Xianhuashan: Mountain of Immortals – the cloudy twin of Zhangjiajie

Xianhuashan (仙华山) – “Mountain of Immortals”, often called the closest analogue to the famous Zhangjiajie. Just 3 hours’ drive from Shanghai you will find sharp rock peaks floating in the clouds, ancient Taoist temples and a peaceful silence. Here there is only nature and tranquillity.

The main summits — “Maiden Peak” (少女峰) and “Immortals Peak” (仙峰) — offer breathtaking panoramas. Zhaoxiao Temple (Song dynasty), Tongtianxia Canyon (“Passage to Heaven”) and picturesque waterfalls. The best time to visit is autumn or spring, when the clouds lie especially low between the peaks.

🗻24 rock peaks
🏯Song dynasty temple
☁️Cloud sea
🚠Cable car
🚫No extreme

Scenic peaks and Taoist shrines

What to expect

  • Departure from Shanghai (07:00) — meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, road ~3–3.5 hours (210 km) with one stop.
  • Arrival at Xianhuashan (~10:30) — ticket purchase, restroom, briefing by the guide.
  • Cable car ascent (11:00) — cable car to mid‑mountain (saves energy).
  • Walk along the peaks (11:20–13:00) — view Maiden Peak, Zhaoxiao Temple, Immortals Peak viewing platform and Tongtianxia Canyon.
  • Lunch (13:00–14:00) — traditional Chinese lunch at a restaurant at the foot (local dishes).
  • Free time / additional activities (14:00–15:30) — walk through the bamboo grove, visit a waterfall, souvenir shop.
  • Return to Shanghai (15:30–19:00) — approximate arrival at Xinzhuang metro around 19:00.

Sample tour itinerary (1 day)

*A train option is also possible: Shanghai–Pujiang (浦江) + taxi to the mountain (~20 minutes).

TimeProgram stageDetails
07:00Departure from Shanghai (Xinzhuang metro)Road 210 km, ~3 hours, one 15‑min stop.
10:30Arrival at Xianhuashan scenic areaRestroom, ticket purchase (included in economy package).
11:00Cable car ascentCable car to mid‑mountain (saves energy, not included in the basic price).
11:20–13:00.\]Summits tour.\]Route: Maiden Peak → Zhaoxiao Temple → Immortals Peak → Tongtianxia Canyon. Panoramic views.
13:00–14:00Lunch.\]Restaurant at the foot. Dishes: braised pork, rice, vegetables, tea.
14:00–15:30Free time / bamboo grove.\]Walk on the eco‑trail, waterfall, souvenir shop, tea ceremony.
15:30.\]Meeting and departure to Shanghai.\]Estimated departure time.
~19:00.\]Arrival in Shanghai.\]Drop‑off at Xinzhuang metro station. (Time may vary due to traffic.)

💡 Important notes:

  • At the summit it is windy and 5–7°C cooler than below – bring a light jacket.
  • Comfortable non‑slip shoes (paths are paved but there are stairs).
  • Passport, cash (yuan – cards not accepted everywhere), water, camera, umbrella (in case of rain).
  • The tour is suitable for all ages – cable car and flat paths.
  • There are no glass bridges or extreme rides here – only peaceful walks.

Cost and conditions

💰

Tour cost

Train + taxi

Economy

Guide meets you at the entrance, helps with tickets. Transfer to the station on your own.

250$per group of 1–3 people
Train tickets, entry, lunch – separate

By car

Comfort

Guide services, transfer from Shanghai by sedan/minivan.

350$per group of 1–3 people
Entrance tickets, lunch – separate
🎫

Additional expenses per person

  • Entrance ticket to Xianhuashan park100¥ (~14$)
  • Cable car (round trip, optional)70¥ (~10$)
  • Lunch at a restaurant60¥ (~8$)
  • Train ticket Shanghai–Pujiang (round trip, 2nd class)~220¥ (~31$)
  • Taxi from station to park (round trip, per group)~60¥ (~8$)
*2026 prices, exchange rate approximate. Children under 1.2 m get discount on entry.
⏱️

Duration

~12 hours
departure 07:00, return ~19:00

Additional services

🚗
Minivan rental (5–7 people)
+60$
🏨
Overnight in Pujiang (3* hotel + breakfast)
+110$
📷
Photo session at the summit
+60$
✈️
Shanghai airport transfer (to/from)
+100$
📍

What else can be visited

🏯 Ancient village Xinguangzhai (新光村) Village with old architecture. (15 km)
💧 Shenlixia Scenic Area (神丽峡) Canyon with waterfalls and green terraces. (20 km)
🎋 Bamboo trail to the waterfall Eco‑trail at the foot of the mountain, free. (2 km)

Frequently asked questions

Is it difficult to climb the mountain?
No, the route includes a cable car and paved paths. Suitable for all ages. There are few steep sections, you can walk at a relaxed pace.
Are there any scary attractions?
No. Xianhuashan has no glass bridges, zip‑lines or other extreme rides. It is a calm, scenic park for walks and enjoying nature.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a light jacket (windy at the summit), water, passport, cash for lunch and souvenirs, camera.
Is it worth going?
Definitely yes. This is the closest mountain area to Shanghai, comparable in beauty to Zhangjiajie. An excellent place for a one‑day nature trip.
Is it safe? Any rockfalls?
The paths are reinforced, the cliffs are stable. The area is safe for visitors. The park service checks it daily.
How long does the mountain walk take?
About 1.5–2 hours pure walking time including photo stops. The cable car shortens the ascent to 10 minutes.
⚠️

Important information

Prices valid for 2026. Booking requires 100% prepayment (PayPal, card). Cancellation 48 hours in advance – full refund, less than 48 hours – 50% refund (train tickets are bought in advance). The organiser reserves the right to change the programme due to weather or force majeure.