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]

Local authorities spent three years implementing garbage-classification and sewage systems to protect the environment.

"Ecology is our priority," county tourism bureau head Li Bo says.

"The fusion of ecological and cultural tourism is essential to our appeal."

About four-fifths of the county is forested. People come for the pure water and the high density of negative oxygen ions, which are said to abet health.

In 2016, the Ministry of Environmental Protection designated Xianju as a "national ecological county".

Li says Xianju is an all-seasons destination.

Spring is the peak period, when visitors flock to the red-bayberry and canola-flower festivals.

Meanwhile, demand has propelled an urgency to build brand hotels while encouraging locals to open themed homestays and hostels, he says.

Visitors come to tour the places where immortals dwell.

They find much more.

Contact the writer at xulin@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

Xianju is about three hours' drive from Zhejiang's provincial capital, Hangzhou. A 2.5-hour flight from Beijing arrives at Taizhou Luqiao Airport, about 100 km from Xianju.