Baojing County walking route: Aizhai Bridge to Xinzhai
Explore the village of Xinzhai nestled in the valley beneath China's iconic Aizhai Bridge in Xiangxi, Hunan Province. This scenic walking route follows the riverbank through a mountainous region transformed by the 1534-meter bridge that opened in 2012, connecting remote areas to the wider region.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Xinzhai Village & Xiangxi
- End
- Xinzhai Village
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Xinzhai Village & Xiangxi — Ancient settlement nestled beneath a massive natural bridge, featuring traditional architecture and terraced landscapes carved into mountainous terrain.
- Aizhai Bridge — A famous suspension bridge in China spanning 1,534 meters across mountains and valleys with a deck height of 336 meters above the valley floor, opened in 2012.
- Mountain Village Walk — Hiking trail through remote villages offering panoramic views of karst peaks, hidden valleys, and authentic rural life in southwestern China.
- Xinzhai Village — A hidden mountain village nestled in a valley beneath the famous Aizhai Bridge in western Hunan Province, offering traditional rural life and stunning natural scenery.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit in April for pleasant weather. The area experiences mild temperatures around 27°C with gentle breezes, ideal for outdoor walking.
- Transport
- Access to Xinzhai became more convenient after Aizhai Bridge and expressway opened in 2012, connecting this mountainous area better to the outside world.
- Tip
- Aizhai Bridge spans Dehang Canyon with a deck 336 meters above the valley floor. Total length is about 1,534 meters with a main span of 1,176 meters.
- Tip
- View Aizhai Bridge from Xinzhai village below for the most direct impression of the bridge's massive scale. The perspective from the valley floor is striking.
- Food
- Experience wood-fired cooking in the village, a traditional method rarely seen in cities. Local villagers cook using this method.
Video on this route
Under a Giant Bridge in China, There’s a Hidden Mountain Paradise