Yingtan

Yingtan’s main attractions combine Danxia landscapes with Taoist culture. A weekend or short holiday is enough for a trip that takes in both natural scenery and city life.

Itinerary

• Day 1 (Longhu Mountain nature route): After arriving in Yingtan, head to Longhu Mountain Scenic Area for a bamboo raft ride on the Luxi River, taking in the Danxia rock formations along the way. Allow time for the hanging-coffin demonstration. In the afternoon, follow the elevated walkway for views of Elephant Trunk Hill from above. In the evening, you can watch the nighttime show *Dreaming of Longhu Mountain*.

• Day 2 (Shangqing Ancient Town cultural route): In the morning, visit the thousand-year-old Shangqing Ancient Town, including the Celestial Master’s Mansion and the ruins of the Great Shangqing Palace. Explore local history through the old town and the remains of this ancestral center of Taoism. Return to the city in the afternoon to visit Yingtan Museum and Xinjiang Riverside Park, then try local dishes for dinner.

• Day 3 (City walking tour): If time allows, visit Yuehuyan Park to see its natural Danxia rock arch, or choose Baihe Lake Scenic Area for its lake and wetlands. Pick up some local specialties in the afternoon before heading home.

Main Attractions

• Longhu Mountain Scenic Area: This World Natural Heritage site combines Danxia scenery with Taoist heritage. Plan your visit around a bamboo raft ride on the Luxi River and the hanging-coffin demonstration. When buying tickets, you can choose a package that includes admission, sightseeing buses and the bamboo raft ride.

• Celestial Master’s Mansion: Successive Zhang Celestial Masters lived and conducted their affairs here, earning it a reputation as a place “unrivaled in southern China.” Its Ming- and Qing-era buildings feature red walls, dark roof tiles and a layout based on the Eight Trigrams. It is a good place to admire architecture, take photos and learn about Taoist culture.
• Shangqing Ancient Town: This Taoist town has a history stretching back a thousand years. Flagstone lanes and Ming- and Qing-era buildings define its historic character. Admission is free, and local snacks are available along the streets, making it a pleasant place to explore at a relaxed pace.

• Yingtan Museum: Admission is free. Exhibits cover artifacts from pre-Qin cliff tombs, the Taoist culture of Longhu Mountain and other subjects. Allow 1–2 hours for a broad introduction to Yingtan’s history and culture.

• Xinjiang Riverside Park: The waterfront path along the Xinjiang River is ideal for a stroll or a pause to watch the sunset over the water. Walkways beneath the bridges run at different levels, and riverside lights add to the scenery after dark.

Local Flavors of Yingtan

• Yingtan Beef Bone Rice Noodles: A common local breakfast, this dish features a rich broth made by simmering beef bones for several hours. Smooth, springy rice noodles, pickled long beans and pickled vegetables give it a savory, spicy flavor. Ahao Beef Bone Rice Noodles and Cao’s Beef Bone Rice Noodles near the South Railway Station are two dining options.

• Shangqing Tofu: Made in the renowned Taoist town of Shangqing using Luxi River water and traditional methods, this tofu has a delicate, almost pudding-like texture and a pronounced soybean flavor. It can be used in soups, braised or served cold with dressing.

• Free-Range Chicken Braised with Tianshi Chestnuts: This dish pairs Tianshi chestnuts, a Longhu Mountain specialty, with free-range chicken. The chestnuts are sweet and soft, while the chicken is braised until tender and infused with the cooking juices. The rich sauce goes well with rice.

• Guixi Nacai Pickles: Recognized as provincial intangible cultural heritage, these pickles are made from radishes, chilies and other ingredients using traditional pickling methods. Crisp in texture, they combine sour, salty and spicy flavors with a savory depth from fermentation, and are often served as an accompaniment to meals.

• Yujiang Dried Eggplant: Made by sun-drying and pickling thick-fleshed eggplants, this specialty is salty and sweet with a little heat and a soft, chewy texture. It can be eaten on its own or stir-fried with meat, and makes a convenient local specialty to take home.

• Guixi Dengxin Cake: One of Jiangxi’s four celebrated traditional pastries, this sweet has been made for several hundred years. It is white, fine-textured and soft, with a gentle sweetness and a faint mint aroma.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to stay: First-time visitors can stay in Yuehu District in the city center, where dining and taxis are convenient. Kaixiang Xintiandi and Tianhong Shopping Center are nearby. If you plan an early start for Longhu Mountain the next day, consider a guesthouse near Shangqing Ancient Town. The old town has a lively commercial atmosphere at night, so keep this in mind when choosing accommodation.
• Getting around: High-speed trains provide direct access to Yingtan North Station or Yingtan Station. Taxis are available for trips within the city, while direct tourist buses and taxis serve Longhu Mountain. Private vehicles cannot enter the scenic area’s core sightseeing zone. Park at the visitor center and transfer to a sightseeing bus after entering.

Travel Tips

• Tickets and schedules: Longhu Mountain covers a large area, so a package including sightseeing buses and a bamboo raft ride is a good choice. Hanging-coffin demonstrations and bamboo raft rides operate at fixed times, usually 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 daily. Pick up a program on arrival and plan your route around the schedule.
• Clothing and gear: Routes around Longhu Mountain include walkways and steps, so wear comfortable sports shoes with good grip. Temperatures in the mountains vary considerably between day and night; carry a light jacket. In summer, bring sun protection and mosquito repellent.
• Visiting Wuwen Village: Surrounded by hills and water, Wuwen Village is peaceful, but its name, meaning “Mosquito-Free Village,” does not mean there are no mosquitoes or other insects. Bring repellent.
• Ordering food: Local dishes tend to be savory and spicy. If you are sensitive to spice, let the restaurant know when ordering.