Jiangxi Province: Rural Beauty and Cultural Heritage
After the fast-paced energy of Shanghai, our journey continued by high-speed train to Wuyuan in Jiangxi Province. For many students, travelling by train in China was a new and exciting experience, offering a glimpse into the country’s modern transport system while passing through changing landscapes.
Arriving in Wuyuan, we were immediately struck by how different it felt from Shanghai. Known for its natural beauty, traditional culture, and peaceful rural scenery, Wuyuan introduced us to another side of China’s diversity.
One of our highlights was visiting Huangling Village, a 500-year-old village famous for its well-preserved Hui-style architecture and Shaiqiu, the traditional autumn custom of drying crops in vibrant displays across rooftops and
balconies. Although the village was crowded due to the Qingming Festival, we still enjoyed wandering through its narrow streets and admiring the breathtaking mountain views.
Our next destination was Sanqingshan, one of Jiangxi’s most renowned mountain ranges. After taking gondolas up the mountain, we began hiking along scenic trails surrounded by dramatic rock formations, temples, viewpoints,
snack stalls, restaurants, and even mountaintop accommodation.
The steep staircases and long walking tracks made the hike physically demanding, but reaching the spectacular viewpoints made every step worthwhile. The scenery offered unforgettable views of misty peaks and unique granite formations.
Our final stop in Jiangxi was Jingdezhen, widely known as China’s “Porcelain Capital.” Here, we visited both the Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum and the Imperial Kiln Museum, where we learned about the history and development
of porcelain and its lasting significance in Chinese culture.
A major highlight for many students was participating in a DIY pottery workshop, where we created our own ceramic pieces. This hands-on activity gave us a deeper appreciation for the skill, patience, and precision involved in
traditional porcelain-making.
In the evenings, we explored local night markets, experiencing everyday life while browsing ceramics, jewellery, artwork, and local crafts.
Our time in Jiangxi not only deepened our understanding of Chinese rural culture, craftsmanship, and history, but also helped us better appreciate Rewi Alley’s admiration for China and its people. By connecting historical learning
with personal experience, this part of the trip became both educational and memorable.
