When you come to Xianju, don’t just visit Shenxianju, these nearby villages are great to explore too

Here I am again at Shenxianju…… This time, besides going to Shenxianju, I also discovered several fairy-tale villages very close to Shenxianju that are worth visiting. 1. Shangjiangyang Village "Three Courtyards and Nine Gate Halls" Step into this Qing Dynasty ancient architectural complex, with tall horse-head walls and exquisite stone gate halls. The light and shadow cast over the flower windows make it feel as if time has stopped. "Intangible Cultural Heritage Academy" Experience making Xianju’s needle-pierced boneless lanterns by hand, or try your hand at celadon firing and ceramic painting, touching the century-old intangible cultural heritage of Xianju. 2. Xiatang Site Right next to Shangjiangyang Village is the Xiatang Exhibition Hall, located on Xiatang rice fields, modeled after the stilted buildings where the Xiatang ancestors lived thousands of years ago. Here, gazing at the millennia-old Xiatang site and looking across to Guanyin Peak of Shenxianju, you instantly understand what it means to see "ten thousand years in a glance, and become immortal in a thought." 3. Xiya Village Xiya Village is located where the Wuxi River flows into the Yong’an Creek, forming the most beautiful waters. Visiting the ancient village during the autumn harvest and National Day celebrations, you’ll see villagers drying red chili peppers, yellow corn, red beans, and various crops spread out in front of the old houses. The villagers celebrate the harvest with this warm and abundant autumn scenery. There are three well-preserved late Qing Dynasty ancient houses here; strolling among them feels like traveling back in time. "Salt Doctor Salt Therapy Experience Hall" Restores the natural salt cave environment. Breathing air rich in salt mist particles helps you completely relax. "Yizhi Riverside Kiln-Baked Bread" Bread baked in a wood-fired kiln has a rich wheat aroma, healthy and delicious. 4. Shanxia Village "Tongjiang Academy + Zhu Xi’s Bitter Zelkova Tree" Known as the "First Academy of Jiangnan," here stands the bitter zelkova tree planted by Zhu Xi himself, still strong and upright today. Feel the flow of cultural heritage and the power of time in this thousand-year-old academy. "Daoyuan Ancient House" In this century-old house, make a Xianju needle-pierced boneless lantern by hand, bringing this millennia-old craft back to life at your fingertips. This season is really perfect for visiting Xianju, with both "fairy-like" scenery and rich cultural heritage. Experience "painless hiking" at Shenxianju and heal your soul in the slow time of century-old houses at the foot of the mountain. It’s truly a very chill weekend.