Not Even Immortals Are This Carefree: Complete Guide to the Garden of the Immortals

❤The 9 AM minibus ride makes your bottom go numb as the driver, cigarette dangling from his lips, says: "The last three kilometers of cement road were only built by the government last year!" ❤Turning around the mountain bend, white walls and dark tiles suddenly appear. Dried bamboo shoots bask in the sun on bluestone paths, cured meat hangs from the eaves dripping oil, and the tofu shop's grandma waves at me: "Young lady, would you like chili in your tofu pudding?" ❤Wading through the small stream at the village entrance in sandals, my soles ache from the cobblestones. A small earth god temple hides in the bamboo grove, with incense ash piled like a small grave mound, and surprisingly, half a pack of Liqun cigarettes and AD Calcium Milk as offerings. ❤As evening smoke rises at dusk, the aroma of fried salted pork wafts from the village store. The owner squats on the doorstep slurping snails: "What guesthouse are you staying at? My attic with bamboo mats is 20 yuan per night, just lots of mosquitoes." Complete Travel Guide: I. Gexian Village Overview Gexian Village is located in Gexian Mountain Town, Yanshan County, Shangrao, Jiangxi Province. Built around the famous Taoist mountain Gexian Mountain, this resort area combines natural scenery, Taoist culture, ancient architecture, and night tours, perfect for leisure vacations, photography, and cultural experiences. II. Trip Planning 1. Best Time to Visit Suitable year-round: Spring for flowers, summer to escape heat, autumn for red leaves, winter for snow scenes. Recommended times: Early morning (misty) and evening (light shows). Avoid crowds: Weekdays are better than weekends and holidays. 2. Transportation Guide High-speed/Bullet Train: Shangrao Station → Take "Shangrao-Gexian Mountain" direct bus (about 1.5 hours, 28 yuan). Direct trains available from Nanchang, Hangzhou, Shanghai to Shangrao Station. Self-driving: Navigate to "Gexian Village Resort Area," parking available (about 10-20 yuan/day). Transportation within scenic area: Free shuttle buses (some areas require walking). 3. Ticket Information Gexian Village Resort Area: About 100 yuan (includes some attractions). Gexian Mountain Cable Car: About 120 yuan round-trip (about 70 yuan one-way). Package deals: Book in advance through official platforms or travel apps (packages with accommodation + tickets are more economical). III. Must-Visit Attractions and Experiences 1. Core Attractions Gexian Mountain: Climb to the top for blessings, overlook the sea of clouds, visit Yuxu Temple and Ciji Temple (coexistence of Taoism and Buddhism). Tianjing Platform: Best viewing platform at the summit, ideal for photographing sea of clouds and sunrise. Lingbao Immortal Street: Ancient-style commercial street, hanfu rental (about 50 yuan/hour), beautiful night scenery. Zhongmiao Pavilion: Landmark building, daytime views, nighttime light shows and water screen movies (starts at 19:30). Washing Dust Gate: Popular photo spot, misty like a fairyland. 2. Special Experiences Night light show: Zhongmiao Pavilion lights + water screen movie (must-see!). Cultural experiences: Sutra copying, tea tasting, sachet making (free or paid activities within the scenic area). Cable car/hiking: Hiking option for the physically fit (about 2 hours), cable car recommended for easier touring. 3. Nearby Attractions Ehu Academy (30-minute drive): Where Zhu Xi taught, experience Neo-Confucian culture. Yanshan Hekou Ancient Town: Ming and Qing dynasty streets, underdeveloped authentic experience. IV. Accommodation Recommendations High-end resorts: Zhan Shan Su, Yue Ran Xian Ju (within scenic area, VIP services). Value options: Siyuan Residence, Bamboo Mountain Hideaway (guesthouse style, 200-400 yuan per person). Night tour suggestion: Stay at least one night to experience the serene morning and lively evening. V. Food Guide Yanshan Hot Rice Noodles: Local specialty with delicious broth. Dengzhan Guo: Savory rice flour snack with rich fillings. Immortal Grass: Cooling sweet dessert. Recommended restaurants: Tianyuan Restaurant, Xianyin Ping Food Street (30-50 yuan per person). VI. Suggested Itineraries 2 Days 1 Night In-depth Tour Day 1: Morning: Arrive at Gexian Village → Check in → Explore and eat at Lingbao Immortal Street. Afternoon: Take cable car up Gexian Mountain → Pray at Tianjing Platform → Hike down. Evening: Zhongmiao Pavilion light show + water screen movie → Night photography in ancient street. Day 2: Early morning: Photograph morning mist → Experience sutra copying/hanfu wearing. Afternoon: Visit Ehu Academy or Yanshan Ancient Town → Return home. 1-Day Express Tour Morning: Cable car to Gexian Mountain → Tianjing Platform → Yuxu Temple. Afternoon: Lingbao Immortal Street → Photos at Washing Dust Gate → Zhongmiao Pavilion. Evening: View night scenery before returning (if time permits). VII. Important Notes Clothing: Comfortable athletic shoes (non-slip for hiking), bring your own hanfu or rent one. Weather: Mountain areas have frequent rain, bring rain gear and light jackets. Expenses: Moderate prices in scenic areas, consider bringing snacks. Network: Weak signal in mountain areas, download maps in advance.