Moon City In-Depth Pure Play Guide

A tailor-made five-day, four-night in-depth pure play parent-child tour route in Yichun City, Jiangxi Province, focusing on the diverse charm of the "Moon City · Hot Spring Town · Zen Buddhism Ancestral Court." Yichun boasts beautiful landscapes and rich culture, featuring natural wonders, health and wellness resources, and cultural heritage, making it ideal for slow family travel. The entire trip involves no shopping or hidden costs, with affordable expenses and a total budget controlled within 5,000 RMB. 🌿 Highlights: Moonlight Mountain moon viewing and hot springs · Visit temples at the source of Zen Buddhism · Explore ecological secret spots Best travel time & seasonal highlights: Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons bloom on Moonlight Mountain, covering the hills in pink; mild climate suitable for light hiking; tea picking and spring outings available. Summer (June–August): The top choice for summer retreats is Moonlight Mountain, with over 90% forest coverage, an average temperature of 22°C, cascading waterfalls, and a cool, pleasant environment; stay overnight in mountain homestays to enjoy the cool evenings. Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and colorful forests with golden ginkgo leaves make it the golden season for hiking and photography; coincides with the "Yichun Moon Culture Tourism Festival" (around Mid-Autumn Festival), featuring lantern shows, riddle guessing, and mooncake tasting with a festive atmosphere. Winter (December–February): After snowfall, Moonlight Mountain resembles an ink painting with sparkling frost; soaking in hot springs is most enjoyable, warming and comforting. 📅 Daily itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Yichun, first encounter with the "Moon City" Take the high-speed train to [Yichun Station] (about 1.5 hours from Nanchang, ticket price 70 RMB/person), then taxi to the city center for about 20 RMB. 🏡 Stay at an economy hotel or homestay in Yuanzhou District or at the foot of Moonlight Mountain (standard room about 260 RMB/night). Afternoon stroll along the [Xiujang Riverside Greenway] (free): An urban ecological corridor where elders walk and children ride bikes, experiencing the local lifestyle rhythm. 🍽 Must-try dinner: Yichun rice noodles, spicy hot pot skewers, smoked meat stir-fried with bamboo shoots, about 40 RMB per person. Day 2–3: Two-day essence tour of Moonlight Mountain (stay one night for a more relaxed experience) 🚌 Morning trip to [Moonlight Mountain Scenic Area] (30 minutes from the city, bus or carpool 25 RMB/person). 🎫 Tickets + sightseeing bus + cable car combo about 150 RMB/person (two-day pass recommended). Day 2 route: Easy ascent, enjoy bamboo sea and waterfalls Take the cable car directly near the mountain top, walk along the plank road to [Qingyun Plank Road] (suspended at a thousand meters high with magnificent views); Visit [Yungu Waterfall] (over 100 meters drop, misty and refreshing); Stay overnight in a mountain homestay or hotel in Wentang Town (book in advance, about 300 RMB/night). Day 3 descent route: Follow the stream downhill for less effort Pass through [Huangyue Bridge] and [Benyue Pavilion], with babbling streams and serene scenery along the way; Experience [Selenium-rich hot spring bathing] (recommended Wentang Town public bathhouse, barrel bath about 60 RMB/person, natural selenium water). ⚠️ Pitfall reminders: Food in the scenic area is expensive (boxed meals start at 60 RMB), bring your own snacks and hot water; Do not trust "wild guides" leading you on small trails, safety first; Choose official hot spring venues to avoid hygiene risks of roadside private baths. Day 4: Zen Buddhism Ancestral Court · Explore Yangshan Qiyin Zen Temple 🚌 Morning trip to [Yangshan Qiyin Zen Temple, Yifeng County] (1.5 hours from the city, round-trip carpool 100 RMB). 🎫 Free admission, main attractions: [Qiyin Zen Temple]: Ancient Tang Dynasty temple, birthplace of the "Weiyang Sect" of Zen Buddhism, peaceful incense atmosphere; [Yangshan Ancient Trail]: Winding stone steps, lush forest, suitable for family light hiking. Cultural feature: Listen to monks tell Zen stories, children can experience the tranquil atmosphere. 🍲 Lunch at a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain, try vegetarian meals and wild vegetables, about 35 RMB per person. Day 5: Intangible cultural heritage experience before departure + souvenir shopping Morning visit to [Yichun Museum] (free, reservation via official WeChat required): Exhibits on moon culture, Zen history, Hakka folk customs, with a children's interactive area. Experience [Lacquerware crafting] (provincial intangible cultural heritage, workshop experience about 50 RMB/person), take home a personalized souvenir. 🛍 Souvenir recommendations: Moonlight Mountain high mountain tea (selenium-rich green tea, under 80 RMB), Yichun rice noodles (vacuum-packed 30 RMB/bag), moon-themed cultural creative bookmarks (starting at 20 RMB). Return according to high-speed train schedule, ending a journey blending nature and culture. 💰 Overall budget (family of three) Item Estimated cost ------------ -------------- Round-trip transportation 1500–3000 RMB (depending on departure city) Accommodation (4 nights) 1040 RMB (average 260 RMB/night) Meals 900 RMB (50 RMB/person/day) Tickets + transport 700 RMB (including cable car, carpool, hot springs) Local transport 200 RMB Total About 4300–5800 RMB 🌼 Yichun cultural highlights Hometown of Moon Culture: Named by the China Folk Literature and Art Association, known as the "Moon City," with grand Mid-Autumn Festival events. Capital of Selenium-rich Hot Springs: Wentang Town’s hot spring water naturally contains selenium, drinkable and bathable, rare nationwide. One of the Zen Buddhism Ancestral Courts: Birthplace of the Weiyang Sect, with profound Buddhist cultural heritage. Ecological livable city: Forest coverage over 56%, fresh air, and a relaxed lifestyle pace. ✅ Warm tips: Book all scenic area tickets in advance via the "Moonlight Mountain Tourism" official WeChat; Large temperature differences in spring and autumn mornings and evenings, bring windproof jackets; use mosquito repellent in summer; If children are young, reduce hiking distance and focus on cable car rides and hot spring experiences. These five days will take you from the clear breeze of Moonlight Mountain into the Zen hot springs, revealing a Yichun that integrates natural beauty, health preservation, and cultural charm—perfect for a family to escape the hustle and bustle, gaining physical relaxation and spiritual enrichment in an unforgettable journey.