2 Days Shangrao Tour from Shanghai: Wangxian Valley & Lingshan Mountain

In the morning, take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Shangrao (about 2–3 hours) on your own.

Welcome to Shangrao, the gateway to Wangxian Valley (望仙谷). Upon your arrival at Shangrao Railway Station, a local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to Wangxian Valley (about 50 km, 1.5 hours).

By day, Wangxian Valley (望仙谷) feels like stepping into a timeless ancient town. Time truly slows down here, revealing the charming Gan-style (Jiangxi) ambiance. Above cascading waterfalls, an ancient town clings to the mountainside. Its earthen walls with yellow plaster, dark grey tiles, and rammed earth houses are meticulously preserved, showcasing the original architectural style of Northeast Jiangxi.

Stroll through the intricate network of narrow alleys, discovering unique shops along the way. Admire lanterns, bamboo weaving, and intricate carvings - each handcrafted item a testament to the artisan's dedication and wisdom. The air in the alleys is filled with the tempting aromas of hot noodles (烫粉) and tofu pudding (豆腐脑), inviting you to savor these delicious local flavors.

For the adventurous, take a walk along the glass walkways built directly into the sheer cliffs. Stretching nearly 100 meters above the ground, with rushing rapids and cliffs below, these paths offer a thrilling test of courage while revealing breathtaking views of the canyon’s rugged beauty and undulating mountains.

Wangxian Valley boasts abundant rainfall, ensuring a constant flow of water. Everywhere you look, you'll find trickling streams, serene springs, and magnificent waterfalls like Wangxian Waterfall and Three-Tiered Waterfalls. These dramatic cascades, springing from sheer cliffs, combine with gushing springs and winding streams to form a series of unique and stunning landscapes.

It’s hard to believe that such an ethereal wonderland was crafted from an ABANDONED QUARRY. This transformation is undeniably a bold, ambitious, and brilliantly creative endeavor.

As dusk settles and the lights begin to glow, the contours of the cliffside buildings in Wangxian Valley become clearly outlined in warm, soft light. The entire mountain cliff transforms, seemingly a "Heavenly Palace on Cloud Nine" descended from a myth.

It's truly a sight that brings to mind the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai's lines:

"危楼高百尺，手可摘星辰。不敢高声语，恐惊天上人。"

"High towers reach a hundred feet; one can almost pluck the stars. Dare not speak aloud, for fear of startling the immortals in the heavens."

Strolling through Wangxian Valley, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a vibrant "Wuxia" (martial arts hero) world, with an ancient and mysterious Eastern realm unfolding before your eyes. Winding paths, flanked by perilous cliffs and cascading waterfalls, lead you past quaint tea houses and pavilions that seemingly teeter on the mountainside. You might even stumble upon an acrobatic "Jianghu 江湖" street performance or learn a "sword dance" from an NPC, as if you've walked right into a scene from a Jin Yong novel.

Stay overnight in Wangxian Valley or Shangrao City.

Accommodation Tips

Staying inside Wangxian Valley gives the best experience, but hotels are pricier. To save costs, we can also arrange a comfortable stay in Shangrao City. Tell your travel consultant your preference, and we’ll arrange what suits you best.

Wake up to a fresh mountain morning and head to Lingshan Mountain, a landscape that feels lifted straight from a xianxia fantasy. As you explore, you’ll encounter bizarre granite cliffs, sword-like ridges, drifting mountain mist, and rock formations shaped like mythical beasts. No wonder poets like Wang Anshi and Xin Qiji praised this place centuries ago - and why it became one of Taoism’s famed “33 blessed lands.”

To make this climb effortless, you will experience the world-record-holding, 1,236-meter-long cliffside escalator system, known as the "Ladder to the Sky." These dozens of segments of escalators act like a golden stairway straight to the clouds, whisking you to the best viewpoints in just about 10 minutes.

Begin the main hike along the cliffside plank road. Follow the circular route that passes the major granite formations. Key photo spots: Sky Mirror (Glass Platform), Chinese Dragon Ridge, and the monumental rock structures like "Dominate the World."

After the tour, drive to Shangrao Railway Station to catch your train back to Shanghai.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!