Chaisang District

Chaisang District, under the jurisdiction of Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, is located in the northern part of Jiangxi, southwest of Jiujiang City, on the south bank of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and at the western foot of Lushan Mountain. The total area is 873.33 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 310,000 (2023 data). Chaisang has a long history, formerly known as Chaisang County, established in the sixth year of Emperor Gaozu of the Western Han Dynasty (201 BC), with a history of over 2,200 years, making it one of the earliest established counties in the Jiujiang area. It is the hometown of Tao Yuanming, a great poet of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, whose famous works such as "The Peach Blossom Spring" and "Returning to Live in the Country" are widely loved. Therefore, Chaisang is known as the "Hometown of Chinese Pastoral Poetry." Chaisang District is also the hometown of Li Liejun, a pioneer of the modern democratic revolution. The district boasts rich natural and cultural landscapes, integrating famous mountains, rivers, lakes, and villages, making it an important ecological barrier and cultural tourism destination in Jiujiang. In 2023, Chaisang District was selected for the list of China's Most Beautiful Counties, attracting visitors from all directions with its unique pastoral scenery, profound historical heritage, and increasingly improved tourism services.

I. Core Attractions

1. Chinese Xianmu Garden (National 4A-level Tourist Attraction): Located in the urban area of Chaisang District, it is a large cultural park themed on virtuous mother culture. The park features sculptures such as Mencius's mother moving three times and Yue Fei's mother tattooing characters, as well as the Xianmu Culture Museum. Free admission, open 08:00-17:30. Take bus routes 19 or 75 from downtown Jiujiang.

2. Tao Yuanming Memorial Hall (Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit): Located in Shahe Street Town, Chaisang District, it is an important venue commemorating Tao Yuanming. The hall displays Tao Yuanming's life stories, poems, and historical research materials. Ticket: 20 yuan, open 08:30-17:00 (closed on Mondays). Take Jiujiang bus routes 1 or 2 to "Tao Yuanming Memorial Hall" stop.

3. Yue Fei's Mother's Tomb (Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit): Located in Shizi Town, Chaisang District, it is the tomb of Yao, mother of Yue Fei, a famous general of the Southern Song Dynasty. The tomb area is solemn and surrounded by verdant pines and cypresses. Free admission, self-driving recommended (about 15 km from the city center, 20-minute drive).

4. Shizi Cave (Karst Cave): Located in Shizi Town, Chaisang District, it is a typical karst cave with various stalactites, known as the "No.1 Cave in Jiangnan." Ticket: 50 yuan, open 08:00-17:00. Take a bus from downtown Jiujiang to Shizi Town, then walk or take a taxi.

5. Yongquan Cave: Located in Yongquan Township, Chaisang District, the cave has perennial springs and fantastic scenery. Ticket: 40 yuan, open 08:00-17:00. Suitable for summer visits.

6. Jiujiang Forest Botanical Garden (Saicheng Lake Scenic Area): Located by Saicheng Lake in Chaisang District, it is an ecological scenic area integrating plant science and leisure sightseeing. Free admission, take bus route 20 to "Saicheng Lake" stop. Best visited in spring and autumn.

II. Special Cuisine

1. Chaisang Pressed Duck: Made from local ducks, cured and dried through traditional techniques, with firm texture and savory taste. Recommended purchase: Shahe Street Town Farmers' Market (about 40 yuan each).

2. Lushan Stone Frog: Chaisang is close to Lushan, and stone frog (spiny frog) is a local mountain delicacy with tender meat. Recommended restaurant: "Taoranju" Restaurant in Chaisang District (about 60 yuan per person).

3. Steamed Pork with Rice Flour: A traditional home-style dish in Chaisang, with soft rice flour and fragrant meat. Recommended tasting: "Laozihao Steamed Dish Restaurant" on Chaisang Old Street (about 30 yuan per person).

4. Saicheng Lake Fish Head: Saicheng Lake has excellent water quality, producing plump fish heads. Recommended restaurant: "Saicheng Lake Fishing Village" (near Saicheng Lake Scenic Area, about 80 yuan per person).

III. Transportation Guide

1. External Transportation: - High-speed rail: Lushan Station (located in Chaisang District, a junction of Beijing-Kowloon High-speed Railway and Wuhan-Jiujiang Passenger Dedicated Line) is about 5 km from the city center. It takes about 1 hour by high-speed rail from Nanchang, Wuhan, Hefei, etc. - Air: Jiujiang Lushan Airport (located in Mahuiling Town, Chaisang District) is about 20 km from the city center, with flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, etc. - Highway: Fuzhou-Yinchuan Expressway and Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway pass through Chaisang District, with exits at Lushan Station and Chaisang.

2. Internal Transportation: - Bus: Jiujiang bus routes 1, 2, 19, 20, 75 cover major attractions. - Taxi: Starting fare 7 yuan (including 2 km), convenient within the city. - Shared bikes: Hello and Meituan bikes are available in the city, suitable for short trips.

IV. Recommended Tour Routes

One-day tour: Chinese Xianmu Garden (morning) → Tao Yuanming Memorial Hall (after lunch) → Shizi Cave (afternoon) Two-day tour: D1: Chinese Xianmu Garden + Jiujiang Forest Botanical Garden (stay in Chaisang city); D2: Yue Fei's Mother's Tomb + Yongquan Cave (return)

V. Accommodation Recommendations

1. Hampton by Hilton Chaisang District (4-star): Located on Chaisang Avenue, 2 km from Lushan Station, about 350 yuan/night. 2. Tao Yuanming Cultural Theme Hotel: A characteristic guesthouse near Tao Yuanming Memorial Hall, about 200 yuan/night.