Things to do in Shanggao
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Top 10 attractions in Shanggao
Orange Isle Scenic Area
Orange Isle Scenic Area is a narrow sandbar lying across the heart of the Xiang River in Changsha, stretching approx. five km. It faces Yuelu Mountain to the west and borders Changsha's old city to the east, surrounded by water on all sides. Named after the abundant orange trees planted on the isle, it was historically called Shuiluzhou. Formed by river alluvium, this sandbar has existed for over a millennium, where the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery was once among the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang. In 1925, the poem "Spring in a pleasure garden - Changsha" was composed here, with its iconic line "Alone I stand in the biting fall, watching the Xiang River flow north past Orange Isle's head," which made this riverine landmark widely renowned. The highlights of the visit are concentrated at the islet's head: A granite art sculpture over 30 m tall, modeled after the 1925 youth image, stands facing the river as Changsha's highly recognizable landmark. Nearby, the Questioning Heaven Platform extends toward the river center, where leaning on the railing reveals the mighty Xiang River flowing northward, with Yuelu Mountain and the city skylines on both banks facing each other across the water. The Songju Pavilion, white marble poetry stele, and the 200-year-old ancient phoenix tree at the islet head are all in this area. Heading north from the islet head, a hundred-acre orange orchard bears golden fruits in fall, while bamboo groves, peach orchards, plum gardens, and osmanthus groves take turns showcasing seasonal flora. The historic Zhuzhang Ferry (where Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi once crossed the Xiang River for lectures) and the Huxiang Culture Exhibition Hall are scattered along the way. At the islet's tail, the reconstructed Jiangshen Temple and Gongji Tower area was precisely where ancients admired the "River and sky in evening snow" scenery. The island is long and narrow, making round-trip walks quite tiring. A sightseeing train is available for transportation, with multiple stops along the way for hopping on and off. Travelers with limited time are advised to head straight to the island's tip to see the sculpture and river views, then stroll leisurely along the riverside path. At dusk, watching the sunset over the Xiang River and seeing the lights gradually illuminate both shores from the island's tip is especially worth setting aside time for.China · Changsha
Wangxian Valley
Vagoo is located in Wangxian Township, Guangxin District, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province. It is a national AAAA-level scenic spot. It belongs to the Lingshan Mountains, just at the foot of the seventy-two peaks of Lingshan. The valley is remote and quiet, the stream is jubilant, and the pebbles are flying waterfalls. There are rammed earth walls, bluestone roads, yellow walls and black tiles, and original village houses unique to Jiangxi folk houses; there are also pines and bamboo seas and the unique Ganjia market. In the Vagoo, you can enjoy the folk customs, landscape and humanities of the Gan family, experience the long farming culture of our country, taste delicious food, and live a slow life for a few days. It is a good place for leisure, vacation, and parent-child study.China · Shangrao
Yellow Crane Tower
Yellow Crane Tower is a landmark building of Wuhan. It is located on the bank of the Yangtze River and above Snake Hill in Wuchang. Many celebrities have written famous poems about the tower. Yellow Crane Tower was built during the Three Kingdoms period, but it was destroyed many times. What we see now is the reconstructed version built in 1985. When you climb the Yellow Crane Tower, you can see the spectacular view of the Yangtze River and Wuhan's three districts.China · Wuhan
Tengwang Pavilion Tourist Area
Tengwang Pavilion Tourist Area is located on the east bank of the Gan River in Nanchang, with the riverside Tengwang Pavilion as its centerpiece. Originally built in the fourth year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty by Li Yuanying, Prince of Teng and son of Emperor Gaozu of Tang, it gained eternal fame through Wang Bo's "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion." Alongside the Yellow Crane Tower and Yueyang Tower, it is hailed as one of the "Three Great Towers of Jiangnan." Historically destroyed and rebuilt nearly thirty times, the current structure is a Song-style replica completed in 1989, designed based on Liang Sicheng's reconstruction sketches. With its green tiles and layered eaves, it remains a landmark of Nanchang to this day. The main pavilion follows a "three visible, seven concealed" layout: appearing as a three-story structure with encircling corridors from the outside, while actually containing seven interior floors—nine levels including