Jing'an

Nanchang's "back garden": the cool forests of Sanzhualun and the Luojiaping valleys, with Guanyin Rock, Huxiao Gorge rafting, Baofeng Chan Temple and summer guesthouses in Zhongyuan Township for slow rural travel.

Jing'an County lies in northwestern Jiangxi Province, in the northeast corner of Yichun, on the eastern flank of the Jiuling Mountains. About 60 km west of Nanchang and roughly an hour away via the Nanchang–Tonggu Expressway, it is known as "Nanchang's back garden". With very high forest cover, it is a National Ecological County and "China's Home of the Giant Salamander", ideal for forest summer escapes, water play, hot springs and rural guesthouses.

Areas to explore: ① Sanzhualun — the core of Jing'an, with Sanzhualun National Forest Park, the Luojiaping primeval forest, Guanyin Rock, Huxiao Gorge rafting and Baishui Cave; ② Baofeng Town — the renowned Chan (Zen) monastery of Baofeng Temple and the Mazu Pagoda Pavilion; ③ Zhongyuan Township in the west — a summer-retreat village at over 600 m, with Sanping guesthouses, the ancient Xiling Covered Bridge and Jiulingjian, the main peak of the Jiuling Mountains; ④ the county town and surroundings — the Kuang Zhong Garden and Jiuling Forest Hot Spring, Central Dream City, Hengmao Yuquan Valley Hot Spring in Gaohu Town, and the Eastern Zhou tombs at Lizhou'ao with the Eastern Zhou Tomb Museum.

Seasons: Apr–May has the best spring scenery; Jun–Aug is peak season for rafting and summer escapes, with weekends crowded with visitors from Nanchang; Oct–Nov brings pleasant autumn scenery; winter is ideal for hot springs. Getting there: the county town has no railway, so take a bus from Nanchang West Station or Nanchang Changbei Airport, or drive. Scenic areas are 20–60 km apart over mostly mountain roads, so driving is recommended. Allow 2–3 days: one for Guanyin Rock in Sanzhualun plus Huxiao Gorge rafting, one for Baofeng Temple and hot springs, and stay longer in Zhongyuan Township to escape the heat. Note: rafting depends heavily on the weather and often closes temporarily after heavy rain; check scenic areas' official announcements for ticket and rafting prices.

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