Avoid the crowds! Check in at the "Real-life Xianxia World" recommended by National Geographic

When you’re exhausted weaving through the bustling crowds of tourists, do you long for a peaceful and dreamy sanctuary? Today, let me take you to Wangxiangu Valley in Shangrao, Jiangxi, recommended by National Geographic—a real-life Xianxia world. I’ll show you how to avoid the overwhelming crowds and enjoy a unique Xianxia adventure all your own. Preparation Before the Trip 1. Documents: Bring your ID card for quick entry. Also bring any discount cards you have (such as student or senior cards). 2. Clothing: Wear comfortable sneakers, as navigating the cliffs requires good stamina. Photography lovers can bring Hanfu; strolling through this quaint ancient town in traditional attire feels like traveling back a thousand years, becoming the protagonist of a Xianxia story. 3. Items: Bring a power bank, sunscreen (the sun can still be strong on sunny days), rain gear (mountain weather is unpredictable, and rain clouds can appear suddenly). If you plan to stay overnight, don’t forget toiletries. Transportation Guide 1. High-speed Rail: Take the train to Shangrao Station, the closest transport hub to Wangxiangu Valley. After exiting, avoid unlicensed taxi drivers. Instead, take the scenic area shuttle bus for 30 RMB per person, about 1 hour to reach the park—cost-effective and worry-free. The shuttle runs from 8:00 to 16:00, once every hour. Be sure to catch the last bus to avoid delays. 2. Self-driving: For those driving, navigate directly to “Wangxiangu Visitor Center.” The route offers picturesque views, but be cautious of many winding mountain roads. The scenic area has ample free parking, so no worries about parking. 3. Airplane: Fly to Shangrao Sanqingshan Airport, then take a bus to the high-speed rail station, and transfer to the scenic shuttle bus up the mountain. Ticket Information Buying tickets online in advance is more economical. Adult tickets are usually discounted to about 110 RMB, while on-site tickets cost 120 RMB. Children and seniors have discounted tickets around 80 RMB. Children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 enter free. Travel Tips Best Time to Avoid Crowds Try to visit on weekdays, as weekends and holidays are often crowded. It’s recommended to enter around 3:30 to 4:00 PM when the sun is less intense. You can enjoy the magnificent daytime canyon views and wait for nightfall to witness the town’s magical transformation into a Xianxia dreamland, cleverly avoiding the morning tour group rush. Check-in Route 1. Qingyun Bridge: The first stop upon entering is Qingyun Bridge, an ancient-style suspension bridge spanning the canyon. With flowing water beneath, standing on the bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon—perfect for photos, every shot looks like a masterpiece. 2. Three-tier Waterfall: Follow the creek trail to the Three-tier Waterfall, where water cascades powerfully. After rain, the waterfall is even more spectacular. Standing beside it, feel the cool mist wash over you, as if the world’s noise is blocked out by this curtain of water. 3. Hu Family Ancestral Hall: At 4:00 PM, watch a traditional wedding performance here and experience the unique local folk culture. The hall’s architecture is simple and elegant, with flying eaves and dougong brackets full of historic charm. From here, you can also gaze at the spectacular cliffside guesthouses of Baihe Cliff, where staggered houses cling to the cliffs like a fairy palace. 4. Lanyue Bridge: At sunset, climb Lanyue Bridge, one of the best spots to overlook the cliffs. The sunset’s golden glow drapes the entire Wangxiangu Valley in a shimmering veil, creating a dreamlike beauty. Capture this stunning moment with your camera—it will amaze your social media friends. 5. Baige Bridge: As dusk falls, head to Baige Bridge, an excellent spot for blue hour photography. As the sky deepens to a rich blue, the town’s lights turn on one by one, reflecting in the water, as if stepping into a magical Xianxia world. 6. Baihe Cliff and Glass Walkway: After nightfall, visit the Baihe Cliff area, where cliffside guesthouses shine like stars fallen to earth. Brave visitors can challenge the glass walkway, looking down at the canyon under the night sky for a thrilling experience. Those afraid of heights should choose carefully. 7. Bonfire Party (Weekends): If it’s a weekend, don’t miss the bonfire party at the theater square, starting at 8:00 PM. Enjoy lively She ethnic folk song performances, sing and dance around the fire with visitors from all over, immersing yourself in pure joy. 8. Night Stroll: After the party, stroll along Zuixian Street and Bar Street, where lanterns cast a warm yellow glow, making the ancient streets feel cozy. Find a small shop, order a drink, and quietly enjoy the dreamlike night scene. At this moment, time seems to slow down. Food Exploration 1. Dengzhan Guo: A local specialty snack with a rice batter skin wrapped around shredded radish and bean sprouts, shaped like a small lantern. It’s savory, soft, and a must-try. 2. Wangxian Tofu: Made with mountain spring water, this tofu is tender and fragrant. Whether served cold or in soup, it has a unique flavor. 3. Yanshan Hot Rice Noodles: Bone broth base with smooth rice noodles, pickled vegetables, shredded meat, and other toppings. Steaming hot and delicious, it warms you up from the inside. 4. Fujia Courtyard: This restaurant overlooks the canyon, letting you enjoy food and scenery simultaneously. Their wild mushroom stewed chicken is recommended—tender chicken with rich broth, full of natural flavors. 5. Kemanlou: Specializing in Gan cuisine, with a wide variety of dishes. You can specify your preferred spice level in advance with the staff. Accommodation Options 1. Cliffside Guesthouses: If your budget allows, highly recommend staying at cliffside guesthouses like Wangxiangu·Xiansu. Open the window to cliffs and waterfalls, fall asleep under the starry sky, and wake to birdsong—like living in a fairyland. Prices are higher, ranging from 500 to 2500 RMB per night, and availability is limited, so book early. 2. Guesthouses Outside the Scenic Area: A cost-effective choice, priced around 180 to 300 RMB per night. Most offer shuttle services, making travel convenient. Though less dramatic than cliffside views, you’ll experience a richer rural lifestyle atmosphere. Photography Tips 1. Use a Wide-angle Lens: At Qingyun Bridge, Lanyue Bridge, and other spots, a wide-angle lens perfectly captures the canyon’s full scope and the grandeur of the architecture. 2. Night Long Exposure: Bring a tripod for night shots. Use long exposure to create beautiful light trails from moving lights, adding a dreamy atmosphere to your photos. 3. Hanfu Photos: Wear Hanfu and take pictures in ancient streets, ancestral halls, waterfalls, blending into the surroundings as if traveling through time to become part of the Xianxia world. 4. Find Unique Angles: Don’t just crowd popular spots. Try unique perspectives, like low-angle shots of buildings or framing with doors and windows, to create distinctive photos. This National Geographic-approved real-life Xianxia world—Wangxiangu Valley—offers stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Avoid the crowds, come here for a Xianxia rendezvous, and create beautiful memories all your own.