Jinggangshan

Introducing Jinggangshan

Jinggang Mountain lies on the border of eastern Hunan and western Jiangxi, on the northern branch of the Wanyang Mountains (the middle section of the Luoxiao Mountains). Legend has it that people lived there as early as the Eastern Han Dynasty. During the Qin Dynasty's system of prefectures and counties, Jinggang Mountain was part of Luling County, Jiujiang Prefecture. Anciently, it was known as "the junction of Chen, Heng, Hunan, and Jiangxi, and the heart of the thousand-mile Luoxiao Mountains." Bounded by Taihe and Suichuan counties in Jiangxi Province to the east, Hunan and Yanling County to the south, Chaling County in Hunan to the west, and Yongxin County in Jiangxi Province to the north, Jinggang Mountain serves as the gateway to southwestern Jiangxi Province. With its illustrious history and stunning natural scenery, Jinggang Mountain seamlessly blends revolutionary cultural heritage with beautiful natural landscapes, making it an ideal summer resort combining scenic tourism and traditional education.

Climate and best time to travel

Jinggangshan has a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and an average annual temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Jinggangshan is from March to April, when the "Ten-Mile Rhododendron" (Ten-Mile Rhododendron) blooms proudly. Jinggangshan's "Ten-Mile Rhododendron" is world-famous.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

With the Jinggangshan tourist ticket, you can visit 20 scenic spots: Huangyangjie, Longtan, Baizhu Garden, Mint, Xiaojing Red Army Hospital, Dajing Former Residence, Shuikou, Ciping Former Residence Group, Red Army Valley, Main Peak, Nanshan Park, Bijia Mountain, Maoping Octagonal Building, Buyun Mountain Training Ground, Red Fourth Army Headquarters, Xiangshan Temple, Maoping Red Army Hospital, Longjiang Academy, Jinggangshan Meeting Monument, Meeting Square (Beishan Martyrs Cemetery and Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum are open to the public free of charge).

Recommended play time: about 1 day

Tickets

The ticket is in the form of a paper postcard, the price is 190 yuan per person, and the validity period is 5 days (extendable upon application).

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Jinggangshan

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Jinggangshan, in Ji’an, Jiangxi, is famously known as the “cradle of the Chinese revolution.” In the late 1920s, Mao Zedong and Zhu De established a rural revolutionary base here, pioneering guerrilla warfare and peasant-based revolution. It is also an ecologically important region: its nature reserve protects subtropical broadleaf forest with rich biodiversity and rare species.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Jinggangshan lies in southwestern Jiangxi Province, on the border with Hunan, in the Luoxiao Mountains.
• By air: Jinggangshan (Ji’an) Airport serves the region.
• By train: After arriving at Jinggangshan Railway Station, take a taxi or local transport to the scenic areas (usually ≈20 minutes).
• By bus: From Nanchang, long-distance buses depart to Jinggangshan (fare ~CNY 96).
• Within the scenic area: sightseeing buses or shuttles connect key spots; walking and hiking are required for many trails.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Jinggangshan Scenic Area: typically open 08:00 to 17:00 (some sources)
• Best season: late March to early April, when spring begins and nature is vibrant.
• Off-season (winter) has shorter hours and possibly lower charges.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• Scenic area ticket: ~ CNY 165 (Feb 16–Nov 15); in off-season: ~ CNY 150.
• Sightseeing bus inside the area: ~ CNY 80.
• Some attractions in the area may have separate charges.
• Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance ticket offices or via online ticketing platforms. (Implied by standard practice)

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

In peak season or busy days, advance booking is recommended to secure scenic tickets and bus passes. Booking a day or two ahead is prudent. (In practice for Chinese scenic spots)

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

• One full day to hit the main scenic and historic points with a brisk schedule.
• Two days to explore more naturally and take in performances, hiking, and history at a relaxed pace.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Ciping Revolutionary Base / Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum & Former Residences.
• Huangyangjie (mountain boundary pass) region.
• Longtan Waterfall and other natural falls.
• Tonggu Peak / Five Fingers Peak.
• Scenic forest trails, caves, rock formations, mountain vistas.
• Red Army Martyrs Cemetery, the Memorials and meeting halls.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are usually available, especially for revolutionary and red tourism sites. Likely offerings in Chinese and sometimes English — check with local visitor center.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Peaks and ridges (e.g. Tonggu / Five Fingers Peak) for panoramic mountain views.
• Waterfalls like Longtan, near rock and water contrast.
• Cave entrances or karst formations (e.g. Golden Toad Moon Cave) in dim-lit settings.
• Misty forest trails and sunrise/sunset above ridgelines.
• Monumental statues, red sculptures against natural backdrops in Ciping.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start from Ciping (core revolutionary base) → visit the Revolutionary Museum, former residences, Martyrs Cemetery → move into natural zones (waterfalls, caves, peaks) → hike or ride forest trails outward to Huangyangjie → finish at a viewpoint at sunset or perform night show if available.
• If two days: Day 1 for the red history sites in Ciping; Day 2 for nature, forest, waterfalls, hiking and vistas.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Some evening performances or red culture shows are held in the Ciping area (e.g. “Rhododendron” evening show by lake) and local scenic zones. Night visits into deep forest areas are unlikely due to safety and regulation.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Peak seasons (spring, holiday periods) attract many tourists, especially in red-tourism sites.
• Weekdays, early mornings, and off-peak months see fewer crowds.
• Visiting natural areas earliest or late in the afternoon helps avoid dense traffic.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Within core scenic and red tourism zones, there are visitor service centers, restrooms, snack shops, souvenir stalls, and rest pavilions. In deeper trails, facilities are more sparse, so carry water and light snacks.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Some parts (museum zones, base areas) are accessible by paths and buses. Forest trails and peaks may be steep or rugged, posing challenges for mobility-impaired or elderly visitors. Use shuttles or choose easier trails.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and card payments are commonly accepted in ticketing, shops, and restaurants. Cash (RMB) is advisable in remote areas or small vendors.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In the core scenic and Ciping areas there are local restaurants serving regional Jiangxi cuisine, red-tourism themed eateries, snack stalls. In Jinggangshan city and nearby towns, more dining choices exist.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian dishes (tofu, vegetables, rice) should be available; halal options may be limited in a traditionally non-Muslim area—better to check in larger towns or bring food.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Hotels near scenic area entrances and service centers, including options from basic to mid-range.
• In Jinggangshan / Ji’an city there are more hotel options for variety.
• Changtian Ecological Garden hotel is one option near service zone.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Ji’an city’s historical and cultural sites (e.g. Ciping bases, Ji’an old streets).
• Neighboring parts of Luoxiao Mountains for hiking or natural scenery.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Yes — souvenir shops in visitor centers and scenic area core. Items include red culture memorabilia, books, local handicrafts, ecological forest products (e.g. herb, teas, mushrooms).
• Commemorative items tied to Jinggangshan / revolution era are common (pins, postcards, models).

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Return to Jinggangshan Railway Station or city, then travel by train or bus to other cities (e.g. Nanchang, Ji’an).
• Use the airport (Jinggangshan / Ji’an) and connecting flights to next destinations.
• Drive or take buses via mountain routes to adjacent scenic zones or provinces.