Red Cradle Family Travel Guide
A 2-day, 1-night in-depth red-themed family trip tailored for a family of three to Jinggangshan, Jiangxi, focusing on the magnificent landscapes and profound history of the "Cradle of the Chinese Revolution." Jinggangshan is not only a national 5A-level tourist attraction but also a national patriotic education demonstration base, integrating red culture, natural scenery, and Hakka customs. Here, towering peaks and babbling streams coexist with the solemnity of revolutionary sites and the beauty of alpine meadows, making it perfect for families to learn history and get close to nature while walking.
🌿 Jinggangshan’s Most Famous Attractions and Best Travel Time
Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn (April–June, September–October)
In spring, rhododendrons bloom all over the mountains, especially the ten-mile rhododendron corridor at Bijia Mountain, dazzling like clouds; autumn offers cool weather and misty views, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Summer is good for escaping the heat (average temperature 22°C), while winter occasionally has snow but some routes are closed, so avoid severe cold when traveling with children.
Core Attractions Features:
Ciping Revolutionary Site Cluster: Includes Mao Zedong’s former residence, Red Army hospital, Red Fourth Army headquarters, etc., authentically restoring the Red Army’s living scenes; the exhibition halls are free and vividly presented.
Jinggangshan Museum (New Hall): A national-level thematic museum that uses audio-visual technology to comprehensively display the history of the Jinggangshan struggle, highly interactive and easy for children to understand.
Huangyangjie Outpost: Famous battle site, origin of the poem line “The cannon fire on Huangyangjie,” offering panoramic views of a hundred-mile sea of clouds from the heights.
Dajing Zhu-Mao Former Residence & Red Army Cave: Mao Zedong and Zhu De once lived here; in front of the house is the “Reading Stone,” which is highly educational.
Bijia Mountain Scenic Area or Wulongtan Waterfall Group: The former is famous for alpine rhododendrons, the latter features connected streams and waterfalls with gentle trails, suitable for family hiking.
📅 Detailed 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Jinggangshan, Step into Red Memories
It is recommended to take the high-speed train to Jinggangshan Station, then take a direct shuttle bus or taxi to Ciping Town (about 30 minutes, ticket 8 RMB/person, taxi about 50 RMB).
🎫 The scenic area uses a “one-ticket system”: 165 RMB/person in peak season (includes 22 attractions, valid for 5 days), free for children under 1.2 meters, half price for students. Sightseeing bus pass 80 RMB/person (mandatory purchase, as attractions are scattered and require bus travel).
In the afternoon, visit the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Museum (free, reservation required):
Gain a systematic understanding of the Jinggangshan struggle history; the exhibition hall is modern with simulated battlefields and drama videos, which greatly interest children;
Then visit Mao Zedong’s Former Residence in Ciping, the Red Army Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery (offering wreaths is voluntary).
🏡 Overnight in an economy hotel or guesthouse in Ciping Town (recommended “Jinggangshan Hotel,” “Red Star Hotel,” or chain budget hotels), standard rooms about 260 RMB/night, convenient location with many dining options.
🍽 Dinner features local dishes: Jinggangshan bean curd skin, smoked meat, small river fish, pumpkin soup, red rice, about 50 RMB per person, symbolizing “eating a Red Army meal.”
Day 2: Climb Huangyangjie + Nature Exploration → Return
In the morning, travel to Huangyangjie Outpost:
Visit trench ruins, artillery platforms, monuments, recite the poem “Xijiangyue · Jinggangshan,” and feel the passion of “a single spark can start a prairie fire”;
On clear days, enjoy the rolling sea of clouds, perfect for photos.
Next, visit Dajing Zhu-Mao Former Residence:
See the “Reading Stone” and “Evergreen Tree,” listen to the guide’s revolutionary stories, combining education and fun.
Before noon, choose a relaxed natural route:
If children have good stamina, recommend the Wulongtan Waterfall Group: follow the stream downstream, five waterfalls each with unique features, smooth plank roads, about 2 hours total;
Or choose Bijia Mountain (cable car up and down for less effort) to admire alpine rhododendrons and strange pine rocks.
Have lunch in Ciping, then return according to schedule.
💰 Overall Budget (for a family of three)
Item Estimated Cost
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Round-trip Transportation 600–1000 RMB (depending on departure location)
Accommodation (1 night) 260 RMB (economy hotel)
Meals 450 RMB (50 RMB per person/day)
Tickets + Sightseeing Bus 735 RMB (245 RMB per adult × 3)
Total About 2100–2500 RMB
Note: No mandatory spending inside the scenic area, all exhibitions are free, expenses are controllable.
🌼 Jinggangshan Cultural Highlights
Red Spirit Heritage: The first rural revolutionary base established by the Communist Party of China, nurturing the “Jinggangshan Spirit.”
Hakka Cultural Integration: Local residents are mostly Hakka, with light diet, hardworking and simple lifestyle, preserving traditional festivals and customs.
Ecological Treasure: Forest coverage exceeds 86%, home to rare flora and fauna, known as a “natural oxygen bar.”
⚠️ Important Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Do not trust “low-price tour guides or private car routes”: The scenic area is well managed, and official shuttle buses cover all attractions.
Wear comfortable sports shoes: Mountain paths have many steps, especially slippery sections at Wulongtan, watch your step.
Book the museum and cemetery in advance: Holidays may have visitor limits, so reserve through official platforms before departure.
Do not touch cultural relics or military exhibits casually: Visit respectfully and honor history.
Temperature varies greatly on the mountain: It is cooler in the morning and evening, bring a light jacket.
In just two days, you will walk through history into a green mountain, understand the power of faith on red soil, and feel nature’s gifts deep in the forest. Jinggangshan is not just a trip but a vivid family ideological and political lesson—letting children remember history while walking and grow amid mountains and waters. Travel light, return full of emotion.