Spotlight on a Chinese Province: Jiangxi

Nanchang is the capital of Jiangxi Province and a major railway hub that connects east and south China. Highlights in the city include the Tengwang Pavilion, known as one of the Three Great Towers of Southern China; the Star of Nanchang, a giant ferris wheel with air-conditioned gondolas; and central Bayi Square.

Jingdezhen is known as the porcelain capital of China, having been the center of pottery production for more than 1,700 years. Every Saturday morning in the Sculpture Factory, visitors can experience the Creative Market, in which hundreds of local pottery artisans sell their crafts, from traditional ceramics to jewelry. Jingdezhen’s local wares can also be sampled at Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue, Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, Hutian Ancient Kiln Site, Porcelain Street and China Porcelain Garden.

Wuyuan is a secluded rural county in the far Northeast of Jiangxi province. Due to its remoteness, the area has yet to open up to extensive numbers of travelers, making it one of few worthwhile places in China not overrun by tourists. The area is dotted with many scenic spots, from rice paddies to caves and rivers. The ancient towns of Wuyuan are also open for visitors, though most charge an entrance fee.

Sanqing Mountain is made up of three main summits—Yujing, Yushui and Yuhua—which, together represent the Taoist trinity, making the scenic area a sacred Taoist mountain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected National Park. The peaks are dramatic in form, and hikers will delight in the sight of the morning fog that creates mysterious layers in the landscape.

Poyang Lake, not far from Nanchang, is the largest freshwater lake in China. It was the site of the 1363 Battle of Poyang Lake, said to be one of the largest naval battles in history. The lake is often called the Chinese Bermuda Triangle, due to the number of entire ships that have disappeared in the waters. Since the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, Poyang Lake has been shrinking, which has affected the survival of half a million migratory birds.

Mount Lu or Lushan, one of the most famous mountains in China, is renowned for its majesty. It is significant to the history of Communist China and was the site of a battle between communist and republican forces during the Long March. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains many tourist attractions, including the Immortal Caves, Three Tiled Springs, Bamboo Temple and Peach Blossom Garden, among others.

Jiangxi cuisine, also known as Gan Cai, is spicy, and many dishes use chili peppers as vegetables rather than flavor enhancers. Unlike other Chinese cuisines, Jiangxi cuisine does not feature cold or raw dishes. The style is the originator of the nationally-popular fermented tofu and is unique in its use of tea oil as the primary cooking oil.