China's Wangxian Valley: A fairyland with cliffside houses

Editor︰ Ryu
Author︰ Longzai Si

Do you know there is a cliffside homestay in central China's Jiangxi Province? This place is picturesque, with ancient bridges, streams, boulders, and waterfalls everywhere.

This time, we're taking you to Jiangxi's "Wangxian Valley." Stay at the cliff hotel, a hotspot for photos, and enjoy a relaxing journey that soothes both body and mind!

Hanging bridges and waterfalls create a picturesque scene in Wangxian Valley

In Guangxin District, Shangrao City (上饒市廣信區), there is a scenic area whose very name exudes an ethereal charm—Wangxian Valley (望仙谷).

Adjacent to the main peak of Lingshan Mountain (靈山) and facing the Sanqingshan (三清山), or Mount Sanqing, it boasts pleasant weather and has become a popular tourist destination in Mainland China in recent years.  

Within Wangxian Valley, every corner presents a landscape as beautiful as a traditional Chinese painting.

Here, you can casually take in the serene views of mountains and streams merging into a seamless valley, the gentle rustling of pine and bamboo forests, and the rustic charm of rammed-earth walls and traditional village houses.

Wangxian Valley's stunning landscapes harmonise with the ancient-style architecture. (Web Image)

Upon arriving at Wangxian Valley, the first impression is like stepping into a scene from a Jin Yong martial arts novel.

The homestays and cottages built along the mountainside, flanked by towering cliffs adorned with daunting suspension bridges, babbling streams, and cascading waterfalls, stand out uniquely amidst Jiangxi's characteristic scenic beauty.  

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For those who love a vintage vibe, start your journey at the Qingyun Bridge (青雲橋).

Ascend the stone steps paved with blue bricks and stroll along the plank walkway, where you'll encounter the lively, gurgling streams of the valley.

The Qingyun Bridge is a slightly arched small bridge, but its gentle curve makes walking across it feel like strolling on flat ground.

As you walk, enjoy the surrounding landscapes, and soon you'll reach the bridge's apex. Locals named it "Qingyun Bridge" (literally "Bridge of Ascending to the Clouds") for its auspicious connotation of "rising effortlessly to success."  

In Wangxian Valley, sheer cliffs and secluded springs with cascading waterfalls are everywhere. (Web Image)

The winding paths in Wangxian Valley

Given its name, "Wangxian Valley" (literally "Immortal-Gazing Valley" in Chinese), the attractions naturally revolve around an ethereal theme.

After crossing the Qingyun Bridge, a turn leads you to the Immortal-Seeking Path (尋仙路)—a trail combining bluestone-paved sections with cliffside plank walkways. The path follows the valley's natural terrain, twisting and turning like a narrow mountain trail.

From every vantage point along the walkway, the chirping of birds and the murmuring of streams offer a unique sensory experience.

Notably, the bluestone paths and plank trails have used rough-hewn stones since ancient times for their anti-slip properties, showcasing the ingenuity of traditional craftsmen.

Besides the picturesque landscape, you can also experience different cultures in the folk town of Wangxian Valley, such as tasting Gan family snacks, participating in handicrafts, and watching folk performances. (Web Image)

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Finally, you will arrive at Wangxian Valley's unique water feature—the Three-Tiered Waterfall (三疊水), a truly spectacular sight.

The gorge ahead of the waterfall is where two mountain streams converge. The water flows downward, crashing against uneven, jagged stone steps, creating layered waterfalls with varying volumes and sounds.

To capture the wonder of the Three-Tiered Waterfall, consider bringing a tripod for stable shots or a drone for breathtaking aerial views. 

The staggered stone steps and the streams flowing into tiered pools create a terraced-like formation, which is how the "Three-Tiered Waterfall" got its name. (Web Image)

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Wangxian Valley's famous cliffside homestay: Restoring Jiangxi's unique residential style

The grand finale of exploring Wangxian Valley's hidden gems is staying at the newly opened cliffside homestay, immersing yourself in the unique charm of Shangrao.

With blue bricks, black tiles, and horse-head walls, high-raised courtyards and latticed windows, the scenic area adheres to the traditional architectural methods of northeastern Jiangxi's folk houses.

The designers embraced a minimalist approach, combining large rammed-earth walls with rubble walls and wooden-framed windows—simple yet elegant, highlighting Jiangxi's distinctive residential style.

The staggered cliffside homestays cling to the precipices, blending seamlessly with the mountain. (Image Source: VCG)

Inside the cliffside homestay, no two rooms are alike. Some feature marble-walled decor for a luxurious touch, while others highlight rustic wooden furniture, reviving the simplicity of village life.

From every room's window, the views of stream valleys, stone bridges, bamboo forests, and mountain peaks bring instant tranquillity.

Particularly special are the over 10 glass-walled guestrooms, cliffside restaurants, and high-altitude viewing platforms built into the White Cliff.

Here, you can pause to overlook the valley, gaze at the distant Dragon's Back ridge, and on clear moonlit nights, even count the stars with family or loved ones—creating the warmest memories of your journey.

Travel Information

Wangxian Valley, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province

Scenic area opening hours: Daily 08:00-21:30

Cliffside Homestay Address: No. 1 Lingguang Street, Wangxi Township, Guangxin District, Shangrao, Jiangxi Province

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