Pingxiang Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Pingxiang, China with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Pingxiang

Pingxiang is a small but culturally rich city located in Jiangxi, South-central China. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, historical landmarks, and unique traditions. The city has a population of roughly 1.5 million people and is surrounded by lush mountains and scenic landscapes. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and ancient culture that attracts visitors from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Pingxiang

Pingxiang offers a wide range of attractions that are worth visiting. Here is a list of some of the must-visit places in Pingxiang.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Guoqing Temple: Built during the Tang Dynasty, Guoqing Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Pingxiang. It is a Buddhist temple that features stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and intricate carvings.
  • Fanghui Garden: This is a traditional Chinese garden featuring a picturesque landscape, pavilions, and ponds. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Pingxiang.
  • Pingxiang Revolutionary Memorial Hall: This museum commemorates the revolutionary struggles of the Chinese people and showcases the important historical events in Pingxiang.
  • Mingyue Mountain: This is a sacred mountain that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and Taoists.

Natural Attractions of Pingxiang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lushan National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls, and creeks. It is a great place to go hiking, camping, and sightseeing.
  • Hutian Ancient Village: Located in a picturesque valley, Hutian Ancient Village is a well-preserved ancient village that offers a glimpse into the traditional Chinese way of life.
  • Mount Longhu: This is a mountain range that is known for its sacred status in Chinese Taoist culture. It offers scenic views, a cable car ride, and a Taoist temple.
  • Xianshui Rock: This is a natural water rock formation that is known for its beauty and tranquility. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pingxiang

Pingxiang offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Pingxiang:

  • Lushan National Park: This is a great place for hiking and offers stunning mountain scenery and waterfalls.
  • Hutian Ancient Village: This is a great place for biking and offers picturesque valley scenery.
  • Mount Longhu: This is a great place for hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

Best Things to Do in Pingxiang: Activities and Tours

There are a lot of things to do in Pingxiang, aside from visiting the attractions. Here are some of the best activities and tours:

  • Tea-picking Experience: Pingxiang is known for its tea production, and visitors can participate in a tea-picking experience to learn about the tea culture and enjoy the fresh tea.
  • Rafting on the Xiu River: Visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Xiu River, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Chinese Calligraphy Class: Guests can participate in a calligraphy class to learn about the Chinese script and its artistic culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pingxiang

Here is a week-long itinerary for Pingxiang:

Day 1: Arrival in Pingxiang Day 2: Visit Guoqing Temple and Fanghui Garden Day 3: Explore Lushan National Park Day 4: Visit Hutian Ancient Village and Xianshui Rock Day 5: Hike Mount Longhu Day 6: Enjoy a rafting trip on the Xiu River and participate in a tea-picking experience Day 7: Visit Pingxiang Revolutionary Memorial Hall and depart from Pingxiang

Food and Drink Scene of Pingxiang

Pingxiang has a rich culinary culture that visitors should not miss. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Yellow fish soup: This is a fish-based soup that is cooked with various herbs and spices.
  • Nangua bing: A traditional cake made with squash and glutinous rice that is perfect for a snack.
  • Fried bamboo shoots: A common vegetable dish in Pingxiang that has a crunchy texture and a unique flavor.

Local Beverages

  • Huangshan Maofeng Tea: This is a popular green tea from Huangshan, a nearby region that is known for its tea production.
  • Rice wine: A traditional drink made by fermenting rice and is commonly served in Pingxiang.

Where to Stay in Pingxiang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pingxiang offers a range of accommodation options that suit every budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Pingxiang:

  • Pingxiang Guoqing Temple Hotel: Located inside the Guoqing Temple, this hotel offers a unique experience for guests who want to stay in a traditional Chinese setting.
  • Lushan Resort Hotel: A luxury hotel that offers stunning views of Lushan National Park.
  • Pingxiang International Hotel: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable rooms and is located near major attractions in Pingxiang.

