Jiemuxi National Nature Reserve
借母溪
One of the best-preserved primeval secondary forests in western Hunan, where gorges, waterfalls, and Tujia stilt houses come together. It is a national 4A-level scenic area.
Jiemuxi is located in the northern part of Yuanling County, across Jiemuxi Township and Mingxikou Town. The nature reserve covers about 13,000 hectares and is known as a 'kingdom of ecology and paradise of species.' It is home to rare plants such as ginkgo and Chinese yew, as well as many bird species. Wooden walkways run along the stream, letting you hike through the gorge, see waterfalls, and visit deep pools. The village keeps its Tujia stilt houses, and in the evening you can watch the live show *Niuzi Flowers Bloom* (performance schedules are subject to announcements). The drive from the county seat takes about 60 km over mountain roads. Self-driving or hiring a car is recommended, and it's worth spending a night at a farmhouse.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Hujiaxi Ancient Village
- Jietan Tea Plantation
- Fengtan Reservoir
- Eryou Mountain
- Fenghuang Mountain (Yuanling)
- Yuanling Old Town
- Chenzhou Three Pagodas (Longyin Pagoda)
- Longxing Jiangsi Temple