Huangteng Gorge Rafting Horror Story: What Lies Hidden in the Missing 17th Bend?

❤ As the bamboo raft approached the 16th bend, the old boatman suddenly went silent.

❤ Just a moment before, he was telling the legend of the "man-eating 17th bend"—how three years ago, a couple disappeared with their raft into thin air. The search team scoured the entire canyon but couldn't find the 17th rapid marked on the map. I laughed, accusing him of making up stories to scare tourists, but he tapped the water with his bamboo pole: "Look at these waves."

❤ The churning river suddenly solidified into a dark green mirror, and the sound of fingernails scratching the wooden planks came from under the raft. The GPS on my companion's phone started going haywire, and the compass spun wildly as if manipulated by an invisible hand. As we rounded the jagged mountain wall, thick fog swallowed all sound. When I counted the 17th violent jolt, all that remained behind me was an empty life jacket.

❤ The mountain wind carried half a torn scenic map, with dark red water stains seeping into the spot where the 17th bend was originally marked.

👉 Travel Guide:
I. Basic Information
Address: Huangteng Gorge Eco-Tourism Area, Dongcheng Street, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province
Opening Hours: Rafting is usually open from 13:00–15:00 (seasonal adjustments, it is recommended to confirm before departure)
Tickets: Rafting tickets are charged by section (Warrior Rafting approx. CNY 138, Full Rafting approx. CNY 298); Tianmen Suspension Gallery is charged separately (approx. CNY 128)

II. Transportation Guide
Self-driving (recommended):
From Guangzhou: Guangqing Expressway → Qingyuan West Exit → Qinglian Expressway → Huangteng Gorge (approx. 1.5 hrs)
From Shenzhen: Guangshen Expressway → Guangzhou Ring Expressway → Guangqing Expressway → Qingyuan (approx. 2.5 hrs)
Public Transportation:
Qingyuan High-Speed Railway Station/Bus Station: Taxi approx. 20 mins, or take a bus to "Huangteng Gorge" Station

III. Must-Do Activities
Huangteng Gorge Rafting (core experience!)
Warrior Rafting (2.8 km): Suitable for novice families, combining gentle and exciting currents
Daredevil Rafting (2.8 km): Mid-level advanced, with an increased number of plunge pools
Full Warrior Rafting (4.8 km): Full of screams, with a drop of 130m, suitable for challengers
Tips: Prepare a change of clothes and a waterproof bag; wear sandals with straps; on-site lockers CNY 10–20
Tianmen Suspension Gallery
The world's longest glass suspension gallery (500m), with transparent views underfoot and a light show at night
It is recommended to visit in the evening, to view the canyon during the day + enjoy the lights at night
Other Activities
High-altitude cable car, mountain and water park, go-karting, mountain slide (suitable for families)

IV. Itinerary Suggestions
One-Day Tour: Tianmen Suspension Gallery in the morning → Lunch (restaurant in the scenic area) → Rafting in the afternoon → Return trip
Two-Day Tour:
Day 1: Rafting + Mountain and Water Park → Overnight stay at a scenic hotel
Day 2: Tianmen Suspension Gallery → Surrounding Niuyuzui Scenic Area/Gulong Gorge → Return trip

V. Accommodation Recommendations
High-end: Huangteng Gorge No. 18 Villa (in the scenic area, detached villa with swimming pool)
Comfort: Huangteng Gorge Hotel (near the rafting starting point, convenient for water activities)
Cost-effective: Qingyuan city hotels (many choices, low prices, approx. 20 mins drive)

VI. Food Recommendations
Qingyuan Chicken: A must-eat! Recommended "Tianqiao Di Chicken Pot" (charcoal clay pot)
Beijiang River Fresh: Yellow bone fish, river shrimp, fresh and freshly caught
Zhouxin Roasted Pork: Local specialty crispy roasted pork
Dining in the Scenic Area: Mountain and water tofu, bamboo rice

VII. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Do not wear slippers for rafting! It is recommended to wear stream tracing shoes or sports sandals
It is more cost-effective to buy a package online in advance (rafting + Tianmen Suspension Gallery approx. CNY 260)
July–August is the peak season, try to arrive before 10:00 on weekends to avoid queuing
Rafting may be suspended after heavy rain, check the scenic area announcement before departure
Hold on to the handrails when rafting and lean forward to prevent capsizing

Best Season: May–October (rafting), glass bridge and mountain climbing can be experienced in autumn and winter
What to Wear: Quick-drying clothes + sunscreen, prepare swimwear/towels