Step into the clouds and enter a painting: A complete guide to 4 lesser-known immortal fantasy secret realms, capturing epic Jianghu scenes with every shot

Tired of the crowds at popular tourist spots and longing for a mystical immortal fantasy realm wrapped in mist and ancient temples hidden in deep forests? This guide avoids Wangxian Valley and Gexian Village, selecting 4 secluded and stunning real-life “cultivation lands.” Combined with Trip.com's top activities, it offers an immersive way to unlock the Jianghu landscape between mountains and waters. Shenxianju, Taizhou, Zhejiang: An Immortal Mountain Illusion Above the Clouds As the filming inspiration for the game "The Legend of Sword and Fairy," Shenxianju’s volcanic rhyolite peaks and sea of clouds create the most vivid immortal fantasy backdrop. Enter the park at 7:30 AM and take the Nantian cable car up the mountain. As soon as you step out of the cabin, you are enveloped by clouds, with peaks faintly visible below, like floating fairy islands. A must-visit is the Ruyi Bridge, suspended 170 meters in the air, shaped like a jade ruyi scepter stretching across the mountains. Wearing bright-colored Hanfu on the glass bridge section, aerial shots look like you’re sword-flying through the sky. At 9:00 AM sharp, the Buddha Shadow Lotus Mist spot sprays water mist; standing by the lotus platform for a back shot, the clouds create an ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of "Eternal Love." In the afternoon, walk the suspended plank road to Guanyin Peak, where a naturally formed Guanyin statue with hands clasped in prayer emerges from the mist, the immortal aura reaching the summit. Don’t miss the local specialty “Xianju Eight Bowls” at the park entrance, especially the wine lees steamed buns with dried bamboo shoots and braised pork. Stay at a guesthouse at the foot of the mountain, some offering Hanfu rentals, perfect for early morning shots of the empty sea of clouds plank road. Driving is recommended; it’s 1.5 hours from Taizhou city center. Book the “ticket + cable car” package on Trip.com in advance to save 30 yuan. Qiyun Mountain, Anhui: Taoist Immortal Traces Among Danxia Peaks This Taoist sacred mountain hides the most rustic cultivation ambiance. The combination of Danxia peak forests and ancient temples with sea of clouds is called the “real-life Sanqing Mountain” in Trip.com reviews. Taking the cable car up, the moonlit street below appears faintly in the mist, with Huizhou-style houses and Taoist temples lining the bluestone path, the scent of incense blending with morning fog. The red walls and black tiles of Taisu Palace are perfect for photos. Wearing plain Hanfu in front of the hall with the sea of clouds as a backdrop, no filter is needed for an ancient-style masterpiece. In the afternoon, pass through the natural stone cave “Little Pot Heaven,” where the view suddenly opens to a flowing immortal fantasy painting of Danxia peaks and clouds. At sunset, climb Xianglu Peak to watch the sun dye the mountains golden-red, with the sea of clouds glowing pink. Local peach gum stewed with white fungus is sweet and nourishing, paired with Huizhou tart for afternoon tea. Stay in a guesthouse on Moonlight Street for the best atmosphere; open your window in the morning to see clouds spilling over the eaves. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Huangshan city. The best time to visit is March to April after spring rains, when the sea of clouds appears over 80% of the time. Pingshan Canyon, Hubei: Floating Immortal Boat Above Clear Waters Known for the surreal scene of “boats floating on water, people sitting in the air,” this spot is called the “Yunmeng Jiang filming location” by visitors. Take a sightseeing bus to the canyon entrance, then hike an hour to the boat dock. The moment you board a kayak, you understand what a fairyland is—the crystal-clear water makes the boat seem suspended in midair, with sunlight filtering through cliff crevices casting dappled shadows. Walk along the canyon plank road; the “One Line Sky” spot only fits one person at a time, and when mist rises, it feels like entering an immortal’s cave. Wangyue Bridge is a great spot for panoramic shots, capturing cliffs, clear water, and floating boats in one frame. Stay at the exit viewing platform for sunset; the sun dyes the water golden, making every snap a cinematic scene. For dinner, try Enshi Tujia smoked pork stewed with potatoes, paired with a bowl of Hezha tofu to cut the richness. Stay at a guesthouse near the canyon, some offering night canyon exploration. It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Enshi city. Book tickets on Trip.com in advance to skip lines. Wearing light-colored clothes is recommended for better photos. Yubeng Village, Yunnan: A Hidden Peach Blossom Land Beneath Snow Mountains Nestled at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village is connected to the outside world by only one hiking trail, known as the “real-life Kunlun Xu.” The village is wrapped in morning mist, wooden houses with curling smoke, and cattle and sheep grazing on the grass, instantly healing urban fatigue. The classic Ice Lake trail takes 8 hours, passing through primeval forest with streams and occasional squirrels. At Ice Lake, the deep blue water reflects the snow mountains, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, offering a moment of natural tranquility. The Divine Waterfall trail is easier; water cascades from cliffs, often creating rainbows in sunlight, where local Tibetans pray. At night, be sure to try yak meat hotpot with butter tea to warm up. Stay in a scenic guesthouse in the village, with views of Goddess Peak from your window. The snow mountains under the starry sky are especially breathtaking. Travel requires a bus from Shangri-La to Xidang Village, then a 5-hour hike to Yubeng. For those less fit, Trip.com offers mule and horse luggage transport. The best time to visit is September to November when the weather is clear. Travel Tips Bring a light jacket and non-slip hiking shoes; mountain areas have large temperature differences between morning and evening, and plank roads can be slippery. For photos, bring oil-paper umbrellas, round fans, and other ancient-style props; early morning or late afternoon light is best for shots. For high-altitude spots like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Yubeng, prepare altitude sickness medication in advance. It’s recommended to book all tickets on Trip.com ahead of time; some package deals offer discounts and skip-the-line benefits. Pack your bags and set off—these immortal fantasy secret realms hidden among mountains and rivers are waiting for you to write your own Jianghu story.