An abandoned quarry in eastern China that has been redesigned into a cliffside tourist town is attracting nearly one million visitors a year while prompting social media warnings that it is among the world’s most dangerous holiday spots.

Wangxian Valley, in Shangrao city in Jiangxi province and set in the Ling Mountains, features narrow cliffside walkways, transparent hotel rooms clinging to rock faces and plunging canyons. The site, whose name translates as “Gazing at Immortals,” combines scenic waterfalls and hiking routes with engineered thrill elements such as glass platforms and a 388-metre-long Cliffside Walkway that runs along the rock with a roughly 100-metre drop beneath it.

The valley was originally a quarry abandoned in 1969 and has since been reshaped into a high-altitude tourist destination with cobblestone streets and illuminated waterfalls. Attractions on the site include a 50-metre glass walkway made from thick, slightly frosted glass, a library reportedly set about 110 metres above the valley floor, and the White Crane Cliff Hotel, which offers a dozen glass-walled rooms that hang off a cliff face.

Adventure offerings extend beyond vantage points. A 2.8-kilometre rafting route threads narrow canyon walls and requires a 30-minute hike to its launch point, while a scenic trail is lined with multiple waterfalls, including the quieter Sanqing Waterfall and the mist-creating Wangxian Waterfall. The valley also markets a collection of unusual rock formations known locally as the Odd Rock Pool.

Local officials and tourism promoters have emphasized the blend of cultural programming and natural beauty. Nighttime programming has been reported to include traditional performances, folk music and a well-known cliffside bonfire party. The area also promotes regional cuisine made from high-altitude ingredients, with signature local dishes such as Wangxian Tofu, Yuyu Dumplings and Dengzhan Guo.

The site’s rapid rise in popularity has drawn international attention through social media posts and travel coverage. Users posting images and videos of the narrow walkways, glass-bottomed structures and rooms suspended on cliffs have labelled the destination “one of the most dangerous tourist attractions in the world,” a description echoed in some travel write-ups.

Tourism accounts and promotional materials describe a controlled visitor experience with constructed walkways, hotels and entertainment facilities. Public reporting cites close to one million annual visitors, reflecting strong domestic interest in experiential and scenic tourism. Authorities in Jiangxi have in the past overseen safety inspections and regulatory approvals for major tourism infrastructure projects, though specific recent inspection reports for Wangxian Valley were not cited in available accounts.

Developers have repurposed the former industrial site into an integrated destination combining built attractions and natural features, a model seen elsewhere in China’s efforts to expand domestic tourism. The valley’s design and attractions are intended both to lengthen visitor stays and to diversify local economic activity by linking lodging, eateries and cultural events to outdoor pursuits.

Visitors and commentators have highlighted both the spectacle and the risks associated with high, exposed structures and narrow pathways. Journalists and travel writers covering Wangxian Valley have described sensations of vertigo and adrenaline on the glass walkways and cliffside corridors; some social-media users have expressed concern about collapses or falls, while others praise the site for its dramatic scenery and immersive atmosphere.

Wangxian Valley’s operators continue to promote the site as a destination for those seeking scenic views and adrenaline-driven experiences, and the location remains a growing attraction within Jiangxi’s tourism offerings. Independent travellers and groups considering a visit are advised to consult local guidance, seasonal access information and safety advisories to make informed plans before traveling.