Ningdu

What are the most recommended things to do in Ningdu?

  • Hike Cuiweifeng National Forest Park (4A scenic spot, Danxia landform, “One Line in the Sky” cliff route)
  • Visit the Ningdu Uprising Headquarters Historic Site (revolutionary memorial)
  • Climb Cuiwei Peak within the forest park for panoramic views
  • See Shuikou Tower (tower/observation) in Ningdu County
  • Explore local sites such as the Qilucun Jiangxi Soviet Government Site and Zoucheng Cultural Street / Zhongyang Suqu Fan Weijiao Memorial Hall

Introducing Ningdu

Ningdu, a county under the jurisdiction of Ganzhou City, is located in southeastern Jiangxi Province. It was established in 236 AD, the fifth year of the Jiahe reign of the Wu Dynasty during the Three Kingdoms period. Situated upstream of the Gongshui River, the source of the Ganjiang River, Ningdu has long been known as a "hometown of literature and poetry." The Jianghu Poetry Society, founded during the Southern Song Dynasty, enjoyed national renown, while the Yitang Academy, founded in the early Qing Dynasty, was ranked as the foremost of the "Three Mountain Schools." Ningdu also boasts fascinating tourism resources, the most notable of which is the Cuiwei Peak Scenic Area. This scenic area, a provincial-level scenic spot and national forest park, integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and revolutionary history. It is designated as the 35th of the 72 Blessed Places by Taoists. Cultural attractions include the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, ancestor of Sun Yat-sen, the Marquis of Dongping during the Tang Dynasty; the Qinglian Ancient Temple, built during the Western Jin Dynasty; and the Shuikou Tower, constructed during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. The area also boasts numerous revolutionary historical relics, including the former headquarters site of the Ningdu Uprising, a nationally protected cultural relic.

Most Popular FAQs for Ningdu

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Ningdu County, under Ganzhou in Jiangxi Province, has both natural and revolutionary significance. It was part of the Soviet base area during China’s revolutionary period, with the Ningdu Uprising Headquarters memorializing that era. The area also features significant geological scenery, such as Danxia landforms (in Cuiweifeng) close to the county seat.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Ningdu lies in southern Jiangxi Province, under the administration of Ganzhou. To get there, travelers typically arrive by train or long-distance bus to Ningdu and then use local buses or taxis to reach scenic spots. Within Ningdu, many attractions are accessible by local road and short drives. Cuiweifeng National Forest Park is just about 3 km north of the Ningdu county seat, making taxi or local transport feasible.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Cuiweifeng National Forest Park opens roughly 8:00 to 17:00 for the main scenic area. The best seasons to visit are spring, early summer, and autumn when vegetation is lush and weather is moderate. Avoid heavy rainy seasons which may make climbing paths dangerous.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

For Cuiweifeng, the entrance fee is about ¥78 per person. Tickets can be bought at the entrance or via local scenic area ticketing channels (in person or on Chinese platforms). For memorial or historic sites, the fees may be lower or free; check locally.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

During peak travel periods (weekends, holidays), booking in advance is advisable, especially for popular tourist spots like Cuiweifeng. A few days in advance is usually sufficient. Off-peak you may walk in.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

For Cuiweifeng and surrounding attractions (peak, caves, walks), plan a full day. If you include multiple historic and revolutionary memorials, consider 1.5 days.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • The “One Line in the Sky” cliff route in Cuiweifeng Park (steep rock crack)
  • Jinjing Cave and Taoist temple under rock mass in Cuiweifeng
  • Jinxiu Lake (boating) and panoramic peaks in the forest park
  • Ningdu Uprising Headquarters Memorial and related exhibitions
  • Shuikou Tower for views over the county
  • Qilucun Soviet site and the Zoucheng / Zhongyang Suqu memorial halls

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Local guided tours (in Chinese) are likely available at major scenic sites and memorial halls. There is no strong evidence that English or multilingual audio guides are standard; you may need to request or arrange through travel agencies.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • The “One Line in the Sky” cliff crack vantage in Cuiweifeng
  • View from Cuiwei Peak over surrounding forest and rock formations
  • Jinxiu Lake reflections under mountain backdrop
  • Panorama from Shuikou Tower over Ningdu town and valleys
  • Historic exhibits and facades at Uprising Headquarters and Soviet sites

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the forest park (Cuiweifeng): take the trail up via “One Line in the Sky,” visit Jinjing Cave, descend via lake. Then go to the Ningdu Uprising Headquarters memorial and other historic sites (Qilucun Soviet site, Zoucheng cultural street). Cap the day with a visit to Shuikou Tower. Adjust based on proximity and opening times.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There is no widely documented night tours or light shows for Cuiweifeng or the memorials in Ningdu. Some memorial halls or cultural streets may have night lighting or events on special dates — check local announcements.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak crowds occur during holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are weekday mornings and off-peak months. Arriving early helps you avoid the crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

In Cuiweifeng Park, you will find restrooms, snack shops, boat rentals (for lake), rest pavilions, visitor services. At memorial halls, there are exhibit halls and basic amenities. In remote trails, facilities are more sparse — bring water and light snacks.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Lower paths and lake areas are more accessible for elderly and children. However, steep cliff routes like “One Line in the Sky” demand physical exertion and are not suitable for mobility-impaired visitors. Use caution.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Most ticket offices, shops, and vendors accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards. In small stalls or remote spots, cash may still be needed — carry some.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In Ningdu town and near Cuiweifeng’s entrance, you’ll find local Chinese restaurants, snack shops, teahouses. Along the routes to memorial sites, small eateries serve local fare.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian or plant-based dishes are generally available in Chinese cuisine (tofu, vegetables, noodle soups). Halal options may be limited; if needed, ask locals or stay near larger towns.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are hotels in Ningdu county (e.g. in county seat), as per lodging listings on Trip.com and local directories. Staying in the county seat gives you better access to Cuiweifeng and memorial sites.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Other attractions in Ningdu include the Qilucun Soviet site, Zoucheng Cultural Street, Zhongyang “Suqu Fan Weijiao” Memorial Hall, Xiaobu Town Scenic Area. You might also combine with other scenic or cultural spots in Ganzhou or adjacent counties.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops near scenic entrances and memorials offer locally themed items, postcards, cultural memorabilia, small crafts and commemorative books relating to the Soviet era or natural scenery.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Ningdu, you can return by bus or taxi to the main transit hub (train or bus station in Ningdu or Ganzhou) and then proceed by intercity train or long-distance bus to your next destination. Ganzhou is a major regional hub.