Shenxianju Travel Guide: Walking in the Clouds, Encountering a Wonderland

🌄 Shenxianju Travel Guide: Walking in the Clouds, Encountering a Wonderland 🌟 Overview Shenxianju, located in Xianju County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, is a national 5A-level scenic area. Famous for its volcanic rhyolite landforms and spectacular sea of clouds, it is known as the "place where immortals live." The scenic area covers a total area of 158 square kilometers. Core attractions include Ruyi Bridge, Lotus Platform, and the Nantian Peak Glass Viewing Platform. It has served as a filming location for movies and TV series such as Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils and The Myth. 📅 Best Time to Visit - Spring (April-May): Azaleas bloom all over the mountains. The temperature ranges from 15-25°C, making it suitable for hiking and photography. - Autumn (September-November): The probability of seeing a sea of clouds is as high as 70%. Red leaves dot the mountains, and the temperature, ranging from 10-20°C, is cool and pleasant. - Winter (December-February): Occasional snow scenery, fewer tourists, and off-season ticket prices of 100 yuan. 🚗 Transportation 1. High-Speed Rail - From Hangzhou: Hangzhou West Station → Xianju Station, 1.5 hours by high-speed rail, second-class seat 144 yuan. - From Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao → Taizhou West Station, transfer to a bus to Shenxianju, the whole journey takes about 4.5 hours. 2. Self-Driving - Zhuyong Expressway (from Hangzhou) → Exit at Shenxianju, approx. 2 hours' drive. 3. Scenic Area Shuttle - Shuttle buses run between the south and north gates of the scenic area from 7:00-17:00, every 20 mins, 5 yuan for a single trip. - A taxi from the county seat to the scenic area costs about 50-80 yuan, suitable for carpooling. 💰 Tickets and Fees - Tickets: Peak season 120 yuan (March-November), off-season 100 yuan (December-February), including accident insurance. - Cableway: 65 yuan for a single trip, 120 yuan for a round trip (round trip recommended to save energy). - Other items: Flying Carpet (escalator) 30 yuan, Nantian Peak Glass Viewing Platform 20 yuan. - Discounts: - Free admission for seniors over 70, children under 1.2m, and active military personnel. - Half-price tickets for students and seniors aged 60-69 with valid IDs. 🗺️ Recommended Routes 1. South Gate Up, North Gate Down (6-8 hours) - Morning: Take the cable car up from the South Gate → Elephant Trunk Waterfall → Nantian Peak (Glass Viewing Platform) → Wolong Bridge. - Lunch: Simple meal near Ruyi Lake (30-50 yuan per person). - Afternoon: Ruyi Bridge (S-shaped bridge) → Lotus Platform → Buddha Shadow and Lotus Charm → Take the cable car down from the North Gate. 2. North Gate Up, North Gate Down (4-6 hours) - Morning: Take the cable car up from the North Gate → Xiyan Temple Ruins → Flying Eagle Path (cliffside plank road). - Lunch: Dine at the rest area in the northern part of the scenic area (instant noodles, bread, 20-30 yuan per person). - Afternoon: Nantian Bridge → Lotus Platform → Ruyi Bridge → Take the cable car down from the North Gate. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 1. High-end Hotels in the Scenic Area - Shenxianju Grand Bay Resort: 4-star, standard rooms 800-1200 yuan/night, 5-minute walk to the South Gate, breakfast included. - Yunyin Shanju: Popular B&B, mountain view rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, 300-500 yuan/night, suitable for couples. 2. Cost-Effective Options in the County Seat - New Century Manju Hotel Xianju: 400-600 yuan/night, provides free shuttle service to the scenic area. - Buru Fang B&B: Designer style, rooms with slides + mountain view balconies, 600-1000 yuan/night. 🍜 Food Recommendations - Xianju Eight Bowls: Traditional banquet, including braised pork, sea cucumber, dried bamboo shoots, etc. Gujie Restaurant near the South Gate is recommended (60-80 yuan per person). - Yongan Stream Fish: Tender and delicious, a must-try at Laobian Restaurant (North Gate night market), 50-70 yuan per person. - Xianju Wheat Cake: Sweet and savory options, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, 5-10 yuan/piece. Lao Yang Wheat Cake at the North Gate is the most authentic. - Xianju Waxberries: In season from June to July, you can pick them at Xianmei Villa in Bulu Township, 50-80 yuan/500g. ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Recommended Gear: Non-slip sneakers, sun hat, power bank (no signal in some areas). 2. Weather Warning: Frequent showers during the rainy season (June-August), bring a raincoat; pay attention to keeping warm in winter. 3. Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps: - The entrance at the South Gate is steep; seniors and children are advised to take the cable car from the North Gate. - Restaurants at the entrance may overcharge; prioritize restaurants with clearly marked prices. 4. Safety Precautions: No smoking, do not leave the trails without permission, some attractions will be closed in case of strong winds, heavy rain, or other severe weather. 📸 Photography Tips - Best spot for sunrise: Viewing platform at the upper station of the North Gate cableway, 5:30-6:00 in summer, 7:00-7:30 in winter. - Sea of clouds viewing: Lotus Platform, Nantian Peak, highest probability in autumn, it is recommended to go early in the morning or after rain. - Popular photo spots: Ruyi Bridge (shoot the curve of the bridge against the light), Nantian Bridge (aerial view of the suspension bridge). 📍 Nearby Attractions 1. Potan Ancient Town: 20 km from the scenic area, a complex of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, tickets are 30 yuan, suitable for afternoon visits. 2. Danzhu Leisure Valley: Free admission, clear streams, rafting available in summer (120 yuan/person). 3. Gaoqian Ancient Village: Home to the Wu family, well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty houses, non-commercialized, suitable for photography. 💡 Itinerary Reference (2-Day Trip) - Day 1: Take the cable car up from the North Gate → Xiyan Temple → Flying Eagle Path → Nantian Bridge → Ruyi Bridge → Take the cable car down from the South Gate → Stay at a B&B in the scenic area. - Day 2: Potan Ancient Town → Danzhu Leisure Valley → Return trip. With its unique mountains, waters, and cloud-walking experience, Shenxianju has become a top choice for short trips in the Yangtze River Delta region. Whether you're hiking, exploring, or taking photos, it can satisfy all your imaginations of a wonderland. It is recommended to book tickets and cable car rides one day in advance and avoid peak seasons and holidays to enjoy an in-depth dialogue with nature.