Museum of Revolution in Jinggang Mountains

 

It was built to commemorate the first rural revolutionary base founded by the Chinese Communist Party.

Located at Jinggang Mountains in Jiangxi province, the Museum of Revolution in Jinggang Mountains is built to commemorate the first rural revolutionary base founded by the Chinese Communist Party. It was opened to public in 1959. 

The museum boasts a collection of about 3,000 pieces of cultural relics, among which 860 are original items and 2,000 replicas, including the oil lamp and inks lab used by Mao Zedong and a shoulder pole used by Zhu De.

The basic display shows the history of the Revolution in Jinggang Mountains, with about 600 documents, pictures and real objects. It employs modern expression techniques of sound, lighting and electricity. To restore, preserve and make these sites known is another task of the museum.

Most sites are distributed in Ciping and Wujing (five villages on Jinggangshan, all of which are in the shape of a well). The five major sentries in the Jinggang Mountains Military Base still preserve the relic of defense work of the No 4 Forces of the Chinese Red Army.



The museum boasts a collection of about 3,000 pieces of cultural relics.


An oil painting of the Fourth and Fifth armies of the Red Army joined forces in Dec 10, 1928.

Xiaoping Path

 
Xiaoping Path is the route Deng Xiaoping walked to and fro his dormitory and the workshop where he once worked in.

Xiaoping Path is located in Xinjian county that adjoins Nanchang, the capital city of Jiangxi province. It has developed into a memorial park because of Deng Xiaoping.

Deng was born in 1904 and died in 1997. He was a Marxist, proletarian revolutionist, statesman, militarist strategist and diplomat. He is one of the most important political leaders in the history of the People's Republic of China. He was the chief designer of Chinese socialist reform, opening up and modernized construction.

The winding path through fields, infested with weeds, joins Xinjian Tractor Accessories Plant and Nanchang Infantry School. Deng walked to and fro the 1.5 km path for three years and four months.


The statue of Deng Xiaoping

During the "cultural revolution", Deng, in his 60s, was excoriated from October 1969 to February 1973. He was removed from his central leading post and transferred to the suburb of Nanchang city as a bench worker in a plant. Deng was familiar with the job because he did it 50 years ago when he worked and studied in France. He resided in the Building of the General in the infantry school. Each morning, Deng and his wife walked three kilometers to work at the plant. They had no choice but to take the long route that took nearly one hour. The workshop director discussed this with his fellow workers and opened up a small door at the back wall of the plant. They paved a path along the ridge of the field that lead to Deng's dormitory. From then on, Deng and his wife walked for only 20 minutes to the workshop. So this path then became known as Xiaoping Path.



Deng walked to and fro the 1.5 km path for three years and four months.

When the "cultural revolution" ended and Deng returned to Beijing, he put forward the basic line of reform and opening up in 1979. This was aimed at the peaceful reunification of China with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Deng was responsible for the idea of One Country, Two Systems. Under this idea, Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 and Macao was reunited in 1999.
On May 1, 2002, Nanchang city opened up the Xiaoping Path to the public. The areas, including Deng's workshop and his bench tool, and the tractor that sent Deng to hospital, have become an education base encouraging young people to stand up to frustrations with optimism, like Deng did.

 
The Memorial Hall of the Xiaoping Path

Tengwang Pavilion

 
Tengwang Pavilion is renowned as one of the four most notable pavilions in China.

Admission ticket price:
50 yuan/person
Opening time:
7:30-18:00 (May 1-Oct 7)
8:00-17:30 (Rest of the year)
Tel:
+86-791-6702036


Tengwang Pavilion, or Pavilion of Prince Teng, is located on the shore of the Gan River in Nanchang city, Jiangxi province. Tengwang Pavilion, together with the Yellow Crane Tower (Huanghe Lou) in Wuhan, Hubei province, Yueyang Pavilion in Hunan province and, Penglai Pavilion in Yantai, Shandong province, are renowned as four most notable pavilions in China. It also has the reputation of being the 'First Pavilion along Xijiang River' and has been widely admired by visitors from all over the world. In terms of its height, overall size and architectural style, this pavilion is a prime example of such buildings for which China is justifiably famous.
Li Yuanying, a brother of Emperor Taizong in the Tang Dynasty, who assumed the name Tengwang upon being knighted, commissioned the original three-storied, thirty –meter high building in the year 654 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The pavilion was named after him but it was to undergo reconstruction as a consequence of events during its 1,300 year long history.


