How to get to Shenxianju from Shanghai?

By car (about 3 hours) or by high-speed train to Jinyunxiandu station + taxi.

The main attractions are the Ruyi glass bridge, Guanyin Peak, the 'Buddha's Grace on the Lotus' platform, and the cable cars.

Do I need to bring comfortable shoes?

Yes, definitely. There is a lot of walking in the park, although the ascent is made easier by cable cars.

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Tours in Shanghai

Private tours in Eastern China

Shenxianju “Abode of Immortals”

Shenxianju Park, or “Abode of Immortals” is one of China's most impressive natural attractions, holding the highest 5A national tourist zone status. Located in Xianju County, Zhejiang Province, the park is renowned for its unique landscape, formed by the world's largest concentration of volcanic rhyolite rocks.

This park offers a unique “effortless ascent” experience: thanks to two cable cars and escalators built into the cliffs, you can reach the summit in just 30 minutes and enjoy breathtaking views from comfortable paths laid along the edges of the cliffs. Here you will find the famous Ruyi glass bridge, the natural Guanyin-shaped rock, and panoramas that look like scenes from a fantasy film.

🏞️ 5A National Park

🌉 Legendary Ruyi Bridge

⏱️ ~10 hours including travel

🚡 “Worry‑free” ascent

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Main attractions

🗺️ Shenxianju Park Map

Detailed map of routes and attractions of Shenxianju Park

🖱️ Click on the map to open it with zoom capability (mouse wheel, +/– buttons, pinch on touch screen).

What to expect

Early departure from Shanghai – meeting with guide, boarding a comfortable car (≈3 hours drive).
Arrival at Shenxianju Park – ticket purchase, start of ascent on the Nantian cable car.
Walk on the summit – sightseeing of main attractions: Ruyi Bridge, Guanyin Peak, Buddha's Grace on the Lotus platform.
Lunch – you can have a snack at a café on site or bring your own.
Descent and return to Shanghai – departure around 16:00, arrival in the evening.

Sample one-day tour itinerary

*Times may be adjusted depending on traffic and weather.

Time	Program stage	Details and transport
07:00	Meeting in Shanghai (hotel or metro station)	Meeting with guide, departure by car.
07:00–10:00	Transfer to the park	The drive takes about 3 hours.
10:00–10:30	Arrival, ticket purchase	Approach the South Gate, guide helps with tickets.
10:30–11:00	Ascent by Nantian cable car	Only 10 minutes of ascent, breathtaking views.
11:00–15:00	Walk on the summit	Circular route: Guanyin Peak, Ruyi Bridge, Buddha's Grace on the Lotus platform and other attractions. Lunch (snack).
15:00–15:30	Descent by cable car	Return to the South Gate.
15:30–18:30	Return transfer to Shanghai	Arrival in Shanghai, end of the program.

💡 Important notes:

Park and cable car tickets are paid separately (≈289¥ combined).
Comfortable footwear is mandatory – there are many walking trails on the summit.
Bring water and a light snack – there are cafés on site, but the selection is limited.
Camera – the place is incredibly photogenic.

🍜 Local cuisine: what to try

Xianju “Eight Bowls” – a traditional set of eight dishes: lotus seeds, sea cucumber, fish maw, upside-down meat, bamboo shoots, fried meat, mutton and assorted delicacies. A true feast for gourmets.
“Dongkui” Waxberry – a berry famous throughout China, the size of a ping-pong ball. They say: “Eat three hundred berries a day and you will stay in Xianju forever”.
Qiaozhou (sliced meat) – tender meat cooked by a special “scalding” method in a clear broth.
Paoxiang and noodles with garnish – traditional snacks served in cafés on the park grounds.
Fish from the Yong'an River – fresh river fish caught in one of Zhejiang's eight major rivers.

🏆 Events and festivals in Shenxianju

World Highline Championship (slackline) – extreme athletes walk on a flat rope over the abyss. Held annually, included in the list of key brand competitions of Zhejiang Province.
Sino‑Korean Mountaineering Conference – since 2014, it has united mountain lovers from China and South Korea, annually attracting more than 30,000 participants.
National Jungle Challenge – team competitions on 19 extreme obstacles built on trees.
Rock climbing competition series on natural terrain – stage of the China Rock Climbing Cup.

Cost and conditions

Tour cost

Train + taxi

Economy

Services of a Russian‑speaking guide, help with train ticket purchase, route planning, full‑day accompaniment. Transfer to the station and back on your own.

350$ per group of 1–3 people

Transport (train, taxi), meals, entrance tickets – separate

By car

Comfort

Guide services + sedan rental (up to 3 people) for the whole day, including transfer from Shanghai to the park and back.

450$ per group of 1–3 people

Meals, entrance tickets – separate. The drive by car takes about 3 hours one way.

