Buddhist temples, waterfalls and hot springs: Yichun’s highlights 🇨🇳
Nestled in the lush hills of northwestern Jiangxi, Yichun (宜春) is a serene mountain city known for its Zen Buddhist heritage and natural beauty. It is often called the "Spring City" for its mild climate and verdant landscapes. More than three-quarters of the prefecture is hilly or mountainous, with rice fields and pine forests stretching to the horizon. Yichun was the birthplace of the famous Jin-dynasty poet Tao Yuanming, and legends say three of China’s five major Zen schools originated here.
The crown jewel of Yichun’s scenery is the Mingyue (Moon) Mountain Scenic Area (明月山). Part of this national forest park is the Wentang hot springs town, famed for its selenium-rich mineral pools. Mingyue’s highlights include forested peaks, cascading waterfalls and ancient Taoist and Buddhist temples tucked into the hills. Don’t miss the nearby YunGu (Cloud Valley) Waterfall – a five-tier cascade (about 119 m high) on Taiping Mountain, one of Yichun’s classic scenic wonders often veiled in mist.
Wentang Town at the foot of Mingyue is a popular resort area. It hosts modern hot spring spas like the Jiangxi Mineral Spring Resort, set among pine forests with steaming pools for relaxation. In winter, the Mingyue Mountain Ski Resort nearby offers downhill and cross-country skiing. After your adventures, enjoy local Jiangxi cuisine and a soothing soak in the spa.
In the city center, the YuanZhou Drum Tower (谯楼) is a must-see historic site. Built in 944 CE (Southern Tang) and rebuilt in 1219, it was once an ancient observatory and timekeeping tower. Today it’s a protected cultural relic, with exhibits of traditional star charts and a viewing platform overlooking the Gulou Road pedestrian street below. Nearby, the Yichun Museum showcases the city’s history, and there are parks and gardens – such as the wetlands park and Liushan Retreat – perfect for a leisurely walk.
Families may enjoy Yichun Boonie Bears Land, a whimsical theme park based on China’s “Boonie Bears” cartoon. It features dozens of indoor and outdoor rides and live shows for children. For a quieter outing, visit the local tea plantations or bamboo forests on the city’s outskirts; these are especially beautiful in spring bloom and autumn colors.
Yichun is easily accessed by air and rail. The city’s Mingyueshan Airport (IATA: YIC) has flights from major cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, and a high-speed rail line links Yichun with Nanchang, Changsha and beyond. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and nature is at its most lush.
Address: Yichun (Yuanzhou District, Jiangxi)
Fun fact — The name “Yichun” (宜春) literally means “pleasant spring”. The city is nicknamed the “City of Spring” for its green, blossoming scenery and mild climate.