The plane graph of Tengwang Pavilion scenic area
Wang Bo, a gifted and well known poet of the Tang Dynasty, wrote his Preface to the Tengwang Pavilion. This piece made the Tengwang Pavilion a household name in China down to the present day.

However, probably the worst tragedy occurred in 1926, when it was destroyed by fire during the conflicts between the Northern Warlords. The current building is the result of rebuilding that was carried out between 1983 and 1989.


Charming night scene of the Tengwang Pavilion
The existing pavilion is even more spectacular and magnificent than its predecessors. Reached by a Nine-zigzag bridge and surrounded by rock gardens and lakes, it is built in the architectural style of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is in fact a complex and not just a single structure. The principle building, covering 47,000 square meters (about 12 acres), is nine storied and 57.5 meters (about 189 feet) in height. Two smaller pavilions stand on the north and south sides of the main building. Their elegance and simplicity is set off by glazed jade-green tiles on the roof, pretty eaves and red pillars. Engraved screens enhance the interiors.
Tengwang Pavilion was always a place where learned men gathered to write articles and hold banquets, therefore the display in the new pavilion gives prominence to culture. A variety of bass-relief and frescoes demonstrate that men of talent have brought glory to this place. The plagues, steles, couplets on the columns of the hall are all selections of celebrities. Musical instruments, bronze sacrifice, ritual article, serial bells impart a classical elegance to this new pavilion.



In terms of its height, overall size and architectural style, Tengwang Pavilion is a prime example of such buildings for which China is justifiably famous.

Jingdezhen

 
Yaoli village in Jingdezhen city

Jingdezhen, or Jingde town, formerly known as the "Porcelain Capital" of China, is one of China's most famous cultural and historic cities. It is situated in the northeast part of Jiangxi province. Endowed by nature with a network of rivers and hills, Jingdezhen is a municipality directly under the provincial government with a total area of 5,200 square kilometers and a population of 1.4 million. Leping city, Fuliang county, Changjiang district and Zhushan district are under its jurisdiction, among which Changjiang and Zhushan districts make up the urban area with a land area of 124 square kilometers and a population of 380,000.

Ever since the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), with old names of Xinping and Fuliang, the seat of Jingdezhen was a town. People there began to produce ceramics as early as in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). In the Jingde reign (1004-1007) of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Emperor Zhaoheng decreed to produce the porcelain used by the imperial court. From then on, people began to call this place as Jingdezhen. In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Jingdezhen and other three towns, Zhuxian town in Henan province, Hankou town in Hubei province and Foshan town in Guangdong province, were listed as the Top Four Towns of China.


It is the "Porcelain Capital of China".

Chinese writer Guo Moruo once said: "the best porcelain of the world is in China and China's best is in Jingdezhen." The ceramic industry experienced a long-time development in Jingdezhen. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the technique started to mature. Jingdezhen became a major porcelain producer in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The kiln in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) boasted the highest porcelain-making techniques. Thereafter, the Liangfu porcelain office was set up. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it has been the center of the ceramic industry. In the Ming and Qing dynasties when skills became perfected and the general quality being more refined, governmental kilns were set up to cater exclusively to the need of the royal families. In the long-time development, the artists and craftsmen in Jingdezhen brought their full talent into play and created numerous masterpieces.


The ceramic history exhibition area

Jingdezhen porcelain has formed four special features, which are white like jade, bright as a mirror and thin as paper, sound like a chime. With its elegant form and unique technique, the art of Jingdezhen porcelain is a bright jade in the Chinese civilization.
The unique porcelain culture of Jingdezhen is attributed to the abundant porcelain relics, the valuable porcelain art, the excellent porcelain techniques and the intelligent porcelain artists. This culture was, is and will be a treasure for Jingdezhen's tourist industry.


A performance played by ceramic instruments made in Jingdezhen

Ruijin Revolutionary Sites

 
Site of the first Soviet Congress

Ruijin Revolutionary Sites are located in Ruijin county in southeastern Jiangxi province and at the western piedmont of Wuyi Mountain.
Ruijin county is called the Red Capital of China. During the Second Civil War of China, Ruijin was the center of the Central Revolutionary Base Areas, and also the locus of the temporary central government of the Soviet Republic of China. The Ruijin Revolutionary Memorial was built here.

