Jiangxi Province travel guide

The character “婺” is pronounced wù. Mentioning this may seem a little unnecessary, but you'll understand once you're there. Locals often write “婺源” as “务源,” probably to simplify the characters. For an outsider, knowing this makes a big difference when you're standing at the ticket window of the station.

Mention Jinggangshan and the picture from middle-school textbooks comes to mind: the Red Army's victorious reunion. The spark that “can start a prairie fire” was first kindled here. Jiangxi's Jinggangshan is the cradle of China's revolution, and its many historical sites offer a profound patriotic education.

Wherever you walk in Nanchang, you see the words “Bayi” everywhere: August First Square, Nanchang Uprising Memorial Hall, Bayi Avenue, Bayi Bridge and Bayi Park. This ancient city, which has produced many talented people across the dynasties, seems to carry an extra measure of heroic spirit thanks to the history of the August First Uprising.

Cliff burials have been found not only in East China, but also in the Zhaotong area of distant Yunnan, where large numbers have been uncovered. Judging by the age and number of tombs in the cluster, however, Dragon Tiger Mountain's cliff burials may be the foremost in the country. Our ancestors chose to rest amid this tranquil landscape, and in doing so left later generations a puzzle that remains unsolved.

Besides its beautiful mountain scenery, Mount Sanqing is home to many centuries-old trees. The “Sister Pines” on the Tianmen cliff are over 400 years old, their branches and leaves intertwined and leaning against each other. The 500-year-old pine beside Qinghua Pool has a crown spanning 20 metres, with branches like claws that resemble a fierce beast.