Shicheng County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi – Travel Guide

Shicheng County in Ganzhou, Jiangxi — the Hometown of White Lotus in China, a historic red county, featuring famous attractions such as Tongtianzhai, Shicheng Blockade Battle Memorial Hall, Baofuyuan Pagoda, and Jiuzhai Hot Springs. Experience a 1-day in-depth fusion of Danxia wonders, red culture, and Hakka customs.

1300+
Years of Cultivation History (Shicheng White Lotus)
1581
km² Area
330K+
Resident Population
20+
Natural & Cultural Attractions
Panoramic view of Tongtianzhai in Shicheng County, Ganzhou
Tongtianzhai – Iconic Landscape of Shicheng County
National 4A-level scenic area, famous for its unique Danxia landform and 'rock face crack' landscape. White lotus flower sea at the summit contrasts with the ancient temple, hailed as 'Jiangnan Buddhist Danxia'

Shicheng County One-Day Danxia Hakka Tour

Danxia Exploration, Red History Remembrance, Ancient Pagoda Tracing, Hot Spring Wellness

Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Tongtianzhai, Shicheng Blockade Battle Memorial Hall, Baofuyuan Pagoda, Jiuzhai Hot Springs, Dashe Ancient Village
Best For
Nature lovers, red culture learners, history enthusiasts, wellness & leisure travelers
Budget per Person
¥200-¥600
Full Day
Shicheng Danxia & Red Culture Discovery Tour
Tongtianzhai · Shicheng Blockade Battle Memorial Hall · Baofuyuan Pagoda · Jiuzhai Hot Springs
Highlights

In the morning, climb Tongtianzhai to enjoy Danxia crack landscape and white lotus sea; visit the Shicheng Blockade Battle Memorial Hall to revisit revolutionary years; in the afternoon, view Baofuyuan Pagoda to marvel at Song Dynasty architectural wonders; soak in Jiuzhai Hot Springs for natural wellness; in the evening, stroll through Dashe Ancient Village to experience Hakka village charm.

Attractions
Tongtianzhai
National 4A-level scenic area, centered on unique Danxia landform, featuring natural wonders such as 'Root of Life' and 'Gate of Life'. The most famous 'rock face crack' landscape is rare nationwide. At the summit sits the Yuyu Temple first built in the Song Dynasty. Every summer, thousands of acres of white lotus bloom, complementing the Danxia scenery, known as 'Lotus of the Buddhist Kingdom'.
Shicheng Blockade Battle Memorial Hall
National patriotic education demonstration base, established on the site of the 1934 Shicheng Blockade Battle. Through artifacts, pictures, and scene restorations, it vividly presents the heroic deeds of the Red Army in blocking the Kuomintang army in Shicheng, serving as a historical window to understand the important battles before the Central Red Army's Long March.
Baofuyuan Pagoda
Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, first built during the Dazhong Xiangfu reign of the Northern Song Dynasty. A multi-eave brick pagoda, 59.8 meters tall with eight sides and nine levels, featuring exquisite structure. After a thousand years of wind and rain, it remains well-preserved, with Song Dynasty inscribed bricks and Buddha statues retained inside, an outstanding representative of Jiangnan Song pagodas.
Jiuzhai Hot Springs
A famous hot spring resort in southern Jiangxi, a natural geothermal hot spring with water temperature maintained at 58-62°C year-round. Rich in minerals such as metasilicic acid and fluoride, known as 'Wellness Spring'. The scenic area features over 30 pools of various sizes, complemented by hot spring hotels and water parks, making it an ideal choice for health and leisure.
Practical Information
Transportation
  • Take city bus Route 3 from Shicheng county town to Tongtianzhai (about 15 min)
  • Shicheng Blockade Battle Memorial Hall is in the new district, 5 min by taxi
  • Baofuyuan Pagoda is 1 km from the county center, walkable or by bike
  • Jiuzhai Hot Springs recommended by self-drive (about 20 km from county town)
Ticket Info
  • Tongtianzhai: ¥60
  • Shicheng Blockade Battle Memorial Hall: Free (reservation required)
  • Baofuyuan Pagoda: ¥20
  • Jiuzhai Hot Springs: ¥168 (reference price)
  • Dashe Ancient Village: Free
Food Recommendations
  • Shicheng Meatball Restaurant in the old town district
  • Farmhouse at the foot of Tongtianzhai (White Lotus Old Duck Soup, Hakka Stuffed Tofu)
  • Jiuzhai Hot Springs Hotel Wellness Dining (Hot Spring Eggs, Medicinal Diet)
  • Dashe Ancient Village Hakka Snack Shop (Lamp-shaped Cake, Huangyuan Rice Cake)

