[2025 Jinggangshan Attraction] Travel Guide for Ciping Scenic Area (Updated Oct)

Jinggangshan is renowned for its unique combination of "red revolutionary culture" and "green natural scenery," hailed as the "Cradle of the Chinese Revolution." This guide will help you fully experience the charm of this "Number One Mountain Under Heaven." 🏞️ Jinggangshan Travel Guide: Red Cradle and Green Wonderland ✨ Highlights · Fusion of revolutionary sites and natural wonders: Relive revolutionary times at Huangyangjie, feel the majestic nature at Longtan Waterfalls. · Unique cuisine and Hakka culture: Taste red rice and pumpkin soup, experience distinctive Hakka folk customs. 🗓️ Two-Day Essential Tour Day 1: Red History and Natural Wonders · Morning: Depart from Ciping Town to Huangyangjie (sunrise viewing available), visit the outpost fortifications and Red Army barracks, then head to Comrade Mao Zedong’s former residence at Dajing to see the Reading Stone, the Magical Tree, and other historical relics. · Afternoon: Explore the Longtan Waterfall group, featuring five major waterfalls and deep pools; non-slip shoes are recommended. · Evening: Return to Ciping Town, stroll through Tianjie Night Market, and enjoy local farmhouse dishes; recommended are red rice and pumpkin soup, typical Red Army meals, costing about 50 RMB per person. Day 2: Revolutionary Memorials and Unique Experiences · Morning: Visit the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum (free admission, open 8:30 AM–5:00 PM), then pay respects at the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery. · Afternoon: Tour the Xiaojing Red Army Hospital, then proceed to Shuikou Rainbow Waterfall, where you might witness the spectacular waterfall rainbow at certain times. · Evening: Experience Hakka folk culture and sample Hakka specialty teas and dishes. 🗺️ Three-Day In-Depth Tour If you have three days, you can add the following to the two-day itinerary: Day 3: Historical Sites and Natural Beauty · Morning: Visit Maoping Octagonal Building (where Mao Zedong wrote "The Struggle in Jinggangshan," advance reservation required). · Afternoon: Take a cable car to explore Bijia Mountain and enjoy the "Ten-Mile Azalea Corridor" (best in spring), or visit Wuzhi Peak (featured on the fourth series 100 RMB banknote). Special Local Foods: · Red Rice: The staple food during the revolution, now often served with farmhouse cured meat. · Pumpkin Soup: Sweet but not greasy, evoking revolutionary memories. · Jinggangshan Smoked Bamboo Shoots: A local mountain delicacy with a unique taste. · Red Rice Wine: A specialty from the revolutionary old area, mild alcohol content with a rich flavor. Accommodation Recommendations: · Ciping Town is the most convenient, offering hotels of various standards. · For a revolutionary atmosphere, stay in a unique guesthouse converted from a Red Army camp. Best Time to Visit: · Each season offers different scenery; peak season is from May to October. · Enjoy azaleas in spring, cool weather in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and snow scenes in winter. Practical Tips: 1. Temperature varies greatly on the mountain; bring a jacket even in summer. 2. Some trails are steep; comfortable sports shoes are recommended. 3. Respect revolutionary sites; avoid loud noises in visiting areas. Jinggangshan not only boasts rich historical and cultural heritage but also stunning natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in history or love nature, this place will meet your expectations.

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.

Last week, I rushed to Jinggangshan and wandered around for three days. I originally thought it would be all serious red-themed sites, but I was touched by the autumn mountains and waters—the red land wrapped in yellow rice and red maple leaves, with the scent of osmanthus flowers drifting in the wind. Just strolling around felt so comfortable that I didn’t want to leave! Climbing Huangyangjie at dawn almost froze me silly. The mountain fog was so thick that I couldn’t see people five steps away. After waiting for half an hour, the fog slowly dispersed. When I looked up, it was breathtaking! The terraced fields on the hillside were all yellow, the rice ears heavy, swaying like golden waves in the wind. The path where the Red Army once carried grain was now covered with fallen leaves that rustled underfoot. Looking down, I could see red soil mixed with withered grass—such a unique feeling. Standing at the lookout, the distant mountains were sometimes wrapped in fog, sometimes revealed, like playing hide and seek. The once “dangerous” places become so gentle in autumn. In the afternoon, I headed to Longtan, which was much cooler than Huangyangjie! The water flow was slower than in summer, leisurely flowing. The trees by the stream had started to change color—sweetgum trees were half red, the Japanese maple was a bright yellow, and leaves floated in the pond. The green water set off the red and yellow like scattered paint. Under the waterfall of the third pond, the stones were covered with moss. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting flickering light spots on the water. I squatted there for ten minutes, listening to the water, smelling the fresh scent of plants, and felt completely relaxed. I highly recommend the cable car at Bijia Mountain! Looking down from the ride, the sweetgum forest was just starting to turn red, with specks of red hidden in the green, like sprinkled cinnabar. At the summit, I caught the sea of clouds just in time. The white clouds surged up from the valley, flowing over the mountain tops, with distant peaks poking out like islands floating on the clouds. When the wind blew, the clouds moved, and the maple leaves swayed, red and yellow drifting in the clouds. I took more than twenty photos, and none of them were bad. Locals said it would be even more stunning in half a month when the red is at its peak. I already regret coming too early! In the evening, I returned to Ciping, where the osmanthus trees on the street were blooming wildly. When the wind blew, petals fell all over me, and even my hair smelled sweet. I found a small restaurant with a very genuine owner. The bamboo tube rice was fragrant, the rice fully absorbed the bamboo flavor, paired with stir-fried pumpkin strips—I ate two bowls. The pumpkin cakes were also amazing, crispy on the outside, with a filling made from old pumpkin, sweet and glutinous but not greasy. After dinner, I strolled around Yicui Lake. The willow leaves by the lake had turned yellow, reflecting in the water. When the streetlights came on, the ripples sparkled, so comfortable I wanted to find a stone bench and lie there until dark. When leaving, I packed half a box of wild chestnuts and osmanthus cakes. Even after driving far away, I could still see the yellow rice on the mountain. It turns out that autumn in Jinggangshan is not just about stories, but also so many gentle little details—the red leaves, yellow rice, and sweet osmanthus. Next time, I must come when the sweetgum trees are at their reddest and revisit the mountains and waters I didn’t get to explore enough!

