Tracing the Path of Immortals: A Guide to 4 Off-the-Beaten-Path Secret Realms, Unlocking a Real-Life Jianghu Scroll

Tired of crowded popular tourist spots and longing for a tranquil place to immerse yourself in the world of xianxia (immortal heroes)? Don’t limit yourself to trendy check-in points. The bamboo raft drift on the Nine-Bend Stream in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian; the cloud-top azaleas of Wawu Mountain, Sichuan; the floating mountains of Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie, Hunan; and the Blue Moon Valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan, all hide breathtaking scenery worthy of xianxia dramas. This guide, featuring Trip.com's top travel experiences, will lead you into the secret realms of the real Jianghu, starting a carefree journey of immortal cultivation. Wuyi Mountain, Fujian: Ink-Wash Immortal World on the Nine-Bend Stream Wuyi Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site, is renowned as "the most beautiful in the southeast" and has inspired many xianxia film and TV scenes. In the early morning, the Nine-Bend Stream is shrouded in mist. Riding a bamboo raft downstream, the boatman gently taps the water with a bamboo pole, the raft slicing through the calm surface, creating ripples. The Danxia peaks on both sides take on various shapes—some like proud elephants, others like eagles ready to soar—faintly visible through the clouds, as if stepping into a flowing ink-wash painting of a xianxia world. The Jade Maiden Peak is one of Wuyi Mountain’s iconic sights, with three towering peaks standing side by side like three graceful fairies. When the raft reaches this spot, the boatman shares the romantic legend of the Jade Maiden Peak and the King Peak, adding a touch of xianxia romance to the landscape. In the afternoon, you can hike up Tianyou Peak, climbing the winding stone steps surrounded by clouds, feeling as if you are walking in the sky. From the summit, you can overlook the entire Wuyi Mountain scenic area, with the Nine-Bend Stream winding like a green silk ribbon through the mountains, a truly magnificent view. For food, be sure to try Wuyi Mountain’s specialty—Langu Smoked Goose, with golden crispy skin and tender meat infused with a unique smoky aroma; and Zhuzi Filial Mother Cake, soft and sweet without being greasy, a traditional local pastry. For accommodation, choose a homestay at the foot of Wuyi Mountain, some of which offer Hanfu rental services, allowing you to stroll in traditional attire and fully immerse yourself in the xianxia atmosphere. For transportation, take the high-speed train to Wuyishan North Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle or taxi to the scenic area; self-driving visitors can navigate directly to the South Gate parking lot of Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area, where parking is convenient. Wawu Mountain, Sichuan: The Azalea Immortal Mountain Above the Clouds Wawu Mountain is named for its flat, tile-roof-like summit and is known as "China’s largest table mountain." Every spring, it becomes a sea of azaleas, with pink, red, and purple flowers blooming across the green forest like clouds and rosy clouds. In the early morning, the mountain is wrapped in mist, with azaleas appearing and disappearing in the clouds, as if they are immortal flowers growing above the clouds, transporting you into a xianxia drama’s enchanted garden. Take the cable car up the mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of Wawu Mountain from the cabin. The continuous peaks are shrouded in mist, with only the summits visible, resembling floating immortal mountains in the clouds. The Xiang’er Mountain Villa at the summit is an excellent spot to watch the sea of clouds and sunrise. At dawn, standing on the villa’s viewing platform, you can watch the sun slowly rise from the cloud sea, with golden sunlight shimmering on the waves—a breathtaking sight. Additionally, Wawu Mountain is home to many rare animals and plants, such as the red panda and dove tree. Hiking here, you might unexpectedly encounter these "immortal beasts." Must-try local dishes include Hongya Bo Bo Chicken, tender chicken in a spicy, fragrant broth paired with local vegetables, and Wawu Mountain Old Bacon, firm and flavorful, delicious whether steamed or stir-fried. Accommodation options include the Xiang’er Mountain Villa at the summit for a closer cloud-life experience or homestays at the foot of the mountain for better value. For transportation, drive from Chengdu via Chengya Expressway and Yaye Expressway, about 3.5 hours; or take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Hongya County, then transfer to a local bus to Wawu Mountain Scenic Area. Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie, Hunan: The Floating Mountain Xianxia Wonderland Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan is famous worldwide for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest landscape, with three thousand peaks rising sharply and eight hundred streams winding through, resembling a magnificent xianxia painting. The peaks have distinctive shapes—some like sharp swords piercing the sky, others like elderly herbalists walking with canes, and some like couples embracing, full of romance and fantasy. In the early morning, mist fills the mountains, with peaks faintly visible through the clouds, as if floating immortal mountains suspended in midair, showcasing nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship. Yangjiajie is one of Wulingyuan’s core scenic areas, featuring the "Natural Great Wall," a spectacular formation of peaks arranged like a fortress wall. Hiking to the Yangjiajie viewing platform, you can overlook the "Natural Great Wall" extending into the mist, imagining ancient xianxia heroes flying on swords and practicing martial arts here. Yuanjiajie’s "Hallelujah Mountain" gained worldwide fame from the movie Avatar, with peaks floating in midair and mist swirling around, making you feel like you’re in an alien immortal realm—an excellent location for shooting xianxia blockbusters. In Wulingyuan, try the authentic Zhangjiajie Sanxia Pot, a spicy and flavorful stew with cured meat, pork intestines, and pig stomach cooked with chili and Sichuan peppercorns, perfect with rice; also, Rock Ear Mushroom Stewed Chicken, where the tender rock ear mushrooms growing on rocks are stewed with chicken, creating an incredibly delicious broth. Accommodation options include inns or hotels around Wulingyuan Scenic Area, some offering rooms with views of the peaks right from the window. For transportation, take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie West Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle to Wulingyuan Scenic Area; self-driving visitors can navigate directly to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area ticket station parking lot. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan: The Snowy Immortal Trail Beside Blue Moon Valley Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain for the Naxi people, with thirteen snow-capped peaks stretching like a silver dragon lying above the clouds, majestic and imposing. At the foot of the mountain lies Blue Moon Valley, with lake waters as blue as gemstones. Due to mineral content, the water reflects different shades of blue under sunlight, resembling a moon fallen from the sky, hence the name "Blue Moon Valley." The white calcified beach by the lake contrasts beautifully with the blue water, creating a snowy fairyland that feels like a secret icy realm from a xianxia drama. Take the large cable car up to 4,680 meters above sea level on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Standing at the summit, you can overlook the rolling sea of clouds, with distant peaks covered in snow sparkling under the sun. The glaciers here take various shapes—some sharp as swords, others grand like castles—showcasing nature’s wonders. Additionally, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is rich in Naxi cultural relics, such as Ganhaizi and Yunshanping, where you can experience a perfect blend of ethnic culture and xianxia atmosphere. When visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, be sure to try the Naxi specialty—Cured Pork Rib Hotpot, with firm ribs and rich broth paired with local vegetables and mushrooms for a delicious taste; also, Naxi Roast Meat, crispy on the outside and tender inside, dipped in local sauces for an unforgettable flavor. Accommodation options include inns in Lijiang Old Town, full of ethnic charm, or hotels at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for convenient access to the scenic area. For transportation, from Lijiang Old Town, take a tourist shuttle or charter a car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, about a 1.5-hour drive. Travel Tips 1. Clothing: These scenic areas are mostly mountainous with large temperature differences between day and night. Bring a lightweight jacket; wear comfortable sports or hiking shoes for easy walking. 2. Photography Gear: To capture stunning xianxia-style photos, bring a wide-angle camera, tripod, and some traditional props like oil-paper umbrellas or round fans. 3. Safety: When hiking in the mountains, follow the scenic area rules and do not leave designated trails. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is at high altitude; some may experience altitude sickness, so prepare medication accordingly. 4. Ticket Booking: To avoid delays, book scenic area tickets and cable car passes in advance on platforms like Trip.com, where some discounts may be available. With this guide in hand, set off to these real-life xianxia secret realms and embark on an unforgettable journey!