Day 1 Shanghai → Nanchang → Wanshou Palace → Tengwang Pavilion → Hotel
11:00
The National Day holiday kicked off at the bustling Shanghai Hongqiao Station.
High-speed rail meeting place: Shanghai Hongqiao Station waiting room, see the China-TravelNote banner. For those booking other train tickets, we'll meet at Nanchang West Station.
Please gather at the China-TravelNote banner in Shanghai at Nanchang West Station. Our bus will be waiting for tourists at Nanchang West Station starting at 11:00 and will depart on time at 11:40.
Self-drive meeting: Navigate to Nanchang for food and drinks. Alternatively, you can proceed to your hotel and check in with Shanghai China-TravelNote.
Recommended high-speed trains: G1381: 06:41 Shanghai Hongqiao Station - 10:45 Nanchang West Station; G1341: 07:08 Shanghai Hongqiao Station - 11:18 Nanchang West Station; G1371: 07:21 Shanghai Hongqiao Station - 11:32 Nanchang West Station; G2189: 07:28 Shanghai Hongqiao Station/07:48 Jinshan North Station - 11:27 Nanchang West Station; G355: 07:56 Shanghai Hongqiao Station - 10:59 Nanchang West Station; G817: 08:00 Shanghai Hongqiao Station - 11:04 Nanchang West Station
12:30
[Gan flavor in the millennium fireworks - Wanshou Palace]
After checking in, we journeyed to the bustling city of Wanshou Palace. This 1,600-year-old cultural landmark in Nanchang, known as the "ancestral home of all Wanshou Palaces," is permeated by the rich, spicy aroma of hot pot amidst the dark-brick, black-tiled, Gan-style buildings.
We wandered the streets, foraging for food. We sampled crab leg noodles, flavored bullfrog, soybean chicken feet, lotus blood duck, cold lotus root slices, and fresh porridge soup... Jiangxi boasts a dazzling array of delicious food, each imbued with a sense of chivalrous chivalry. Those who prefer spicy food should bring some water; after all, there's no such thing as "mildly spicy" here!
After the meal, take a slow walk and enjoy free time. At the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, you can witness the amazing skill of embroidering round fans and marriage certificates with human hair, and the "black hair into painting" technique; at the street corner stage, you can watch lifelike shadow puppets, listen to gongs and drums that awaken dreams, and admire bamboo shooting stars; at the August 1st Uprising Memorial Hall, you can feel the weight of history and the excitement of the red base.
Note: During holidays, some activities in the neighborhood require on-site reservations, and reservations for the August 1st Uprising Memorial Hall require three days in advance.
4:00 PM
[The setting sun and the lone wild goose fly together, the autumn water and the sky are the same color - Tengwang Pavilion]
There is no need to say much about the name of Tengwang Pavilion. As the first of the three famous towers in Jiangnan, it has become famous throughout the ages because of Wang Bo's book "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion".
Fifth-Story Corridor | The sky is vast and the waters are clear, a lone wild goose never returns. Leaning on the railing, I gaze out into the distance, the Gan River stretching like a saffron silk to the horizon. The traffic on the Bayi Bridge transforms into a golden chain, and the glass curtain walls of skyscrapers on the opposite bank swallow up a ray of rosy light from the horizon.
Secret tip: There are few people in the west corridor, where you can enjoy the "Green West Hill" painting. When the evening clouds are low, it is easy to encounter Wang Bo's poetic scene.
Six-Tier Caisson Ceiling | A spiraling galaxy, showering blessings. The top caisson ceiling resembles an inverted golden vortex, with 24 gilded lotus petals spiraling to the dome, seemingly drawing visitors into the night sky of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
Easter egg hint: By chance, you will hear the whistle of a Ganjiang River cruise ship outside the pavilion, and the heroic spirit of the world will fill your heart.
The Soul of Jiangxi's Mountains and Rivers, Ink-stained Gan and Po. A hidden hall on the fourth floor houses the monumental "Spirit of Jiangxi." Lushan's sea of clouds, Sanqingshan's peculiar rocks, the verdant Jinggang Mountains, Poyang Lake's birds returning to their nests, and the hanging coffins of dragons and tigers—the soul of Jiangxi's landscapes, long locked within this small, ink-stained space, was captured by the ancients.
Fun fact: This painting forms a double wall with the "Outstanding People" painting on the second floor. 80 outstanding people from Jiangxi gaze at the mountains and rivers of their hometown, completing a gaze across time and space.
Note: During holidays, there will be a large number of people, so the waiting time will be subject to the situation on that day. Please understand. The free ticket recitation of "The Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng" requires scanning the QR code on site and queuing. This is not the same as the group entrance, so you must go to the South Gate to participate.