What to Buy in Pingxiang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Pingxiang has a wide range of products that visitors can buy as souvenirs. Here are some of the best things to buy in Pingxiang:

  • Optical Stone: A unique stone that has a special optical effect that makes it appear as if there are Chinese characters inside.
  • Bamboo products: Pingxiang is known for its bamboo handicrafts, such as baskets, fans, and decorations.
  • Tea: Pingxiang is famous for its tea production, and visitors can buy high-quality tea as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Pingxiang

Pingxiang has a rich cultural heritage that visitors should be aware of. Here are some important cultural customs:

  • Respect for elders: Chinese culture places a great emphasis on respecting elders, and visitors should respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Lunar New Year: The Lunar New Year is an important holiday in China, and visitors should be aware of the customs and traditions associated with it.
  • Tea culture: Tea is an important part of the local culture in Pingxiang, and visitors should participate in a tea-picking experience to learn about the tea culture.

Best Time to Visit Pingxiang

The best time to visit Pingxiang is between April and November. During this time, the weather is mild, and the natural scenery is at its best. However, visitors should be aware that Pingxiang can be crowded during peak season, so it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pingxiang

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to follow when visiting Pingxiang:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions: Visitors should respect the local customs and traditions of Pingxiang.
  • Learn some basic Chinese: Visitors should learn some basic Chinese phrases to communicate with the locals.
  • Try the local cuisine: Visitors should try the local dishes and beverages to experience the local culture of Pingxiang.

Don’t:

  • Waste food: Chinese culture places a great emphasis on not wasting food, so visitors should be mindful of this.
  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions: Visitors should respect the local customs and traditions of Pingxiang.
  • Wear revealing clothing: Visitors should avoid wearing revealing clothing to respect the local culture and customs.

Safety and Health

Pingxiang is a relatively safe city to visit. However, visitors should follow basic safety precautions, such as being mindful of their belongings and not traveling alone at night.

Safety in Pingxiang

  • Be mindful of pickpockets: Visitors should keep their belongings safe and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Avoid traveling alone at night: Visitors should avoid traveling alone at night and take appropriate safety precautions when traveling.

Health in Pingxiang

  • Drink bottled water: Visitors should drink bottled water to avoid getting sick from tap water.
  • Wear sunscreen and insect repellent: Visitors should wear sunscreen and insect repellent to protect themselves from the sun and insects.

Getting to Pingxiang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Pingxiang is well-connected to major cities in China through various transportation options. Here are some transportation options and logistics:

  • Air: The nearest airport to Pingxiang is the Nanchang Changbei International Airport, which is roughly 130 km away from Pingxiang.
  • Bus: There are several bus stations in Pingxiang that connect it to major cities in China.
  • Train: There is a railway station in Pingxiang that connects it to major cities in China.

Airports Near Pingxiang

  • Nanchang Changbei International Airport: The nearest airport to Pingxiang, which is roughly 130 km away.

Bus Stations Near Pingxiang

  • Pingxiang Bus Station
  • Pingxiang Long-Distance Bus Station
  • Pingxiang West Bus Station

Other Options

  • Taxi: Visitors can hire a taxi to travel within Pingxiang.
  • Rental Car: Visitors can rent a car to travel within Pingxiang.

How to Get Around in Pingxiang

Pingxiang has a well-connected public transportation system that is easy to navigate. Visitors can use the following transportation options to get around in Pingxiang:

  • Bus: Pingxiang has several bus routes that connect it to major attractions and areas within the city.
  • Taxi: Visitors can hire a taxi to travel within Pingxiang.
  • Bike: Visitors can rent a bike to explore the city at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Pingxiang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Pingxiang is located in a region that offers several nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some nearby destinations that visitors can explore:

  • Mount Sanqingshan: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its stunning mountain scenery.
  • Jingdezhen: A famous ceramics center that is located roughly 120 km away from Pingxiang.
  • Nanchang: The capital city of Jiangxi Province, which is located roughly 140 km away from Pingxiang.

Conclusion

Pingxiang is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy a perfect blend of ancient culture and natural beauty that makes Pingxiang an ideal travel destination in China. Plan your trip to Pingxiang with this comprehensive travel guide and experience the best of Pingxiang.