A disused mine has been converted into a dazzling yet perilous tourist attraction in China.
The breathtaking – yet spine-chilling – former quarry features deadly plunges beside sleeping quarters, thunderous water displays and yawning ravines.
Most of this enchanting settlement is constructed within cliff faces, with Wangxian Valley being dubbed “the most dangerous tourist destination in the world” by one X user.
This treacherous rocky attraction now draws nearly one million tourists annually, according to China Discovery.
Located in Shangrao, within Jiangxi Province, the quarry that deteriorated in 1969 has been transformed into a tourism marvel, reports the Mirror.
Ancient Buddhist settlements and agricultural land surround it, with Ling Mountain forming its border.
The name translates to “Gazing at Immortals” and folklore tells that in bygone eras, “Hu Zuyu ascended to the Immortal Palace”, establishing the region as a place of exceptional natural splendour and spiritual significance.
Covered by age-old woodlands, the valley is peppered with crystal-clear waterways, now available for white water rafting adventures.
A highlight is the Wangxian Waterfall, which generates its own localised mist through the sheer power of its cascade, whilst the tranquil Sanqing Waterfall offers a gentler experience, adorned with charming moss-covered boulders.
The mystical Odd Rock Pool also features, comprising numerous peculiar and distinctively shaped stones.
After dark, the cliff face becomes a spectacular illuminated display, bathed in a network of golden lighting. The White Crane Cliff hotel, with its 12 glass-walled guest rooms, offers a unique experience.
You can enjoy a good book in their cliff-side library, perched 110 metres above the valley floor, offering dizzying views. The cobblestone streets of Baiwei Street and Rock Plaza, along with the ancient Yang Mansion house, offer reconstructions of ancient Chinese buildings, providing a peek into architectural history.
For those who prefer to stay active, there’s a trekking path that follows the valley’s collection of waterfalls. For a more adrenaline-fueled experience, take a stroll down the breathtaking Cliffside Walkway, a heart-stopping 388-metre adventure along canyon walls, with a vertical drop of 100 metres.
For the truly adventurous, there’s a 50-metre Glass Walkway. While the 28mm thick glass floor is sturdy enough to hold you, the slightly opaque finish might help soothe your nerves.
Thrill-seekers can also embark on a thrilling 2.8km rafting journey down the river, through 185-metre high canyon walls. The trip lasts about an hour, following a half-hour walk up to the launch point.
If local cuisine is more your thing, try the Wangxian Tofu, a unique and tasty dish made from soybeans grown at altitudes over 200 metres.
The tofu is crafted using mountain spring water. The Yuyu dumplings are a delightful mix of pork filling encased in a chewy wrapper made from taro and tapioca starch, while the Dengzhan Guo is a lantern-like structure filled with shiitake mushrooms, pork, soybean sprouts, and bamboo shoots.
Every evening, the streets come alive with performances, folk music and traditional cultural experiences, culminating in their renowned fire show and bonfire party.