3 Days 2 Nights In-Depth Guide to Ji'an, Jiangxi

🏞️ Core Attractions Overview
| Red Classics | Jinggangshan Scenic Area | Huangyangjie Sea of Clouds, Revolutionary Museum | 1-2 days |
| Cultural Gems | Bailuzhou Academy | One of Jiangxi's Four Great Academies, millennium-old scholarly heritage | 2 hours |
| Ancient Village | Meibei Ancient Village | Ming-Qing architecture cluster, film shooting location | 3 hours |
| Mountain Wonders | Qingyuan Mountain | Jingju Temple's Zen ambiance, Yangming Academy | Half day |
| Urban Landmark | Jizhou Kiln Ruins Park | Song Dynasty "Woodleaf Temmoku" black-glazed ceramics | 2 hours |

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🚗 Transportation Guide
- High-speed rail: Arrive at "Ji'an West Station", downtown attractions reachable by taxi within 20 mins
- To Jinggangshan:
- Ji'an West Station→Jinggangshan scenic bus (2hrs, ¥35)
- Mandatory scenic area shuttle ticket (¥80/5 days, attractions are scattered)

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📅 Classic 3-Day Itinerary
Day1: Red Pilgrimage·Jinggangshan
1. Huangyangjie (outpost ruins + majestic sea of clouds)
2. Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum (comprehensive history of revolutionary struggle)
3. Longtan Waterfall Group (5 pools & 18 falls, one-way cable car ¥60)
4. Overnight in Ciping Town→Watch "Jinggangshan" live performance (Spectacular! Starts at 19:30)

> ✅ Tips: Wear comfortable sneakers, bring jacket (5-8℃ cooler than downtown).

Day2: Luling Culture·Ancient Village Exploration
1. Meibei Ancient Village (28 ponds connecting Ming-Qing houses, Liang Clan Ancestral Hall must-see)
- Try Yonghe Tofu (village's old restaurant, tender & flavorful)
2. Bailuzhou Academy (millennium-old academy on Ganjiang River island, experience poetic scenery)
3. Houhe River Night Cruise·Dreaming of Luling (immersive boat tour with light shows & cultural stories)

Day3: Zen Landscapes·Artisan Heritage
1. Qingyuan Mountain
- Visit Jingju Temple (7th Zen Patriarch's site, temple bells & vegetarian meals)
- Climb to Yangming Academy (Wang Yangming's lecture site, serene bamboo forest)
2. Jizhou Kiln Ruins Park
- Pottery-making experience (¥50, craft Woodleaf Temmoku cup)
- Explore Song Dynasty Street (buy mulberry leaf tea & ceramic souvenirs)

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🍜 Local Food Guide
| Yonghe Tofu | Meibei Village farmhouse cuisine | Rich bean flavor with minced pork & peppers |
| Jinggang Smoked Bamboo Shoots | "Old Hakka" in Ciping Town | Fragrant & crispy, perfect with rice |
| Anfu Ham | Specialty section at Guoguang Supermarket | Savory, pairs well with stir-fried artemisia |
| Taihe Black Chicken Soup | "Liu's Soup Pot" in Qingyuan District | Herbal tonic, clear broth & tender meat |

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🛏️ Accommodation Recommendations
- Jinggangshan: Ciping Town homestays (¥150-300, convenient for sightseeing)
- Ji'an Downtown:
- Luxury: Grand Skylight International Hotel (overlooking Gan River, ¥500+)
- Budget: Bailuzhou Hotel (near academy, ¥300/night)

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⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance
1. Jinggangshan tips:
- Be cautious buying "Red Army herbs" & "red rice wine" (quality varies)
- Keep shuttle tickets! Required for every ride
2. Meibei Village: Decline villager guides for freer exploration
3. Jizhou Kiln: Avoid overpriced ceramic shops outside, official park stores are reliable

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📌 Ji'an Essence Summary
> "Pilgrimage to Jinggangshan's red spirit, trace Luling's scholarly legacy, wander Meibei's timeless lanes, craft woodleaf ceramics"
✅ Estimated 3-day cost: ¥800-1200 (excluding transportation)
⏰ Best seasons: April-May (azalea blooms), September-October (crisp autumn)

> Follow this guide to deeply experience this underrated gem in central Jiangxi!