Xinyu

Xinyu is an underrated gem of a small city, with a slow pace, plenty of great food, and budget-friendly prices. It is perfect for a relaxing 2-day, 1-night short getaway! Here is a ready-to-use guide for you👇

Classic 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Xinyu in the morning and head straight to Fairy Lake for a boat tour (visiting Yuxian Island, Love Island, and Dragon King Island); have a lake-fresh seafood feast in the scenic area at noon; in the afternoon, stroll around Qixi Old Street or Kuanxin Town for ancient-style photos; in the evening, return to the city center for spicy duck trio and power plant-style snails as a late-night snack, then stay downtown or at a lakeside guesthouse.
• Day 2: In the morning, visit Baoshi Park and the Fu Baoshi Memorial Hall, or go hiking in Yangtiangang National Forest Park for a panoramic view of the city; at noon, have Shuibei pickled rice noodles and clay pot soup; in the afternoon, depending on your schedule, choose between China Cave Capital (a cool summer cave escape) or Jiaqiao Ancient Village, then buy local specialties before heading back.

Must-Visit Attractions

Xinyu’s attractions mainly center on natural scenery and relaxed cultural experiences. These are the core destinations most worth visiting:

• Fairy Lake: Xinyu’s top cultural tourism landmark and the birthplace of the “Feather-Robed Maiden Descends to Earth” story from the Eastern Jin dynasty’s *In Search of the Supernatural*. Take a boat tour around 99 islands; Love Island is very photogenic, and Dragon King Island offers a summit viewpoint over the whole area. Ticket plus boat fare is about 130 yuan.
• China Cave Capital: A national 4A scenic area themed around the love story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. The cave stays at a constant 18°C, making it especially cool in summer. It is recommended to buy the combo ticket that includes the live performance, about 168 yuan.
• Baoshi Park: China’s first urban park named after the master Chinese painter Fu Baoshi. It has a memorial hall and the Western Jiangxi War of Resistance Museum. Admission is free, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy culture and art.
• Yangtiangang National Forest Park: A suburban forest oxygen bar, with the main peak at 424 meters above sea level. From the summit, you can overlook all of Xinyu, and there is often a sea of clouds in the early morning. Great for hiking and fitness. Admission is free.
• Kuanxin Town: A complex of buildings modeled after Tang and Song dynasty architecture. After the lights come on at dusk, the atmosphere is outstanding, earning it the nickname “Jiangxi’s version of Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City.” The 40-yuan ticket can be used as a voucher.

Must-Eat Food List

Xinyu cuisine leans spicy, but the flavors are absolutely impressive. Do not miss these authentic local tastes:

Practical Transport and Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• Transport: Take the high-speed train to Xinyu North Station, then a taxi to the city center takes about 20 minutes; taxis within the city have a low starting fare. To get to Fairy Lake, take bus 503 or rent a car (100-150 yuan/day).
• Tickets: It is recommended to buy tickets online one day in advance for Fairy Lake and China Cave Capital; Baoshi Park and Yangtiangang are free.
• What to Wear: For Fairy Lake, light-colored long dresses or Hanfu are recommended; the cave stays at 18°C, so bring a light jacket; wear sneakers for hiking.
• Pitfall Avoidance: Fairy Lake cruise boats run on fixed schedules, so check the timetable in advance; Xinyu cuisine is quite spicy, so be sure to tell the restaurant ahead of time if you cannot eat spicy food; Hanfu rental and the small train in Kuanxin Town cost extra, so ask about prices first.