Jinggangshan

Jinggangshan, China

Untarnished forests, deep ravines, rolling hills – nature is at its best here. But what makes this mountainous region famous is its status as the “Cradle of the Chinese Revolution” and the “Bedrock of the People's Republic of China”. Over 100 former revolutionary sites are sprinkled around. The mountains and the eponymous city perched up there have become an outdoor revolutionary history museum, reminding visitors of the uplifting ideals of the founding fathers of the republic that have made China what it is today.

Getting around

• Ciping

  The small town is usually the first pit stop of a typical Jinggangshan itinerary, offering a wide range of accommodations and eateries. Revolutionary sites abound. Yicuihu Park makes for a leisurely amble, where a glassy lake is livened up by pavilions, terraces and green meadow.

• Huangyangjie

  One of Mao Tse-tung's poems has made it come to fame. It used to be a military outpost. The revolutionary sites are a reminder of the military victories achieved by the Chinese Red Army.

• Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum

  It's dedicated to the creation and development of the first revolutionary base in Jinggangshan led by the Chinese Communist Party.

• Main Peaks

  The area is a symbol of revolution and is depicted on the back side of China's 100-yuan note. Wuzhi, one of the peaks, boasts dense forests, thick groves and hidden natural caves.

• Longtan

  Myriad waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs to form charming ponds below. The area is shrouded in mists all year round. Sultry summer heat never takes its toll here.

  
  
  
• Dujuanshan

  Thirteen peaks clustered together conjure up the image of a bundle of pens in a penholder. Rhodies extend for kilometers from early April to the end of May, and wooden walkways lead visitors right into the bowels of the blossoms.