the two-tiered base symbolizing ancient city walls. Turquoise-roofed galleries extend north and south from the base's flanks, connecting at their ends to auxiliary pavilions named "River-taming" and "Greenery-embracing," forming a mountain-shaped silhouette with the main tower. Below, an artificial lake and the nine-bend wind-and-rain bridge add classical garden charm to the majestic architecture. Each floor of the pavilion offers something remarkable. The white marble relief "A timely wind delivers Tengwang Pavilion" in the first-floor preface hall depicts the legend of Wang Bo riding the wind to compose his famous preface. The second-floor mezzanine features the long scroll painting "Gallery of eminent figures," gathering Jiangxi's historical luminaries like Tao Yuanming, Ouyang Xiu, Wang Anshi, and Tang Xianzu in one artwork. The third-floor mural "Linchuan dream" recreates Tang Xianzu's staging of "The peony pavilion" here. The fourth-floor "Land of wonders" painting compresses Jiangxi's iconic landscapes—Mount Lu, Sanqing Mountain, Dragon-Tiger Mountain, and Poyang Lake—into a single masterpiece. The fifth floor is the highlight for panoramic views: its central hall displays a bronze tablet inscribed with Su Dongpo's calligraphic version of "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion," while the east hall exhibits a scale model of the pavilion. Strolling the veranda offers sweeping views of the Gan River and modern skyline across the water. The top floor bears the plaque "Ninth heaven," with its west hall housing an antique-style theater flanked by replica ancient instruments like chime bells and stone chimes. Above, spiral-arranged bracket sets adorn the caisson ceiling, and between the double eaves hangs Su Dongpo's gilded "Tengwang Pavilion" plaque. After descending from the main pavilion, take time to explore the garden area: the square in front of the pavilion, the grand Song-style archway, the antique street lined with calligraphy and antique shops, and the small Suzhou-style garden Fuchang Garden with its lake reflections and bridge views—perfect for slowing your pace. To experience the poetic scene of "a solitary wild duck flying with the sunset glow, while the autumn water blends with the vast sky," an evening ascent to the pavilion is ideal. The fifth-floor corridor offers an expansive view, making it a prime spot to admire the sunset over the Gan River.China · Nanchang
Lushan National Park
Mount Lu is known as one of China's “four great summer retreats,” together with Jigongshan, Beidaihe, and Mount Mogan. Mountain peaks, waterfalls, unique views of “cloud oceans,” and garden architecture all lend Mount Lu its rich charm. The mountain climate allows visitors to feel the cool and comfortable feel of spring even in the summertime, and has secured Mount Lu's position as a famous scenic area and historic vacation spot and retreat.China · Lushan City
Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District
Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District is located in the heart of Jingdezhen's old town, a historic neighborhood that grew around the ruins of the imperial kiln from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The old saying "Taoyang thirteen li, with tens of thousands of households" refers to this area. The imperial porcelain used by the royal families of the Ming and Qing dynasties was exclusively produced by the imperial kiln here, while rejected tribute items were shattered and buried on-site. The layers of underground porcelain fragments share the same origin as the collections in the Palace Museum, making this place often referred to as the key to understanding the porcelain capital. The core attractions of the district are concentrated around the ruins of the Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District and the imperial kiln museum. The ruins of the Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District have now been transformed into an archaeological site park, preserving relics such as kilns and workshops. The Longzhu pavilion, perched atop Zhushan hill, has been the iconic structure of the imperial kiln since the Ming dynasty and later became the symbol of Jingdezhen. The Zhushan hill beneath it was formed by layers of discarded porcelain fragments from imperial kilns throughout history. Nearby, the imperial kiln museum draws inspiration from traditional egg-shaped wood-fired kilns, featuring multiple brick arches arranged in a staggered layout. Many exhibits in the museum are restored from porcelain fragments unearthed at the site, including the Ming dynasty blue-and-white dragon jar—a signature exhibit pieced together from tons of discarded dragon jar fragments. Adjacent to the museum, the Xu family kiln, an old wood-fired kiln, still operates periodic firings. During kiln openings, the gate is wide open, allowing visitors to watch artisans retrieve freshly fired porcelain from saggars. The district also features winding alleyways lined with kiln-brick residences, guild halls, porcelain shops, and remnants of modern ceramic industry. The restored South goods street and Red shop street now host old teahouses, taverns, music bars, and craft workshops where you can observe traditional processes like clay throwing and porcelain painting, with some workshops offering hands-on experiences. It's recommended to set aside half a day for the visit—start with the kiln site and museum, then meander through the streets around Zhongshan north road and Longgang lane, where many historic courtyard houses hidden in deep alleys await patient discovery.China · Jingdezhen