6:00 PM
In the evening, after leaving the pavilion, take a 15-minute walk along the river to return to the Wanshou Palace Night Market. Or, take the subway or shared bike to the Toad Street Night Market to experience the authentic Jiangxi night market world!
Rest early and officially start the epic journey of mountains and rivers tomorrow!
Day 2 Hotel → Haihunhou Museum → Poyang Lake → Yingtan
08:30
At 8:00 AM, I got up, packed up, and had breakfast at the hotel. Around 8:30 AM, I checked out and left.
09:30
[Travel through the Golden Glory of the Western Han Dynasty - Haihunhou Ruins Museum]
Gold objects are like liquid sunlight, and bamboo slips contain the lost "Analects of Confucius" - here is sealed the sigh of luxury of the Han Dynasty.
The Nanchang Museum of the Han Dynasty Haihunhou State Ruins is the best-preserved Han Dynasty marquisate settlement site in China. Stepping into the golden Haihun, 478 gold artifacts and over 10 tons of five-zhu coins depict the extravagant life of Liu He, a prince. The shimmering lights of horse-hoof gold and unicorn-foot gold in the dark hall captivate the senses.
Xiang Qian checked in at the "Meet Haihun" exhibition area and experienced a VR Hanfu costume change, a pitching pot competition, and a holographic performance in the chime theater, all of which were highly interactive. After leaving the museum, he arrived at the Dingdunyuan Ruins Museum, where a 360-degree observation deck overlooked the original appearance of Liu He's main tomb, and the chariot and horse pits recreated the majesty of the royal procession.
At noon, we can find food freely in Haihunhou Food City or nearby shops or bring our own food, and then set off for Poyang Lake Prairie in the afternoon!
2:30 PM
The Earth Uses Grass as a Pen to Write a Magnificent Love Letter - Poyang Lake Grass Sea
Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake and Asia's largest wetland, is both a lake and not quite a lake. From September to early spring each year, the lake's water level drops, revealing the lakebed and giving birth to a vast sea of grass—lush green in spring and summer, turning golden in autumn, reminiscent of the "matcha meadow" in Hayao Miyazaki's animations.
The grass waves rise and fall with the wind, and the plank road winds through it, as if walking in the clouds; at dusk, the setting sun melts into gold, and the sea of grass is coated with warm orange, interweaving with the skyline into an oil painting.
Hidden on the edge of Caohai are relics from the Ming Dynasty - Liu Bowen's Diaoyutai and Zhu Yuanzhang's cave where soldiers were hidden. The red sandstone ruins tell the story of the Battle of Poyang Lake.
We can walk slowly or lie down in the sea of grass, and the world is quiet, with only ourselves and the vast sky. We can also have fun in the grass, pose in the grass, and create a masterpiece of life at your fingertips!
7:30 PM
Eagles dance in the pond, ripples swirl across the river – Yingtan
In the evening, we arrived in Yingtan City. After checking in, we quickly looked for snacks nearby. Nearby are authentic Yingtan night market snacks with a simple atmosphere of life. Every dish is the taste of the locals!
Rest early, we will set off for Longhu Mountain tomorrow!
Day 3: Eagle Lake → Longhu Mountain → Shangqing Ancient Town → Jingdezhen
08:00
At 8:00 AM, I got up, packed up, and had breakfast at the hotel. Around 8:30 AM, I checked out and left.
09:00
[The origin of the Taoist holy land, the center of the Taoist universe - Longhu Mountain]
Legend has it that Zhang Daoling of the Eastern Han Dynasty refined elixir at Longhu Mountain, and upon its completion, dragons and tigers appeared, marking the origin of Taoism. Sixty-three generations of Taoist Celestial Masters have inherited the teachings here, and Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang personally bestowed upon them a golden seal declaring them "eternal rulers of all Taoist affairs," giving rise to the legendary "Zhang in the South and Kong in the North." This area is a World Heritage Site, known for its vibrant natural and cultural beauty, the beauty of the serene waters and red cliffs, the enigmatic mystery of the hanging coffins, and Taoist culture, collectively known as its "Three Wonders."
We took a bamboo raft to roam around the Luxi River, admired the "Ten Unwanted" peaks, the clear water connected with the red cliffs and green forests, and seemed to have entered the fairyland of "Little Lijiang River". The raftsman also hummed ancient fishermen's songs.
Continue walking along the Xianshuiyan Trail to Taohuazhou, cross the bridge to Longhushan Ferry to watch the Hanging Coffin Show and see how the ancient Yue people hung coffins on the cliffs, which also means "promotion and wealth";
Then, we went to Elephant Trunk Hill and climbed the high-altitude glass plank road to overlook the mountains and rivers. The Danxia peaks on both sides unfolded before our eyes like a picture scroll. It is true that "a raft carries all the colors of the painting, and halfway up the mountain hides the legends of thousands of years."
