Nanchang (南昌 Nánchāng) is the capital of Jiangxi Province and is the cultural, economic, and scientific center of Jiangxi. The city has deep ties to Chinese communist history, known as Heroes' City because it was here that the "first shots of the revolution were heard"; it's where the communist uprising of 1 August 1927 began. This is why "BaYi" (8-1; August 1st) is throughout the city, including the central square with its monument.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The city is largely split (both in geography, and in social class) by the Gan river (Ganjiang). Compare the old, cultural, and claustrophobic main city of Nanchang (east of the Gan River) with the new, shiny, almost cultureless city of Honggutan, to the west of the river (where many expats live). It is connected by a few bridges, the BaYi and Nanchang bridges being the most used. The BaYi Bridge joins the old city on the east bank of the river with the new city on the west.
Taxis and buses (and the new "metro" underground rail) are the most popular ways of getting around, but you can also rent motorcycle taxis at your own risk. Bus journeys are ¥2 (new for 2016) regardless of distance traveled (¥2+ for the double decker buses). Taxi fare in Nanchang is standard for China, with the initial starting price for a ride in a taxi being ¥8 (new taxis), and for the old taxis (usually light blue or light green) being ¥6 (old taxis) -- both for up to 2 km (or certain wait time). Beyond this mandatory starting-price-region, the rate is ¥1.9 per kilometer.
Bayi Monument, Bayi Avenue, Donghu District, Nanchang City (Located in the center of Bayi Square, on Bayi Avenue.rail traffic Nanchang Metro Line 1, Nanchang Metro Line 2: Bayi Square station: 2 exits (southwest of Bayi Square), 3 exits (West of Bayi Square, Jinshui Bridge), 4 exits (northwest of Bayi Square, leading to Wanda and Fortune Plaza), 5 exits (leading to department stores).). Open all day, free.
Walk along the west bank of the Gan river on a Saturday or Sunday and buy a cheap kite (Y10-30); join the hundreds of Chinese kite fliers. It's surprisingly fun. Amusement parks - There is the Wanda Amusement Park in south Honggutan. There is also a smaller "fair" styled (but permanent) amusement park on the west bank of the Gan river (just south of the BaYi bridge in Honggutan). Here you can ride some surprisingly decent (and terrifying) rides, or try the dangerously-fast bumper cars for an awesome thrill and potential spinal injuries.
Nanchang mixed noodles. Nanchang mixed flour is a delicious snack in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province. It belongs to Jiangxi cuisine. Put rice noodles into boiling water, then put on a plate and add chopped pepper, peanuts, radish cubes, cooking oil, soy sauce, onion and other seasonings to mix, according to personal taste to carry out the proportion of seasonings. (updated Oct 2023) Crock soup. Crock pot soup, also known as folk crock pot soup, is a traditional method of simmering soup and a representative of Jiangxi cuisine.
MinDe Lu is the main bar street. Here you will find the bars most popular with the expat community, including Muse & C2 Clubs, Queen, and Helen's (nearby). There is also, apparently, a main walking street, with an upscale apartment complex, where there are 3-4 bars and a few clubs, all of which are hopping on the weekends. Another area is found around Fuzhou Road, there is VV club, and CD 1925. Honggutan (west of the Gan river) also has the second Bossa Nova Bar, very popular with Expats. Chicon ("时空"), 61 Hubin Nan lu, 湖滨南路61号 (about 100 m from New Century Kaimei Hotel, next to Unicup coffee). Great place with an authentic European decor. This place feels like Europe.
The people of Nanchang are very loud. Westerners see them as yelling at one another, perhaps even aggressive. Generally, assume the person is just being friendly with you, not affronting. If things do get violent for some reason, note than there are stories floating around in China that Chinese will not fight fair (ie: swarming/group attacks, knives/weapons), in order to save face against a Westerner. Pickpockets may be around, especially near Zhongshan Road area.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Nanchang typically sees ~36°C daytime highs and 15 rainy days.
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