Wanxian Valley: The Journey of Rebirth from Abandoned Mine to Mystical Realm

 The Name of Divine Connection—The Legend of Hu Zhao
The name “Wangxian” traces back to an ancient anecdote from the Eastern Han Dynasty. The renowned scholar Hu Zhao (teacher of Sima Yi) sought refuge from worldly strife, retreating with his family to this mountain to cultivate Daoist practices. His loved ones gazed longingly into the valley each day, yearning for his return. Hu Zhao ultimately passed away here without illness, and legends of his ascension to immortality spread far and wide. Thus, the place became known as “Wangxian” (Gazing for Immortals). Nine massive rocks within the valley, resembling reclining oxen, also earned it the nickname “Nine Ox Grand Canyon.”

The Path to Rebirth—From Scarred Wound to Immortal Realm
Wangxian Valley's modern narrative is an epic tale of profound ecological restoration and cultural tourism revival:
- Industrial Ruin (Before 2007): As a granite slab production base, 179 production lines polluted streams and stripped mountains bare.
- Awakening and Transformation (Post-2007): Operations ceased, leaving abandoned quarries and sheer cliffs.
- Artisanal Rebirth (2017–2020): Guided by the principle of “restoring old structures authentically while honoring nature,” traditional Gan-style dwellings were rebuilt atop ruins. Waterways and vegetation were restored, with forest coverage recovering to 81%.
- Spectacular Rebirth (2020–Present): With over 1.53 million visitors in 2023, it stands as a living testament to the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”

> Explore Further: Discover more Chinese ecological restoration wonders >> [Zhangjiajie National Forest Park](link) |