Family-Friendly 2-Day Yao Li Travel Guide

A tailor-made 2-day, 1-night in-depth pure-play family trip for a family of three to Yao Li Ancient Town in Jiangxi, focusing on the serene beauty of the "Origin of Porcelain, Land of Tea, and Sea of Forests." Yao Li, located in Fuliang County, Jingdezhen City, is a perfect blend of a thousand-year-old town and natural landscapes. It was once an important source of raw materials for Jingdezhen porcelain and is known as the "Little Lijiang of Jiangnan," but it is more primitive and tranquil. There are no bustling commercial streets here, only bluestone paths, ancient bridges with flowing water, and Ming and Qing dynasty old houses, making it ideal for families to take a slow trip and experience nostalgia and cultural heritage. 🌿 Most Famous Attractions in Yao Li and Best Travel Time Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn (March–May, September–November) In spring, the mountains bloom with flowers and streams flow gently, resembling an ink painting in the misty rain; in autumn, the sky is clear and the weather pleasant, perfect for hiking and photography. Summer is hot but shaded and cool; winter is chilly and quiet with fewer tourists, suitable for families who prefer tranquility. Key Attractions: Yao Li Ancient Street: A thousand-year-old street built along the Dong River, nearly a kilometer long, lined with old houses in Huizhou style, with weathered wooden doors and staggered horse-head walls, walking here feels like traveling through time. Cheng Clan Ancestral Hall & Chen Yi Former Residence: Learn about the clan culture of the ancient town and its revolutionary history (Chen Yi once reorganized the Red Army guerrilla forces here). The exhibition hall is free and vivid, suitable for children’s learning. Wanghu Ecotourism Area: Includes primeval forest, waterfall clusters, and bamboo trails. A light hike of about 1.5 hours leads to Nanshan Waterfall, with clear streams and fresh air along the way, perfect for families to enjoy nature’s beauty together. Raonan Ceramic Ruins: One of the world’s earliest porcelain workshops, featuring ancient dragon kiln remains and pottery tools, allowing children to visually understand the origin of "china." Ancient Bridge Group: Such as Rainbow Bridge and Tabo Bridge, spanning over clear water, shrouded in morning mist creating a poetic atmosphere, perfect for photography. 📅 Detailed 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Yao Li, stroll the ancient street and explore cultural sites It is recommended to take the high-speed train to Jingdezhen North Station, then take a shuttle bus or taxi to Yao Li Ancient Town (about 1.5 hours by car, ticket 20 RMB/person, taxi about 150 RMB). 🎫 Ancient Town Ticket: 85 RMB/person for a pass including Cheng Clan Ancestral Hall, Chen Yi Former Residence, Raonan Ceramic Ruins, etc. Children under 1.2 meters are free, students half price. You can also choose to enter only the ancient town without visiting attractions (some areas are free). Afternoon visit to Yao Li Ancient Street: Stroll along the bluestone path, visit old shops, oil mills, and cloth shops; Visit Cheng Clan Ancestral Hall to learn about family culture, tour Chen Yi Former Residence to hear revolutionary stories; Rest at a riverside teahouse, taste Fuliang tea (local specialty green tea), average cost 20 RMB per person. 🏡 Overnight stay in a characteristic guesthouse in the ancient town (recommended Huizhou-style courtyard by the water), prices about 260–350 RMB/night, book early for discounts. Most guesthouses provide hot water, private bathrooms, clean and comfortable. 🍽 Dinner at the guesthouse or street restaurants: must-try dishes include Fuliang tofu, bitter acorn cake, stir-fried creek fish, alkaline rice cake, average cost 50 RMB per person. Day 2: Ecological hike + ceramic exploration → return trip Wake up around 7:00 AM to capture photos of ancient bridges and flowing water in the morning mist, creating poetic scenes. Morning visit to Wanghu Ecological Area: Light hike into the bamboo forest, passing primeval forest, streams, and ancient post roads; Arrive at Nanshan Waterfall, where water cascades down and the surrounding area is rich in negative oxygen ions, perfect for family relaxation and breathing fresh air. Return to the ancient town before noon, visit Raonan Ceramic Ruins: See the thousand-year-old dragon kiln and ancient workshops, learn how kaolin turns into exquisite porcelain; Optional hands-on experience with pottery wheel or painting (cost about 30–50 RMB/person), great fun for kids. After lunch in the ancient town, take transportation back to Jingdezhen or directly return home depending on the schedule. 💰 Overall Budget (for a family of three) Item Estimated Cost ------------ -------------- Round-trip Transportation 600–1000 RMB (depending on departure location) Accommodation (1 night) 300 RMB (budget guesthouse) Meals 450 RMB (50 RMB per person per day) Tickets + Transport 300 RMB (including attraction tickets and shuttle bus) Total About 1600–2000 RMB 🌼 Yao Li Cultural Highlights Porcelain Origin Culture: The naming place of kaolin, one of the birthplaces of the world’s porcelain industry; Rich Tea Culture: Fuliang tea has been tribute tea since the Tang Dynasty, "Merchants value profit over parting, last month bought tea in Fuliang" is from Bai Juyi’s "Pipa Xing"; Huizhou Heritage: Architecture, clan culture, and farming and reading traditions are well preserved, with a slow and poetic lifestyle. ⚠️ Important Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Do not trust "free ticket guides" or "villagers opening private attractions": official scenic areas are well managed with no extra fees. Wear non-slip shoes on mountain roads: especially after rain, be careful when hiking and hold children’s hands. Avoid peak holiday travel: May Day and National Day see increased crowds, affecting the experience. Do not touch cultural relics or ancient building components casually: travel civilly and protect cultural heritage. Choose restaurants with clear menus and prices: to avoid being overcharged. In just two days, this trip takes you into a mountain and water ancient town forgotten by time, where you listen to history echoing in the sound of streams and understand Jiangxi’s cultural roots through clay and tea fragrance. Yao Li is not only a watercolor painting but also a vivid lesson in nature and culture—perfect for a family to slow down, gain peace, knowledge, and cherish beautiful moments together.