Certain parts of the internet are portrayed so beautifully and look so unreal that they seem like a mirage.
That sentiment hangs in the air more than ever now, as each dreamy travel photo comes with a tiny voice in your head questioning, Is that place really like that? Or has it been filtered, edited, enhanced, or simply faked?
This question turned out to be the main factor in determining the whole trip around China.
The aim was straightforward. Visit five destinations that seemed incredibly stunning even on the internet, and then determine two areas. The first one is, Do they really look like the photos? The second one is, What are they like after you get beyond the viral image and actually deal with the real experience of getting, staying, eating, and sharing the area with everyone else who had the same idea?
The main reason is that China is a place for such incredible spots that they have to be seen personally to be believed. However,, the more interesting answer is that every site had its own constraints. For instance, a few of them were beautiful but odd. A few were more fabricated that they had anticipated. A few were packed but gained it. While one involved a buffet of interference, matching pajamas, and a back treatment that was so intense it appeared criminally borderline.
Here’s how each stop stacked up.
Table of Contents
- 1. The five-star underground hotel in Shanghai
- 2. Wengshan Village, the fake fairytale town that somehow works
- 3. Zhangjiajie and the real-life Avatar Mountains
- 4. Furong Ancient Town, the waterfall city
- 5. Shanghai’s viral 24-hour luxury spa
- What actually lived up to the hype?
- A smart version of this China itinerary
- Final verdict: China is the real deal
- FAQ
1. The five-star underground hotel in Shanghai
The excursion began at one of the most renowned atypical hotels in China, the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, a plush hotel constructed in an obsolete quarry on the outskirts of Shanghai.
This is indeed a fascinating idea. Most establishments prefer to be set at a higher level than what they have around. However, this hotel opts for a completely different måte. It sinks far into the earth, with large parts of the structure concealed beneath the ground surrounded by rock walls. Rumor has it, the construction took over a decade and the costs were, to say the least, impressive. It seems to be the kind of place that was born in someone's imagination just to make it to life.
The underwater suite on the bottom floor is, without a doubt, the most coveted room category. It is a great idea on paper but as they say, 'the real deal' is different. The feeling of sleeping in the ocean was not as jubilant as the feeling of sleeping in an aquarium. A viewing window giant window into a fish tank was a feature of the room, which was really exciting at the beginning and it was something that I could not forget, but the disadvantage was that it dimmed the room and made it feel more closed than I expected.
It was one of those deals that you get while booking that seems very attractive but later on when you are actually using it it becomes tough to defend it. Is it cool? Yes, absolutely. But does it worth five times the standard room price? No, not really.
It is the overall structural design that has the most utensil inconsiderably than the room itself. When you enter the lobby, you are immediately struck by the extravagant waterfall with the water effects so impressive, they even spell out words. There is a glass elevator which descends through the hotel beside the waterfall. Besides the jellyfish display, there is also an underwater restaurant that gives an even more magical experience than the actual underwater suite.
It is the overall structural design that has the most utensil inconsiderably than the room itself. When you enter the lobby, you are immediately struck by the extravagant waterfall with the water effects so impressive, they even spell out words. There is a glass elevator which descends through the hotel beside the waterfall. Besides the jellyfish display, there is also an underwater restaurant that gives an even more magical experience than the actual underwater suite.
Later, a nighttime light show was projected onto the cliffs surrounding the quarry, the view of which was not only good but also took your breath away. This particular part of the event thoroughly lived up to the expectations. It was all such a great time and we are still talking about it.8.
Certainly, the site was not just a quarry but it also had a theme park built near the edge of the quarry, which was the most odd attraction of the trip.
The bizarre cliffside theme park
Initially, the amusement park seemed to be targeted for children, and some sections of the area were so quiet that they imparted a deserted sense, thus creating an abnormal futuristic atmosphere to the whole park. Picture this: vacant walkways, closed food stalls, and the right amount of elements to give you a feeling of an explorational project that was done well yet slightly abandoned.
Yet, it had one major pro: a gigantic swing set that was situated above a quarry.
This swing was literally the last thing I ever expected to be a thrilling experience; it is an attraction that one would think would be fun until you are already in the harness, and someone starts explaining with the help of different, mainly, gestures and translation apps about how the rope will grip you after a much longer period of time than it deems emotionally necessary.
The whole experience was the scary, funny, and one of those things that is more enjoyable when it is finished.
