Longnan City

Longnan City is located at the southernmost tip of Jiangxi Province, in the southern part of Ganzhou City, at the intersection of the Nanling and Wuyi mountain ranges. It borders Dingnan County to the east, Heping County and Lianping County of Guangdong Province to the south, Quannan County to the west, and Xinfeng County to the north. The city covers a total area of 1,646 square kilometers, administers 9 towns and 5 townships, and has a permanent population of approximately 320,000 (2023). Longnan has a long history, established as a county in 953 AD during the Southern Tang dynasty, and was upgraded to a city in 2020. It is one of the important birthplaces of Hakka culture, with 376 enclosed houses (weiwu), earning it the title of "Hometown of Chinese Enclosed Houses." It is home to the Jiulian Mountain National Nature Reserve and the Nanwudang Mountain National Scenic Area, with a forest coverage rate of 82.3%, making it an ecological pearl on the border of Jiangxi and Guangdong. Longnan is famous for its unique Hakka enclosed houses, Danxia landforms, and eco-tourism, making it an excellent destination for experiencing authentic Hakka customs and natural scenery.

I. Core Attractions 1. Nanwudang Mountain: Located in Wudang Town, about 30 km from the city center, a 40-minute drive. It is a national 4A-level scenic area and national scenic spot, typical Danxia landform, with the main peak at 864 meters. Featured attractions include "Wudang Ancestral Temple," "One Line Sky," and "Sky Corridor." Ticket: 80 yuan, opening hours: 8:00-17:00. Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours; wear comfortable shoes for hiking. 2. Guanxi Enclosed Houses Group: Located in Guanxi Town, about 15 km from the city center, a 20-minute drive. It is a national 4A-level scenic area, centered on Guanxi New Enclosed House, including Tianxin Enclosed House and Penggao Enclosed House. Guanxi New Enclosed House was built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty (1798-1827), covering about 7,700 square meters, and is the largest existing enclosed house in southern Jiangxi. Ticket: 60 yuan, opening hours: 8:30-17:30. Visitors can deeply experience Hakka life and admire the carved beams and painted rafters of the enclosed houses. 3. Jiulian Mountain National Nature Reserve: Located in the southern part of Longnan City, about 50 km from the city center, a 1-hour drive. It is one of the best-preserved subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystems, known as the "Pearl of the Nanling Mountains." The reserve covers 23,000 hectares, with the main peak Huangniushi at 1,430 meters. Free admission, reservation required, suitable for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Suggested half-day to full-day visit. 4. Yanyi Enclosed House: Located in Yangcun Town, about 40 km from the city center, a 50-minute drive. Built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties (1650), it is the tallest enclosed house in southern Jiangxi (four stories high), known for its defensive functions. Ticket: 20 yuan, opening hours: 8:00-18:00.

II. Special Experiences 1. In-depth Tour of Hakka Enclosed Houses: Longnan has 376 enclosed houses. Besides Guanxi New Enclosed House and Yanyi Enclosed House, recommend Wushi Enclosed House (built in Ming Dynasty) and Longguang Enclosed House (built in Qing Dynasty). Rent a car or charter for a tour, suggest 2-3 days. 2. Hakka Folk Experience: At Guanxi Enclosed Houses Group, participate in activities like making ciba (pounded glutinous rice cake), stuffed tofu, and Hakka lei cha (ground tea). Contact the scenic area in advance for reservations. 3. Hiking and Cycling: Jiulian Mountain has multiple hiking routes, such as the Huangniushi summit trail (about 6 hours). There are cycling paths around Nanwudang Mountain.

III. Food Recommendations 1. Longnan Stuffed Tofu: Made with local tofu, pork, and mushrooms, tender and delicious. The most authentic is at "Laozihao Stuffed Tofu Shop" in Yangcun Town. 2. Hakka Pounded Fish: Fish meat pounded into paste and made into balls, chewy and smooth. Recommended at "Hakka Flavor Restaurant" in Guanxi Town. 3. Tangpi (Steamed Rice Skin): Made from rice slurry, steamed, can be added with pickled vegetables, chili, etc., a great breakfast choice. Try "Longnan Tangpi King" in the city center. 4. Farmhouse Meals at the Foot of Nanwudang Mountain: Offers local chicken, bamboo shoots, wild vegetables, etc., about 50 yuan per person.

IV. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: - High-speed rail: Ganzhou-Shenzhen High-speed Railway has Longnan East Station, about 5 km from the city center. From Ganzhou West Station to Longnan East Station takes about 30 minutes, from Shenzhen North Station about 1.5 hours. - Self-driving: Daguang Expressway and Longhe Expressway pass through. From Ganzhou city to Longnan city center takes about 1 hour, from Guangzhou about 3 hours. 2. Internal Transportation: - Bus: City buses connect major attractions. Tourist shuttles to Guanxi Enclosed Houses and Nanwudang Mountain (10 yuan/person). - Taxi/Ride-hailing: Starting fare 6 yuan in city center; to Guanxi Enclosed Houses about 30 yuan, to Nanwudang Mountain about 50 yuan. - Charter: For visiting enclosed houses, charter a car for about 300-400 yuan per day.

V. Practical Tips - Best season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November), pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. - Accommodation: Recommend city hotels (e.g., Longnan International Hotel) or guesthouses in Guanxi Town (e.g., Weiwu Renjia Inn), price 150-300 yuan/night. - Equipment: For hiking, bring sunscreen, hat, trekking poles; for Jiulian Mountain, bring mosquito repellent.