Avoid the crowds! Check in at the “real-life xianxia world” recommended by National Geographic
Tired of the crowds at popular tourist spots? Instead, dive into these “xianxia secret realms” privately treasured by National Geographic China. The peak forests and sea of clouds in Xiandu, Jinyun, Zhejiang; the plank roads and strange stones of Sanqing Mountain, Jiangxi; and the bamboo sea and stream valleys of Dazhang Mountain, Wuyuan—each hides an Eastern fairyland that rivals special effects in films, preserving an untouched natural charm. This off-peak guide helps you unlock the true “abode of immortals.”
Zhejiang · Xiandu, Jinyun — The natural filming set for xianxia dramas
Praised by National Geographic China as “the last secret realm of Jiangnan,” Xiandu has been the filming location for dozens of xianxia dramas such as “Chinese Paladin” and “Nirvana in Fire.” The peak forests, streams, and ancient villages form a natural ink painting, and the secret spots outside the core scenic area are rarely visited.
Must-visit fairyland spots
- Dinghu Peak: A solitary peak 170 meters high piercing the clouds, it is the prototype of the “Shu Mountain fairyland.” The Yellow Emperor’s shrine at the foot is known as the “southern shrine” paired with the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum in Shaanxi as the “northern tomb.” Arrive before 6 a.m. to capture the rare “Yellow Emperor Riding the Dragon” scene with clouds wrapping the peak’s waist. At this time, photographers have not yet gathered, allowing you to enjoy the entire landscape painting alone.
- Zhutan Mountain: The classic scene of “Old Farmer Leading the Ox” comes from here. When the morning mist hasn’t cleared, Dinghu Peak’s reflection sinks into the stream, with green bamboo and mountains blurring on the water’s surface. Wearing a plain-colored Hanfu and standing on the stone slab bridge instantly turns you into the lead of a martial arts drama.
- Yandang Study Room: Hidden in a thousand-year-old quarry ruin, the “Langya Pavilion” is formed by a natural dome in the rock wall paired with wooden bookshelves. Sunlight seeps through the stone cracks, and every snapshot exudes the vibe of a “reclusive master.” It’s a 10-minute walk from Niweng Cave, avoiding the travel group routes.
Off-peak practical tips
Choose “high-speed rail + bus” for more flexibility: Take the high-speed train to Jinyun West Station, then transfer to bus K203 directly to the Xiandu Visitor Center (5 RMB/person), saving half the taxi fare. The scenic area combo ticket is 100 RMB; it’s recommended to buy single tickets separately (Dinghu Peak 60 RMB, Zhutan Mountain 15 RMB) to avoid routes crowded with tour groups.
Stay near Heyang ancient residences, where the thousand-year-old village’s “one street and five alleys” layout is well preserved. Homestays average only 200 RMB/night. Early morning, you can shoot mist and light in the empty ancient alleys. Don’t miss Jinyun baked flatbread, sold for 3 RMB each at old street shops outside the scenic area, freshly baked and crisp, far better than the overpriced ones inside.
Jiangxi · Sanqing Mountain — The xianxia plank road above the clouds
Known as the “Number One Immortal Peak Under Heaven,” Sanqing Mountain is famous for its sea of clouds, strange stones, and suspended plank roads. In spring, rhododendrons bloom like snow; in autumn, the forests turn vibrant colors. Even better, at the foot of the mountain lies the secret Xiaoyao Valley, unknown to 99% of visitors.
Must-visit fairyland spots
- Nanqingyuan Plank Road: The suspended plank road at 1600 meters altitude winds around the mountain like a ribbon. When clouds and mist drift over it, the peak forest below appears faintly, as if flying on a sword. Recommended to walk the “Giant Python Exiting the Mountain → Eastern Goddess” section. Before 10 a.m., the mist moves fastest, allowing you to capture the moment “stone peaks pierce the clouds.”
- Xiaoyao Valley: A 5-minute walk from the Sanqing Mountain Jinsha Cableway lower station. The “Wizard of Oz” trail in the canyon is covered with vines and flowers. Sunlight filters through leaves, casting mottled shadows. Flower seas and waterfalls flow down stone steps, and photos straight from your phone’s camera look like they have filters.
