Tracing the Path of Immortals: A Guide to 4 Off-the-Beaten-Path Secret Realms, Unlocking a Real-Life Jianghu Scroll
Tired of crowded popular tourist spots and longing for a tranquil place to immerse yourself in the world of xianxia (immortal heroes)? Don’t limit yourself to trendy check-in points. The bamboo raft drift on the Nine-Bend Stream in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian; the cloud-top azaleas of Wawu Mountain, Sichuan; the floating mountains of Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie, Hunan; and the Blue Moon Valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan, all hide breathtaking scenery worthy of xianxia dramas. This guide, featuring Trip.com's top travel experiences, will lead you into the secret realms of the real Jianghu, starting a carefree journey of immortal cultivation.
Wuyi Mountain, Fujian: Ink-Wash Immortal World on the Nine-Bend Stream
Wuyi Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site, is renowned as "the most beautiful in the southeast" and has inspired many xianxia film and TV scenes. In the early morning, the Nine-Bend Stream is shrouded in mist. Riding a bamboo raft downstream, the boatman gently taps the water with a bamboo pole, the raft slicing through the calm surface, creating ripples. The Danxia peaks on both sides take on various shapes—some like proud elephants, others like eagles ready to soar—faintly visible through the clouds, as if stepping into a flowing ink-wash painting of a xianxia world.
The Jade Maiden Peak is one of Wuyi Mountain’s iconic sights, with three towering peaks standing side by side like three graceful fairies. When the raft reaches this spot, the boatman shares the romantic legend of the Jade Maiden Peak and the King Peak, adding a touch of xianxia romance to the landscape. In the afternoon, you can hike up Tianyou Peak, climbing the winding stone steps surrounded by clouds, feeling as if you are walking in the sky. From the summit, you can overlook the entire Wuyi Mountain scenic area, with the Nine-Bend Stream winding like a green silk ribbon through the mountains, a truly magnificent view.
For food, be sure to try Wuyi Mountain’s specialty—Langu Smoked Goose, with golden crispy skin and tender meat infused with a unique smoky aroma; and Zhuzi Filial Mother Cake, soft and sweet without being greasy, a traditional local pastry. For accommodation, choose a homestay at the foot of Wuyi Mountain, some of which offer Hanfu rental services, allowing you to stroll in traditional attire and fully immerse yourself in the xianxia atmosphere. For transportation, take the high-speed train to Wuyishan North Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle or taxi to the scenic area; self-driving visitors can navigate directly to the South Gate parking lot of Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area, where parking is convenient.
Wawu Mountain, Sichuan: The Azalea Immortal Mountain Above the Clouds
Wawu Mountain is named for its flat, tile-roof-like summit and is known as "China’s largest table mountain." Every spring, it becomes a sea of azaleas, with pink, red, and purple flowers blooming across the green forest like clouds and rosy clouds. In the early morning, the mountain is wrapped in mist, with azaleas appearing and disappearing in the clouds, as if they are immortal flowers growing above the clouds, transporting you into a xianxia drama’s enchanted garden.
Take the cable car up the mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of Wawu Mountain from the cabin. The continuous peaks are shrouded in mist, with only the summits visible, resembling floating immortal mountains in the clouds. The Xiang’er Mountain Villa at the summit is an excellent spot to watch the sea of clouds and sunrise. At dawn, standing on the villa’s viewing platform, you can watch the sun slowly rise from the cloud sea, with golden sunlight shimmering on the waves—a breathtaking sight. Additionally, Wawu Mountain is home to many rare animals and plants, such as the red panda and dove tree. Hiking here, you might unexpectedly encounter these "immortal beasts."
Must-try local dishes include Hongya Bo Bo Chicken, tender chicken in a spicy, fragrant broth paired with local vegetables, and Wawu Mountain Old Bacon, firm and flavorful, delicious whether steamed or stir-fried. Accommodation options include the Xiang’er Mountain Villa at the summit for a closer cloud-life experience or homestays at the foot of the mountain for better value. For transportation, drive from Chengdu via Chengya Expressway and Yaye Expressway, about 3.5 hours; or take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Hongya County, then transfer to a local bus to Wawu Mountain Scenic Area.
Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie, Hunan: The Floating Mountain Xianxia Wonderland
Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan is famous worldwide for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest landscape, with three thousand peaks rising sharply and eight hundred streams winding through, resembling a magnificent xianxia painting. The peaks have distinctive shapes—some like sharp swords piercing the sky, others like elderly herbalists walking with canes, and some like couples embracing, full of romance and fantasy. In the early morning, mist fills the mountains, with peaks faintly visible through the clouds, as if floating immortal mountains suspended in midair, showcasing nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship.