It was a glass bridge too, yet the scratches and cloudiness of the glass were so strong that they removed some of the feeling of extreme height. Perhaps that was a blessing.
Is the underground hotel worth it?
In theory, absolutely. But practically speaking, I don't think it's a flight that one would take worldwide.
A very fun one-day add-on for the visitors in and around Shanghai who think of it this way is the stay in the Shanghai underground hotel. The design and construction of this building are some of the most impressive in the world. The place has always imbued a kind of mystery into its environment and this has made it an ideal place to experiment with architecture. Not only is the view of the dark cave and smoke screen superior but the kaleidoscope light show of the swing is a delight. If you are the kind of person who loves being frightened for the sake of enjoyment then swinging on it is a fantastic memory.
However, it is not the kind of place that alone can justify a whole itinerary in China.
Best strategy:
- Stay one night if you are curious
- Skip the pricey underwater room
- Prioritize the light show and quarry views
- Only do the swing if you enjoy making questionable choices
Rough score: 5 to 6 out of 10
2. Wengshan Village, the fake fairytale town that somehow works
Seems like Wengshan Village was the next stop, a place of wonderful sights that you can't imagine without an AI-generated picture.
Hillside structures. Orange-red lights. Rooftops arranged in layers. Atmosphere of a mountain enveloped with mist. Zigzag stone ways. The place that you think it is too idealistic to be anything other than altered or visualized is.
But the interesting part is that the fairytale style is in reality, but the ancient town atmosphere is not mainly.
Wengshan is not the kind of village lost in fog of centuries where one could hardly find a trace. Mining town is what it was, and after that a huge part of the money had been spent making it into a hyper-photogenic site for tourists. Hyper-photogenic tourist street came into picture just recently although it looks like it is from somewhere in the past.
So yes, it is artificial.
And yes, it is still incredibly fun.
There is a similarity to Disneyland, the Chinese version, if we think of Disneyland as a place set up to take dramatic night photos, snack sampling, and scenic wandering to the maximum extent. The artificiality could have spoiled it; nevertheless, it did not. The place's dedication to the mood is total and it is this pledge that makes it operate.
What Wengshan gets right
The village is a sight to behold in the evening. The illumination is perfect, the roads are busy, and almost every turn you take presents you with another beautifully framed scene. It is one of those uncommon places where the visual advantage keeps coming.
Additionally, one of the things that helps a lot is the overwhelming presence of food.
From this stop, I could have started full-scale wandering food crawl through the alleys with food outlets and eateries scattered all over the place. Dumplings, buns, pancakes, local cakes, tofu. Fried tofu with chili, oven-baked doughy breads, and more. A lot of the snacks Just cost a few dollars or less, that's why it was easy to try the ones that looked interesting.
It is such a place that makes you feel that exciting thrill of being in danger. You convince yourself that you will only try one of the items on their menu and after a while you realize that you have been eating and walking for one and a half hours and you are extremely happy with it.
Moreover, the village has unexpected side experiences which include traditional ear cleaning that takes place on the roadside. This was such an experience that I felt both relaxed and a little frightened which is a combination that I think China has the gift of giving.
It is like a massage for the first minute. In the next minute, someone may be using a small metal tool to dig into your skull while the local people are seen nearby and laughing. It is the very place that one experiences both comfort and fear of which the incident still managed to be a top experience.
What to know before going
Wengshan is a traver, so if you are a loner that does not like people, that is quite relevant. It is still best at night then during day time. The mood changes so much once the sun is down and the lights are turned on that the whole area starts to shine.
Its location is somewhat far-fetched these days, though this is one of its charms and one of the reasons it is not easily accepted for a strict schedule. `
In addition, there are seasonal activities like rafting and swimming which are not available during the off-season. Therefore, your experience will vary according to your timing.
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Is Wengshan worth it?
What makes Wengshan so much fun is if you can accept that it is somewhat put together and a bit non-authentic. It has the most alluring landscape, an amazing culinary culture, and the goods that provide you with a strong feeling of being in an absolutely different place.
A place that is both a counterfeit and a destination that one must visit at the same time can be regarded in this scenario.
Best strategy:
- Arrive in the late afternoon and stay into the night
- Come hungry
- Pack light because there are lots of stairs
- Expect crowds and lean into the energy
Rough score: 9 to 9.5 out of 10
3. Zhangjiajie and the real-life Avatar Mountains
The next destination was Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is one of the most famous sights in China and was mostly associated with the floating mountains made famous by the movie Avatar.