From January 1929 to September 1931, the Fourth Army of the Chinese Red Army led by Mao Zedong and Zhu De set out from Jinggang Mountain. They built up the Gannan (south of Jiangxi province) and Minxi (west of Fujian province) Revolutionary Base Areas successively. Then, they shattered the Third Encirclement Campaign of Kuomintang, and connected the two base areas into one. The central Revolutionary Base called Zhongyang Suqu (Central Soviet Area) took shape. In November of the same year, the First National People's Congress of the Soviet Republic of China was held in Ruijin. The Central Workers' and Peasants' Democratic Government was founded, with Mao Zedong as the chairman. However, in October 1934, the Red Army failed to shatter the Fifth Encirclement Campaign of Kuomintang. The main force withdrew from the base area and began the eight-year Long March.


Temporary Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic

 

Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee

Ruijin Revolutionary Sites are mainly at Yeping, Shazhouba, Wushilong, and Yunshi Mountain.

Yeping is about 6 kilometers to the northeast of Ruijin, where the First National People's Congress of the Soviet Republic of China was held. The Central Workers' and Peasants' Democratic Government was also there. The sites of the congress and the government were originally Xieshi Temple. There are altogether three courtyards housing the general office and the offices of the different departments.
Shazhouba is 4 kilometers to the southwest of Ruijin. From April 1933 to July 1934, The Central Workers' and Peasants' Democratic Government was moved here. There is the site of the general office, the former residence of Mao Zedong, Zhang Wentian, Xie Juezai, and De Xiaoping. There is also the site of the National Labor Union of China, Lenin Primary School, etc.

Wushilong is 4 kilometers to the west of Ruijin. In 1933, the office of the Central Military Commission was moved here from Yeping. There is the site of the Central Military Commission and the former residence and offices of Zhu De, Liu Bocheng, etc.

Yunshi Mountain is 18 kilometers to the west of Ruijin. It is a small hill with an ancient temple on the top. In August 1934, the organizations as the Central Political Bureau, the Central Military Commission and the Central Workers' and Peasants' Democratic Government were moved to the temple. In October of the same year, the Red Army led by the Central Government began the Long March from here.



Site of the Central Military Commission

 
The former residence of Deng Xiaoping

Ruijin Revolutionary Memorial

The Ruijin Revolutionary Memorial was built in 1958 in memory of the Central Revolutionary Base and the First Red Army.

Ruijin Revolutionary Memorial was built in 1958 in memory of the Central Revolutionary Base and the First Red Army, which were founded under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and its leaders like Mao Zedong and Zhu De. It lies in Ruijin county of Jiangxi province.
During the Second Civil Revolutionary War, Ruiin was the center of revolutionary bases, where some important institutions of CPC were stationed and the first and second All China Congress of Soviets were held. Besides, Ruijin was also the starting point of the First Red Army and the Central Institutions for the Long March.

The memorial boasts a collection of 10,265 pieces of cultural relics, which include 45 Class One collections, 90 Class Two collection, 10,220 copies of historical records, and 2,000 volumes of books and magazines. All these exhibits record the revolutionary activities of Mao Zedong, Zhu De, Zhou Enlai and Liu Shaoqi, and the struggles of the Red Army.

The memorial has an auxiliary display hall that covers an area of about 1,828 square meters. It has launched the Exhibition of Cultural Relics of the Central Revolutionary Base, which displayed over 800 exhibits, including 602 pieces of cultural relics.



The History Museum of the Central Revolutionary Base




Wuyuan

 
Wuyuan is deemed the most beautiful countryside of China.


Wuyuan，the most beautiful countryside of China
Wuyuan has become a massively popular destination with domestic tourists in the past few years, but as it's such a large area, it's easy enough to escape the crowds with a little bit of determination. Most of Wuyuan's villages are linked by timeworn postal roads that today provide hikers with the perfect excuse to explore the area's gorgeous backcountry: imagine wild azalea, wisteria, and rape flower blooms dotting steep hills cut by cascading streams and you're off to the right start.

In ancient times, Wuyuan was governed by Anhui. Merchants from this area spread throughout China around 500 years ago, forging trade relations with dealers from Qingdao to Qinghai. Such were their numbers and business acumen that in some areas, they practically ran the local economy. Historical records show that of the eight barons Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong received during a trip to southern China, four were from Anhui. Anhui merchants went on to dominate trade in China for some 400 years in terms of capital and trade outlets.