- Ziyan Stone Viewing Platform: A lesser-known spot for watching the sea of clouds, located west of Sanqing Palace, with 80% fewer people than the popular Yuqing Terrace. After 5 p.m., the sunset dyes the sea of clouds golden-red, and the strange stones turn into “immortal beast” silhouettes in the dusk, accompanied by pine waves, maximizing the xianxia atmosphere.
Off-peak practical tips
Staying on the mountain is more convenient: Rishang Mountain Villa offers great value (starting at 600 RMB/night), a 5-minute walk to Nanqingyuan Plank Road, so you don’t have to catch early buses to shoot the sea of clouds. To save money, homestays in Jinsha Town at the foot start at 300 RMB/night and include shuttle service to the cableway.
Food recommendation: “Sanqing Mountain fried noodles” at “Mountain People’s Home” restaurant near the cableway lower station, 20 RMB per serving. The aroma of eggs and dried bamboo shoots blends with wild mountain vegetables, paired with a bowl of kudzu starch soup to cut the grease. Tip: Bottled water inside the scenic area costs 10 RMB per bottle; bring empty bottles to refill with spring water at the homestay.
Jiangxi · Wulong Valley, Dazhang Mountain, Wuyuan — The bamboo sea martial arts world from Jin Yong’s pen
Wulong Valley, inscribed by Jin Yong himself, is a 10-kilometer-deep canyon where bamboo seas, streams, waterfalls, and strange stones form a “paradise.” When the fine rain is misty, the bamboo paths and ancient trails are full of the heroic aura of “reclusive masters.”
Must-visit fairyland spots
- Jin Yong Inscription Stele: At the valley entrance, the stone stele reads “Dazhang Mountain Wulong Valley,” backed by a thousand acres of bamboo sea. When the wind rustles through the bamboo, wearing Hanfu and holding a folding fan in front of the stele instantly immerses you in the “Smiling Proud Wanderer” drama.
- Rainbow Waterfall: A three-tier waterfall that forms a rainbow under sunlight. The shallow pool below is perfect for wading. With an average summer temperature of 22°C, it’s a natural summer retreat. After 3 p.m., the sunlight angle is best, and most tour groups have left, allowing you to enjoy the waterfall and rainbow together in peace.
- Bamboo Path Ancient Trail: A 20-minute uphill forest trail from the waterfall, flanked by 20-meter-tall moso bamboo forming a natural archway. Even better on rainy days, raindrops drip from bamboo leaves onto the bluestone slabs, creating a rhythmic soundtrack like a martial arts film scene.
Off-peak practical tips
Driving is recommended: Navigate to “Dazhang Mountain Wulong Valley Scenic Area.” It takes 1.5 hours from Wuyuan County. The scenic area parking lot costs 10 RMB/day, more flexible than taking the direct shuttle. Tickets are 60 RMB; buy online at least 1 hour in advance for a 10 RMB discount.
Stay at farmhouses at the canyon entrance, where 150 RMB/night gets you a creekside room. Early morning, you can shoot mist on the empty bamboo paths. Food recommendation: bamboo tube rice, freshly steamed in bamboo tubes at the farmhouse, sticky rice mixed with cured meat aroma, 15 RMB per serving, very filling.
3-day 2-night off-peak itinerary reference
Day 1: Arrive at Xiandu, Jinyun. Morning visit Yandang Study Room and Niweng Cave; afternoon shoot Zhutan Mountain reflections; stay in Heyang ancient residences.
Day 2: Early morning rush to Dinghu Peak sea of clouds; morning take high-speed train to Shangrao (1.5 hours), transfer to Sanqing Mountain; afternoon explore Xiaoyao Valley; stay in mountain homestay.
Day 3: Early shoot at Nanqingyuan sea of clouds; morning head to Wulong Valley, Dazhang Mountain; afternoon return trip.
These secret realms lack the noise of popular spots but hide the most authentic xianxia atmosphere. Remember to avoid weekends and holidays, wear non-slip sports shoes, bring a folding umbrella (mountain areas often have sudden rain), and take your camera to capture those “immortal moments” hidden in the clouds and mist!