2-Hour Drive from Hangzhou | Visit the Filming Locations of "A Chinese Ghost Story"

🌿 Shimenxia Scenic Area is located in Qingliangfeng Town, Lin'an District, Hangzhou, at the border of Zhejiang and Anhui provinces. Known as the "No.1 Canyon Cluster in East China," it features stone walls, waterfalls, and primeval forests, and served as a filming location for the new version of "A Chinese Ghost Story" and "Butterfly Lovers."

With towering mountains, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls, the area boasts the majestic "First Stone Gate of China" and the enchanting "Eighteen Dragon Pools." Perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and summer retreats, it's a hidden outdoor paradise in the Yangtze River Delta. 😘

🚗【Transportation】
Located in Yinlongwu Village, Qingliangfeng Town, Lin'an District, Hangzhou, adjacent to the Huihang Ancient Trail.

Navigate to "Shimenxia Scenic Area." From Hangzhou, take the Hangrui Expressway to Longgang Exit, then turn onto Provincial Road S208 toward Jiakou and the scenic area (about 1.5 hours). From Shanghai or Suzhou, the drive takes about 3.5 hours.

🎫【Tickets】
Combined ticket for Jianmen + Longmen: ¥105/person; single scenic area: ¥68 (half-price for children 1.1-1.3m tall and seniors over 65 with ID).

Discount: Free entry with the 2025 Zhejiang Cultural Tourism Annual Pass (¥51.9, covering 100+ scenic spots in Zhejiang).

🥰【Must-Visit Attractions】
💕 Jianmen Scenic Area
Natural stone walls stretch for hundreds of kilometers. The "First Stone Gate of China" stands 100 meters high but only 7 meters wide, with sheer cliffs like an axe-cut. Features suspended zip lines (currently closed) and a rock-climbing base, ideal for thrill-seekers.
Hike to the stone wall viewing platform for panoramic canyon views, or explore the narrow "One-Line Sky" passage at Small Stone Gate.

💕 Longmen Scenic Area
Home to East China's largest waterfall cluster, "Eighteen Dragon Pools," with 18 cascading falls like silver chains and crystal-clear pools. Great for summer stream trekking and winter ice waterfalls.
Stroll along the streamside path, visit "Hidden Dragon Waterfall" and "Prayer Waterfall," and enjoy distant views of Qingliangfeng Peak amid autumn foliage.

💕 Shimen
Entry point to the Lin'an section of the Huihang Ancient Trail, offering a glimpse of ancient trade route culture. Hike to Zhejitian (about 2 hours).

💕 Humen/Xiangmen
Status: Not fully developed, but the pristine canyon scenery is perfect for experienced hikers.

🏠【Accommodation】
✨ Shimenxia Grand Hotel (4-star): At the entrance of Longmen Scenic Area, featuring Hui-style architecture, geothermal heating, a heated pool, and a restaurant (¥80/person). Standard rooms around ¥600/night, ideal for families or business travelers.

✨ 12 Hours Homestay: Inside Jianmen Scenic Area, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the stone walls. Rooms include massage chairs and free shuttle service. Standard rooms around ¥400/night.

✨ Zhechuan Farmstay: 5 minutes from the scenic area, ¥60-80/person including meals. Offers shuttle and guide services. Try their local chicken stew and stonefish.

✨ Jianmen Inn: Near Shimen, a 10-minute walk to Jianmen. Standard rooms ¥150/night, great for hikers.

✨ Taizi Jian Campground: 30 minutes from the scenic area at 1,558m altitude, perfect for sunrise and sea of clouds views (bring your own gear and prepare for wind/cold).

🍜【Food】
Shimenxia Grand Hotel Restaurant: Specializes in wild delicacies like Maxiao beef, stone-ear chicken stew, and mountain vegetables. ¥80/person.

Longmen Post Snacks: Roasted corn, bamboo-tube rice, and fresh tofu pudding for quick energy.

Zhechuan Farmstay: Authentic rural dishes like pork hotpot and pickled bamboo shoots. ¥50/person.

Xiangli Xiang Farmhouse (Yinlongwu Village): Stonefish hotpot and braised pork, made with fresh ingredients. ¥60/person.

Special Drinks: Fresh sugarcane juice and chilled mountain spring watermelon at the scenic area entrance.

🚫【Tips】
🔸 Rock climbing at Jianmen requires professional gear; follow a coach. Longmen trails are slippery—wear anti-slip shoes.
🔸 Hiking routes are long (Shimen to Longmen is ~10km); bring snacks and water. Some sections lack supplies off-season.
🔸 Summer retreats (avg. 25°C): pack sun protection and mosquito repellent.
🔸 Best autumn foliage (Oct-Nov); arrive early to avoid crowds. Winter snowscapes are stunning!