Mount Yuelu
Mount Yuelu stands on the west bank of the Xiang River and is a landmark mountain in Changsha. At its foot lies the Yuelu Academy, founded during the Northern Song Dynasty, a millennium-old institution sharing the mountain's name. Ascending from here leads to Qingfeng Gorge, where the Aiwan Pavilion, named after Du Mu's poetic line "I stop my carriage to admire the maple woods at dusk," is surrounded by maple trees. Midway up the mountain, the ancient Lushan Temple, established in the Western Jin Dynasty over 1,700 years ago, features a lush six-dynasty-era podocarpus tree in front of its sutra repository. At the summit stands the Yunlu Palace, a Taoist temple built during the Ming Dynasty, offering panoramic views of the Xiang River and Changsha's urban area. The mountain's historical sites extend further, with the Yu King Stele, Python Cave, and Changsha Battle Memorial Stele scattered along its trails. Modern figures such as Huang Xing, Cai E, and Chen Tianhua are also buried here, making the mountain a condensed repository of profound modern history. Most cultural attractions are concentrated near the south gate, where you can visit major historic sites in sequence from Yuelu Academy to Aiwan Pavilion. For those preferring not to hike, a cableway station near the east gate allows easy ascent, eliminating most uphill climbing. With an elevation of about 300 m and well-developed trails, reaching the summit on foot is manageable. Ancient trees like Jin dynasty podocarps, Tang dynasty ginkgos, Song-Yuan era camphor trees, and Ming-Qing maple-chestnuts line the paths, making the entire mountain resemble a natural botanical museum. In late fall when maple leaves turn red across the slopes, it becomes an ideal time for hiking. Allocate half a day to leisurely photograph Aiwan Pavilion and the mountaintop viewpoints.China · Changsha
Du Fu Pavilion
This is a riverside structure, an ancient-style building constructed in honor of the great Tang dynasty poet Du Fu. Due to its proximity to the Xiang River, it is an ideal spot to watch the fireworks display at the Orange Isle attraction. Today, Du Fu Pavilion stands as a local landmark, offering a delightful experience to enjoy panoramic views of both banks of the Xiang River, sip tea, and feel the riverside breeze. Du Fu Pavilion features exhibits on the great poet's life and works. During fireworks displays, the number of visitors increases significantly, so arriving early is necessary to secure a good viewing spot.China · Changsha
Cave Capital of China
The Cave Capital of China is located in Dongcun Township, the northeast of Fenyi County, Jiangxi Province, covering a vast area. The Cave Capital of China is planning to become a karst cave capital including the supernatural and experimental cave sightseeing, cave life experiencing and health preserving in caves. The main tourist areas include: The Cowboy and the Lady Cave, the World Scenic Cave and the Idyllic Cave.Fenyi · 23.9km from Shanggao
The National Archaeological Site Park of Nanchang Han Dynasty Haihun Marquis
The National Archaeological Site Park of Nanchang Han Dynasty Haihun Marquis was developed based on the capital city ruins of Zijingcheng from the Western Han Dynasty Haihun Marquisate, the mausoleum of its first marquise Liu He, and the burial clusters to the west and south of the city. It represents the most well-preserved and structurally intact settlement ruins of a Han Dynasty marquise state capital discovered in China to date. Liu He, the tomb's occupant, was Emperor Wu's grandson who was deposed after merely 27 days on the throne, later becoming the Haihun marquise and moving south before being buried here. Since archaeological excavations began in 2011, over 10,000 artifacts including goldware, bronzes, jades, lacquerware, and bamboo slips have been unearthed, bringing this historically obscure "deposed Han emperor" back into public view with remarkable completeness. The park is divided into six functional zones: the ruins museum area, tomb exhibition area, Zijingcheng exhibition area, archaeological reserve area, entrance service area, and historical experience & ecological leisure area. The visitor center at the entrance adopts the shape of a jade bi disk—its white circular structure resembles a jade button when viewed from