Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Hangzhou Discovery
By Chen Miaolin
As the scorching summer heat rolls in, there’s no better way to cool off than by diving into the exhilarating world of river rafting. Picture yourself on a rubber raft, riding the waves of mountain streams, being splashed by icy-cold spring water, and experiencing the adrenaline rush of a “roller coaster on water”. Hangzhou and its surrounding areas boast an array of rafting destinations to suit every thrill level. Here’s your guide to the best spots:
For adrenaline junkies
Lin’an: Longjing Gorge rafting
Nestled at the entrance of Zhejiang’s Grand Dragon Bay, Longjing Gorge rafting course stretches 3 kilometers with a dramatic 128-meter vertical drop. Fed by alpine springs at 928 meters above sea level, its rapid currents and steep descents promise heart-pounding excitement. Dubbed “rafting on mineral water” and a “roller coaster on waves”,this is a must for thrill-seekers.
Location: Longjing Village, Longgang Town, Lin’an District
Tonglu: Tiger Roar Gorge rafting
This “No. 1 Rafting in East China” lives up to its name with a 10-kilometer canyon, 260-meter drop, and roaring water volume. The 4-kilometer course, featuring sharp twists and steep falls, takes about 1.5 hours to conquer.
Location: Chengxia Village, Zhongshan Town, Tonglu County
For family-friendly fun
Yuhang: Pear Blossom rafting
Closest to downtown Hangzhou (under an hour’s drive), this gentle yet lively 2.3-kilometer route offers 13 themed zones and a 53-meter drop. Its pet-friendly policy--allowing dogs onboard--makes it a unique choice for families.
Location: Xianbaikeng Village, Luniao Town, Yuhang District
Lin’an: Moon Bay rafting
Ideal for beginners, this 2.5-kilometer course near Tianmu Mountain blends calm stretches with mild rapids (max drop: 7 meters). It’s a one-hour drive from downtown, making it perfect for a relaxed day out.
Location: Yueliangqiao Village, Tianmushan Town, Lin’an District
Nighttime magic
Jiande: Lianxiang Valley Peach Blossom rafting
Opening in mid-June, this 5-kilometer course splits into daytime (thrilling) and nighttime (leisurely) sections. The 2-kilometer night float, with a gentle 17-meter drop, will soon feature cultural light shows for added charm.
Location: No. 266 Getang Village, Qintang Town, Jiande City
Safety Tips
1.Health check: avoid rafting if you have heart conditions, hypertension, or epilepsy.
2.Gear up: bring spare clothes and secure footwear. Showers are available on-site.
3.Life jackets mandatory: wear provided safety gear at all times.
4.Age/weight limits: children must be ≥1.2m tall and be accompanied by adults (≤60 years). Weight limit: 200 kg per raft.