3:30 PM
[Fireworks and fairy spirits dance under the green tiles - Shangqing Ancient Town]
Shangqing Ancient Town is located at the foot of Longhu Mountain. The bluestone road winds through the streets, connecting Tianshi Mansion, Changqingfang and the stilt houses. The cobblestone streets are inlaid with Tai Chi Bagua patterns. Walking barefoot on them is like touching a thousand years of time.
Along the street, stilt houses house Taoist robe shops and herbal medicine stores. Sitting in a century-old teahouse, you can appreciate the pure spirit of Taoism, which follows nature.
Not only that, there are also Yingtan beef noodles, Tianshi chestnut roast chicken, Shangqing tofu, and lantern cakes... a dazzling array of intangible cultural heritage snacks, Taoist banquets, and farmhouse restaurants. Everyone can dine and chat in groups of three or five, or wander freely, exploring the local flavors and fully experiencing the Taoist fireworks and fairy atmosphere!
5:30 PM
[Azure sky, misty rain, picking up pieces of glaze color through the morning and evening - Jingdezhen]
As the sun sets, it's time for us to embark on a new journey. Bidding farewell to the heroic and majestic Daoshan Dragon and Tiger, we enter the other side of the Jianghu - the gentle and virtuous side.
After checking in, we can freely have dinner in the surrounding restaurants and try the Jiangxi stalls with Jingdezhen characteristics, which are fresh, spicy and delicious!
In the evening, you can head to Taoxichuan or Taoyangli Street, where the handmade ceramic market is in full swing. You can also capture your own beautiful moment in the light and shadow art of the night brick walls and illuminated porcelain street!
Day 4 Jingdezhen → Jingdezhen North Station
08:30
We got up and packed up at 8:30 in the morning, and gathered and set off around 9:00.
09:30
[Ceramic Epic Gallery, Architectural Aesthetics Space - China Ceramics Museum]
The China Ceramics Museum is China's first national first-class museum dedicated to ceramics, housing over 50,000 treasures spanning 8,000 years of civilization. A dragon-kiln-shaped corridor connects its nine sections, while an ice-cracked glass curtain wall echoes the aesthetic of porcelain crackle. The first-floor lobby, shaped like a kiln hearth, offers a sense of journeying through millennia of kiln fire.
We tried to avoid the crowds and took a top-down tour, going straight to the 7th floor to see the 72 steps of the porcelain-making process, giving us a glimpse into the entire process of the creation of ceramics.
The sixth floor is the highlight, with the internet-famous "conspicuous bag" Silent Buddha and Eighteen Arhats sculptures. You may have to queue up to check in if there are many people. There are also innovative porcelain works by contemporary masters that subvert the perception of ceramics.
From the fifth floor to the first floor, you can immerse yourself in the reverse order of the dynasties from modern times to the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Song and Yuan dynasties, and then the ancient times. You can also get free stamps at the cultural and creative shop on the first floor (bring blank books or postcards).
12:00
[Time meets soil, and I am attracted to food - Fuzhou Lane]
Jingdezhen's Fuzhou Lane, a millennium-long lane just 170 meters long, is a living canvas of the porcelain capital's vibrant life and commercial life. Named after the Fuzhou Guild Hall during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was once a trading hub for porcelain merchants known as the "Fuzhou Gang," and the legend of "Jingde porcelain, sold by Fuzhou people" persists to this day. Along the bluestone streets, century-old businesses rub shoulders with emerging internet celebrities: fried dough sticks wrapped in glutinous rice cakes, their charred aroma and soft, lye-baked rice cakes sizzle in iron woks, and the aroma of braised chicken in porcelain clay wafts through carved window lattices, creating a feast for the senses that transcends time and space.
We're free to stroll and eat, leaving the afternoon to explore on our own. Across from Fuzhou Lane is Taoyangli, an alleyway known as Yuyao (entrance fee required). Across the back streets is Jingdezhen International Trade City, a wholesale market reminiscent of Yiwu Commodity City, where you'll find everything you need! Alternatively, you can head to the Sculpture Porcelain Factory, 3km away, for a fun, beautiful, and affordable experience of porcelain sculpture. For those who love photography, Taoxichuan is a must-see. The afternoon light and shadows are completely different from those at night. Standing by the wall, the atmosphere and artistic atmosphere are designed to complement you.
2:45 PM
We went to Jingdezhen North Station to say goodbye to everyone. For those who drove themselves, we kissed goodbye in Jingdezhen city with tears. We look forward to seeing you next time.
Jingdezhen North Station: Arrives at approximately 15:30. It is recommended to book a train after 15:50.
Recommended trains: G3056: 15:52 Jingdezhen North Station - 20:59 Shanghai Station. G100: 16:24 Jingdezhen North Station - 20:38 Shanghai Hongqiao Station.
