The Destination
Imagine standing 300 feet below ground in an abandoned rock quarry, watching a light show dance across sheer cliffs while you sip a cocktail. That's the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland — the world's first and only five-star underground hotel. It sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, and in a way, it is. This is just one stop on a whirlwind tour of five Chinese destinations that look almost too good to be true. From the floating mountains of Zhangjiajie (the real-life inspiration for *Avatar*) to a fairytale village built on a cliff, China is serving up some of the most surreal, photogenic spots on Earth. But here's the catch: with AI-generated images flooding social media, it's getting harder to know what's real and what's just a digital fantasy. So I went to find out.
What makes these places special right now is the tension between their online hype and the on-the-ground reality. The country is investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, creating experiences that blend ancient aesthetics with modern luxury. Yet, some of these spots are so new — like Wengshan Village, which opened in 2020 — that they feel like a movie set. The result is a travel paradox: you get the Instagram shot of a lifetime, but you might also feel like you're in a theme park. For creators, that's a goldmine of content. For travelers, it's a mixed bag of wonder and weirdness.
Getting There & Getting Around
Getting to these destinations requires some planning. For the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, you'll fly into Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao International Airport. The hotel is about an hour's drive from the city center — a taxi or Didi (China's Uber) will cost around 200-300 RMB ($28-$42). No visa is needed for most nationalities for stays up to 15 days, but check the latest rules. The best time to visit Shanghai is spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and the skies are clear for that perfect hotel photo.
For Wengshan Village and the other cliffside locations, you'll need to venture into the countryside. High-speed trains from Shanghai to nearby cities like Huangshan are efficient and affordable — around 500 RMB ($70) for a first-class ticket. From there, local buses or private drivers can take you to the villages. Pro tip: download Alipay and WeChat Pay before you go; cash is rarely used, and cards are hit-or-miss. Also, a VPN is essential for accessing Google Maps, YouTube, and Instagram — you'll need it for navigation and posting.
The Experience
Let's start with the underground hotel. The InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is a spectacle. The lobby features a waterfall light show four times a day — water droplets spell out words in mid-air, which is as crazy as it sounds. The rope swing over the quarry is the adrenaline highlight; it's a 300-foot drop that will make your stomach lurch. But the underwater suite? Skip it. The price is four times a standard room, and the tank feels more like a dungeon than a dream. Instead, book a cliff-view room and spend your money on the spa or the bungee jump. The theme park on the cliff edge is a bit of a letdown — it's geared toward kids and feels abandoned. But the glass bridge offers great views, even if the glass is scratched.
Wengshan Village is a different beast. It's a reconstructed mining town that now looks like a perfect ancient Chinese village. The detail is stunning — misters create a foggy atmosphere, and every corner is designed for a photo. But it's also a tourist trap. The food is mediocre (the corn and cheese dumplings were dry), and the crowds can be thick. Still, the architecture is beautiful, and the tea houses offer a quiet escape. For a more authentic experience, head to the nearby Furong Ancient Town, which is built on a massive waterfall. The evening views are breathtaking, and the local street food — like the 300-year-old palm cake recipe — is genuinely delicious.
The Avatar mountains in Zhangjiajie are the real deal. The quartz-sandstone pillars rise out of the mist like something from another planet. The best time to visit is early morning before the tour buses arrive. Take the Bailong Elevator (the world's tallest outdoor elevator) for a quick ascent, but be prepared for queues. The glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a must-do, but if you're afraid of heights, brace yourself. The locals will tell you to avoid summer weekends when the crowds are insane. Winter offers fewer people and a chance to see the peaks dusted with snow.
Costs & Budget
This trip can be done on a range of budgets, but the extremes are notable. The InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland starts at around 3,000 RMB ($420) per night for a standard room. The underwater suite can hit 12,000 RMB ($1,680). For budget travelers, consider a day visit — you can explore the lobby, watch the light show, and do the rope swing for around 500 RMB ($70). Wengshan Village is more affordable: entry is free, but accommodation in the village starts at 800 RMB ($112) per night for a decent guesthouse. Food is cheap — street snacks cost 10-30 RMB ($1.40-$4.20).
For mid-range travelers, high-speed trains and private drivers are the way to go. Budget around 1,000 RMB ($140) per day for transport, accommodation, and food. Splurging on a spa day in Shanghai — like the one with unlimited caviar for under $200 — is a unique experience that won't break the bank. For luxury seekers, the sky's the limit. The underwater suite, private guides, and fine dining can push your daily spend to 10,000 RMB ($1,400).
For Travel Creators
This is a creator's paradise, but you need to be strategic. For the underground hotel, the best footage is during the light show at dusk — the colors reflect off the quarry walls. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale. The rope swing is a goldmine for reaction content; mount a GoPro on the harness for a POV shot. In Wengshan Village, the misters create a dreamy atmosphere, but you'll need to edit out crowds in post. Early morning shoots (6-7 AM) are ideal for empty streets.
For the Avatar mountains, a drone is essential, but check local regulations — many national parks restrict drone use. The glass bridge offers a great vertical shot for Instagram Reels. In Furong Ancient Town, the waterfall is best captured at night when it's lit up. Use a tripod for long exposures. And for the Shanghai spa, focus on the food and ambiance — the unlimited caviar is a visual feast. Remember to get permission before filming staff or other guests. And always have a backup power bank; you'll be shooting all day.
Should You Go?
Honestly? Yes, but with caveats. If you're a solo traveler or backpacker, these spots are worth a stop, but don't make a whole trip around them. The underground hotel is a one-night novelty, not a week-long stay. For families, Wengshan Village and the theme park are fun for kids, but the rope swing might be too intense. Luxury seekers will love the spa and the InterContinental, but be prepared for the weirdness of a synthetic village.
For creators, this is a goldmine. The visual contrast between ancient and modern, real and fake, makes for compelling storytelling. Just go in with your eyes open. Some places are more about the photo than the experience. But if you embrace the absurdity, you'll come back with content that's truly unforgettable.
