Located in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, Wangxian Valley is famed for its mountainous cliffside hanging houses, waterfalls, picturesque valleys, ancient villages, temples, and verdant fields. Its landscape mirrors a surreal fantasy world, offering an immersive experience that seamlessly combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and legendary narratives that surpass the ordinary.
This article will serve as your guide to effortlessly exploring the mystical charm of Wangxian Valley.
- Address: Guangxin District, Shangrao, Jiangxi Province
- Best seasons to visit: all year round
- Top activities: trekking, cultural exploration, and canyon rafting
- Recommended visiting time: 1 to 2 days
- Open: 8am–10pm
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Best Times to Visit Wangxian Valley
Wangxian ValleyWangxian Valley can be visited all year round.
Summer (June to August) is an ideal time to escape the summer heat and engage in water-based activities, such as canyon rafting and waterfall sightseeing. The landscape is vibrant and lush green during the summer months, enhancing your overall experience.
Spring (March to May) is cooler than summer and there are often rainy days, leading to foggy conditions in the mountainous regions. This fog could impact your photography sessions on rainy days.
Autumn (September to November) brings cool, dry, and clear days, providing the perfect weather conditions for outdoor activities and photography in Wangxian Valley.
Winter (December to February) in Wangxian Valley can be cold, with temperatures dropping to 2°C (36°F). It might not be an ideal time for activities like canyon drifting or admiring waterfalls. However, you could experience a quieter and less-crowded environment.
Top Things to Do in Wangxian Valley
Wangxian ValleyIf you are an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure and want to explore local Chinese culture, then Wangxian Valley is the perfect destination for you! Here's a guide to the interesting activities you could enjoy:
1. Take Beautiful Photos While Wearing Han Costumes
Wangxian Valley is a good place if you have a passion for capturing beautiful photographs. Remember to dress in traditional attire or rent costumes from shops as it is a popular place to shoot beautiful pictures with traditional Chinese elements, such as old streets, ancient buildings, and bridges.
Here are some of the best shooting spots:
Baihe Cliff: There, you could have a bird's-eye view of the valley and observe the scattered villages below. This vantage point is ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Baige Bridge: On the bridge, you could marvel at the spectacular cliff-hanging houses and the abundance of bridges throughout the valley.
Hanging houses on the cliffs: Climb up to the cliff homestay to experience the thrill of the cliff's edge and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire valley.
2. Go Trekking and Discover Natural Wonders
Dive into an expedition exploring stunning canyons, mysterious caves, and rugged landscapes. Each step you take in this majestic setting is a mesmerizing connection with nature, offering unparalleled views that would satisfy your thirst for adventure.
As the area features lush forests, mosquitoes or insects may be present on warm days, so it's recommended to carry insect repellent with you.
3. Experience Thrilling Canyon Drifting
Challenge yourself with a 2.8 km (1.7 miles) extreme rafting course that includes a 185-meter (607-foot) drop and takes you through three bays, pools, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. Glide down the river on a raft, surrounded by glistening waters and majestic trees along the riverbanks.
4. Try Your Hand at Woodcraft
At the carpentry shop, you would have the opportunity to select a piece of wood and follow an artisan's instructions to craft your own wooden spoon or wooden comb. Alternatively, you could visit the bamboo strip shop to create your own basket using bamboo strips.
5. See Folk Performances and Opera Shows
Folk cultural performances and opera shows are held at various valley stages from 3pm to 7pm. Be sure to check the performance timings on your tickets as they may vary depending on the season.
Han people's wedding performance: Witness a traditional Han wedding ceremony, featuring Han individuals donning elaborate traditional wedding attire as they exchange vows on stage.
Bonfire party: Join the evening bonfire party (from 6pm to 8pm) to sing and dance with the local residents. It promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Must-Try Food in Wangxian Valley
In Wangxian Valley, you could enjoy a variety of street food, including local snacks and cuisine at Baiwei Food Street. Moreover, there are several fine restaurants that serve local specialties, including Jiangxi cuisine and Anhui dishes. Some of the famous local dishes include Wangxian Tofu, Mother Yang Youzi, and Dengzhanji. Here are some recommended snacks you should try:
- Wuyan fruit: A local summer fruit, renowned for its juicy flesh and rich taste.
