Travel Guide to Qingyuan District, Ji'an City, Jiangxi Province

Qingyuan District, Ji'an, Jiangxi — an important birthplace of Luling culture, featuring Meibei Ancient Village, Qingyuan Mountain, Futian Ancient Town and other distinctive attractions. Experience the fusion of ancient village charm, Zen culture and red history in one day.

Over 800 Years
History (Meibei Ancient Village founding)
914
Square Kilometers Area
220,000+
Permanent Population
15+
Nature & Culture Attractions
Panoramic view of Qingyuan Mountain in Qingyuan District, Ji'an
Qingyuan Mountain – Landmark of Qingyuan District
National scenic spot, ancestral court of the Qingyuan sect of Zen Buddhism, known for its "emerald, secluded, and elegant" scenery. The mountain houses Jingju Temple, Yangming Academy and other historic sites, praised as "the finest landscape in Jiangxi".

One-Day Ancient Village Zen Journey in Qingyuan District

Explore ancient villages, understand Zen on the mountain, trace red soil roots, savor Luling charm

Duration
1 Day
Main Destinations
Meibei Ancient Village, Qingyuan Mountain, Futian Ancient Town, Beixia Ancient Village, Donggu Revolutionary Base Site
Suitable For
History & culture enthusiasts, religious explorers, red tourism followers, photography lovers
Budget per person
¥200 – ¥500
Full Day
Qingyuan Ancient Villages & Zen Culture Experience Tour
Meibei Ancient Village · Qingyuan Mountain · Futian Ancient Town · Beixia Ancient Village
Highlights

Morning: Visit Meibei Ancient Village to admire Ming-Qing architecture and Luling folk customs; climb Qingyuan Mountain, visit Jingju Temple to experience Zen culture. Afternoon: Explore Futian Ancient Town for red memories and ancient architectural art; wander Beixia Ancient Village to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere. Evening: Visit Donggu Revolutionary Base Site to revisit revolutionary history.

Attractions Schedule
Meibei Ancient Village
China Historic and Cultural Village, founded in the Southern Song Dynasty, flourished in Ming and Qing. Features 367 preserved ancient buildings including ancestral halls, academies, and shops. Once a red revolutionary base, it is known as "The First Village of Luling Culture".
Qingyuan Mountain
National scenic spot, birthplace of the Qingyuan sect of Zen Buddhism. Elevation 320m. Houses Jingju Temple (built in 705 AD), Yangming Academy, Seven Ancestors Pagoda and other relics. Green forests, flowing streams — a tourist destination combining Zen culture and academy culture.
Futian Ancient Town
China Historic and Cultural Town, founded in the Three Kingdoms period, hometown of national hero Wen Tianxiang. Preserves numerous Ming-Qing buildings including Wen Family Ancestral Hall and Kuang Family Ancestral Hall. Also a red revolutionary base, known as "Red Ancient Town".
Beixia Ancient Village
Traditional Chinese village, founded in the Tang Dynasty, famous for its "Bagua layout". Preserves intact Ming-Qing building clusters with ancient streets, lanes and wells. Rich folk culture, acclaimed as "Luling Bagua Ancient Village".
Practical Information
Transportation
  • Take bus No. 208 from Ji'an city center to Qingyuan Mountain (about 30 min)
  • Meibei Ancient Village is about 20 km from city center, 40 min taxi or rural bus
  • Futian Ancient Town is about 25 km from Meibei, self-driving or chartered car recommended
  • Beixia Ancient Village is adjacent to Futian Ancient Town, walk or bike
Ticket Info
  • Meibei Ancient Village: ¥60
  • Qingyuan Mountain: Free (Jingju Temple ticket ¥10)
  • Futian Ancient Town: ¥50
  • Beixia Ancient Village: Free
  • Donggu Revolutionary Base Site: Free
Food Recommendations
  • Meibei Ancient Village farmhouse (Suichuan pressed duck, glutinous rice wine)
  • Qingyuan Mountain vegetarian restaurant (Luohan Zhai, plain noodles)
  • Futian Ancient Town old street (Ji'an fried rice noodles, fermented fish)
  • Downtown Wenshan Pedestrian Street (Yongxin dog meat, Anfu ham)

Must-Try Foods in Qingyuan District

Ji'an Fried Rice Noodles

A signature staple of Qingyuan District, made from local rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, shredded pork, etc. Golden in color, smooth and chewy in texture, a classic choice for breakfast and late-night snacks, full of Luling flavor.

Meibei Glutinous Rice Wine

A traditional brew from Meibei Ancient Village, made from premium glutinous rice using ancient methods. Orange-yellow in color, mellow and sweet, low alcohol content. Believed to nourish blood and beautify skin, a must-have for festivals and hospitality.

Qingyuan Vegetarian Cuisine

Specialty diet at Jingju Temple, Qingyuan Mountain. Made from soy products, vegetables, and mushrooms, crafted to resemble meat dishes. Realistic shapes, elegant taste, embodying Buddhist vegetarian culture — a representative Zen dining experience.

Donggu Mountain Dried Bamboo Shoots

Specialty from Donggu Mountain area in Qingyuan District. Fresh bamboo shoots are sun-dried and roasted, resulting in tender meat rich in dietary fiber. Can be stir-fried or braised. A traditional dried product and popular souvenir among tourists.

Qingyuan District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Wildflowers bloom on Qingyuan Mountain, ancient villages lush green, ideal for hiking and flower viewing.
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Pleasant weather, unique sun-drying scenes in ancient villages, perfect for photography.
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Cool in the mountains, great for escaping heat; be aware of flood season.
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer tourists, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of ancient villages and experience New Year vibes.
Must-Do Experiences
  • Admire Ming-Qing architecture and listen to Luling folktales in Meibei Ancient Village.
  • Pray at Jingju Temple on Qingyuan Mountain and experience Zen meditation.
  • Visit Wen Tianxiang's hometown in Futian Ancient Town and learn about the hero's deeds.
  • Walk the Bagua alleys in Beixia Ancient Village and discover the mystery of its layout.
  • Taste Ji'an fried rice noodles and glutinous rice wine to experience local flavors.
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥120
  • Meals: ¥80-150
  • Transport: ¥100-200 (self-driving fuel cost)
  • Shopping: ¥50-150 (dried bamboo shoots, glutinous rice wine, etc.)
  • Total: ¥200-500
FAQ
  • How long does it take to visit Meibei Ancient Village? → About 2-3 hours, including building visits and folk experiences.
  • Is there guide service on Qingyuan Mountain? → Guides can be booked at the entrance, fee ¥50-100.
  • Are there special performances in Futian Ancient Town? → Traditional Luling opera on weekends (10:00, 14:00).
  • Where to stay in Qingyuan District? → Many hotels in the city center, or better yet, a guesthouse in Meibei Ancient Village.

Explore Districts & Counties of Ji'an City