Where deities dwell

Shenxianju scenic area in Xianju county, Zhejiang province, which boasts terrain shaped by unique igneous rhyolite formations, is called the abode of the immortals. [Photo by Xu Lin/Erik Nillson/China Daily]

Xianju literally means abode of the immortals－and for good reason. Xu Lin explores the eco-destination's seemingly spiritual appeal.

Ancient Chinese viewed deep mountains as the dwelling places of the gods－majestic, lofty and isolated.

That is, far from humans. Indeed, they seem the perfect earthly habitats of otherworldly entities.

But Xianju county and its Shenxianju scenic area live up to that reputation in more than their names－both translate as abode of the immortals.

Shenxianju's 22-square-kilometer terrain is shaped by unique igneous rhyolite formations.

It's a fantastical setting that has served as a filming location for many Chinese martial-arts TV series and movies, including the Sino-US film The Forbidden Kingdom, starring Jackie Chan and Jet Li.