Xinyu

Xinyu lies in western Jiangxi, where lake and island scenery, underground caves, and everyday life in a steel city offer different travel themes. It is suitable for a short 2–3-day trip.

• Fairy Lake: This is one of Xinyu’s representative attractions and the birthplace of the story of the “feather-clad maiden descending to the mortal world” in *In Search of the Supernatural*, a book from the Eastern Jin dynasty. The lake has 99 islands, and sightseeing requires taking a boat. The white church on Love Island and the glass viewing platform on Dragon King Island are popular spots for views and photos.

• China Cave Capital: This national 4A-rated attraction incorporates the love story of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl into its cave tours. The temperature inside stays between 18 and 23°C year-round, making it a cool retreat in summer. You can also take a boat along the underground river and observe the cave formations.

• Baoshi Park: The park is free and open to the public. It is the country’s first urban park named after Fu Baoshi, a master of Chinese painting. The Fu Baoshi Memorial Museum and the Western Jiangxi Anti-Japanese War Museum are both located inside the park. Come for a walk after a meal and learn about the area’s history and culture.

• Yangtiangang National Forest Park: This is an important forested green space in Xinyu’s urban area, with a main peak 424 meters above sea level. You can hike to the summit for views over the city, or visit around sunset.

• Kuanxin Town: The town is known for its buildings in an imitation Tang-Song style and is nicknamed the “Jiangxi version of Datang Everbright City.” Once the lights come on at night, the buildings take on a different appearance from during the day, making the town suitable for Hanfu photos.

• Kongmujiang Wetland Park: As Jiangxi’s first national urban wetland park, this riverside ecological green space winds through the city. It has large lawns, cycling paths, and a beach, making it suitable for family outings or picnics.

Local Specialties

Xinyu cuisine combines the food traditions of western Jiangxi and eastern Hunan, with generally fresh, spicy, and strongly seasoned flavors. To get to know the local cuisine, start with the following dishes.

• Spicy Duck Three Treasures: Made mainly with duck head, wings, and feet, this dish is first braised, then simmered with chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The result is fragrant and spicy, and it is a representative late-night snack in Xinyu.

• Fenyi Power Plant Snails: This dish originated in the residential area of the Fenyi Power Plant. Fresh river snails are stir-fried over high heat with perilla and fermented rice lees, creating a fresh and spicy flavor. It is suitable for diners who enjoy snails.

• Shuibei Tofu: Produced in Shuibei Town, Yushui District, this tofu is made using traditional methods and is known for its delicate texture and rich soybean aroma. It can be pan-fried, braised, or added to soup. Try it at a local-style restaurant.

• Xinyu Stir-Fried Rice Noodles: A common local breakfast choice. The rice noodles are stir-fried quickly with chili peppers, dried radish, and other ingredients. They are smooth and springy, with a distinctive spicy aroma.

• Fairy Lake Fish Head with Dumplings: A milky-white broth is first made by stewing the head of a bighead carp, then dumplings filled with fish are added to cook in the soup. The fish broth is rich and savory, while the dumplings absorb the soup as they simmer.

Suggested Itineraries

Xinyu’s urban area is not large, and the main sights can be covered in 2–3 days. Depending on how long you stay, consider the following plans.

• One-day trip: Take a boat around Fairy Lake and visit the islands in the morning. It is recommended to board before 2:30 p.m. so you have time to visit four islands; have a Fairy Lake fish feast for lunch. Return to the city in the afternoon and visit Baoshi Park and the Fu Baoshi Memorial Museum. For late-night snacks, head to Ganxi Folk Customs Street.
• Two-day trip:
  • Day 1: Take a boat around Fairy Lake in the morning, then visit Qixi Old Street in the afternoon for traditional-style photos. In the evening, stay at a guesthouse around Fairy Lake to enjoy the lake views, or return to the city for Spicy Duck Three Treasures and Power Plant Snails.
  • Day 2: Tour China Cave Capital in the morning. Getting to the attraction requires driving yourself or hiring a car, and the journey takes about 1 hour. Return to the city in the afternoon for a bike ride in Kongmujiang Wetland Park, then visit Kuanxin Town in the evening for its night views.
• Three-day trip: Follow the two-day itinerary, then hike in Yangtiangang Forest Park on the morning of Day 3 and climb to the summit for views over Xinyu. Visit Xinyu Museum in the afternoon to learn about the city’s steel-industry history, then buy local specialties before heading home.

Where to Stay

You can prioritize accommodation around Fairy Lake or in the city, depending on your sightseeing priorities and pace.

• Around Fairy Lake: Qinlu Resort Hotel and lakeside guesthouses are options. The surroundings are quiet, and you can see the lake from the window, making them suitable for couples or travelers who want a slower pace.

• City commercial area: Vienna International Hotel (Kaiguang), Four Seasons Yunding Hotel, and New Kaiyuan Mingting Hotel are all possible choices. Transport is convenient, with plenty of nearby dining options and good value for money. This area suits self-driving travelers and those who prioritize convenience.

Transport and Sightseeing Tips

• Intercity travel: Arriving at Xinyu North Railway Station by high-speed rail is convenient. A taxi from the station to the city center takes about 20 minutes. High-speed trains from Nanchang or Changsha take about 1–2 hours.
• Getting around: Local taxis have relatively low starting fares, and you can also take Bus 503 to Fairy Lake. For China Cave Capital and Jieqiao Ancient Village, driving yourself or hiring a car is recommended so you can arrange your time freely.
• Boat schedules: Boats are the main way to travel between the islands of Fairy Lake. Check the final departure, which is usually around 5:30 p.m. Arrive at the pier 10 minutes before departure to wait for your boat.
• What to wear in the caves: The floors inside China Cave Capital and Hongyang Cave are slippery, and the constant temperature makes the caves feel cool. Wear non-slip sports shoes and bring a light jacket.
• Ordering food: Local dishes are generally spicy. Travelers with a low tolerance for spice can ask for “mildly spicy” or “no spice” when ordering.
• Venue opening days: The Fu Baoshi Memorial Museum, located inside Baoshi Park, and venues such as Xinyu Museum are usually closed on Mondays. Keep this in mind when planning your visit.

Cost Guide

• Per-person budget: A two-day trip costs about ¥600–900, while a three-day trip costs about ¥800–1,200.
• Main expenses: Accommodation costs about ¥200–400 per night, meals about ¥40–70 per person per day, and tickets plus transport about ¥200–300 in total. The combined Fairy Lake boat and admission ticket costs about ¥114–145, while admission to China Cave Capital costs about ¥69.