Wangxian Township, Guangxin District, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, China
The“fairyland town on the cliff,” an ideal getaway and a paradise for photographers
Wangxian Valley, located in Wangxian Township, Guangxin District, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, is a fairyland town renowned for its natural beauty and cliff-side houses. This scenic spot not only boasts magnificent canyon landscapes but also features ancient streets, the historic Tianxin Zen Temple, and the famous cliffside inns. With its unique natural and cultural attractions, Wangxian Valley attracts numerous visitors to explore and experience its charm.
♦Gorge Scenery
The gorge scenery of Wangxian Valley is breathtaking. Notable features include Lei Dashi (雷打石), a rock with peculiar shapes and mysterious legends. The "Sankou Guo" (三口锅) consists of three natural deep pools with crystal-clear water in a serene environment, offering a sense of tranquility. Wangxian Falls (望仙瀑布) is a majestic waterfall cascading down with great momentum, serving as a landmark of the valley. The "Sandie Waterfall" (三叠水) is formed by three cascading waterfalls, creating a spectacular sight. The glass walkway, built along the cliff, stretches 388 meters and stands nearly 100 meters high, allowing visitors to gaze down at the valley and enjoy the rolling hills and lush greenery.
♦Ancient Town Streets
The ancient streets of Wangxian Valley exude historical and cultural charm. Preserved from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, these streets are lined with shops, residences, and ancestral halls. Walking along these streets, you can admire intricately carved wooden houses and experience the unique architectural styles of ancient times.
These streets offer many attractions and activities. For instance, Wangxian Yang Mansion (望仙杨府) and Hu Clan Ancestral Hall (胡氏宗祠) are intricately designed and exquisitely carved, embodying rich cultural connotations. Juxian Stage and Three Gods Temple (三神庙) are great places to experience local traditional culture, often hosting folk performances such as traditional Han weddings, Gan opera, and Yiyang tunes.
Mingchan Lane (鸣蝉巷) is home to numerous craft shops where you can paint or learn woodworking. Zui Xian Street (醉仙街) on the left bank of the valley offers a perfect vantage point for views of Baihe Cliff (白鹤崖), Round Top Peak (圆顶峰), and Yanpu Market (岩铺街市). This area features bars, wine shops, beer houses, and barbecue spots, creating a vibrant nightlife scene.
♦Cliff-Side Houses
The cliff-side houses of Wangxian Valley are not only the most famous and popular attractions but also offer a unique lodging experience. These inns, perched on the edge of cliffs, provide stunning and unique views, attracting many visitors for sightseeing and photography. Staying in these inns allows guests to admire the magnificent gorge scenery and starry nights, offering a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
Wangxian Valley can be divided into cliff areas and ancient town areas, with a drifting experience running through the mountains, offering different landscapes during the day and night. Generally, visitors can plan a 1-2 days trip to fully explore the main attractions and activities. Arriving at noon, staying overnight, and leaving the next day at noon is ideal. If time is limited, you can also arrive at noon and leave after the 8:30 pm bonfire party.
►Explore Magnificent Natural and Cultural Landscapes
Wangxian Valley has many must-see attractions. It is recommended to follow this route: Visitor Center - Qingyun Bridge (青云桥) - Xunxian Road (寻仙路) - Sandie Waterfall (三叠瀑) - Sankou (三口锅) - Guanyin Waterfall (观音瀑) - Rainbow Waterfall (彩虹瀑) - Mijin Pass (迷津口) - Baiwei Street (百味街) - Baige Bridge(百舸桥)- Stage Square(戏台广场)- Wangxian Yang Mansion(望仙杨府)- Mingchan Lane (鸣蝉巷) - Upper Wharf(上码头)- Return Walkway - Zui Xian Street(醉仙街)- Lanyue Bridge(揽月桥)- Hu Clan Ancestral Hall(胡氏宗祠)- Shuo Wang Street(朔望街)- Three Gods Temple(三神庙)- Baihe Cliff(白鹤崖)- Chaohe Tower(朝鹤楼).
Of course, if you prefer a more spontaneous way of exploring, you can wander aimlessly and may discover unexpected beauty.
►Experience Extreme Drifting
Wangxian Valley's extreme drifting course is 2.8 kilometers long with a drop of 185 meters, passing through three bays, three pools, and three waterfalls. The river is filled with bizarre rocks in various poses. Starting from the drifting dock, you ride a raft downstream, enjoying the clear water and towering trees on both sides. The fresh air and picturesque bamboo forests provide a comfortable and pleasant experience. The canyon's winding river and cascading waterfalls offer an exhilarating adventure.
►Participate in Activities in the Ancient Town
Wangxian Valley regularly hosts cultural activities and stage performances. If you’re interested, arrive early to watch events like Feihua Ling, storytelling, Jingdong drums, Han weddings, lantern tours, lantern riddles, and band performances. The most anticipated event at night is the bonfire party, offering an immersive experience of lively and local nightlife.
Additionally, the scenic area offers Hanfu rentals and makeup services. Interested visitors can try them out and experience a day as the protagonist of a Chinese martial arts film.
►Capture Beautiful Scenery
Photography enthusiasts can capture many beautiful scenes here, from the magnificent canyon to unique buildings. It is recommended to visit after 3 PM for stunning sunset and night views. Around six or seven o’clock, the scenic area lights up, providing the best time for photography. Here are some top photography spots:
Accommodation:
If budget allows, stay in the cliffside inns within the scenic area. Due to limited availability and high demand, advance booking is necessary. Prices range from 800 to 5000 RMB, usually including scenic area tickets, offering great views and an immersive experience.
For budget-conscious travelers, nearby inns offer prices ranging from a few hundred to a thousand RMB. You can book in advance based on your preferences.
Transportation:
First, take a high-speed train to Shangrao Station. From there, take a bus to Wangxian Valley, with eight daily departures. The bus ride takes about an hour and a half. For those traveling with family or friends, taking a taxi or renting a car from Shangrao Station to the scenic area is the most convenient and fastest option.