Name: Nanchang

Chinese name: 南昌

Province: Jiangxi

Status: Prefecture-level City

Population: 5,042,565 inhabitants

Area: 7,372 km²

As the provincial capital, Nanchang stands as the economic, political, and cultural heart of Jiangxi. This historic city is graced by the Gan River, which lends it considerable charm.

While the city preserves some handsome historical remnants, its true appeal lies in the authentic villages scattered throughout its surroundings.

History

Nanchang is a historic and cultural city with more than 2,200 years of history.

In 959, Nanchang was elevated to the rank of superior prefecture and designated as the capital of the South by the Southern Tang dynasty.

During the 1850s, Nanchang was profoundly affected by the Taiping Rebellion. Its standing as a commercial hub declined following restricted access to Canton further south, which was replaced by river trade routes. Nevertheless, Nanchang remained the undisputed capital of Jiangxi.

In 1939, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Battle of Nanchang erupted between the Chinese National Revolutionary Army and Japanese forces.

Since then, the city has gradually rebuilt and developed steadily. It now prospers through cotton textile production and food exports.

Today

Nanchang is a city on the rise, home to several historic structures of considerable importance. Its true draw, however, lies in the beauty of its surrounding landscapes and the ancient villages that remain preserved from modern encroachment.

Nanchang is the perfect city to discover local specialties and savor the traditional cuisine of Nanchang, renowned throughout Chine.

A visit to Nanchang should include the Tengwang Pavilion, the city's most celebrated edifice and source of pride for its inhabitants. Overlooking the city and the Gan River, the pavilion stands majestically, its imposing Song-dynasty architecture visible to all. At nightfall, it transforms under atmospheric lighting that harmonizes beautifully with the surroundings.

Venturing beyond the city proper, you can venture into the ancient villages of Luotiancun, Shuinan, and Jingtai. Their narrow alleyways form labyrinthine paths where getting pleasantly lost is part of the charm. The old houses, wells, small bridges, and aged granaries transport you to an ancient Chine seemingly frozen in time.

Climate

Nanchang, situated in the northern part of the province, falls under the influence of a subtropical monsoon climate.

Its summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures in July reaching 29.2°C. Winters are cold and dry, with average temperatures in January around 5.3°C.

The region enjoys sunshine virtually year-round, even during the monsoon season from April to June.

The best periods for visiting Nanchang are from September to December.

Air

Changbei International Airport is the region's most important airport. Located approximately twenty kilometers from the city center, the airport offers domestic flights to and from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and other destinations.

International flights operate via connections to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Train

Nanchang is served by three major railway stations. The main station connects to lines serving Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chongqing, Shenyang, and other Chinese cities.

The western station is served by most major Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Xi'an, Jiujiang, and Wuyishan. It also sits on the Shanghai-Kunming high-speed rail line.

Xiangtang station primarily serves cities near the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River regions.

Long-distance Bus

Daily connections operate between Nanchang and Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Xiamen, and other major cities in neighboring provinces. Buses depart and arrive at Nanchang from most cities in the region.

Local buses traverse the city throughout the day. Getting around presents no difficulty.

Taxis are available at reasonable fares.

What to Do in Nanchang?

• Marvel at the grandeur of the Tengwang Pavilion.
• Immerse yourself in ancient Chine at Luotiancun, Shuinan, and Jingtai villages.
• Visit the expansive Youmin Temple.
• Taste the local specialties of Nanchang, celebrated throughout Chine.