Must-Try Foods in Shicheng County

Shicheng Meatballs

A classic Hakka snack of Shicheng, made from fresh pork pounded until sticky and rolled into balls for steaming. The texture is Q-elastic and firm, can be dipped in sauce or boiled in soup. An essential dish on festive and everyday tables in Shicheng, known as 'Reunion Meatballs'.

White Lotus Old Duck Soup

A specialty health dish of Shicheng, made with local old duck meat and Shicheng white lotus slow-simmered. The soup is fresh and delicious, the duck meat tender, and the lotus seeds soft and glutinous. Combining nourishment and flavor, it is a representative dish of the 'Hometown of White Lotus in China', especially suitable for summer consumption.

Shicheng Lamp-Shaped Cake

A traditional street snack of Shicheng, named for its lamp-like shape. Made from rice batter with shredded radish, minced meat, and other fillings, deep-fried until golden and crispy. Crispy outside and tender inside, savory and delicious, a common choice for breakfast and late-night snacks in Shicheng.

Shicheng White Lotus

National Geographical Indication product, one of Shicheng's 'Three Treasures'. With over a thousand years of cultivation history, the lotus seeds are plump and full, white and round in color, soft and fragrant when cooked, rich in protein. It is both a premium ingredient and a nourishing product, the most representative souvenir of Shicheng.

Travel Tips for Shicheng County
Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): White lotus in full bloom at Tongtianzhai, thousands of acres of flower sea contrasting with Danxia, scenery at its best
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Cool climate, suitable for mountain climbing and ancient village visits, lotus harvest can be tasted
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Peak season at Jiuzhai Hot Springs, soak in hot springs to ward off cold, fewer tourists
  • Spring (Mar-May): Tongtianzhai fresh green emerges, suitable for spring outings and flower viewing
Must-Do Experiences
  • View the 'rock face crack' landscape at Tongtianzhai, enjoy white lotus sea and Yuyu Temple in summer
  • Listen to Red Army stories at the Shicheng Blockade Battle Memorial Hall, watch battle simulation videos
  • Observe Song Dynasty architectural details at Baofuyuan Pagoda, capture the beautiful scene of ancient pagoda and Qinjiang River together
  • Relax in Jiuzhai Hot Springs, experience special medicinal baths
  • Learn to make Huangyuan Rice Cake at Dashe Ancient Village, taste freshly fried Lamp-shaped Cake
Budget Reference
  • Tickets & Hot Springs: approx ¥248
  • Meals: ¥70-150
  • Transport: ¥50-120 (self-drive fuel cost)
  • Shopping: ¥60-200 (white lotus, dried meatballs, etc.)
  • Total: ¥200-600
FAQ
  • Is the hike at Tongtianzhai difficult? → There is a sightseeing car (¥20/person); walking in the core scenic area is moderately difficult
  • Where to buy the most authentic Shicheng white lotus? → 'White Lotus Trading Market' in the county town or large supermarkets
  • Are Jiuzhai Hot Springs suitable for children? → There are family shallow water areas with controllable water temperature, suitable for family fun
  • Where is recommended accommodation in Shicheng? → Hotels in the county town or Jiuzhai Hot Springs Resort, convenient transportation