Away from the glittering towers and LED lightshows of China's metropolises, Wangxian Valley in Shangrao city, Jiangxi province is offering international visitors a different view of the country.

Set amid misty cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lantern-lit streets and traditional folk culture, the valley was once linked to stone quarrying. After years of ecological restoration and cultural tourism development, it has been transformed into a dreamlike destination.

Its growing online popularity is now translating into real visits. Wangxian Valley welcomed 180,000 overseas visitors in 2025, up 76 percent year-on-year, and received more than 100,000 international travelers from January to May this year.

As more young travelers discover the valley on overseas social media, rural Jiangxi is becoming part of their first impression of China.