Best places for National Day🌙 Yichun, Jiangxi | The ultimate guide to 4 hidden gem attractions
If you want to avoid the crowds in popular big cities this National Day, come to this "Moon Capital" in western Jiangxi✨
It has everything: mountains, cloud seas, selenium-rich hot springs, underground caves, and vibrant ancient villages. The pace is relaxed and unhurried, making it perfect for family trips or a getaway with friends. Come to Yichun this National Day and follow this complete guide!
📍Mingyueshan Tourism Zone (5A)
💰Ticket: General admission CNY 95, cable car up 80/down 70, round trip CNY 150; discounts for students
⏰Duration: 4–5 hours
Yichun's flagship landmark, the legendary place where Chang'e flew to the moon. In October, the weather is crisp, the mountains are painted with autumn colors, there's a high chance of seeing a sea of clouds, and it's packed with negative oxygen ions—a true natural forest oxygen bar.
✅Must-visit spots
1. Qingyun Plank Road: A 1,000-meter cliffside walkway built on a precipice. On sunny days, you can see rolling mountains; after rain, you might encounter a churning sea of clouds. The atmosphere is incredible. Those with a fear of heights should proceed slowly and with caution.
2. Yungu Waterfall: The highest waterfall in Jiangnan, with a drop of 119 meters. The water cascades down, surrounded by mist. If you're lucky, you might even see a rainbow.
3. Moon Lake: An alpine lake at the summit. The water is crystal clear, surrounded by mountains, and the reflections are stunning—perfect for taking healing landscape photos.
4. Alpine Mini Train: Travels through the forest, moving slowly through the mountains. Great for viewing autumn scenery and taking photos.
💡National Day travel tips
· It's recommended to enter the park at 7:30 AM when it opens to avoid the midday crowds and shorter lines for the cable car.
· The summit is 5–8℃ cooler than the base. Even if it's hot during the day on National Day, be sure to bring a light jacket🧥.
· For those with average stamina, we recommend taking the cable car up and hiking down to see the waterfall. Wear non-slip sneakers for the whole trip, as parts of the plank road can be damp.
· Prices on the mountain are high, so bring some water and light snacks. We recommend eating your main meals after you descend.
📍Wentang Town (Selenium-rich Hot Spring Town)
💰Street area is free, hot spring pools are charged separately; you can experience foot soaking at the ancient well for just a few yuan
⏰Duration: 2–3 hours
A must-visit after descending from Mingyueshan! It features rare selenium-rich, low-sulfur hot springs from around the world. The water is drinkable and suitable for bathing—an experience you can't miss in Yichun. It's full of slow-paced, local life.
✅Must-experience
1. Foot soaking at Ancient Well Park: Public hot spring pools on the street, a daily spot for locals. Bring your own bucket to collect hot spring water for a foot soak. It only costs a few yuan, and after hiking the mountain, it's a great way to wash away your fatigue.
2. Gujingquan Street: A quaint, traditional street. When the lanterns light up in the evening, the atmosphere is perfect. There are snacks and small craft shops along the street—it's very comfortable for a night stroll.
3. Soak in selenium-rich hot springs: There are hot spring homestays and resorts in town. Some homestays have private hot springs in the rooms. Soaking after hiking is the perfect way to relax.
💡Avoid pitfalls
· Don't soak in the hot springs on an empty stomach. Take it slow and don't soak for more than 15 minutes at a time to avoid dizziness.
· Don't trust low-priced hot spring offers from people soliciting on the street; prioritize legitimate businesses.
· Accommodation in town is limited during National Day, so be sure to book in advance.
📍Zhuojiang Cave
💰Ticket: About CNY 70–80 (includes boat ride), half price for students
⏰Duration: 2 hours
An underrated underground secret. A natural karst cave with a constant temperature of 18℃ inside. While it's hot outside during National Day, the cave is cool and comfortable—a perfect place to escape the heat.
✅Highlights
Walk into Bailong Cave and take a boat through the underground river. The stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars formed over millions of years come in all shapes and sizes. Under the lights, they look like "Giant Python Coming Down the Mountain" or "Three Gorges Scenery," as if you've stumbled into an underground dragon palace.
The cave tour involves both boating and walking, so it's not tiring and is very family-friendly. It's great for taking photos with a fantasy vibe.
💡Tips
· The lighting inside the cave is dim, and the ground is slippery, so watch your step.
· The temperature inside is low, so bring a light jacket.
· The scenic area is not far from the city, making it suitable for a half-day trip.
📍Wanzai Ancient City
💰Street area is free, some exhibition halls require a combined ticket
⏰Duration: 2–3 hours
If you love cultural heritage and ancient architecture, you must come here! It's a well-preserved cluster of Hui-style ancient dwellings in Jiangxi, with Ming and Qing dynasty ancestral halls and ancient alleys scattered throughout. It blends local life with a sense of history. During National Day, there will be intangible cultural heritage performances and folk activities, creating a great atmosphere.
✅Highlights
Stroll through the bluestone ancient streets, past century-old ancestral halls and ancient houses with white walls, black tiles, and horse-head gables—perfect for taking photos in Hanfu.
In the evening, all the lanterns are lit, reflecting off the ancient buildings—the night view is stunning. There are local snacks and handmade craft shops on the street, and you can watch traditional intangible cultural heritage skills, feeling the slow pace of this old western Jiangxi city.
💡Tips
· We recommend going in the evening to explore the ancient streets during the day and enjoy the lantern night view at night for the best experience.
· There are many local snacks in the ancient city at affordable prices, so you can eat while you explore.
📝Complete practical tips for Yichun during National Day
🌤Weather & Clothing: In October, daytime temperatures in Yichun are 22–28℃, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. The summit of Mingyueshan is cooler, so bring a light jacket. It may rain occasionally, so carry an umbrella.
🚗Transportation guide
· Arrive at Yichun Station by high-speed rail, then take the special tourist bus to Wentang Town and Mingyueshan.
· Mingyueshan and Wentang Town are some distance from the city, so driving yourself is most convenient. Traffic around scenic areas during holidays can be heavy, so try to leave early.
· Taxis and shared bikes are very convenient within the city.
🏨Accommodation advice
✅For convenient hot spring soaking: Stay in Wentang Town. There are many homestays and hotels, and it's very close to Mingyueshan, so you don't have to travel back and forth.
✅If you like exploring and eating in the city: Stay in Yichun city center, near Gulou Pedestrian Street, where late-night snacks and food are everywhere.
⚠️Accommodation is tight during National Day, so we recommend booking at least one week in advance.
🍜Must-eat local food
▪️Yichun Stir-fried Zhafen (Rice Noodles): A Jiangxi specialty, salty, fragrant, and chewy—a must-order for local late-night snacks.
▪️Cihua Chicken: Spicy free-range chicken, perfect with rice.
▪️Wentang Rice Cake: Steamed with spring water, soft, glutinous, and sweet.
▪️Wanzai Chopped Meat, Stir-fried Preserved Meat with Winter Bamboo Shoots: Wild mountain dishes with plenty of flavor.
⚠️Avoid pitfalls summary
1. For Mingyueshan and hot spring scenic areas, do not buy tickets from scalpers; purchase all tickets through official channels.
2. The Mingyueshan cable car stops running early in the afternoon, so be sure to manage your time and don't miss the last ride down.
3. Be cautious when choosing restaurants soliciting customers around the scenic area; prioritize old shops with many locals.
Yichun is not overly commercialized; the mountains and water are healing, and the local life is gentle. Escape the crowds this National Day and come here to experience the unique romance of western Jiangxi🌙