Wuyuan，the most beautiful countryside of China

Wuyuan，the most beautiful countryside of China

Back in their hometowns, these wealthy merchants would often construct majestic homes and elaborate ancestral temples so their families and forefathers could share in their success. Many of these still stand in Wuyuan. Hidden deep in the mountains, the town escaped the wartime devastation that obliterated many other parts of ancient China, and it remains in its original state today.


Wuyuan，the most beautiful countryside of China

The village of Sixi has been home to the Yu clan for generations. Its distinct Anhui architectures house many fine carvings and other ancient trinkets. The most impressive house in the village is the Jingxu (Respecting Order) Hall, the grand abode of an esteemed and wealthy family. The fourth generation of that family still resides there. The residential buildings in Sixi are under government protection. The occupants are permitted to live there, but, to the disappointment of many collectors, they cannot sell any of the old relics.

The locals carry out their daily activities amid this ancient setting. Some work on dough, others are busy washing clothes, while the elderly relax with a cigarette and enjoy their favorite TV shows. These days, tourists are no strange sight in Sixi. They can often be seen sharing a meal with the hospitable locals.


 

The locals carry out their daily activities amid this ancient setting.



Some work on dough, others are busy washing clothes, while the elderly relax with a cigarette and enjoy their favorite TV shows.

Also in Sixi is the "Picture of 100 Longevities," a compound where the Chinese character for longevity is depicted 100 times. Ninety-six of the characters are carved on the door -- the other four are hidden, and the challenge for visitors is to locate them. We found three, but could not see the last one. The owner of the house told us that the layout of the residence resembles the Chinese character for longrity.



The village of Sixi

Likeng village is a cluster of houses built along a brook, and is said to be the town's most scenically beautiful village. The brook is two to three meters wide, and spanned at various points by makeshift bridges. Dogs are often seen lounging around on the bridges, watching the tourists pass by.



Likeng village is a cluster of houses built along a brook, and is said to be the town's most scenically beautiful village.

Donglin (East Forest) Temple

 
Main hall of the Donglin Temple


The temple was built by Huiyuan, a famous monk of his time.
Donglin (East Forest) Temple is seated at the northwestern foot of Lushan Mountain, about 16 km from Jiujiang city, Jiangxi province. It was initially built in 384 AD in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (AD 317-420) and developed in popularity through the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). Later it suffered a lot of damage and has been renovated in recent years. Now, it receives a great many Buddhist disciples and tourists every day.

The temple was built by Huiyuan, a famous monk of his time, who was also the originator of the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism (also named Lotus Sect). In the past centuries, the Pure Land Sect was widely spread by Huiyuan's followers. Some of its doctrines were even spread to Japan. Now in China, among the several Buddhists sects, the Pure Land Sect is worshipped by 80 percent of total Buddhist disciples. With the spread of the Pure Land Sect doctrines, the importance of Donglin Monastery has also grown.

The main halls of most Buddhist temples and monasteries are named Mahavira Hall, showing respect to the Great Buddha. Nevertheless, the main hall in this temple is called “Shenyun Hall” which means a hall bestowed by the Buddha.




Donglin Temple with Amitābha Buddha and his attendant bodhisattvas Avalokiteśvara (right) and Mahāsthāmaprāpta (left).

It was said that when Huiyuan arrived at the foot of Lushan Mountain, he didn't believe it was good to build a temple in the forest. One night in a dream, he was instructed by the Great Buddha and decided that it was in fact the right place. That night a violent wind rose and pulled up the trees. Thus not only a piece of land but also the wood needed was ready for the temple. To show thanks, Huiyuan dedicated the name of the hall in honor of the Buddha.

Donglin Temple is a place of stories. There are also stories about other structures in the temple, such as Sanxiao Hall. Even the springs behind the main hall and the stream in front of the temple gate have marvelous stories.
Tourists have the chance to share vegetarian food with monks in the temple. Entering the dining hall, men sit in lines on the right side and women on the left. The monks stand in two lines reciting the Buddhist scriptures, kowtowing toward the Buddha and playing religious music. Tourists must not make any noise when eating. If they want more food, they can draw circles in their bowl with their chopsticks and the monks will help them. When the dinner is finished, monks will chant scriptures again to request the Buddha bless the tourists. The entire process is sacred and solemn and provides tourists with a sense of the culture of the Buddhist religion.



The lotus pond of Donglin Temple


The library of Donglin temple


Arhats in Donglin Temple