Shenxianju Travel Guide: Walking in the Clouds, Encountering a Wonderland

🌄 Shenxianju Travel Guide: Walking in the Clouds, Encountering a Wonderland

🌟 Overview

Shenxianju, located in Xianju County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, is a national 5A-level scenic area. Famous for its volcanic rhyolite landforms and spectacular sea of clouds, it is known as the "place where immortals live." The scenic area covers a total area of 158 square kilometers. Core attractions include Ruyi Bridge, Lotus Platform, and the Nantian Peak Glass Viewing Platform. It has served as a filming location for movies and TV series such as Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils and The Myth.

📅 Best Time to Visit

- Spring (April-May): Azaleas bloom all over the mountains. The temperature ranges from 15-25°C, making it suitable for hiking and photography.

- Autumn (September-November): The probability of seeing a sea of clouds is as high as 70%. Red leaves dot the mountains, and the temperature, ranging from 10-20°C, is cool and pleasant.

- Winter (December-February): Occasional snow scenery, fewer tourists, and off-season ticket prices of 100 yuan.

🚗 Transportation

1. High-Speed Rail

- From Hangzhou: Hangzhou West Station → Xianju Station, 1.5 hours by high-speed rail, second-class seat 144 yuan.

- From Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao → Taizhou West Station, transfer to a bus to Shenxianju, the whole journey takes about 4.5 hours.

2. Self-Driving

- Zhuyong Expressway (from Hangzhou) → Exit at Shenxianju, approx. 2 hours' drive.

3. Scenic Area Shuttle

- Shuttle buses run between the south and north gates of the scenic area from 7:00-17:00, every 20 mins, 5 yuan for a single trip.

- A taxi from the county seat to the scenic area costs about 50-80 yuan, suitable for carpooling.

💰 Tickets and Fees

- Tickets: Peak season 120 yuan (March-November), off-season 100 yuan (December-February), including accident insurance.

- Cableway: 65 yuan for a single trip, 120 yuan for a round trip (round trip recommended to save energy).

- Other items: Flying Carpet (escalator) 30 yuan, Nantian Peak Glass Viewing Platform 20 yuan.

- Discounts:

- Free admission for seniors over 70, children under 1.2m, and active military personnel.

- Half-price tickets for students and seniors aged 60-69 with valid IDs.

🗺️ Recommended Routes

1. South Gate Up, North Gate Down (6-8 hours)

- Morning: Take the cable car up from the South Gate → Elephant Trunk Waterfall → Nantian Peak (Glass Viewing Platform) → Wolong Bridge.

- Lunch: Simple meal near Ruyi Lake (30-50 yuan per person).

- Afternoon: Ruyi Bridge (S-shaped bridge) → Lotus Platform → Buddha Shadow and Lotus Charm → Take the cable car down from the North Gate.

2. North Gate Up, North Gate Down (4-6 hours)

- Morning: Take the cable car up from the North Gate → Xiyan Temple Ruins → Flying Eagle Path (cliffside plank road).

- Lunch: Dine at the rest area in the northern part of the scenic area (instant noodles, bread, 20-30 yuan per person).

- Afternoon: Nantian Bridge → Lotus Platform → Ruyi Bridge → Take the cable car down from the North Gate.

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

1. High-end Hotels in the Scenic Area

- Shenxianju Grand Bay Resort: 4-star, standard rooms 800-1200 yuan/night, 5-minute walk to the South Gate, breakfast included.

- Yunyin Shanju: Popular B&B, mountain view rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, 300-500 yuan/night, suitable for couples.

2. Cost-Effective Options in the County Seat

- New Century Manju Hotel Xianju: 400-600 yuan/night, provides free shuttle service to the scenic area.

- Buru Fang B&B: Designer style, rooms with slides + mountain view balconies, 600-1000 yuan/night.

🍜 Food Recommendations

- Xianju Eight Bowls: Traditional banquet, including braised pork, sea cucumber, dried bamboo shoots, etc. Gujie Restaurant near the South Gate is recommended (60-80 yuan per person).

- Yongan Stream Fish: Tender and delicious, a must-try at Laobian Restaurant (North Gate night market), 50-70 yuan per person.

- Xianju Wheat Cake: Sweet and savory options, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, 5-10 yuan/piece. Lao Yang Wheat Cake at the North Gate is the most authentic.

- Xianju Waxberries: In season from June to July, you can pick them at Xianmei Villa in Bulu Township, 50-80 yuan/500g.

⚠️ Important Notes

1. Recommended Gear: Non-slip sneakers, sun hat, power bank (no signal in some areas).

2. Weather Warning: Frequent showers during the rainy season (June-August), bring a raincoat; pay attention to keeping warm in winter.

3. Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps:

- The entrance at the South Gate is steep; seniors and children are advised to take the cable car from the North Gate.

- Restaurants at the entrance may overcharge; prioritize restaurants with clearly marked prices.

4. Safety Precautions: No smoking, do not leave the trails without permission, some attractions will be closed in case of strong winds, heavy rain, or other severe weather.

📸 Photography Tips

- Best spot for sunrise: Viewing platform at the upper station of the North Gate cableway, 5:30-6:00 in summer, 7:00-7:30 in winter.

- Sea of clouds viewing: Lotus Platform, Nantian Peak, highest probability in autumn, it is recommended to go early in the morning or after rain.

- Popular photo spots: Ruyi Bridge (shoot the curve of the bridge against the light), Nantian Bridge (aerial view of the suspension bridge).

📍 Nearby Attractions

1. Potan Ancient Town: 20 km from the scenic area, a complex of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, tickets are 30 yuan, suitable for afternoon visits.

2. Danzhu Leisure Valley: Free admission, clear streams, rafting available in summer (120 yuan/person).

3. Gaoqian Ancient Village: Home to the Wu family, well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty houses, non-commercialized, suitable for photography.

💡 Itinerary Reference (2-Day Trip)

- Day 1: Take the cable car up from the North Gate → Xiyan Temple → Flying Eagle Path → Nantian Bridge → Ruyi Bridge → Take the cable car down from the South Gate → Stay at a B&B in the scenic area.

- Day 2: Potan Ancient Town → Danzhu Leisure Valley → Return trip.

With its unique mountains, waters, and cloud-walking experience, Shenxianju has become a top choice for short trips in the Yangtze River Delta region. Whether you're hiking, exploring, or taking photos, it can satisfy all your imaginations of a wonderland. It is recommended to book tickets and cable car rides one day in advance and avoid peak seasons and holidays to enjoy an in-depth dialogue with nature.