Reflections on Traveling in Jinggangshan -----The Influence of the Red Spirit and a Slight Disappointment with the Commercial Atmosphere On August 24, 2025, stepping onto the land of Jinggangshan, a sense of solemnity and reverence welled up in my heart. Every mountain, every road, every stone tablet here seems to quietly tell the magnificent revolutionary history. In the afternoon, visiting the Revolutionary Museum in Ciping, the precious historical photos and weathered revolutionary relics silently narrated those arduous years. Definitely worth a visit, but note it’s closed on Mondays. In the evening, I went to Chairman Mao’s Former Residence and stayed at Wenyuan Hotel, which was affordable and had great service. I lost a bracelet there, and the staff returned it to me. Dinner was also decent. In the middle of the trip, I got ripped off when my car’s oil warning light came on. The repair shop below the hotel just added a little oil and charged 380 yuan. Later, in Jinggangshan city, they didn’t even know what kind of oil it was. The key issue was no real service. I ended up getting a Shell oil change and maintenance in the city for only 350 yuan with excellent service. On the morning of August 25, I drove up Huangyangjie, as if I could still hear the booming artillery from the defense battle back then. The winding mountain roads and steep cliffs were the battlegrounds where Red Army soldiers fought fiercely. Standing in front of the monument, looking out at the endless mountains shrouded in mist, I deeply felt the heroic spirit of "a single spark can start a prairie fire." It’s a must to drive up once. On the morning of August 25, I went into Dajing. Those simple thatched huts and adobe houses with a wooden table, an oil lamp, and a few benches were the places where they strategized and directed the revolution. I stayed at Xijiangyue, which had great service and a decent environment, though some rooms were a bit small. However, a farmhouse restaurant opposite the hotel was a rip-off: a medium bottle of Coke was 18 yuan, sweat... Red rice was 10 yuan for a small bamboo bucket. A small tip: ask the price before ordering to avoid being overcharged. In the afternoon of August 25, I visited the old site of the Xiaojing Red Army Hospital, which was quite heavy-hearted. Then I went to Longtan Scenic Spot, walked down, and took the cable car back. This spot is a must-visit; compared to the red revolutionary sites, this rare natural scenic area also bears traces of the revolution. In the evening, I went to nearby Xiaojing, but I was a few minutes late. The staff locked the back door like thieves, haha. Even after showing a full ticket, they hurriedly closed for the day. The sunset over Jinggangshan was still magnificent then. So it was a bit of a regret, and later I gave up on this red site due to lack of time. On August 26, I went to the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery. Since there were few people, I just paid my respects from below, then went to Torch Square. It’s worth climbing; I also visited the museum again. Hehe. Checked out and left Jinggangshan at noon. This long-awaited trip to Jinggangshan was bittersweet; the joys were the revolutionary spirit, red history knowledge, tourist attractions, and hotels. The worries were the excessive commercialization and tourist scams, which can’t compare to Shaoshan Chong, diminishing the travel experience. Overall, I would still visit Jinggangshan again if I have the chance.

