Avoid the crowds! Three hidden fairyland martial arts secret spots in Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi, where you can casually snap ancient-style masterpieces
Tired of the crowds at Wangxian Valley and Gexian Village? Actually, nestled in the landscapes of Jiangnan are several true fairyland martial arts secret spots favored by National Geographic and frequently used as filming locations. Here, mist wraps the mountains and ancient bridges lie over the waves; in the morning, you can see old farmers leading cattle into the scene, and at night, lights reflecting on the water create poetic views. We've compiled a comprehensive escape guide to immerse you in the thrill of "transcending to immortality."
Xian Du in Jinyun, Zhejiang: The same Changliu Mountain as in "The Journey of Flower"
As the filming location for over 500 fairyland martial arts dramas, Dinghu Peak in Jinyun Xian Du rises more than 170 meters, resembling the "Mountain Guardian Pillar" often seen in such dramas. When clouds and mist wrap around the peak after rain, you might faintly see Bai Zihua stepping on clouds. Here, there are no noisy crowds, only the pastoral morning mist and the quiet dialogue of millennia-old relics.
Core activities (2 days 1 night essence route)
- Day 1: Enter the painted fairy mountain
Arrive at Zhutan Mountain before 6:30 AM to catch the classic scene of an old farmer leading cattle across a stone bridge—morning mist drifts over the water, the stone bridge’s reflection blends with ripples from the cattle’s hooves, and you can shoot movie-poster-level photos with your phone’s native camera. In the morning, climb Dinghu Peak and take the cable car to the mountaintop viewing platform to overlook the magnificent scene of "peaks hidden in clouds, clouds winding among peaks." In the afternoon, visit Niweng Cave, touch the Tang Dynasty cliff inscriptions with your fingertips, and listen for echoes of Taoist immortal music.
- Day 2: Seek immortality and inquire the way
In the morning, explore Xian Du Temple, where red walls and black tiles reflect the shadows of lush bamboo. Wear Hanfu and take photos turning back over your shoulder to maximize the atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit Xiao Chibi, walk along the riverside plank road to see the Danxia cliffs, with river water spreading like green silk—every snap feels like a "martial arts hero" scene.
Food and accommodation tips
- Must-try food: The Jinyun baked flatbread at the scenic area entrance must be eaten fresh out of the oven; the preserved vegetable and meat filling is crispy outside and tender inside. Pair it with a bowl of smooth local noodles, all for about 15 RMB per person to satisfy your appetite. Wumi rice sprinkled with sugar is fragrant and soft, a local hospitality specialty.
- Accommodation recommendation: Choose a homestay near Dinghu Peak, such as "Xian Du Ren Jia," where you can see peaks and sea of clouds from your window. Prices range from 300-500 RMB per night, offering better value than staying inside the scenic area.
Transportation and tips
- After arriving at Jinyun West High-Speed Rail Station, take a taxi for 30 minutes directly to the scenic area (about 50 RMB). If driving, navigate to "Xian Du Visitor Center." Parking is free and ample.
- Best photo times: Morning mist at Zhutan Mountain before 7:00 AM, sunset at Dinghu Peak from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. It’s recommended to wear light-colored Hanfu or cotton-linen long skirts, paired with a bamboo woven hat for better photos.
Yunhe Terraces in Lishui, Zhejiang: Heavenly palace terraces in the mist
Over 700 layers of terraces wind from the foot to the top of the mountain. In the early morning, sunlight pierces through the mist onto the terraces, weaving gold and green like a palette left by immortals. This is the largest terrace group in East China and a "cloud paradise" highly recommended by National Geographic. Avoid holidays to enjoy the tranquility of the entire terrace area alone.
Core activities (1.5 days deep experience)
- Day 1: Chasing light on the terraces
Arrive in the afternoon and first visit Baiyin Valley ancient village, where bluestone paths run through the village, old waterwheels creak, and villagers hang dried bamboo shoots and chili peppers under eaves, full of rustic charm. At dusk, climb the Qixing Dun viewing platform to watch the sunset dye the terraces golden red. When mist rolls up from the valley, it feels like standing on the edge of heaven.
- Day 2: Morning mist fairyland
Arrive before 6:30 AM to secure front-row spots at the Jiuchu Yunhuan viewing platform, watching the first sunlight awaken the terraces. Water reflections blend with mist, and every photo is wallpaper-worthy. In the morning, stroll along the terrace trails, meet old farmers planting rice, experience farming joy, and feel the "unity of heaven and man."
