In the southwest of China’s Jiangxi Province, Jinggang Shan is found on a mountain by the same name. This city and surrounding area was a stronghold for the Chinese Red Army and is still a source of great patriotic pride.
Referred to as the ‘Cradle of the Chinese Revolution’, Jinggang Shan is the place where Mao Zedong established his first peasant soviet community. His 1,000-strong army was nursing its wounds after an early defeat, and the time spent regrouping in Jinggang Shan was just what Mao’s forces needed.
Today the city continues to be a bastion of communist pride, nostalgia and propaganda. Chinese tourists flock here to learn more about their country’s modern roots, and while many of the exhibits are geared more for the Chinese traveler, this remains an excellent place to get a first-hand perspective on China’s modern middle-class on holiday.
The outdoors is another local highlight. Mount Jinggang Shan looms nearby and visitors have plenty of opportunity to enjoy forest walks and sightseeing.
Travel to Jinggang - getting there
A new airport recently opened in Jinggang Shan, providing domestic service to regional cities. The most popular link is to Shanghai (1 hour) where international tourists make use of Pudong International Airport. A fleet of buses connect to neighboring cities in Jiangxi Province.
In brief
Worth it? Jinggang Shan may be interesting to anyone curious about China’s modern take on history.
What to do: visit Cultural Revolution sites, escape to Jinggang Shan Mountain.
Best time to go: August to October is the driest and warmest period.
How long? A day is enough to see Jinggang Shan.
Trivia: this city became a booming Mecca for veterans of the revolution, and at its peak 30,000 Red Guards arrived on pilgrimage every day.
Jinggang Shan attractions
- Revolution Museum: dedicated entirely to the revolution (from an extremely patriotic perspective), this museum targets Chinese tourists.
- Martyrs’ Cemetery: this is the final resting place for Red Guards who died during the revolution.
Side trips from Jinggang Shan
- 1 - Jinggang Shan Mountain: this neighboring peak has been designated as a Natural Protection Area and includes hiking trails and lakes.