Shangyou County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi – Travel Guide

Shangyou County in Ganzhou, Jiangxi — an ecological pearl at the source of the Gan River, featuring famous attractions such as Yangming Lake, Gannan Forest Train, Wuzhi Peak, and Hakka Terraces. Experience a 1-day in-depth fusion of ecological landscapes and Hakka culture.

60+

Years of History (Gannan Forest Train)

1543

km² Area

300K+

Resident Population

25+

Eco & Cultural Attractions

Panoramic view of Yangming Lake in Shangyou County, Ganzhou

Yangming Lake – Iconic Landscape of Shangyou County

The largest artificial lake in southern Jiangxi, with over a hundred islands in the lake and lush mountains on both sides, known as the 'Thousand Island Lake of Jiangxi', a paradise for eco-tourism and water recreation

Shangyou County One-Day Eco Landscape Tour

Lake Sightseeing, Train Memory Seeking, Peak Exploration, Terrace Charm Hunting

                        
Duration
1 Day

                        
Main Destinations
Yangming Lake, Gannan Forest Train, Wuzhi Peak, Shangyou Hakka Terraces, Baishuizhai Scenic Area

                        
Best For
Eco enthusiasts, families, photography fans, outdoor hikers

                        
Budget per Person
¥200-¥500

Full Day

Shangyou Eco Landscape Discovery Tour

Yangming Lake · Gannan Forest Train · Wuzhi Peak · Hakka Terraces

Highlights

In the morning, cruise Yangming Lake by boat to enjoy lake and mountain scenery, ride the Gannan Forest Train through the forest sea; in the afternoon, climb Wuzhi Peak to view strange peaks and seas of clouds, visit Hakka terraces to experience farming culture; in the evening, stroll through Baishuizhai Scenic Area for countryside leisure.

Attractions

Yangming Lake

Formerly known as Doushui Lake, a national 4A-level scenic area covering 31 km² of water surface with 427 islands. Ancient trees tower on both banks and the lake water is crystal clear. Visitors can take boat tours and explore islands, experiencing the scenery of 'a lake of blue water, ten miles of gallery'.

Gannan Forest Train

First built in 1964 with a gauge of 762 mm, it is currently the best-preserved forest train route in southern China. The full journey is about 19 km, passing through forests, bamboo groves, and villages, known as a 'living fossil of the Industrial Revolution'.

Wuzhi Peak

Named for five peaks resembling fingers, the main peak is 1,607 meters above sea level. The scenic area features waterfalls, seas of clouds, and primeval forests. As a national forest park, it is suitable for hiking, camping, and sunrise viewing, hailed as the 'No. 1 Peak of Southern Jiangxi'.

Shangyou Hakka Terraces

Distributed across Yingqian, Shuiyan, and other townships, dating back hundreds of years. Built along mountain contours, they present different scenery in each season — glistening water in spring and rolling rice waves in autumn — a living fossil of Hakka farming civilization.

Practical Information

Transportation

Tourist shuttle from Shangyou county town to Yangming Lake
Gannan Forest Train: self-drive to Yuancun Station (about 15 km from county town)
Wuzhi Peak recommended by self-drive (about 60 km from county town, some mountain roads)
Hakka Terraces accessible by rural bus to Yingqian Town then walk

Ticket Info

Yangming Lake: ¥60 (including boat tour)
Gannan Forest Train: ¥80
Wuzhi Peak: ¥50
Hakka Terraces: Free
Baishuizhai Scenic Area: ¥30

Food Recommendations

Doushui Lake Whole Fish Feast (silverfish, stonefish specialties)
Yuancun Hakka Lei Cha (pounded tea) House
Yingqian Town Hakka Tofu Feast
County town Bao Mi Guo (rice fruit) specialty shop

Must-Try Foods in Shangyou County

Shangyou Bao Mi Guo (Rice Fruit)

A classic Hakka snack of Shangyou, made from rice ground into a paste and steamed into a skin, wrapped with shredded radish, dried bamboo shoots, minced meat, and other fillings. The texture is chewy and delicious, a must-have for breakfast and festive occasions in Shangyou.

Doushui Lake Whole Fish Feast

Made from Yangming Lake (Doushui Lake) specialties such as silverfish, stonefish, and bigmouth fish, prepared using steaming, boiling, frying, and other methods. A single feast can feature over ten types of fish flavors — fresh without any fishy taste — representing Shangyou's eco-cuisine.

Hakka Stuffed Tofu

A traditional Hakka famous dish of Shangyou, stuffing fresh pork filling into water tofu, pan-fried and then simmered. The tofu absorbs the meat's aroma, crispy outside and tender inside, reflecting the Hakka culinary culture of 'no stuffing, no feast'.

Shangyou High Mountain Tea

Produced in the high mountain areas of Shangyou such as Wuzhi Peak and Meiling. Due to high altitude and abundant clouds, the tea leaves have a rich aroma and a mellow, sweet taste. It is a specialty agricultural product and a great souvenir choice from Shangyou.

Travel Tips for Shangyou County

Best Time to Visit

Spring (Mar-May): Yangming Lake mountain flowers in bloom, Hakka terraces reflect the sky with shimmering water
Summer (Jun-Aug): Wuzhi Peak provides cool escape, ideal for stream trekking and water play
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Terraces golden with rice waves, lake scenery with clear skies and light clouds
Winter (Dec-Feb): Occasional snow on Wuzhi Peak, forest train experience with fewer crowds and tranquility

Must-Do Experiences

Cruise Yangming Lake by boat, experience 'boat sailing on water, people sitting in a painting'
Ride the Gannan Forest Train, snap photos of retro carriages and forest seas along the way
Hike Wuzhi Peak to the observation deck, encounter seas of clouds and sunrise
Photograph the Hakka terraces, record the grandeur of farming civilization
Taste Doushui Lake silverfish steamed egg, experience the freshness of eco-cuisine

Budget Reference

Tickets: approx ¥220
Meals: ¥80-150
Transport: ¥80-180 (self-drive fuel & tolls)
Shopping: ¥50-200 (tea, dried fish, etc.)
Total: ¥200-500

FAQ

How long does the Yangming Lake boat tour take? → Approximately 2.5 hours including island stopover
Is the forest train suitable for children? → Yes, the ride is gentle with beautiful scenery
Is the hike at Wuzhi Peak difficult? → There are easy trails and professional routes, choose according to preference
Where is recommended accommodation in Shangyou? → B&Bs around Yangming Lake or hotels in the county town, convenient transportation