Food and accommodation tips
- Must-try food: The farmhouse’s creek fish tofu soup is incredibly fresh; the fish is freshly caught and cooked, paired with tender local tofu. For about 30 RMB per person, you can feast heartily. Glutinous rice cakes sprinkled with osmanthus honey are sweet but not greasy, perfect for refreshing yourself.
- Accommodation recommendation: Choose the "Yun Shang Ping Tian" homestay inside the terrace scenic area, with terraces and sea of clouds visible from the terrace. Wake up to birdsong in the morning. Prices range from 600-800 RMB per night, including breakfast and shuttle service.
Transportation and tips
- After arriving at Lishui High-Speed Rail Station, go to the East Bus Station and take a bus to Yunhe County (25 RMB per person), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle (10 RMB per person), about 2 hours total. If driving, navigate to "Yunhe Terrace Visitor Center." Free parking is available inside the scenic area.
- Terraces are even more magical on rainy days but wear non-slip shoes as some trails can be slippery when wet.
Xiaoqikong in Libo, Guizhou: Karst’s emerald fairyland
Pools of emerald water like scattered green gems lie among the mountains, a 68-level waterfall cascades like the Milky Way, the ancient Seven-Arch Bridge spans the clear waves, vines entwine the bridge—this is Libo Xiaoqikong, rated by China National Geographic as "China’s most beautiful forest." The karst landscape collides with emerald waters and green mountains to create a unique fairy charm. Visitor density is only one-third that of popular scenic spots.
Core activities (1-day essence route)
Enter from the west gate and first photograph the morning mist reflection of the Xiaoqikong ancient bridge. Before 7:30 AM, it’s almost empty, allowing you to enjoy the feeling of "bridge reflected in water, people wandering in a painting." Walk along the Xiangshui River to see the 68-level waterfall cascading layer by layer, with water mist soaking your clothes, cool and pleasant. Have a picnic by the Cuigu Waterfall at noon, watching the waterfall rush down between green mountains like a fairyland water curtain cave.
In the afternoon, visit the water forest, wading through stone crevices and woods, sunlight filtering through leaves creating light spots, just like a "secret training ground" in a fairyland martial arts drama. Finally, go to Wolong Pool, where emerald lake water overflows from the dam—every photo is a "emerald fairyland" masterpiece.
Food and accommodation tips
- Must-try food: Try the tofu pudding grilled fish at the scenic area entrance; the fresh fish is grilled crispy outside and tender inside, paired with silky tofu pudding and spicy soup. For about 50 RMB per person, it’s a satisfying meal. Sour meat is a local specialty; fermented pork with a tangy aroma, perfect with white rice—you can eat two big bowls.
- Accommodation recommendation: Choose the "Oxygen Valley Hotel" in Xiaoqikong Town, a 10-minute walk to the scenic area. Rooms have balconies with views. Prices range from 400-600 RMB per night, including shuttle service to the scenic area.
Transportation and tips
- After arriving at Sandu County High-Speed Rail Station, transfer to the scenic area shuttle (35 RMB per person, 1 hour direct). If driving, navigate to "Xiaoqikong West Gate Parking Lot." Parking fee is 10 RMB per day.
- The scenic area is large; it’s recommended to buy a sightseeing bus ticket (40 RMB per person). Wear quick-dry clothes and creek shoes for easy water walking.
General tips to avoid pitfalls
1. Off-peak strategy: Visit all scenic spots on weekdays. Avoid weekends at Jinyun Xian Du and Yunhe Terraces, and avoid midday during summer at Libo Xiaoqikong.
2. Dressing guide: Light-colored Hanfu and cotton-linen long skirts are best, paired with oil-paper umbrellas or round fans as props to double the photo atmosphere. Mountain areas have large temperature differences between morning and evening, so bring a knit cardigan.
3. Save on tickets: Buy combo tickets for Jinyun Xian Du and Yunhe Terraces online one day in advance to save 20% compared to on-site prices. Libo Xiaoqikong offers half-price discounts for students and seniors.
These fairyland martial arts secret spots hidden among mountains and waters have no crowded crowds but perfectly blend mist, ancient bridges, terraces, and emerald waters. Here, you can be a "martial arts hero" for half a day or a "cloud immortal" for a whole day, leaving all life’s fatigue in the mountains, waters, and mist. Save this guide and start your escape to this fairyland journey!