Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum, one of the most authoritative red-themed exhibition halls in the country, is worth a visit

Experience a two-day trip to Jinggangshan for about 2000 RMB per person! I watched the sea of clouds surge at Huangyangjie, retraced the Red Army’s grain-carrying trail, and a single oil lamp illuminated the path of faith. As the morning mist slowly rose from the five hundred li of Jinggangshan, I stood at the cannon platform at the Huangyangjie outpost. Beneath my feet was a deep valley, and in the distance, the sea of clouds roared like thousands of troops charging forward. It felt as if the heroic lines “Flags are in sight below the mountain, drums and horns heard atop the hill” echoed in my ears—this is not a movie scene but a real historical resonance on this red land. This time, as a travel blogger, with a budget of less than 2000 RMB per person for two days and one night, I entered the cradle of the Chinese revolution—Jinggangshan, embarking on an in-depth journey blending red memories, pristine ecology, and high mountain secrets: retracing the grain-carrying trail, gazing at the oil lamp that illuminated China’s future in the Maoping Octagonal Building, spending the night in Ciping listening to the whispers of pine waves, letting faith and nature resonate at this moment. 🔥 Day 1: Following the Spark Years, stepping into that passionate and glorious era Depart early morning from Changsha South Station (about 2 hours direct by high-speed train G-series to Jinggangshan Station, ticket price 156 RMB). After exiting the station, take the scenic area bus or carpool to the center of Ciping Town (40-minute ride, about 30 RMB). This is the political and cultural core area of Jinggangshan and the former headquarters of the Red Army. The first stop is the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum (free admission, reservation required)—one of the most authoritative red-themed exhibition halls nationwide. The museum uses real scene restoration, holographic projection, and relic displays to fully present the magnificent history from 1927 to 1930: Autumn Harvest Uprising, Sanwan Reorganization, Zhu-Mao Meeting... I lingered long in the “A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire” exhibition area, looking at the facsimile of Mao Zedong’s handwritten “Why the Red Political Power in China Can Exist?” and felt an indescribable shock rise in my heart. Next, visit Mao Zedong’s Former Residence in Ciping (ticket included in the scenic area pass). It is a simple Hakka earthen house with very modest furnishings: a wooden bed, a desk, and a kerosene lamp. It was here that he wrote “The Struggle in Jinggangshan,” which influenced China’s destiny. In the afternoon, head to the spiritual highland of this trip—Huangyangjie (included in the pass). At 1,343 meters above sea level, Huangyangjie is not only a strategic location but also the historical witness of the “Booming Cannon Fire on Huangyangjie.” Standing by the trenches where the Red Army once deployed, overlooking the endless mountains and waves of clouds, I couldn’t help but marvel: it was these ragged but resolute soldiers who repelled the enemy’s four encirclement campaigns here with homemade guns and cannons. On the way down, hike the Red Army grain-carrying trail (the essence section is about 1.5 kilometers). The stone steps are steep and slippery, and even carrying an empty pack leaves you breathless. It’s hard to imagine the hardship of Commander Zhu De carrying grain with a shoulder pole over a hundred li for the troops. Every step is the truest interpretation of the phrase “hard struggle.” In the evening, stay at a boutique red-themed guesthouse in Ciping (recommended “Jinggangshan Yishanju” or “Red Five-Star Cultural Hotel,” standard double room with breakfast about 680 RMB/night). The rooms blend modern comfort with revolutionary elements, surrounded by green mountains, and the night is utterly silent. Dinner features red rice pumpkin soup + wild vegetable stir-fried with cured meat + Aimi fruit (about 60 RMB per person). The coarse grains warm the stomach with a simple yet comforting taste—this was the “revolutionary meal” eaten by the Red Army, and today it feels like a spiritual baptism through time. 🌲 Day 2: Exploring the primeval forest × Climbing Wuzhifeng, touching the pulse of green Jinggang On the second morning, visit the Dajing Zhu-Mao Former Residence (included in the pass), where Mao Zedong and Zhu De lived and fought. In the courtyard is a “Reading Stone,” said to be where Chairman Mao often sat reading military books; there is also an “Evergreen Tree” that survived a shell hit, symbolizing the enduring revolutionary spirit. Then venture into the Baizhuyuan → Shuikou scenic area, the best-preserved original ecological zone in Jinggangshan. Walking along the bamboo forest plank road, surrounded by towering bamboo and babbling streams, the air is rich in negative oxygen ions. At the Shuikou Rainbow Waterfall, sunlight passing through the mist forms a miniature rainbow, breathtakingly beautiful. Before noon, ascend the Wuzhifeng Scenic Area (included in the pass, you can view but not climb the main peak). Named for its five peaks resembling a hand, it is also one of the prototypes for the back design of the 100 RMB bill. Standing on the viewing platform, the rolling peaks and flowing clouds resemble a moving landscape scroll. In the afternoon, you can choose to: Visit the Xiaojing Red Army Hospital to learn about the harsh wartime medical conditions; Or go to Nanshan Park Torch Square to gaze at the 90-meter-high “Victory Horn” torch sculpture and feel the light of faith. At 3:00 PM, return to Jinggangshan Station and take the high-speed train back, ending this spiritual journey interwoven with red and green. ✅ Cost Breakdown (approx. 1960 RMB per person) Round-trip high-speed train ticket: about 312 RMB Scenic area pass (including shuttle bus): 230 RMB (valid for 5 days) One night accommodation (shared by two): 680 RMB Meals + transportation + insurance + souvenirs: about 738 RMB 📌 Travel Tips: ✔️ Best season: April to October with pleasant climate, rhododendrons bloom in spring, summer is a great cool retreat ✔️ Essentials: non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker (temperature varies greatly at the summit), party or league badge (adds ceremony when visiting) ✔️ Respect history: keep quiet in the memorial halls, no playing or loud noises ✔️ Want to shoot great photos? Recommended spots: Huangyangjie sea of clouds sunrise, backlit silhouette on the grain-carrying trail, panoramic drone shots of Wuzhifeng, close-up of the oil lamp in the Octagonal Building On the day I left, I placed a bookmark inscribed with “Never forget the original intention” into my camera bag. It’s not just a souvenir but my solemn promise to this red land. If you also want to hear the voice of faith in one place, Go to Jinggangshan— Let the wind of Huangyangjie awaken your soul, Let an oil lamp light the way forward, Let this journey about ideals, sacrifice, and hope Become the most profound spiritual pilgrimage of your life.