Jinggangshan One-Day Classic Tour Route and Cost Guide (Per Person Budget 188-500 RMB) Classic Route Recommendation Route: Ciping Mao Zedong Former Residence → Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum → Huangyangjie → Longtan Waterfalls → Wuzhifeng Route Highlights: Combines red culture and natural scenery, suitable for families and history enthusiasts, balancing classic and lesser-known attractions. Itinerary Details 07:30-09:00 Departure to Jinggangshan • Transportation: Self-driving or chartered car (about 3 hours from Nanchang to Jinggangshan, 220 km). • Tip: It is recommended to book vehicles in advance to avoid holiday traffic jams. 09:00-10:00 Ciping Mao Zedong Former Residence • Attraction: Ciping Mao Zedong Former Residence (free, reservation required), showcasing Mao Zedong’s life traces from 1927-1929, with a focus on the "Red Army Supply Station" exhibit. • Tip: Red Army uniforms available for rent for photos (30 RMB/set). 10:00-11:30 Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum • Attraction: Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum (free, closed on Mondays), tells revolutionary history through artifacts and scene restorations; guided tours recommended (50 RMB/group). • Highlights: Pay attention to the "Zhu-Mao Meeting" sculpture and the "Octagonal Building Lighting" exhibition area. 11:30-13:00 Huangyangjie Battle Site • Transportation: Scenic area shuttle bus (60 RMB/person, round trip included). • Attraction: Huangyangjie Outpost (ticket included in combo ticket), visit the stone carving "A single spark can start a prairie fire," and experience the boldness of "After crossing Huangyangjie, no need to fear danger." • Activity: Optional "Grain Carrying Trail" experience (voluntary, about 1 km). 13:00-14:30 Lunch (Ciping Town) • Recommended Restaurants: • Jinggangshan Revolutionary Cuisine Restaurant: Red rice wine (15 RMB/cup), stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork (38 RMB/serving), pumpkin soup (10 RMB/bowl). • Ciping Farmhouse Cuisine: Smoked bamboo shoots with cured meat (45 RMB/serving), Jinggangshan tofu skin (20 RMB/serving). • Budget: 40-60 RMB per person. 14:30-16:00 Longtan Waterfall Group • Transportation: Cable car round trip (70 RMB/person, 50 RMB one way). • Attraction: Five waterfalls of Longtan (Biyu Pool, Lock Dragon Pool, Pearl Pool, etc.), recommended to walk down (about 1 hour), enjoying waterfalls and primeval forest along the way. • Tip: Wear non-slip shoes and bring a raincoat (mountain weather is changeable). 16:00-17:30 Wuzhifeng (Shuikou Scenic Area) • Transportation: Scenic area shuttle bus (included in combo ticket). • Attraction: Wuzhifeng (featured on the fourth series 100 RMB banknote background), hike the "Rainbow Plank Road" (about 40 minutes), overlooking the entire Jinggangshan. • Activity: Participate in the "Shout Spring" (10 RMB/time), the louder the shout, the higher the spring water. 17:30-19:00 Return Trip • Transportation: Self-driving or chartered car back to Nanchang (about 3 hours), or take high-speed train to Ji’an (1 hour, second class seat 60 RMB). Cost Breakdown (Per Person) 【Table】 Item Description Budget (RMB) Tickets Jinggangshan Combo Ticket (includes Huangyangjie, Longtan, Wuzhifeng, etc.) 165 + Shuttle Bus 60 + Cable Car 70 = 295 295 Transportation Self-driving fuel/toll 150 + Parking 20 ≈ 170 (Chartered car about 500/day) 170 Meals Breakfast 20 + Lunch 60 + Snacks 10 ≈ 90 90 Others Red Army uniform rental 30 + Guide 50 ≈ 80 80 Total 635 Budget Option: • Skip cable car (save 70 RMB), walk around Longtan (about 2 hours). • Choose fast food in Ciping for lunch (save 30 RMB), such as Jinggangshan fried rice noodles (15 RMB/serving). • Minimum budget: 165 (combo ticket) + 60 (shuttle bus) + 150 (transportation) + 90 (meals) = 465 RMB. Premium Upgrade: • Chartered 7-seat business vehicle 800 RMB/day, add Jinggangshan helicopter experience (special price for two 1200 RMB). • Dinner at Jinggangshan Red Army Banquet (150 RMB per person), including red rice wine, bamboo tube rice, smoked bamboo shoots with cured meat. • Accommodation at Jinggangshan Ciping Tianjie Hotel (588 RMB/night), with panoramic balcony of Jinggangshan. Total budget can reach 1500 RMB. Seasonal Recommendations • March-May: Longtan Waterfalls have abundant water, Wuzhifeng often shrouded in mist, recommend entering the park at 8 AM to avoid crowds. • June-August: Cool off at Huangyangjie, rafting at Shuikou Scenic Area (120 RMB/person), recommended night live show "Jinggangshan" (198 RMB/person). • September-November: Wuzhifeng red leaves, Ciping Town ginkgo avenue, great for photography. • December-February: Huangyangjie snow scenery, Jinggangshan hot springs (98 RMB/person), experience Shaanbei New Year customs. Tips: Jinggangshan combo tickets must be purchased online in advance; Huangyangjie is at high altitude, bring windproof jacket; Longtan trails are slippery, wear non-slip shoes; Red Army uniform rental can be bargained down to 20 RMB/set.