The sights serve an absolute feast here indeed. Forest-covered mountains are often crowned with a layer of fog, which combined with the rocky pillars creates an otherworldly image of the whole valley. There are some angles for which the view here is truly cinematic.
However, this halt also brought up a fascinating inquiry regarding what actually people wish for from a national park.
Scenery is beautiful but the overall experience is very tourist oriented. Infrastructure is highly developed during your stay. Buses are taking the tourists everywhere; people are walking through the paved paths; there are long queues; everything is sold at the commercial food stops; and massive infrastructure is built to accommodate the visitors. Among them is the highest outdoor elevator in the world and a very long cable way that runs through the landscape.
That is really remarkable. That is also very accessible. It is also not specifically a place to escape the wilderness.
The robotic exoskeleton legs
Even before I got into the park there was still another twist: putting on the Chinese robotic leg exoskeletons designed to facilitate walking.
At first they looked ridiculous.
Help with every step and especially with climbing the stairs and suddenly it became very logical to me. The nearest analogy would be if you were to change from a regular bicycle to an e-bike. You probably do not realize the benefit of something right away but that is why as soon as it is turned off, you feel the difference in your body.
In this park, they were neither necessary, mostly because the route is designed for easy access, nor were they impressive to test but they were certainly interesting. However, they were the center of attraction, which, as it seems, you have to pay for to appear partly cyborg in public.
The elevator and cable car
The Bailong Elevator is one of the most superbly constructed structures in the park and is like a high-speed elevator that distributes tourists over a steep cliff wall in a few minutes instead of a long hike. It may look like a long waiting line, but the ride is still a fast and to me very astonishing way of moving in the nature around.
The tracks used by the cable car according to the weather conditions are mostly quite sunny and thus they are among the best views for the area. You got an incredible perspective when looking across and between the pillars from that angle, as the cable car ride was thrilling from your viewpoint situated in the middle of the formations as opposed to looking down from a platform.
If there is only one thing that you want to prioritize, then, this should be that: elevator up, cable car down-jump.
The tradeoff at Zhangjiajie
This is where expectations matter.
If you are expecting rugged hiking trails, solitude, and a deeply natural backcountry feel, this park may not match the image in your head. As noted by many park travelers, including general references like UNESCO’s listing for Wulingyuan, the area is globally significant for its sandstone pillar formations. But how you experience that landscape on the ground is shaped heavily by infrastructure and crowd management.
The attraction of the fairly effortless access to the stunning nature of the jaw-dropping scenery is hard to reject.
Majestic are the mountains. Logistics are the one that slightly limits the overall experience.
Best strategy:
- Expect a scenic attraction more than a wilderness hike
- Do the elevator and cable car
- Build patience for buses and crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes, even if you are not turning into a robot
Approximate valuation: 6 to 7.5 out of 10 considering the weight of the natural view as compared to the various logistical issues.
4. Furong Ancient Town, the waterfall city
Nearby Zhangjiajie lies Furong Ancient Town, which is probably the most scenic and magnificent of all towns in the entire trip: an angular town built around a waterfall.
The stop was selected solely based on a specific picture-the one having a dramatic view of the buildings being held up high above a waterfall. By the way, that particular image was actual.
In contrast to Wengshan, Furong had a different vibe. It was noticeably more local, quiet, and more connected to the earth at the start. However, upon stepping further into the town, it was revealed there were a lot of tourists after all. The other characteristic was still that Furong had much more of a sense of belonging in the past. Logically, this is the case because, contrary to Wengshan, Furong is, in fact, the authentic one, having a history that dates back to over 2,000 years.
Walking behind the falls
A very interesting part of Furong is the corridor trailing behind the waterfall. It is more moist than you might have predicted, particularly at the beginning, but the gain is exceptional. While located behind water in the middle of a waterfall view towards the town creates a contrast of natural and man-made shapes that is your memorable eye catcher in the Huankou.
One side of a viewpoint is also available that illustrates the waterfall and the settlement above in one angle. This is the angle that can complete the whole place.
Dinner with a ridiculous view
Furong scored a point here by showing the most superb dinner setting for the trip. Situated right by the clear view of the illuminated waterfall and town was a nice table setting that had a high difficulty level to beat as a view.
Regrettably, the meal did not even come closer to the atmosphere.
It was this that formed the main part of the comic aspects of the night. The local foods such as rice tofu were very interesting, sweet-and-sour noodles appeared only to be a problematic part of the meal which in total went the way of being between poor and average. Luckily, the check was low enough not to have it on a scale of importance.
