Unveiled Enchantment in Ganzhou

Being one of the main tributaries in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, the Gan River is the largest river in Jiangxi Province. The headwaters begin with the Tao River and converge at Poyang Lake in Nanchang. Its watershed is about 83,500 kilometers, more than half of Jiangxi, making it the province's largest river.

This itinerary will take you to Ganzhou to learn its history and culture. You will experience the different life styles and folk customs of Chinese people by visiting different places.

Take the 5-hour bus ride from the Nanchang Coach Station to Ganzhou on the morning of the first day. The bus schedule is available at 0791-6226000 or 0791-6243217. An alternative is the fast train, N523, departing Nanchang at 08:11 and arriving at 12:35. The soft seat train ticket is CNY97 the hard seat, CNY63. Bajingtai refers to the original eight pavilions in Ganzhou Old Town, of which only Yugu Pavilion and Baijing Pavilion have been preserved. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then set off for Yugu Pavilion - a 17-meter high, three storied landmark, symbolizing the long history and brilliant culture of this Old City. It is located to the north of the city on the summit of Helan Hill, from which you can see a panorama of Ganzhou and the surrounding scenery. You can reach Yugu Pavilion by walking towards north along Xijiao Road. Some accomplished writers left their inscriptions and classic works there. Hopefully, you can appreciate and learn from their sharp wits. Afterwards, continue to Bajing Pavilion, taking bus No. 7 and getting off at Bajing Road. The bus is in operation from 06:30 to 21:30 every day. From the Bajing Pavilion you will see the Gan River, converging with the Zhang River and the Gong River. The surging Gan River seems to extend from here to infinity. The Bajing Pavilion includes the Ganzhou Museum, in which many cultural relics are richly displayed. You will be refreshed by having a stroll in Bajing Park, with its lush greenery and fresh air. The attractions are comparatively centralized in the old city, so you can finish visiting in a short time. Go to the 3.6-kilometer-long Song Dynasty City Wall, which is located along the bank of the Zhang River and the Gong River. It is particularly noteworthy that the bricks are inscribed with hundreds of thousands of characters, recording diverse contents from several dynasties. Visit the Jiang Jingguo Old Residence, located at No. 1 Garden Pool. It was designed in the style of Western architecture. Experience walking on the pontoon bridge, interlinking 100 wooden boats with iron chains. Tonight, have a good rest at the clean hotel in Ganzhou.

On the second morning, take the bus to Shicheng County (about 220 kilometers) to explore one of the cradles of Hakka Culture. Taking a drift-boat in the Gan River Nature Reserve should be at the top of your agenda when you arrive. It claims to be the most exciting drift-boat trip in Asia. Mountains and greenery dominate and you will get close to nature and perhaps see some of the rare species of flora and fauna. The beautiful five-km trip contains more than 80 coves, 56 dangerous shoals and 22 sharp bends. Afterwards, go to Qiling Village, the first village in the headwaters of the Gan River. Though there are currently only 24 families here, the profound cultural foundation has been laid for long. It is also an ideal resort in summer, because there are no mosquitoes. Stay at a local hotel overnight.

On the third morning, go to Tongtianzhai, located about 6 kilometers southeast of Shicheng County. It is renowned for its serene caves, fragrant tea and especially its Danxia landform - red sandstone that has eroded into mountains and curving cliffs featuring many strange rock formations. There are more than forty attractions in this area, both natural and man-made. Take some time to explore here. Finally, return to Nanchang and reflect on your self-guided discoveries.