Explore the First Gorge of the Thousand-Mile Gan River
Discover the "First Gorge of the Thousand-Mile Gan River": A 3-Day In-Depth Travel Guide to Xiajiang
Today, let's head to a hidden gem in central Jiangxi — Xiajiang. This is not a traditional tourist hotspot, but it boasts the magnificent scenery of the "narrowest part of the thousand-mile Gan River," the serene Taoist cave paradise, and the rustic charm of ancient villages. Join me on a journey to explore mountains, water, and gorges!
🌊 Why Xiajiang?
Xiajiang, formerly known as Yuxia, is named for the Gan River being tightly embraced by green mountains on both sides, forming a spectacular and perilous gorge landscape. Here you’ll find the Xiajiang Water Conservancy Hub, known as the "Dujiangyan of Jiangxi," the Yusi Mountain, famed as the "17th Taoist Cave Heaven," and the Baqiu Ferry, one of the few still operating on the Gan River. This is a perfect place to slow down and quietly experience the grandeur of "a high gorge giving rise to a calm lake" and the leisure of "listening to rain in an ancient village."
📅 Itinerary (Classic 3 Days 2 Nights Route)
Day 1: First Impressions of Xiajiang — Engineering Marvel and Riverside Sunset
· Morning: Arrive in Xiajiang County. Self-driving or chartering a car is recommended for convenience. Check into a pre-booked hotel (recommended: Yusi Hotel or City Garden Hotel for great value).
· Afternoon: Visit the 【Xiajiang Water Conservancy Hub Scenic Area】. This is not only the largest water conservancy project in Jiangxi but also a magnificent cultural landscape. From the viewing platform, watch the dam stretch like an iron arm across the river, truly understanding the meaning of "a high gorge giving rise to a calm lake." The wide lake surface, distant green mountains, and white clouds create a breathtaking natural painting.
· Evening: Drive to nearby 【Jiangsha Fishing Village】. This immigrant village was built due to the water conservancy project and is now developed into the "Star of Yuxia." Stroll along the beach, feel the evening breeze of the Gan River, watch the windmill corridor at sunset, and snap a photo at the sign "Waiting for the wind and you in Xiajiang" — incredibly romantic.
· Dinner: Return to the county town and find a local restaurant to taste Xiajiang’s signature fresh delicacy — Xiajiang catfish.
Day 2: Seeking Tao at Yusi — A Journey Through Ancient and Modern Slow Life
· Morning: Head to 【Yusi Mountain Scenic Area】. Standing on the east bank of the Gan River, it is not only a provincial scenic spot but also a famous Taoist mountain. Climb the steps to visit the Yunteng Biaoyu Temple, touch the legendary "Han Emperor’s Golden Well," and listen to the babbling streams in the winding valleys. The air is fresh, ancient trees tower overhead, and each cubic centimeter contains over 60,000 negative oxygen ions, making it a true natural oxygen bar.
· Noon: Enjoy vegetarian or simple farmhouse dishes at the foot of the mountain.
· Afternoon: After descending, visit 【Huzhou Ancient Village】. This well-preserved ancient village features deep alleys and orderly Ming and Qing dynasty residences. There’s no heavy commercial atmosphere, only the peacefulness of elders chatting at their doorsteps — perfect for photography and daydreaming.
· Evening: Go to 【Baqiu Town】 to explore the 1960s square and Baqiu Old Street. Many buildings from the 60s and 70s remain, with retro arcade buildings and old streets that feel like stepping back into that fiery era. Highly recommended is a ferry ride at Baqiu Ferry, possibly one of the last ferry scenes on the Gan River, to experience the town’s simple and unhurried lifestyle.
Day 3: Ethnic Customs and Wetland Scenery
· Morning: Visit the 【Jinping Ethnic Culture Park】. This is the only multi-ethnic settlement in Jiangxi Province, home to eight ethnic groups including the Jing, Dong, and Yao peoples. Here, you can see Dong drum towers, Miao stilted houses, and even try your hand at intangible cultural heritage crafts like lacquer fans and tie-dyeing.
· Noon: Taste ethnic specialty dishes in the park, such as Yao bamboo tube rice and Miao sour soup fish, all for about 50 RMB per person — a satisfying meal.
· Afternoon: Head to 【Chengzizhou Wetland Park】 (or Yuxia Lake National Wetland Park). This sandbank in the middle of the Gan River offers different scenery each season. Spring for outings, summer for coolness, autumn for watching cattle graze, and winter for tranquility. Walk along the Gan River here and watch flocks of migratory birds, perfectly concluding your Xiajiang trip.
🏞️ Top 4 Must-Visit Spots
1. Xiajiang Water Conservancy Hub: The top must-see. Whether admiring the engineering grandeur or the serene lake, it’s a feast for the eyes.
2. Yusi Mountain: A Taoist paradise not to be missed by culture lovers. Quiet and full of ancient relics, it’s a great place to refresh your mind and lungs.
3. Baqiu Ferry and Old Street: The best place to experience local culture. While the ferry still runs, seize the chance to feel this disappearing "slow transport."
4. Jinping Ethnic Culture Park: Great for photos and family trips. One photo can make you feel like you’re in Guizhou or Xishuangbanna, plus you can experience various ethnic handicrafts.
🍜 Food Recommendations
· Xiajiang Catfish: Tender and fresh, whether steamed or braised, it’s the first delicious gift from the Gan River.
· Xiajiang Rice Noodles: With a long history, they are known for not becoming mushy when boiled or breaking when stir-fried, with a smooth texture.
· Ethnic Flavors: Try sour soup fish, bamboo tube rice, and oil tea at Jinping Culture Park for a taste of ethnic cuisine.
· Preserved Duck: The preserved duck from Badu Town (near Xiajiang) is famous; pick some up if you pass by.
🚗 Transportation Tips
· Self-driving: The most recommended way. Navigate to "Xiajiang County Town." About 2 hours from Nanchang, 40 minutes from Ji’an city. All highways with good road conditions.
· High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train to 【Xiajiang Station】. From there, take a taxi or bus to the scenic spots (about 20 minutes to the county town).
· Local Transport: There are buses in the county town, but taxis or self-driving are recommended for visiting scenic spots like Yusi Mountain, Baqiu Town, and the Ethnic Culture Park, as they are some distance apart.
💡 Travel Tips
1. Best Season: Spring and autumn. Spring for outings, autumn for pleasant weather.
2. Sun and Insect Protection: Outdoor activities are frequent, especially at Yusi Mountain and the wetland park, so bring sunblock and insect repellent.
3. Plan Wisely: Divide your trip into two routes — "Water Conservancy & Ancient Villages" and "Taoist Mountain & Ethnic Culture" to avoid backtracking.
4. Bring a Camera: Whether it’s the grandeur of the dam, the tranquility of ancient villages, or the vibrant ethnic colors, every corner is a perfect photo opportunity.
Xiajiang, this poetic and picturesque riverside town, awaits your discovery with its unique charm. Take a weekend to find some peace and admire the clear river waters here!