Sometimes a location can be solely qualified for its atmosphere.
Furong is also responsible for its light. Lanterns, bridges, and buildings all look to be arranged to enhance the town's beauty after nightfall even if the effect is that of a certain darkness which forces it into a theme park. It is shiny, yet it is not so explicitly artificial like Wengshan.
How Furong compares with Wengshan
The most fascinating contrast of the journey was the observation that it turned out to be.
In theory, the genuinely ancient town is supposed to easily defeat it over the newly manufactured fairy town. Instead, in reality, Wengshan had more buzz, better street food, and more of that all-night wandering energy. Furong had the firmest historical argument and the waterfall wow factor, still, it seemed that there was a bit less to do.
The above statement does not indicate Furong being skippable. Certainly not. It only refers to its best operation in a group.
Zhangjiajie and other nearby attractions coupled with Furong quickly make it a part of a much stronger multi-stop itinerary than it would be by itself.
Best strategy:
- Arrive around sunset
- Walk behind the falls
- Choose restaurants for the view first and food second
- Pair Furong with Zhangjiajie rather than treating it as a standalone destination
Approximate rating: 6.5 to 7 out of 10 individually, above this when complemented with additional stops nearby
5. Shanghai’s viral 24-hour luxury spa
The last destination was the wild card. It was not a mountain, not a village, and not even a hotel built inside a quarry but rather a viral luxury 24-hour spa in Shanghai.
In a way, this might be the most unexpected place during the entire journey.
Already, the elementary concept is attractive enough. At a price quite affordable relative to some luxury hotel charges for a brief treatment, you will enjoy unlimited access to the spa complex for one whole day. In this offer, you are free to use the relaxation areas, pools, and saunas and to eat and rest in lounges, plus a long list of extras you can avail of.
The more I explored, the more absurd things became but in a really good way.
It is a norm for every individual to wear the same pajamas. Outfitted with beauty & skincare items, the grooming rooms are equipped with sleek tools. There are drink fridges, dessert fridges, ice cream, fruit bars, sleeping rooms, treatment areas, gaming rooms, and even private movie theater rooms where you can get a foot massage while a film plays.
The place doesn't give the impression of a spa rather it mocks one as it feels like a hodgepodge of a wellness center, hotel lounge, salon, buffet, nap cave, and entertainment complex all in one for you to choose what you want from that giant arrangement of quest.
The buffet situation
The buffet was among the biggest and most unexpected things. It was really rich and it looked more like a luxury hotel rather than a normal spa meal setup. Seafood, meat, pre-cooked meals, desserts, and a request system for extra hot meals are pretty much the only ingredients that show these places why they should go viral.
The single drawback was that when you are more inclined to salads and lighter dishes, the overall proportion of them in the menu may not be seen as being so by the initial gross figures that are in front of you. However, from a perspective of value, it is indeed very hard to find something to complain about.
The treatment that stole the show
Then came the gua sha and cupping treatment.
It all started as what seemed to be a basic spa addition and eventually escalated to a back that resembled that of a boxer who had lost the fight.
For anyone unfamiliar, cupping therapy and gua sha are traditional techniques used in various forms of bodywork. In this case, the gua sha portion involved vigorous scraping along the back, followed by cups that created intense suction marks.
The outcome was so dramatic that it evoked authentic shock.
The most hilarious thing was that it reportedly didn't hurt much at all during the procedure. It only seemed outrageous afterward.
Consider skipping a complicated treatment if it is your first choice for the spa experience. But, if you are a fan of deep tissue massages and don't mind a little chaos after, then that might be your time to shine.
Why this spa scored so high
It is the worthiness that is the most powerful point of this place. The idea of enjoying the value of this place, by spending half a day or more, which probably looks a little crazy, sitting, eating, lounging, soaking, getting treatments, napping, and walking around the rooms for that price entertains.
Moreover, it has been one of the simplest experiences styled in luxury to have a taste in Shanghai after a long traveling day. In case you arrive on a flight feeling worn-out, have a jet-lag, lack sleep and feel somewhat damaged, this is an excellent way to make a switch.
Best strategy:
- Go at the start of a Shanghai stay or before flying out
- Plan to spend a big chunk of the day there
- Book at least one massage or foot treatment
- Use caution when enthusiastically agreeing to mystery treatments
Rough score: 8 to 9 out of 10
What actually lived up to the hype?
True, there were five authentic places. It was a victory for the first time.