Yangjiajie is one of Wulingyuan’s core scenic areas, featuring the "Natural Great Wall," a spectacular formation of peaks arranged like a fortress wall. Hiking to the Yangjiajie viewing platform, you can overlook the "Natural Great Wall" extending into the mist, imagining ancient xianxia heroes flying on swords and practicing martial arts here. Yuanjiajie’s "Hallelujah Mountain" gained worldwide fame from the movie Avatar, with peaks floating in midair and mist swirling around, making you feel like you’re in an alien immortal realm—an excellent location for shooting xianxia blockbusters.
In Wulingyuan, try the authentic Zhangjiajie Sanxia Pot, a spicy and flavorful stew with cured meat, pork intestines, and pig stomach cooked with chili and Sichuan peppercorns, perfect with rice; also, Rock Ear Mushroom Stewed Chicken, where the tender rock ear mushrooms growing on rocks are stewed with chicken, creating an incredibly delicious broth. Accommodation options include inns or hotels around Wulingyuan Scenic Area, some offering rooms with views of the peaks right from the window. For transportation, take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie West Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle to Wulingyuan Scenic Area; self-driving visitors can navigate directly to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area ticket station parking lot.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan: The Snowy Immortal Trail Beside Blue Moon Valley
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain for the Naxi people, with thirteen snow-capped peaks stretching like a silver dragon lying above the clouds, majestic and imposing. At the foot of the mountain lies Blue Moon Valley, with lake waters as blue as gemstones. Due to mineral content, the water reflects different shades of blue under sunlight, resembling a moon fallen from the sky, hence the name "Blue Moon Valley." The white calcified beach by the lake contrasts beautifully with the blue water, creating a snowy fairyland that feels like a secret icy realm from a xianxia drama.
Take the large cable car up to 4,680 meters above sea level on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Standing at the summit, you can overlook the rolling sea of clouds, with distant peaks covered in snow sparkling under the sun. The glaciers here take various shapes—some sharp as swords, others grand like castles—showcasing nature’s wonders. Additionally, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is rich in Naxi cultural relics, such as Ganhaizi and Yunshanping, where you can experience a perfect blend of ethnic culture and xianxia atmosphere.
When visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, be sure to try the Naxi specialty—Cured Pork Rib Hotpot, with firm ribs and rich broth paired with local vegetables and mushrooms for a delicious taste; also, Naxi Roast Meat, crispy on the outside and tender inside, dipped in local sauces for an unforgettable flavor. Accommodation options include inns in Lijiang Old Town, full of ethnic charm, or hotels at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for convenient access to the scenic area. For transportation, from Lijiang Old Town, take a tourist shuttle or charter a car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, about a 1.5-hour drive.
Travel Tips
1. Clothing: These scenic areas are mostly mountainous with large temperature differences between day and night. Bring a lightweight jacket; wear comfortable sports or hiking shoes for easy walking.
2. Photography Gear: To capture stunning xianxia-style photos, bring a wide-angle camera, tripod, and some traditional props like oil-paper umbrellas or round fans.
3. Safety: When hiking in the mountains, follow the scenic area rules and do not leave designated trails. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is at high altitude; some may experience altitude sickness, so prepare medication accordingly.
4. Ticket Booking: To avoid delays, book scenic area tickets and cable car passes in advance on platforms like Trip.com, where some discounts may be available.
With this guide in hand, set off to these real-life xianxia secret realms and embark on an unforgettable journey!
As the most anticipated activity of the Wuyishan trip, it unfortunately rained the entire time, and the rain didn't stop... Despite this, the overall experience was still okay; it would have been perfect if the weather had been better. Leaving a little regret gives you a reason to come back next time, right?
A must-visit tourist destination in China, Wuyishan offers a fantastic experience even during the off-season in winter. The local tourism authorities have also thoughtfully reduced many fees, and the facilities within the park are excellent. Looking forward to visiting Wuyishan again!
We received a phone call in advance to inform them of the driver's name, license plate number, and tour guide's name. Today, we were the only two tourists, but the driver and tour guide were very nice. They explained the two attractions in detail and even helped us take photos. It was a very satisfying trip.
Wuyi Mountain is one of the first batch of 5A-level scenic tourist areas and the first batch of national comprehensive tourism demonstration areas in China, with 36 scenic spots of various types. Wuyi Mountain's natural landscape is unique, rare and wonderful, and is known as "clear water and red mountain" and "the most beautiful in the southeast". There are 36 peaks, 72 caves, 99 rocks, Jiuquxi, Tianyou Peak, Yunu Peak, Dawang Peak and other scenic spots in the territory, which are famous at home and abroad. Wuyi Mountain is the birthplace of oolong tea and black tea, two of the six major teas in the world. It is the starting point of the "Tea Horse Road" and the first "Hometown of Chinese Tea Culture and Art". The production skills of Wuyi Rock Tea (Dahongpao) have been listed as the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage.
