Live Your Best Lives
Ganzhou, a prefecture-level city in Jiangxi Province, also known as Qian (Qian), Qiancheng (Qiancheng), and Gannan (Gannan), is located in southern Jiangxi Province. It serves as the province's southern gateway and is the province's largest and most populous prefecture-level city. Situated on the southern edge of the mid-subtropical zone and enjoying a subtropical monsoon climate, Ganzhou boasts a predominantly mountainous and hilly terrain. Ganzhou is a National Historical and Cultural City, a National Civilized City, a National Forest City, the former site of the Central Soviet Area, and the starting point of the Long March. Wen Tianxiang, Zhou Dunyi, Hai Rui, Wang Shouren, Xin Qiji, and the first generation of core leaders of the Communist Party of China all served as governors in Gannan. Ganzhou is one of China's most captivating cities, earning accolades such as the First City of the Thousand-Mile Ganjiang River, the Song Dynasty City of Jiangnan, the Red Capital, the Cradle of the Hakka People, the World Orange Country, the World Tungsten Capital, the Kingdom of Rare Earths, and the Birthplace of Global Feng Shui Culture.
Ganzhou (赣州) is a historic city in southern Jiangxi Province, once known as Qianzhou. During the Song Dynasty it prospered as part of the water-silk trade routes, and much of its ancient city wall dates from the Song era. It also plays a role in modern history—its Ruijin area was central to the early Chinese Soviet movement, later known as the “Cradle of the Republic.”
Ganzhou lies in southern Jiangxi, bordering Fujian and Guangdong. It has its own airport—Ganzhou Huangjin Airport—about 16 km from city center. Within the city, buses, taxis, and walking are common for getting between attractions.
Many cultural and scenic attractions open in the morning (≈ 7:30–8:00 AM) and close in late afternoon (≈ 5:00–6:00 PM). For example, Tongtian Cliff operates 7:30–17:00. The best visiting seasons are spring, autumn, and non-rainy periods to avoid extreme heat or heavy rains.
Tickets can generally be purchased on-site; some attractions or tourism websites may allow advance booking.
For popular sites or during holiday seasons, booking a day or two in advance is safer. For many attractions it is not strictly required.
For the urban and cultural part of Ganzhou, 1–2 full days is sufficient. To include nearby scenic zones (Tongtian, Ruijin), allow 2–3 days.
Many major tourist areas offer guided tours or signage in Mandarin; English tours or audio guides may be less common but provided at top attractions or via local tour operators.
Jiangnan Songcheng and Fantawild may host evening performances or light shows. Historical streets may be lit at night. Always check local schedules.
Crowds peak on weekends and during Chinese national holidays. Visiting on weekdays or early mornings helps avoid congestion.
Major scenic zones have restrooms, food stalls or restaurants, souvenir shops, visitor centers. In more remote grotto or mountain areas, amenities are simpler.
City wall routes, parks, museums are generally accessible. Steep cliffs or grotto trails may be harder for mobility-impaired visitors.
Cash is accepted, but most attractions and shops accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and card payments in larger venues.
In Ganzhou proper, there are many local restaurants near old town, riverside, and in tourist complexes. In Ruijin, there are red-tourism themed eateries.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in restaurants in larger districts. Halal options may be limited—ask locally in minority or Muslim communities.
Ganzhou has a range from budget inns and guesthouses to mid- and high-end hotels (e.g. in Zhanggong District and near the airport). In Ruijin, there are red-tourism hotels.
Souvenir shops often sell local citrus (Gannan oranges), Hakka crafts, red-revolution memorabilia, ceramics, postcards, local snacks.
You can depart via Ganzhou Huangjin Airport, or by train/bus to neighboring provinces (Fujian, Guangdong, Hunan). Car or coach travel is common for rural route connections.