above, symbolizing "offering jade to heaven." The ruins museum takes its design inspiration from the dragon-shaped jade artifact unearthed from Liu He's tomb, appearing like a coiled dragon resting between mountains and waters. Permanent exhibitions such as "Golden Haihun," "Scholarly Haihun," and "Vermilion Lacquer Haihun" are housed here, alongside the interactive "Encountering Haihun" gallery. Among the over 1,000 displayed artifacts, gold items like cakes, horse-hoof ingots, unicorn-toe ingots, and plates are arranged in rows—their quantity and variety being exceptionally rare among excavated Han tombs. A complete set of bianzhong bells and bianqing stone chimes shares the stage with a bronze goose-fish lamp, whose curved neck holds a fish; rotating its dish adjusts brightness while smoke filters through water in the goose's belly without escaping, mirroring the ingenuity of the Changxin Palace lamp. A bronze lamp inscribed with "Nanchang" stands as a rare Han-dynasty physical testament to the city's name. Among the over 5,000 bamboo slips unearthed from the tomb of Liu He, the long-lost "Qi version of the Analects" was discovered after being missing for more than 1,800 years. The restoration achievements are showcased in the "Fragrance of Haichun" bamboo slips exhibition, where over a hundred newly restored original slips are displayed alongside Han Dynasty manuscripts like the "Book of Songs." Travelers who appreciate ancient texts and calligraphy will find it worth a closer look. The wooden back of the lacquered mirror depicting Confucius and his disciples features portraits and biographical accounts. While the original is still under restoration, the museum presents a full-scale replica with enlarged images to highlight details—another exhibit not to be missed. Beyond the museum, the Liu He Mausoleum at Guodun Mountain is another key attraction. The mausoleum complex features a trapezoidal layout, with the two main tombs of Liu He and his marquise wife sharing the same burial ground but in separate chambers at the central elevated platform. Surrounding them are auxiliary burial sites and remnants of ritual structures such as ancestral halls, resting chambers, garden walls, and gate towers. Outside the complex lies a rare chariot-and-horse burial pit seldom seen south of the Yangtze River. The Guodun Yuan ruins exhibition area built atop the mausoleum offers a panoramic view of the main tombs' wooden chamber structure from an encircling observation deck, while a 360-degree suspended screen recreates the mausoleum's construction process and Han Dynasty marquise funeral rites. The chariot pit preserves its original excavated state, with a restored quadriga carriage model showcasing the grandeur of Han nobility's travels. The park is planned around the grand heritage site, covering a vast area with its core visitable zones concentrated at the traveler center, ruins museum, and Liu He's tomb complex. The Zijingcheng city site is primarily preserved in its original state, so focus your visit on the museum and tomb area. As distances between zones are considerable, shuttle services are available—we recommend allocating half a day. The Han-style gate towers and golden imperial carriage at the entrance are popular photo spots. Throughout the park, Han cultural activities like costume parades and themed markets occasionally take place; keep an eye out while exploring the exhibitions.China · Nanchang
Experiences you can't miss in Shanggao
Featured Day tours in Shanggao
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Free things to do in Shanggao
Orange Isle Scenic Area
China · ChangshaWangxian Valley
China · ShangraoImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeYellow Crane Tower
China · WuhanBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeTengwang Pavilion Tourist Area
China · NanchangBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeLushan National Park
China · Lushan CityImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeTaoyangli Historical and Cultural District
China · JingdezhenImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeMount Yuelu
China · ChangshaDu Fu Pavilion
China · ChangshaImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeCave Capital of China
Fenyi · 23.9km from ShanggaoThe National Archaeological Site Park of Nanchang Han Dynasty Haihun Marquis
China · NanchangBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytime
What travellers say about Shanggao
Anonymous user8 October 2026
5.0
There were no assigned seats, so you could sit anywhere. We spent most of our time on the third deck enjoying the view and taking photos. Although it was very hot outside, there was a breeze on both sides of the deck, so it wasn't too bad. There were karaoke machines and vendors selling snacks and drinks on both the second and third decks. The air conditioning on the second deck was very strong. We arrived at the pier half an hour early, and there was already a queue.