Jade Girl (peak) Tianyou (peak) strange peak, Jiuqu (stream) and Taoyuan (cave) are indeed different; Nanping (City) Wuyi (Mountain) Spiritual Holy Land, Climbing mountains (high) and rafting (bamboo) are not easy. We visited Wuyi Mountain in 3 days, climbed the peaks and took bamboo rafts. We felt that Wuyi Mountain is the most special sacred place in China. It is full of strange mountain peaks, clear rivers and streams, and superb tourist attractions.
Wuyishan Scenic Area is a famous tourist destination in China, renowned for its unique natural landscape and rich historical culture. Wuyi Mountain not only possesses the landscape features of “strange, graceful, beautiful and ancient”, but also has achieved a wonderful state in the close integration of mountain and water, and the harmonious unity of humanity and nature. The clear and green Jiuqu River winds around the mountains, twisting and turning. The typical Danxia landforms are in various shapes and forms. Coupled with the mysterious ancient Min Yue culture, the natural mountains and waters are infused with a strong cultural atmosphere. Visitors can take a simple and light bamboo raft down the stream, where they can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wuyi River and mountains, admire the cultural relics on both sides of the river, enjoy the poetic and picturesque scenery, and experience the thrills. Wuyi Mountain is considered one of China's four 5A-level scenic spots that are both dual world heritage sites. It stands in the southeast valley with its unique and rich cultural connotations and temperament. This place is not only the cradle of Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism, but also a base for the world to study Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism and even Eastern culture. Throughout history, many famous Chinese cultural figures such as Zhu Xi, Lu You, and Xin Qiji have lived and taught in Wuyi Mountain, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage. In addition, Wuyi Mountain also has many attractions worth visiting, such as Tianyou Peak, Huxiao Rock, Yitiantian, Dahongpao, Shuilian Cave, etc. These attractions not only have magnificent natural scenery, but also contain rich historical and cultural values.
Yunu Peak, Tianyou Peak, Qiyi Peak, Jiuqu (stream) and Taoyuan (cave) are indeed different; Nanping (city) Wuyi (mountain) sacred place, Climbing mountains (high) and rafting (bamboo) is not easy. We think that Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area is a rare scenic spot in China. There are many rock peaks in the area with strange shapes. [Scenery] Climbing to the top of the rock, you can see the overall appearance of Wuyi Mountain. Take a bamboo raft on Jiuqu River and get a close look at the scenery on both sides of the river, which will make you feel relaxed and happy.
Day 1: Exploring Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area I set off from Xiamen in the morning and took the high-speed rail to Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province. When I set foot on this beautiful land, I was immediately attracted by its unique natural landscape. I first came to Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area, which has many famous attractions. I visited the tea garden, learned the process of tea making, and tasted the authentic Wuyi Mountain rock tea. Then, I came to Jiuqu River, took a bamboo raft to drift on the clear river water, and enjoyed the magnificent canyon scenery. Day 2: Experience Wuyi Mountain Culture Today, I decided to learn more about the history and culture of Wuyi Mountain. I visited the Wuyi Mountain Museum and learned about the long history and rich cultural traditions of Wuyi Mountain. Afterwards, I visited ancient buildings such as Wuyi Palace and Dawangfeng Temple and felt the unique charm of this mountain. At Dawangfeng Temple, I also had the opportunity to talk with a monk and learned about the practice of Zen Buddhism. Day 3: Hiking Today, I decided to hike to the top of Wuyi Mountain. In the early morning, I started a long hiking journey. Along the way, I climbed the steep hillside, walked through the dense forest, and admired the magnificent mountain scenery. Finally, I climbed to the top of the Yunu Peak. Standing here, I overlooked the magnificent scenery of the entire Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area and felt the greatness and magnificence of nature. Day 4: Explore the beauty around Wuyi Mountain Today is the last day of my trip to Wuyi Mountain, and I decided to explore the surrounding attractions. I came to Wushi Mountain, which has cliffs and strange rock landscapes, which is breathtaking. Afterwards, I went to Tianyou Peak, admiring the natural lakes and mountain scenery, and felt the tranquility and pleasant atmosphere. In the evening, I took the cable car back to the urban area of Wuyi Mountain. While strolling in the urban area, I also visited the local traditional cultural villages and enjoyed traditional performances and handicrafts. This is a place full of vitality and cultural atmosphere. The trip to Wuyi Mountain allowed me to experience the charm of nature and the charm of historical culture. This mountain is beautiful with clear water and long history, and it is beautiful beyond words. I will end my trip to Wuyi Mountain with gratitude and unforgettable memories.