Shuikou

Wuzhi Peak

Wuzhi Peak is the highest peak of Jinggangshan. It takes its name from its cluster of peaks, which look like five fingers, and it stands 1,586 meters above sea level. The scenic area is a maze of mountains, ravines and waterfalls, with exceptionally rich flora and fauna. It is a primeval, deep and beautiful landscape of mountains, water, forests, caves and wildlife.

Huangyangjie

Huangyangjie lies north of Ciping. Its mountains are majestic and steep, and it has long been summed up by the saying, “Once past Huangyangjie, there is no need to look at the dangerous spots.” Due to its terrain and other natural conditions, the weather here changes rapidly, with strong winds, heavy fog and dramatic clouds. The misty clouds make the sunrise here especially spectacular, making Huangyangjie the best place to watch the sunrise over Jinggangshan. It was the site of the famous Battle of Huangyangjie, and there are many revolutionary sites and relics here, making it a must-visit for almost every traveller to Jinggangshan.

Ruijin Revolutionary Sites

Ruijin was once the red capital of the Chinese Soviet Republic, and the city preserves many revolutionary sites. The most famous are the Yeping Revolutionary Sites Cluster and the Shazhouba Revolutionary Sites Cluster. Yeping is the venue of the First National Congress of Soviets, and the Red Well at Shazhouba is the birthplace of the story “Those who drink water should never forget those who dug the well.”

Longnan Weiwu (Fortified Hakka Houses)

The finest of the fortified houses of southern Jiangxi, these are mainly home to Hakka people. The most representative are Guanxi Xinwei, Yangcun Yanyi Wei, Liren Liyuan Wei and Taojiang Longguang Wei. Guanxi Xinwei was built over 29 years by local gentry Xu Mingjun. The whole complex is shaped like the character 回 (huí), making it virtually impregnable. Yangcun Yanyi Wei has a long history, and it is the best place to feel the rich Hakka atmosphere. Liren Liyuan Wei is shaped like a bagua (eight trigrams), and its layout follows feng shui principles. It is the largest Hakka fortified house in Longnan City. In the same town of Liren, Yuzitan Wei is a classic defensive Hakka fortified house.

1–2 hours

Wugongshan Scenic Area

Wugong Mountain is well known among outdoor enthusiasts. There is a saying: “Once you have hiked Wugong Mountain, your outdoor education is complete,” which shows just how challenging it is. Wugong Mountain is known for seven signature landscapes: peaks, caves, waterfalls, rocks, clouds, pines and temples. Its boundless alpine grasslands and mysterious, shifting seas of clouds are breathtaking. Adventurous travellers can try the Despair Slope. With more than 20 slopes, large and small, it gives a sense of an endless climb.

Admission ¥70; admission + Zhongan cable car uphill ¥135; Zhongan cable car downhill ¥150; Jinding cable car uphill ¥35, downhill ¥25 · 1–2 days

Shili Azalea Corridor

Located on Bijia Mountain, this is the scenic area shown on the back of the fourth-series ¥100 banknote. The famous azaleas of Jinggangshan bloom mainly here. A 2,800-metre plank walkway has been built through the mountain specifically for admiring the azaleas. There are many varieties here, and the tree-form azaleas each stand more than 10 metres tall. Every April they bloom profusely, forming an azalea forest belt stretching for more than ten li (about 5 kilometres), which is very rare in the world.