Thirteen days, eight cities

I spent 13 days unlocking a journey starting from Nanchang and ending in Ningbo, connecting seven cities across Jiangxi, Anhui, and Zhejiang provinces. The trip blends cultural heritage, scenic wonders, and local life, primarily traveling by high-speed rail with some car rentals for added flexibility: 1. Overall Route and Transportation Route: Nanchang → Yingtan → Wuyuan → Huangshan → Shexian → Hangzhou → Shaoxing → Ningbo Inter-provincial travel is mainly by high-speed rail: Nanchang-Yingtan (1h), Yingtan-Wuyuan (40min), Wuyuan-Huangshan (18min), Shexian-Hangzhou (1.5h), Shaoxing-Ningbo (30min). Afternoon high-speed rail tickets from Hangzhou to Shaoxing are tight, so carpooling is recommended. Rent a car in Wuyuan for 1 day to drive a free 145 km large loop (mountain roads are in good condition); rent a car in Huangshan for 2 days to flexibly travel around the scenic area. On the second day, drive 19 km to Shexian for a small 90 km loop. Note: If your driving skills are average, avoid "Wan'er Village"—the roads are narrow and the last section is gravel, with many places too tight for cars to pass. 2. Core Itinerary by City 1. Nanchang (2 nights, stay near Bayi Memorial Hall) Night tour of Tengwang Pavilion, visit Jiangxi Museum, Bayi Memorial Hall, Badashanren Memorial Hall, Jiangxi Art Museum, check out Dashi Temple, Jewelry Street, Wanshou Palace, and try Nanchang mixed noodles and clay pot soup. 2. Yingtan (2 nights, stay near Yingtan Station) Visit Longhu Mountain (bamboo raft drifting, hanging coffin show, Tianshi Mansion), stroll through Yingtan Park’s Dongjige Pavilion, Yingtan Museum (China Taoism Museum), skip the "Dreaming of Longhu Mountain" performance. 3. Wuyuan (1 night) Pick up rental car at the high-speed rail station and drive the free scenic large loop to enjoy Huizhou countryside views, then return the car and head to Huangshan. 4. Huangshan + Shexian (2 nights, stay near Huangshan North Station) Early morning drive to Huangshan multi-level parking (30 RMB for non-overnight with coupon), take the Yungu cable car up and Yuping cable car down. Due to stamina, skip the West Sea Grand Canyon (2-minute small train costs 100 RMB). Next day, drive around Shexian (avoid "Wan'er" village due to narrow and gravel roads), visit Huizhou ancient town and lesser-known spots. 5. Hangzhou (2 nights) Visit Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society, Zhejiang Museum Gushan Branch, stroll along Baidi Causeway, night tour of West Lake’s Three Pools Mirroring the Moon; check out Zhejiang Museum Zhijiang Branch (catch the special exhibition of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains"), Grand Canal Museum, Hu Xueyan’s Former Residence, visit Songcheng, try West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing shrimp, then carpool to Shaoxing. 6. Shaoxing (1 night) Wander Lu Xun’s hometown, Shen Garden, Lanting, take a black-awning boat tour of the ancient city, buy 10 RMB fennel beans, taste yellow wine and braised pork with preserved vegetables. 7. Ningbo (2 nights, stay near Old Bund) Visit Ningbo Museum, Dongqian Lake (turn back at Xiayu Zen Temple), Hanling Old Street, night tour of Old Bund; walk connecting Tianyi Pavilion, City God Temple, Drum Tower, Nantang Old Street, try Ningbo rice dumplings and seafood, return in the evening. 3. Accommodation Suggestions In Nanchang, choose around Bayi Square; in Yingtan, near Yingtan Station; in Wuyuan, stay in the county town or scenic area guesthouses; in Huangshan, for self-driving choose near North Station (non-driving options include Tangkou Town or mountain hotels); in Hangzhou, choose around West Lake or Wulin Square; in Shaoxing and Ningbo, prefer old town or near high-speed rail stations. PS: Due to word limits, I can’t write too much now. I will organize detailed route maps for each city later.