Wangxian Valley has become an online sensation — but is it really worth a visit? Its cliffside hanging houses, waterfalls, ancient villages, temples, and lush valleys create a surreal, theme-park-like world.
If you enjoy this fanciful vibe, love Chinese fantasy drama scenes, or enjoy taking photos, this is a place worth visiting.
This article will guide you through Wangxian Valley and help you explore its mystical charm with ease.
- 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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- How to Get to Wangxian Valley
- Top Things to Do
- How Long to Spend
- Where to Stay in Wangxian Valley
- Best Time to Visit Wangxian Valley
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.
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.
Hanging houses on the cliffs2. 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.
How Long to Spend in Wangxian Valley
The biggest highlight of Wangxian Valley is its illuminated night scenery, so if you want to enjoy the nighttime views, spending 1 day and 1 night in the valley is ideal.
If your visit is mainly about wandering around and taking photos, you can enter the valley after 4 p.m. The area isn't very large, so you'll have enough time to enjoy both the daytime scenery and the night lights, and you can even join the bonfire party in the evening.
If you plan to try the rafting experience (about 1 hour) or go trekking, it's better to enter around 2 p.m. for a more relaxed schedule.
Here's a classic Wangxian Valley tour from Shanghai or Hangzhou:
- Day 1: Depart from Shanghai or Hangzhou → Arrive in Wangxian Valley → Begin your exploration
- Day 2: Return to Shanghai or Hangzhou
Take a train before 11 a.m. to Shangrao. The journey from Shanghai or Hangzhou to Shangrao takes 2–3 hours, and from Shangrao to Wangxian Valley it's about 1 hour by car, which allows you to enter the valley around 3–4 p.m., just in time to enjoy both the daytime and evening views.
Our 8-Day Wangxian Valley, Wuzhen, Hangzhou, and Shanghai Tour could take you to many of the trending photo spots you've seen on social media, while also letting you experience the charming water towns around Shanghai.
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.
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.
Discover Wangxian Valley with China Highlights
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