- Hengfeng kudzu noodles: Made from freshly squeezed kudzu juice with sliced kudzu topped with osmanthus honey.
- Wangxian Donggua tea: A kind of tea brewed from winter melon, which is a popular refreshing and cooling beverage, especially enjoyable when chilled.
- Pulled corn: Experience corn in a unique form where it can be pulled into threads, offering a fun and distinctive twist on this classic ingredient.
A Tour Route for Wangxian Valley
Wangxian ValleyThe route we recommend covers most of the valley's highlights. Following this approximately 3-kilometer (1.9 miles) route in one direction would save you time and ensure that you don't miss out on key attractions in Wangxian Valley. Here is the recommended tour route:
Arrive at Wangxiangu ➡️ Waterfall Road (瀑布栈道) ➡️ Baihe Cliff Viewing Platform (白鹤崖观景台) ➡️ Lan Yue Qiao ('Embracing Moon Bridge' 揽月桥) ➡️ Baiwei Street ('Hundred Flavors Street' 百味街) ➡️ Hu's Ancestral Hall (胡氏宗祠) ➡️ Yangfu Square (杨府广场) ➡️ Baige Bridge (百舸桥) ➡️ Mingchan Lane (鸣蝉巷) ➡️ Workshop Street (作坊街) ➡️ Fu Family Courtyard (福家小院) ➡️ Viewing Platform (观景台) ➡️ Chaohelo Building (朝鹤楼) ➡️ Glass Bridge (玻璃栈道) ➡️ Leimu Bridge (雷木桥)
How Long to Spend in Wangxian Valley
Generally speaking, it would take approximately 4–5 hours to explore the highlights of the valley. To truly immerse yourself in the essence of the valley, it is advisable to plan a 2-day trip and stay overnight to witness the spectacular night views.
Allocate a day to visit the key attractions of the valley, such as the Wangxian waterfalls, three pools, the glass bridge, Tianxin Temple, and more. Then, dedicate half a day to exploring Xianyuan Ancient Village and Old Street as well as engaging in local farming.
A classic Wangxian Valley tour from Shanghai/Hangzhou:
- Day 1: Shanghai or Hangzhou departure (2–3-hour train ride)
- Day 2: Wangxian Valley exploration
- Day 3: Wangxian Valley to Shangrao for departure
How to Get to Wangxian Valley
From Shanghai or Hangzhou: You could opt for direct trains from Shanghai or Hangzhou to Shangrao city. The journey from Shanghai to Shangrao takes about 3 hours and Hangzhou to Shangrao is about 2 hours. Then, take a bus or a car to Wangxian Valley, which would take about 1½ hours.
From Beijing: If you are traveling from Beijing to Shangrao, taking a flight is recommended as it's a quick 1–2-hour flight compared to over 7 hours by other means.
From Hong Kong: There are no direct trains or flights from Hong Kong to Shangrao. Therefore, we recommend flying to Shanghai or Hangzhou and then taking a train to Shangrao.
Where to Stay in Wangxian Valley
In Wangxian Valley, there are three areas where you could find accommodation: hotels inside Wangxian Valley, hotels and resorts outside the valley, and star-rated hotels in the Shangrao urban area. Choose the one that fits your needs by following the guide below:
Staying Inside the Valley:
Suitable for: families with kids, elderly couples, and those who don't want to transfer across a long distance
Advantages: close to the attractions, convenient access, open till midnight, the cliff-hanging houses are an unforgettable experience
Disadvantages: more expensive prices for accommodation, and it is difficult to book a room during the summer vacation or weekends
Staying outside the valley:
Suitable for: young couples, singles
Advantages: There are much lower prices than are available inside the valley, and it is easy to book a room during public holidays or the summer vacation.
Disadvantage: You have to spend time traveling/walking to the scenic area about 3 km (1.9 miles) away.
Staying in Shangrao city:
Suitable for: Those who seek luxury hotels or star-rated hotels.
Advantage: There are high-end hotel brands, such as Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, with luxury amenities and services.
Disadvantage: It is a long distance to travel from the hotels to the scenic area, taking about an hour's drive.
Feel free to contact us if you need help further planning a trip to Wangxian Valley.