement for the whole day.
Price: from $230 per group
- Allowed from 85 cm height – great for kids
- Hot showers and changing rooms after the trip
- Optional bamboo forest walk
Liuxi River – two in one: bamboo raft + speedboat
MediumA 6‑km route combining two types of rafting: first a bamboo raft with water fights, then a speedboat through three canyons.
Price: from $220 per group
- First bamboo raft with water battles
- Then speedboat through three canyons
- Visit Xiangu Island with a waterfall
Family rafting with the longest tunnel
MediumThe longest tunnel among similar routes, with 18 S‑shaped bends. Gentle flow, ideal for beginners and families with kids. Minimum height – 85 cm. Great for first‑time rafters.
Price: from $320 per group
- Longest tunnel in the region
- 18 bends, calm current
- Allowed from 85 cm height
Easy rafting in Shenxi Canyon – for beginners
EasyModerate mountain river rafting in a scenic canyon at the foot of Tianmu. Clear water and gentle rapids perfect for beginners and families.
Price: from $210 per group
- Gentle current, good for novices
- Crystal clear water
- Beautiful canyon at the foot of Tianmu
Maoshan Forest World in Changzhou – a paradise for kids
EasyA family adventure park with routes for children from 1 metre tall. Themed zones, safe rafting, bamboo forests, and great conditions for a family day out.
Price: from $200 per group
- Allowed from 1 m height – for the little ones
- Themed zones and safe rafting
- Bamboo forests and attractions
📊 Comparison Table of Routes
| Location | Length | Drop | Time | For whom | Difficulty | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huxiaoxia Gorge | 10 km (4.8 km) | 260 m | 1.5–2 h | Extreme (14+) | Very difficult | $340 |
| Mountain Bay | 3.5 km | 208 m | 1.5 h | Extreme (16+) | Very difficult | $360 |
| Nine Heavens | 3 km | 120 m | 1–1.5 h | Extreme (18+) | Very difficult | $340 |
| Border of two provinces | 2.2 km | 130 m | 1 h | Extreme (16+) | Very difficult | $340 |
| Dragon Canyon | 2.8 km | 128 m | 1–1.5 h | Active | Difficult | $320 |
| Dragon King Mountain | 3 km | 100 m | ~1 h | Active | Difficult | $340 |
| Glass slide + river | 3 km | – | 1–1.5 h | Adrenaline | Difficult | $340 |
| Golden Peak Canyon | 2.5 km | 100 m | 1 h | Adrenaline | Difficult | $320 |
| Longjing Gorge | 3 km | 128 m | 1.5 h | Adults (height ≥130 cm) | Difficult | $340 |
| Xiaohuangshan | 3.5 km | ~190 m | 1.5 h | Active | Difficult | $320 |
| Northern Zhejiang Gorge | 2–3 km | up to 80 m | ~1 h | Families (85 cm+) | Medium | $340 |
| Liuxi River | 6 km | – | ~2 h | Families, active | Medium | $300 |
| Family rafting with longest tunnel | 2.5 km | 80–100 m | 1 h | Families (85 cm+) | Medium | $320 |
| Shenxi Canyon | 3 km | – | 1 h | Beginners, families | Easy | $320 |
| Maoshan Forest World | – | – | – | Families (1 m+) | Easy | $320 |
💡 Useful Tips Before You Go
- Season: most routes are open from July to October – the best time for rafting.
- Gear: bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a waterproof phone case (many bases provide them for free).
- Footwear: we recommend closed sandals or trainers that can get wet – they provide good grip on slippery surfaces.
- Booking: weekends fill up quickly – book in advance, especially during peak season.
- Transfer: all our tours include a meeting at Xinzhuang metro station and comfortable transport to the rafting site.
Want to add rafting to your trip? Just contact us – we'll pick the perfect route for your group and skill level!