However, "real" is not equivalent to being "exactly what you imagined." The most significant takeaways from this journey are:
- China is visually outrageous. The country really does have places that look as dramatic and surreal as the best photos suggest.
- The experience beyond the photo matters. Access, crowds, food, comfort, and atmosphere can make or break a stop.
- Artificial does not automatically mean bad. Wengshan was engineered for tourism and still ended up being one of the most fun stops.
- Infrastructure changes nature. Zhangjiajie’s scenery is world class, but its heavily managed tourist flow shapes the experience a lot.
- Pairing destinations is everything. Furong and Zhangjiajie are better together. Shanghai works best with a mix of spectacle and recovery.
A smart version of this China itinerary
In the event that I was to chain these according to my experience, I would follow this pattern:
- Fly into Shanghai
- Spend a day at the luxury 24-hour spa to recover
- Stay one night at the underground hotel if the concept appeals to you
- Head to the Zhangjiajie region for the Avatar Mountains
- Add Furong Ancient Town nearby
- Include Wengshan if you have the extra time and want the most fun night-food-atmosphere combo
The crucial point is that none of the destinations mentioned on this list seem such to the point of visiting China as they are by themselves.
But combine them? That is where the magic is.
It is precisely through their striking mix of futuristic, theatrical, scenic, delicious, strange, and hilarious that they manage to form trips of such kind. The diversity of the route was achieved by the combination of all the individual stops.
Final verdict: China is the real deal
I can comprehend that it would be instinctive for a person to question anything that appears to be too good to be true, especially after being influenced by the internet.
In all honesty, China has the unique feature of pushing your imagination beyond the limits of what you can practically create or what's called regular hype.
A five-star hotel buried in a quarry? Real.
A cliffside village that is so photogenic that it appears to be computer-generated? Real, though heavily constructed for tourism.
The very mountains that were the source of inspiration for a location in sci-fi fantasy? Yes, they do exist.
An ancient town draped over a waterfall? Real.
It is indeed existing such a huge city spa that can provide all that you are looking for among the following- eat, soak, nap, game, get massaged, and even accidentally walk out of it looking like you were attacked by octopuses?
The core of this trip was the enjoyment I derived from the entire experience. It was not only the act of affirming that these places were indeed present but also the process of feeling them all differently as the surface of the perfect picture slipped off and let in the authentic and real life.
And the actual experience, rather curiously, was often even better.
FAQ
Which place was the most worth visiting?
Wengshan Village was the most consistently fun overall thanks to the combination of dramatic visuals, a great atmosphere, and excellent street food that it offered. Similarly, the Shanghai spa also counted among the top ones because of its value for money and the fact that it had so much one could do in one place.
Is the Shanghai underground hotel worth the price?
If you're in Shanghai, it is recommended to at least try spending a night, but an expensive submarine room is probably not what you need__. Environmental architecture, the quarry, and the light show are among the must-watch sights.
Are the Avatar Mountains in China actually like the photos?
Seriously, the cliffs of the rocks are unbelievably lovely and they are almost the exact of the imaginary figure that people expect to see. The only variance is the experience of the park, which is well established with transport buses, elevators, masses of people, and well-paved walkways.
Is Wengshan Village ancient?
Not at all. It is completely new construction, but only visually. It was recently brought back to life from the ashes of an old mining town and turned into a bustling tourist attraction. However, one of the reasons is the design, food, and night atmosphere that it is the strongest about. It is one of the most visited places in the year alongside the natural beauty it is, of course.
Should I visit Furong Ancient Town or Wengshan Village?
If the ultimate atmosphere for food and nightlife is energy and visual drama, then, Wengshan, you should choose. In contrast, if you wish to experience a true historic town and have an unforgettable view of a waterfall, you should opt for Furong. In fact, the ideal combination would be Furong with Zhangjiajie, while Wengshan is just an extra but interesting detour.
What is special about the 24-hour spa in Shanghai?
Luxury and value are the unique features of the facility. In this single, spacious huge facility accessible for several hours, you can unwind in the sauna, take a dip in the pool, enjoy the lounge, have food, grooming areas, and relaxation rooms, and optional treatments all under one roof.
What is the best overall China route based on these stops?
The starting point of a solid route will be in Shanghai for the spa and indeed underground hotel, and then will continue to Zhangjiajie region with Avatar Mountains and Furong Ancient Town. If you have spare time, you can also add Wengshan which is considered the most fantastic and photogenic village experience.