Shizi Pass (Lion Pass) Scenic Area
狮子关
A 'floating road' built over the reservoir in Xuan'en County's canyon, where cars drive on a water-level bridge with cliffs and Tujia villages on both sides. A trendy sight on the southern route from Enshi.
Shizi Pass lies in Zhushan Town, Xuan'en County, about 60 km from Enshi city. It is a national 4A-level scenic area made up of the Shizi Pass Reservoir and the canyons on either side. Its best-known attraction is the 'Floating Bridge Road' on the water: a pontoon road about 500 meters long, laid across the lake surface. As vehicles drive over it, the deck gently rises and falls with the waves and water splashes on both sides. Seen from above, cars appear to be driving across the water. After aerial videos went viral, it became a popular stop on the southern route from Enshi. Other highlights include the cliffs and emerald waters of Shizi Pass Canyon (a boat tour takes about 30 minutes), a Tujia mountain village and viewing platforms, a glass walkway, and the ruins of an ancient post road at the pass, once a key route to Hunan during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visiting: from the visitor center, take a sightseeing bus or drive into the park. Photograph from the viewing platform first, then drive or walk across the floating bridge (visitors without cars can cross on the park bus). Afterward, take a boat tour of the canyon or walk the trails. The whole visit takes about 3 hours. Admission is about 60–80 yuan. Floating bridge crossing and boat tours cost extra, and driving into the park requires a separate vehicle pass. Getting there: a self-drive trip from Enshi city takes about 1.5 hours along National Highway G209, and about 30 minutes from Xuan'en County town. The route from Enshi to Pingshan Canyon passes through Xuan'en, so Shizi Pass is often combined with Pingshan Canyon on the same southern route (half a day for Shizi Pass and one day for Pingshan). Public transport only reaches Xuan'en County town, after which you need to charter a car. Notes: the floating bridge closes during high water or strong winds. For the best shots of the 'floating road,' use the high viewing platforms or a drone in permitted areas. Mobile signal is weak inside the canyon. There are few restaurants nearby, so plan to eat in Zhushan Town or Xuan'en County town.
Opening hours
08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Xianshan Gongshui, Xuan'en
- Fengxiangpo Dong Village
- Pengjiazhai Tujia Village
- Enshi Tujia Nü'er City
- Longlin Palace Cave
- Enshi Tusi City
- Enshi Prefecture Museum
- Xianfo Temple Grottoes