Estimated expenses per person

Park entrance + cable cars + shuttle ~289¥ (~40$)
Nantianding glass platform (optional) ~99¥ (~14$)
Meals (lunch) ~80¥ (~11$)
Train (round trip) ~450¥ (~70$)
Transfer from Jinyunxiandu station to the park (round trip) ~300¥ (~42$)

*Prices are approximate. Train tickets are paid separately.

Duration

10-12 hours

departure in the morning, return in the evening

Additional services

Photo session

+80$

Overnight at a hotel near the park

+120$

Minivan rental

+80$

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the tour last?

The tour is designed for 1 day. Departure from Shanghai in the morning, return in the evening. If desired, you can stay overnight.

What kind of transport is used?

In the basic option – high-speed train + taxi. In the "By car" option – a comfortable sedan with driver (guide) for the whole day. In the park we move on foot.

Do I need to pay for park entry?

Yes, the entrance ticket and cable cars are paid separately (≈289¥). The glass platform costs extra (≈99¥).

Is it difficult to climb the mountain?

No, thanks to the cable cars and escalators, the ascent is very easy. The walking trails on the summit have a comfortable surface.

What to do in bad weather?

In heavy rain or fog, visibility may be poor. We will reschedule the date if the forecast is unfavourable.

Can I rent a car with a driver?

Yes, this is the "By car" option – a sedan for 1–3 people. The cost is shown in the "Cost and conditions" block.

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Important information

The indicated prices are valid at the time of the offer for private individuals. The cost and availability of train tickets, hotels and guide services may change.

Booking of services is made only after receiving a prepayment. The exchange rate is calculated at the current rate.

If the booking is cancelled less than 7 days before the start of the event, the payment is not refundable.

In case of train cancellations or bad weather, we will offer alternative dates or refund the prepayment for guide services (transport tickets are refunded according to the carrier's rules).

🏞️ Logistics and secrets of Shenxianju for guide only

Complete information for a professional guide: history, geology, attractions, tickets, transport, local cuisine, events and life hacks.

📜 History and legends

Xianju County was founded in 347 (Eastern Jin dynasty). The name “Xianju” (abode of immortals) was given by Emperor Zhenzong of the Song dynasty in 1007. The ancient name of the park was Mount Tianmu (or Weiqiang). It is believed that Li Bai “travelled in a dream” here. The Ruyi Bridge was designed by He Yunchang's team (co‑author of Beijing's ‘Bird's Nest’). In 2017, a Guinness World Record for speed crossing a 200‑metre slackline was set here.

Here are a few more amazing facts you can share with tourists:

“Abode of Immortals” by imperial decree: In 1007, Emperor Zhenzong of the Northern Song, captivated by the beauty of these mountains, issued a decree stating: “Protected by mountains and passes, these lands are a true abode of immortals”, and renamed the region from “Yong'an” to “Xianju”. The name of the scenic area Shenxianju comes from this historical event.
Inspiration for Li Bai's poems: The “Drunken Immortal” Li Bai visited these mountains in a dream, and his most famous free‑verse poem “Dream Journey to Mount Tianmu” was inspired precisely by these mountain landscapes. The poem vividly describes surreal scenes of deities on the peaks floating across the sky. Therefore the ancient name of the area was Mount Tianmu.
Setting for historical figures and legends: One well‑known local legend is about Wang Wen, who cured two people with ulcers by giving them a drink, and as a result his whole family, even his chickens and dogs, ascended to heaven and became immortals. The emperor, hearing of this, was very impressed. Also here preached the Taoist saint Wang Yuan (Wang Fangping), who, it is said, treated the Cai family to magical wine, after which the whole family ascended to heaven. Likewise, the famous monk Zhi Tanlan lived here and converted the mountain spirit Zhuqiwang. This shows the close connection between Buddhism and local beliefs in deities.
Mysterious “Tadpole Script” (蝌蚪文): On a rock at a height of more than 100 metres above the ground, mysterious symbols are carved. They were mentioned by the famous monk Zhi Tanlan, and during the Jin dynasty Zhou Tingwei was sent to copy them using scaffolding, but he could not decipher them. These “Tadpole Script” characters are one of the eight most difficult writing systems to decipher in China, along with the Naxi Dongba script. Legend has it that they were carved by Great Yu during his flood control efforts, adding to their divine mystery. Some researchers believe that some of the bumps are natural geological formations, but the presence of carvings cannot be ruled out.
Talents from Xianju: The land of Xianju is famous for its people. About 245 outstanding talents were born here during the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. The famous Yuan dynasty figure Ke Jiusi, who significantly influenced the collection of the Palace Museum, was from these parts. Also born here were the famous late‑Tang poet Xiang Si, who gave rise to the idiom “to praise someone at every encounter”, and Chen Renyu, who wrote the world's first treatise on edible mushrooms. These historical figures are a source of great pride for local residents.

