Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Nadia Halfway
📜 Introduction.
Nanchang, the Star of Jiangxi Province, was not on my initial itinerary of 1-month journey in China.
This is how it went. Years ago, during my first backpacking trip in Asia, I met a Chinese girl named Margaret at my hostel in Kuala Lumpur. We exchanged contacts, and as soon as she saw I was travelling in China, she invited me to visit her in Nanchang, her hometown.
It was a pleasant surprise, as I could experience the city from a local’s point of view, meet her family, and finally enjoy some company.
Although Nanchang is the capital of the province, it is not very popular among international tourists. So, if you want to visit a more authentic Chinese city, Nanchang, the Star of Jiangxi Province is the right destination.
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Day 1: Family Evening.
On my first day in Nanchang, I felt very lucky when Margaret and her dad met me at the train station with warm smiles. We headed to a nearby mall where I couldn’t resist grabbing a delicious ice cream, and then we strolled to Fishtail Sponge Park to enjoy a walk at sunset. As evening fell, we joined Margaret’s mum for dinner at a cozy local restaurant.
The table was filled with amazing dishes: crayfish, meat skewers, vegetables, and flaky onion pancakes. Their home was so welcoming, and sharing that meal made me feel part of the family. Afterward, we walked over to the Tengwang Pavilion, perched above the river, where the city looked magical under the evening lights.
- h 15.00 – Arrival at Nanchang
- h 16.00 – Explore the Fishtail Sponge Park
- h 20.00 – Dinner at a local restaurant
- h 21.30 – Night visit at Tengwang Pavilion
Day 2: the Star of Nanchang
The next morning, I set out on foot on my own and went straight to the Star of Nanchang, China’s tallest Ferris wheel and the fourth tallest in the world. As I sat in the slowly turning cabin, the city stretched out beneath me.
From up there, I could also spot my next stop: the Tengwang Pavilion, one of the Four Great Towers of China, rising above the Gan River just a short walk away. Up close, it is genuinely impressive and completely different from the last night visit. The Tengwang Pavilion has seven storeys of classical Tang dynasty architecture, each tier decorated with upturned eaves and painted in deep ochre and red.
With a few hours still to spare before my train, I had a quick take away lunch and then I made my way to the Jiangxi Museum. It is free to enter and surprisingly well put together for a city that sees very little international tourism. The collection covers the province’s history from the Neolithic period through to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with some beautiful porcelain pieces that reflect Jiangxi’s long tradition of ceramics.
I decided to round off my visit to the city with a stop at the Nanchang Library, driven mainly by curiosity. The building is modern and striking, the interior bright and quiet, but the real highlight is the roof terrace, which looks directly out onto the hustle and bustle of the street below.
Once I collected my backpack and said goodbye to Margaret, I caught the train to Shangrao, to reach my next destination: Wangxian Valley.
- h 09.00 – Ferris Wheel Ride at Star of Nanchang
- h 11.30 – Day visit at Tengwang Pavilion
- h 13.00 – Lunch
- h 14.00 – Visit the Jiangxi Museum
- h 16.00 – Visit the Nanchang Library
🛏️ Where to Stay in Nanchang.
I stayed with Margaret’s family, so I didn’t book a hotel on my own. However, prices in Nanchang are very affordable, and you can find comfortable hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast included.
I suggest staying at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson (around €25 per night), as it is located in the city centre near the main attractions.
🔽 If you are looking for another type of accommodation, you can explore plenty of options in Nanchang using the map below 🔽
🍜 What to Eat in Nanchang.
Everything I ate in Nanchang was absolutely delicious.
Jiangxi cuisine is famous for being fresh, spicy, and incredibly fragrant, focusing on bringing out the very best in local ingredients. You can taste this in traditional dishes like steamed pork with rice flour or the unique water chestnuts. However, the real star, especially during the summer, is the local crawfish. Sourced from nearby ecological farms, these river delicacies are known for their firm, top-quality mea
My favorite dishes were in fact crayfish smothered in a mountain of chopped garlic, butter, chili, and herbs and fried onion pancakes, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
🚌 Getting to and Around Nanchang.
Getting to Nanchang is incredibly straightforward, making it a seamless addition to any Chinese itinerary. The city is connected by high-speed rail, allowing you to whiz there from Shanghai in just under 3 hours, from Chongqing in about 7 hours, or from Guilin (where I was previously) in around 4 hours.
Once you arrive, navigating the city is an absolute breeze. Nanchang boasts a modern, efficient metro system that easily connects all the main sights, but if you prefer the ultimate door-to-door convenience, you can simply hop in a Didi ride-hailing car, which works perfectly throughout the city and is both affordable and effortless to use.
🎫 Where to Buy Tickets.
I only purchased the ticket for the Ferris Wheel at the entrance. Price is ¥50 (around €6) for a 30-minute ride.
The Tengwang Pavilion daytime ticket costs ¥50. Night tickets vary between free entrance and ¥150 depending on the experience you choose.
As it is not a particularly popular destination amongst Western and international tourists, the usual travel platforms do not offer much choice. However, Trip.com has a wide selection of tours, excursions, and tickets for museums and attractions in Nanchang.
- Tengwang Pavillon Cruise = €14
- Nanchang Gray Museum = €5
- Star of Nanchang Ferris Wheel = €9
- Nanchang Relic Museum For Haihun Principality of Han Dynasty = €8
🎁Use the referral code below or register via Trip.com to unlock your €10 discount🎁
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💡 Travel Tips.
The Tengwang Pavilion is free to enter after 9 PM. However, with the free entrance at night, you can only access the scenic area and not climb the tower. I recommend visiting for free at night and then exploring the pavilion and the tower the next morning to avoid crowds.
🎈 Conclusion.
Nanchang may not be the most famous city in China, but it surprised me at every turn. From riding the Star of Nanchang and wandering peaceful streets in the morning, to enjoying delicious local dishes with a welcoming family, the city offered an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re seeking history, culture, or simply a relaxing getaway, Nanchang, the Star of Jiangxi Province, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Pack your bags: this city might just steal your heart!
💬 And you? Have you ever heard of Nanchang, the Star of Jiangxi Province?
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