Orange Isle Scenic Area
M12***2316 October 2026
4.0
The scenery during the day is indeed very different from that at night; the night view is entirely a light show. The scenic area isn't very large, and it's quite beautiful when the lights are on, but it doesn't capture the full effect in photos taken with a phone. Paying 140 yuan seems a bit overpriced.
Wangxian Valley
M23***2516 October 2026
5.0
A must-see in Wuhan is the Yellow Crane Tower! Purchase tickets online in advance for entry. The park is quite large, allowing for leisurely strolls. The enormous mural of white clouds and yellow cranes on the first floor of the main building is breathtaking. Each floor displays poems, calligraphy, and paintings from various dynasties, which you can read as you walk. Climbing to the top floor offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the Yangtze River Bridge, with a refreshing river breeze and expansive scenery.
The park is beautifully landscaped with pavilions scattered throughout. If you don't want to climb the stairs, you can take the elevator to the top and then walk down each floor – very convenient for elderly people and children. After your visit, you can conveniently visit the red wall at Simenkou. Overall, it's a wonderful experience, fulfilling my dream of seeing the Yellow Crane Tower from textbooks.
Yellow Crane Tower
Raikkonen7115 October 2026
5.0
Climbing to the top of Tengwang Pavilion and overlooking the Gan River, one is struck by its magnificent grandeur. Its upturned eaves and corners exude a timeless charm. The saying "The setting sun and the lone wild goose fly together" is truly fitting; as the premier pavilion in Jiangnan, this trip was well worth it!
Tengwang Pavilion Tourist Area
_We***9015 October 2026
4.0
Perhaps it's because you can't see anything on a rainy day, so I don't dare to say much about the scenery. You can usually see colorful birds in this season, but there's nothing happening now. However, I feel that the scenic area's management is still a bit lacking.
Lushan National Park
Naomi16 October 2026
5.0
It's beautiful and photogenic, definitely worth a visit. There are many photographers inside; just follow them to find good shooting positions. Further into the scenic area, there are some lovely little shops with creative designs I've never seen before – a real eye-opener!
Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District
118***585 October 2026
5.0
During the National Day holiday, the crowds were immense. Our tour guide, Xiao Xiang, led us along the way, providing lively and engaging explanations that saved us from taking unnecessary detours and greatly improved efficiency. He also clearly outlined the key locations.
Mount Yuelu
M12***748 October 2026
5.0
The poetic pavilions along the Xiang River offer expansive views of the river from their heights. The exhibits inside tell the story of Du Fu's time in Hunan, and the night view is particularly stunning. It's worth stopping by to experience this cultural heritage of Hunan when visiting Changsha.
Du Fu Pavilion
M76***1824 August 2025
4.0
If you haven't been, you should definitely check it out. Compared to Longgong Cave, it's a bit smaller.
It took about an hour to explore, and the entrance was quite impressive. The small bridge over Shenniu Cave is quite cute. I read the reviews last time saying to bring clothes, but that's completely unnecessary. The cave isn't cold in the summer, though it can be a bit stuffy in some places.
Cave Capital of China
Anonymous user16 October 2026
4.0
Ticketing, luggage storage, and the visit all went smoothly. There were many staff members available to assist.
Guides are requested to remind visitors to make room for other visitors after viewing the exhibits. The frequency of the sightseeing shuttle bus should be increased to prevent visitors from wasting time waiting for it three times.
The National Archaeological Site Park of Nanchang Han Dynasty Haihun Marquis