⛰️ Geology and ecosystem

The park is located on the ancient South China platform. The relief is formed by volcanic rocks – it is the world's largest concentration of rhyolite cliffs. Forest coverage is 93%, dominated by pine forests, the undergrowth is rich in species. Rare species include Cyclobalanopsis glauca, Castanopsis sclerophylla, Loropetalum chinense, Rhododendron simsii.

🏯 Key attractions (for telling tourists)

Ruyi Bridge (如意桥): length 130 m, area 1100 m². Composed of steel grating, wood and glass. Shape – a jade “ruyi” sceptre (symbol of wish fulfilment). Designed capacity 4000 people, actually limited to 1500.
Guanyin Peak (观音山柱峰): the highest free‑standing pillar peak (height 919 m). Natural form resembles the bodhisattva Guanyin.
Hongmeng Bridge (鸿蒙桥): 75 m, concept of “primordial chaos”. Construction – continuous steel truss, minimalist painting.
Wentian Platform (问天台): the southern point of the park, with a view of the Gongyu rocks.
Tianma Xingkong (天马行空): summit at 703 m, changes shape when viewed from 5 sides (Golden Rooster, Divine Brush, Elder Immortal, etc.).
Guanyin Cave: width 15 m, height 6 m, depth 13 m. Inside stands an image of Guanyin.
Jiutian Waterfall (九天飞瀑): height 130 m, in winter forms icy sprays.
“Tadpole Script” inscriptions (蝌蚪文刻): mysterious signs on the rock, believed by some to be a natural geological phenomenon rather than ancient writing.

🚆 Transport, parking, tickets

Train + taxi: from Shanghai Hongqiao to Jinyunxiandu station (~2 h), then taxi 40 min (≈150¥).
By car: G15 highway, time ~3 h. Parking at the entrance – 10¥/hour.
Entrance tickets: 110¥ (adult). Combined ticket (entrance + cable cars) ~289¥. Children under 1.2 m – free, from 1.2 to 1.5 m – 50% discount. Seniors over 70 – free.
Cable cars: Nantian and Beihai. Ascent 65¥, descent 55¥, full 120¥. Operating hours 8:00–16:30.
Nantianding glass platform: 99¥ (discount 55¥).
Shuttles: from the tourist centre to South/North Gates – 5¥ one way.
Internal tourist bus: from North Gate to lower station of Beihai cable car – 10¥, from parking lot No.3 to South Gate – 5¥.

📅 Opening hours and best season

Summer period (1 April – 31 October): 7:00 – 17:00.
Winter period (1 November – 31 March): 7:30 – 17:00.
Best time to visit: April–May and September–October (comfortable weather, less rain). In the morning there is often fog – this creates magical views.
Peak congestion times: weekends and public holidays (especially May 1‑3, October 1‑7). It is recommended to arrive at opening time.

🍜 Where and what to eat (detailed)

Inside the park: several cafés on the summit (noodles, rice, snacks). Prices are 30‑50% higher than in town.
Recommendation: bring a thermos with tea and a light snack (sandwiches, nuts, chocolate).
After the excursion: in the town of Xianju, you can try the “Eight Bowls” in folk cuisine restaurants. Particularly recommended is “仙居八大碗” (Xianju Eight Bowls).
Seasonal delicacy: waxberry (yangmei) ripens in June. Fresh berries are sold at the park exit.

📌 Life hacks for guides and tourists

Clothing: comfortable trekking shoes, windbreaker (strong wind on the summit even in summer), hat, sunscreen.
Photo: the best light on the Ruyi Bridge is after 14:00, when the sun illuminates the bridge from the south‑west. Guanyin Peak is best shot in the morning.
Toilets: at the entrance, at each cable car station, and on the summit near the Buddha's Grace on the Lotus platform.
Connectivity and payment: 4G signal is reliable, Wi‑Fi at the tourist centre. Card payment (Alipay/WeChat) works everywhere, but it's worth having cash (200–300¥) for small purchases.
Escalators and lifts: there are lifts in the park that make the ascent accessible for people with limited mobility. From the South Gate to the summit – an escalator.
Rules of conduct: do not feed wild animals (macaques are present), do not climb over railings on glass bridges, keep clean.

🏅 Event calendar

May‑June: Waxberry Festival (harvest, tastings).
July: World Highline Championship (usually the 3rd week of July).
August: Stage of the China Rock Climbing Cup on natural terrain.
October: Sino‑Korean Mountaineering Conference.
September‑November: Autumn Photography Festival.

📚 Cultural parallels

Li Bai (Tang dynasty poet) in his poem “Dream Journey to Mount Tianmu” describes precisely these places. Also here practiced the Taoist monk Zhang Wumeng (Northern Song dynasty). A commemorative stone with calligraphy by Wu Changshuo is installed in the park. The Jiusi Pavilion is named after the Yuan dynasty poet and painter Ke Jiusi.

📍 How to use: before the trip for planning, on the road for orientation, to answer tourists' questions.

Journey to the “Abode of Immortals” – Shenxianju Park!