Jiujiang Travel Guide

Literally, Jiujiang means “nine rivers”. In fact, it is a strategically important city which has about 2200 years of history and has famous scenic spots scattered all over the city. Because it was virtually at the center of so many bodies of water, the city has been one of the four largest rice markets and one of the three largest tea markets in China.

Attractions

Jiujiang has many Cultural relics of Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Confucianism can be found on nearby Mt. Lushan. The mountain also features captivating rock formations, natural springs, temples and stone inscriptions. Most of Its 99 peaks rise over 1,000 meters above sea level.

Jiujiang historical buildings, among them are Suojiang Tower, Nengren Temple built in the 6th century, and Wave Well which is nearly 2,000 years old. Gantang Lake located downtown is historically significant as well. Besides, the Stone Bell Hill had been praised by  many poets in Old China.
 

History

Jiujiang was developed earlier in ancient time. In the Xia and Shang Dynasty, Jiujiang belongs to Jingzhou and Yangzhou. Jiujiang was located in the west territory of the Wu Kingdom and the east of the ChuKingdom during the Spring and Autumn Periods, so it was called "the head of the Wu Kingdom and the tail of the Chu Kingdom." Jiujiang first came into being as an administrative division during the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi Huang established 36 prefectures including Jiujiang prefecture. Later it was called Jiangzhou, Chaisang, Xunyang, Runan, Pencheng, Dehua etc. and among these Jiujiang, Chaisang, Xunyang and Jiangzhou are the best know.
 

Transportation

By air: Jiujiang airport is located in Jiujiang County, 50km away from the city. So far, there has flight to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Xiamen.

By train: Jiujiang Railway Station sits at the No.60 Changhong Dadao. Beijing-Kowloon Railway, Wujiu (Wuhan-Jiujiang), Hejiu (Hefei-Jiujiang) join together, which make it possible to Jiujiang by many trains.

By Bus: Changjiu and Jiujing Expressways and the 105, 316 national highways pass through Jiujiang.

By taxi: The flag-fall rate in city center is RMB5/2km.

By ferry: Jiujaing port is one of the biggest ports of Yangtze River valley with its passenger transportation and freight transportation coming the second and the fourth of all the ports along the Yangtze River.

Weather and Climate

Jiujiang covers a transitional area between the central sub-tropical and northern sub-tropical regions. Its annual average temperature is from 16C to 17C; Annual rainfall, 1300 - 1600mm; frost-free period, 239 - 266 days per year; and the average number of foggy days is never more than 16 days per year. Jiujiang is a city with a temperate climate, ample rainfall, ample sunshine and four distinctive seasons.
 

Food and Restaurant

As a transportation centre, the food in Jiujiang has a mixture of cuisines. The food in Lu Shan is the most famous. Lu Shan Banquet of Stone Frog, Stone Fish and Stone Fungus and Steamed Shrimps with Lu Shan Yunwu tea soup are worth a try. A famous traditional snack is Jiujiang Osmanthus Crispy Sweet.

Shiniu Jiujia
Price: Y40
Address: 15-1Zheng Jie, Lushan
Phone: 0792-8288093

Sanshifang Jiudian
Address: in the Taohuayuan scenic spot
Phone: 0792-2601879

Hongyun Restaurant
Address: #9 Youth Rd, Jiujiang
Tel: 0769-8182578
 

Accommodation

Jiujiang Comfort Inn
Address:No. 280 Changhong Avenue, Lushan District
Price: Y140-Y200

Lushan Hotel
Address: No.70 Hexi Road, Jiujiang
 

Shopping

The primary trading areas in Jiujiang are Bajiaoshi business district, Simatou business district and Shilidalou business district. The local specialties include tea, fish products, herbal medicine, bamboo ware and ink stone.
Lushan Tea has a long history and is reputed as one of the ten best teas in ancient times in China. It grows in Mount.Lushan and is famous all around the world for its fragrance and green color.
Fish in Poyang Lake is particularly delicious and contains abundant of nutrition. The fish has been used to make special dishes that are very popular with local people.

Jinxing Ink Stone has a history of over 1600 years. It is said that it was first made by TaoYuanming, a famous poet in East Jin Dynasty. Jinxing Ink Stone enjoys the reputation as “the best ink stone” in China.

Following are some markets where you can buy the specialties: 

Anmeida Supermarket
Address: Xiyi Rd, Jiujiang

Shijiliansheng Supermarket
Address: 9 South Taling Rd, Jiujiang

Changlong Department Store
Address: 16 South Gantang Rd, Jiujiang

Tips

1. Since it is sultry and rainy in summer and cold in winter, the best time to visit Jiujiang is in late spring and autumn.

2. Fish has an important meaning for Jiujiang people.

3. Drive yourself to Mt. Lushan is not allowed entering to the scenic spot.

4. Notice the lightning protection since it has plenty rainfall in Mt. Lushan.