Zhejiang Xianxianju Elevator Mountain Climbing Experience

Year after year, beneath the eaves adorned with blossoms, we’ve shared the snow-peeled pear, from the time of childhood till the day we found ourselves at the edge of the sky, visiting Xianxianju where the clouds were light and the sky was clear, with the lingering rain dampening our clothes. Ascending via the Nan Tian Cableway, we strolled leisurely amidst the ethereal sea of clouds, with the verdant mountains stretching out, offering a distant view of the towering Guanyin Peak. The gentle mountain breeze seemed to carry the tinkling of wind chimes, and here, in this place that resembles the dwelling of immortals, one might hope for a smooth life ahead. The most relaxed one-day tour route at Xianxianju: South Gate entrance – Nan Tian Cableway – Nan Tian Ladder – Worship Platform – Nan Tian Summit – Nan Tian Summit Cafe – Nan Tian Bridge – Lotus Platform – Buddha Shadow and Lotus Charm – descend via Nan Tian Ladder – Nan Tian Cableway. The two-day route for a more immersive experience includes: Jiangnan First Academy – Tongjiang Academy – Xianxianju Potan Ancient Town; Xianxianju (South Gate entrance – Nan Tian Cableway – Nan Tian Ladder – Worship Platform – Nan Tian Summit – Nan Tian Summit Cafe – Nan Tian Bridge – Lotus Platform – Buddha Shadow and Lotus Charm – descend via Nan Tian Ladder – Nan Tian Cableway). Transportation: The scenic area is located in Xianxianju, and it is recommended to visit by private car for convenience. For those without a car: take a high-speed train to Xianxianju, then take a bus from Xianxianju County Bus Station to the North Gate of Xianxianju, a 25-kilometer journey that takes about 40 minutes by car, or you can take a taxi. The biggest advantage of Xianxianju is that there’s no need to climb the mountain. Nowadays, young people might not have the physical fitness of the elderly, but if one wishes to exercise, hiking up the mountain is also a good idea. However, if you prefer not to hike, you can directly take the cable car from the Nan Tian Cableway to the summit. Visiting on a rainy day has its benefits, as there’s a high probability of witnessing the mountains enveloped in云雾, making the scene even more magical. The Nan Tian Cableway’s cabins can accommodate multiple people, ensuring a good capacity and smooth operation. Interestingly, while in other places one usually has to climb a bit before reaching the beautiful scenery, Xianxianju has taken a different approach by installing an escalator, the Nan Tian Ladder, which directly takes you up the mountain, saving effort and being very friendly to the elderly, children, and young people who dislike walking. Along the way, there are beautiful scenes at every turn, perfect for taking photos and checking in. In autumn, the place is a riot of colors, breathtakingly beautiful. The towering peak is known as Guanyin Peak, and it offers different impressions from various angles. From a distance, it resembles Guanyin with hands folded in prayer, standing alone in the mountains, exuding an air of grandeur. Its height of 919 meters coincidentally matches the anniversary of Guanyin’s enlightenment, a delightful coincidence, making it an interesting spot for a visit and blessings. First, visit the Worship Platform where you can hang a lock and take a photo with the same view as Guanyin Peak. Then proceed to the Nan Tian Summit, which features a glass platform for testing your courage and enjoying the view. Crucially, for coffee lovers, there’s the Nan Tian Summit Cafe, offering an excellent view for your coffee experience. I ordered a ‘Plum’ coffee, with bayberries being a local specialty of Xianxianju, making it quite fitting. The small cakes were also delicious, and you can even play the piano here.
This is the place where ‘all things are depicted in the painting, and thousands of cliffs are in the jade world’. After the rain, the mist in the mountains is lingering, making a beautiful ink painting. Passing the Nan Tianqiao, I happened to see the tightrope competition, which was very thrilling. The scenery along the way is also good, with the autumn atmosphere. Then comes another viewing spot – Lianhua Terrace, which resembles a lotus flower, and many people have taken wedding photos here before, making it a popular spot for great shots. In fact, taking the cable car up the mountain, another viewing platform is called Buddha’s Light and Lotus Charm. This place is not only full of fairy aura but also has a chivalrous spirit, suitable for wearing Hanfu and dressing up as a knight for photos. When the weather is good, there is also a glow of light, and after a few minutes, smoke will be sprayed out, making the atmosphere even more immersive. I, wearing Hanfu, quickly rushed up and pressed the shutter wildly. Promise me, you must come to take the same photos! It is also the ginkgo season now, and the ginkgo beside the cable car is blooming beautifully. Spend a day playing in Xianxianju, and another day you can visit the academy and ancient town. The first academy in Jiangnan – Tongjiang Academy, was built by Fang Zhuo during the Song Dynasty’s Qian Dao period, and from the Song to the Qing Dynasty, the regime changed, and it was destroyed and rebuilt many times, but what could not be destroyed was the cultural heritage and spiritual inheritance. The bitter chestnut tree in front of the academy is said to have been planted by Zhu Xi, and I looked up at it under the tree, seeing nearly a thousand years of vicissitudes of life and changes of mountains and rivers. The plaque of ‘Ding Shan Tang’ written by Zhu Xi is still preserved to this day. The Censor’s Culture Hall inside the academy introduces the historical evolution of the ancient Chinese supervision system, which is quite interesting. This place is indeed a secluded environment and a place full of spiritual elegance. Xianju Patan Ancient Town, a famous commercial port in the southeastern mountains of Zhejiang in ancient times and one of the important transit ports on the ancient salt road. Although it has gone through thousands of years of changes, it still retains a 3-mile long ‘dragon’ shaped ancient street paved with cobblestones. The houses and ancient dwellings left over from the Tang, Song, Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods are magnificent and exquisitely laid out. The windows are all carved out of wood, and the window lattices are mottled, full of ancient charm. The avenue into the town has a magical forest feeling, which is very good for taking photos. When the rapeseed flowers bloom in spring, they form a continuous piece, making it even more aesthetically pleasing. In this season, you must come to Xianxianju at least once…

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