Things to do in Xianju

Online reviews say Shenxianju is a mountain that even the elderly and lazy people can climb, but actually, besides taking the cable car and escalator, you also have to walk up many steps, and my calves were trembling. However, the scenery is truly amazing, making the trip worthwhile!

Suzhou Bay "Ruyi Bridge" The Suzhou Bay "Ruyi Bridge," approximately 280 meters long, is constructed of steel and glass. The bridge features multiple viewing platforms. Its design is said to be inspired by the traditional Chinese auspicious symbol "Ruyi," with a flowing and elegant form symbolizing "all things going well." It's a great spot for strolling around East Taihu Lake, taking photos, and watching the sunset. At night, illuminated by lights, it resembles a jade ribbon floating on Taihu Lake. Together with the musical fountain on the water, it showcases the urban development concept of integrating classical aesthetics with modern technology. Standing on the bridge, one can enjoy panoramic views of Taihu Lake and the Suzhou Bay Cultural Center (the "Suzhou Ribbon" building), making it a popular location for photography enthusiasts.

The sun was blazing on June 17th. We took the cable car up from the South Gate, and the entire route wound around various mountain peaks. There were many rest stops along the way, so we didn't have to worry about getting tired, thirsty, or hungry. Halfway through the hike, it started raining heavily, and wisps of mist rose up, making us feel like we were in a fairyland.

The Fairy Valley rafting course is divided into an upstream adventure section and a downstream thrill section, with a maximum single drop of 6 meters, forming a series of rapids. The upstream section retains the original canyon landscape, with lush forests, bamboo groves, and uniquely shaped rocks on both banks; the downstream section features artificial wave channels to enhance the experience. Kayaking requires two people to operate the rafts together.

July and August are especially good for families of three or four. Bring some food and bring your own. There are boats available for rental nearby, so you can enjoy the water and paddleboarding. It's truly relaxing. Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a change of towels.

The 40-degree Celsius heat was definitely not suitable for climbing Shenxianju, so we opted to take the kids to Yale City, which is not far from the hotel. Each floor has a different theme, but there aren't many things to do. Besides the arcade on the second floor and the high-altitude challenge area on the first floor, the other places are a bit lackluster (maybe kids under five would like it, haha). The petting zoo is a tiny place with a few small animals, and you have to pay extra to get in.

Overall, it was just so-so. We boarded the bamboo raft at 11:30 AM, and the entire ride was flat and smooth without a single wave. I specifically wore flip-flops, but my feet didn't even get wet. Then we were baked in the sun the whole way, and I definitely got dried out. Compared to the bamboo raft trip in Wuyishan last time, the boatman there interacted with us and introduced the surrounding scenery. Although there was a service fee, the hour or so made it feel worthwhile.

The Nantian Cableway at the south gate of Shenxianju is worth experiencing! As the core transportation hub of the scenic area, the cableway adopts an eight-person cabin design. It takes only 10 minutes one way to reach the top of the mountain, effectively saving the physical strength of climbing. After the new upgrade, the capacity has been increased to 2,400 people/hour, which greatly reduces the waiting time. The cabin facilities are complete and the safety factor is high, suitable for tourists of all ages. It connects the highlights of the scenic spots such as Buddha Shadow Lotus Rhyme, Nantianding, and Nantian Bridge, and connects with the escalator to form a "painless climbing" route. The easy tour line from south to north (about 2 hours) is especially recommended, which can not only see the strange peaks of the sea of ​​clouds, but also avoid the fatigue of hiking. Tips: The one-way upward trip is 65 yuan/person. It is recommended to match the scenic spot joint ticket (including cableway + Nantianding) for more cost-effectiveness. The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid the peak of holiday traffic.