Once a granite quarry suffering from ecological degradation, Wangxian Valley in east China's Jiangxi Province has transformed into a fairyland-like touristic attraction thanks to relentless local efforts.
Featuring gorges, cliffs, clear streams and folk traditions, the valley has become a top choice for many tourists traveling to Jiangxi. Shrouded in clouds, its rainy season invokes a mythical realm for many comers.
"The scenery is beautiful every step of the way and I can take good photos from every angle. With the clear streams flowing in the canyon, it is just like a fairyland," said Zheng Lei, a tourist.
Two decades ago, Wangxian Valley was nothing like the wonderland it is now, but a mere granite quarry. There were more than 120 mining sites at its peak.
Although the quarry once made the villagers rich, the local ecological environment significantly degraded due to backward mining technology and the arbitrary discharge of untreated wastewater and waste stone powder by some stone processing enterprises.
In 2007, stone mining was stopped, and the laid-off workers went to find a living in other places. For those who stayed, however, the damage to the environment was palpable.
"The river water here used to be cloudy, just like milk. And the leaves were covered in dust," said Zhou Lihua, a villager.
Without sound industries nor work forces, it was a challenge to revitalize Wangxian Township and turn the abandoned quarry into a treasure.
"No one wants to come to a place where stinky water flows, so we continue to increase investment in ecological restoration and infrastructure construction in Wangxian Valley. By closing the quarry river, comprehensively improving the water system and reclaiming and greening the land, the water quality has been greatly improved, from the milky state to a Class II level. The forest coverage rate has reached 81 percent, and the number of negative oxygen ions has reached 16,999 per cubic meter in this area," said Wang Zhizhen, deputy head of Guangxin District of Shangrao.
After the initial improvement of the ecological environment, local authorities sought to integrate the natural, cultural and historical resources and build this scenic area full of natural beauty, colorful activities and thrilling adventures step by step over the span of over a decade.
Since opening to the public in 2020, Wangxian Valley has received more than 7.1 million tourists. Meanwhile, more and more young people have returned to their hometown here as the number of job posts and business opportunities grows.
"We benefit from the policy. We are rent free. Now the income is good, and it has multiplied several times. I think my life is very happy now, and I am very satisfied with myself," Zhou said. At present, there are over 700 homestays in Wangxian Valley and various immersive cultural events are held day and night. The scenic area has driven the comprehensive income of surrounding tourism and other industries to about 500 million yuan.
Villagers turn abandoned quarry into wondrous touristic attraction
