This southeastern Chinese provincial capital dates to 201 BC and played a key role in the Chinese Revolution. Ancient streets, the Poyang Lake Reserve, and active nightlife define the city.
Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province, sits along the Gan River in southeastern China. The nine-story Tengwang Pavilion dates back to the Tang Dynasty, while the 520-foot Star of Nanchang Ferris wheel dominates the modern skyline. You'll find thousands of migratory birds at Poyang Lake during winter, and every evening in downtown Qiushui Square, Asia's largest musical fountain performs synchronized water shows.
Getting Around Nanchang
You can use the subway to reach most major areas of the city. Local buses run regular routes throughout Nanchang, including double-decker services. Taxis are readily available, and you'll find the local transit app helpful for tracking bus arrivals in real-time.
Weather and When to Visit
Nanchang has a humid subtropical climate. Winter temperatures drop to 2°C, while summer highs reach 34°C. Spring (March to May) brings temperatures between 15-25°C with moderate rainfall. You'll experience frequent thunderstorms and high humidity during summer. Winter can dip below freezing, and autumn stays warm with increasing rain.
Ancient and Modern Landmarks
Inside the Tengwang Pavilion, you'll find intricate carved beams and painted railings across all nine floors, reflecting Tang Dynasty architectural style. The Star of Nanchang Ferris wheel gives you views extending 15 miles across the city on clear days. At Qiushui Square, the musical fountain shoots water up to 50 meters high during nightly performances.
Lakes and Parks
Visit Poyang Lake between October and March to see over 500,000 migratory birds, including white cranes and swan geese. The 100-acre People's Park includes tea houses and walking paths, where local groups practice tai chi each morning. To the west, the Jiuling Mountains rise 1,000 meters above sea level, visible from most downtown areas.
Local Food and Markets
The region's rice paddies supply restaurants across Nanchang with high-quality grains used in local dishes. Around Bayi Square, you'll find hot pot restaurants serving broths ranging from mild to extremely spicy. Each district has dawn markets where vendors sell fresh vegetables, rice noodles, and steamed buns made that morning.