Things To Do
in Guixi
Guixi (贵溪) is a county-level city in northeastern Jiangxi province, administratively under Yingtan, characterized by a mix of small-city industry, agricultural landscapes and nearby scenic hills. The town acts as a gateway to regional attractions such as Longhu Mountain and the wetlands around Poyang Lake, while retaining a quiet, local atmosphere. Streets are lined with traditional markets, modest eateries and new residential neighborhoods, offering an authentic slice of inland China away from major tourist hubs.
Travelers find easy access to regional rail and road links, making Guixi a convenient base for exploring eastern Jiangxi's nature and cultural sites.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the old streets of Guixi, where traditional architecture and vibrant local markets await. Stop by a local tea house to savor the unique flavors of Jiangxi tea while mingling with the friendly locals. Capture the picturesque scenery around the ancient Guixi Pavilion, which offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.
Visit the Guixi Museum to delve deeper into the cultural heritage of the region, showcasing artifacts that tell the story of its past. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local specialties such as rice noodles and spicy fish. Spend your afternoon exploring the quaint boutiques and artisan shops that line the streets, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
As the sun sets, make your way to the scenic riverside park, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the water. The evening lights reflect beautifully on the river, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Treat yourself to dinner at a riverside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood while enjoying the lively ambiance.
Begin your morning with a refreshing hike in the Donghu Scenic Area, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. As you traverse the trails, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Stop at a viewpoint to take in the breathtaking vistas of Donghu Lake and capture some stunning photographs.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, surrounded by the serene beauty of the landscape. Spend the afternoon engaging in water activities like kayaking or paddle boating, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the lake. Alternatively, you can relax under the shade of trees and read a book, soaking in the peaceful environment.
As dusk approaches, take a leisurely stroll along the lake's edge, watching the vibrant colors of the sunset reflect on the water. Return to the main park area where local vendors offer a variety of snacks and drinks to enjoy as you unwind. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring local dishes, enjoying the flavors of Jiangxi cuisine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🎟️Local attraction entry fee | $2-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local atmosphere away from mass tourism
- Affordable food and accommodation
- Good access to natural attractions like Longhu Mountain and Poyang Lake
- Easy base for exploring eastern Jiangxi and regional culture
- Limited English and tourist infrastructure compared with major cities
- Fewer direct flights and long travel times from major international hubs
- Nightlife and entertainment options are modest
- Weather can be hot and rainy in summer
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "请问... (qǐngwèn...)" - Excuse me / May I ask...
- "多少钱?(duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is it?
- "厕所在哪里?(cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "可以刷卡吗?(kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Can I pay by card?
- "帮我拍张照可以吗?(bāng wǒ pāi zhāng zhào kěyǐ ma?)" - Could you take a photo of me?
Places to Visit in Guixi
Visit one of these nice places.
Spectacular Taoist temples, jagged rock formations and forested trails provide dramatic sunrise and landscape photography; best visited early to avoid crowds.
Traditional street scenes, market activity and riverside life make for expressive street photography and candid portraits of local daily life.
Expansive wetlands and migrating waterbirds offer nature and wildlife photo opportunities, especially during migration seasons and at dawn/dusk.
Rolling rural landscapes, seasonal planting or harvest scenes and small bridges/streams are great for pastoral shots and close-up agricultural details.
Food in Guixi
Guixi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Simple steamed or braised fish made from local rivers and lakes, often served with ginger and scallion; best found at riverside restaurants and family eateries.
Must-Try!
Tender pork belly slow-braised in soy, sugar and spices — a Jiangxi classic that pairs well with plain rice and is widely available in local restaurants.
Light bowls of rice noodles or congee are common breakfasts; vendors at morning markets serve variations with pickles, preserved vegetables and shredded meat.
Salted mustard greens and preserved roots are staple condiments in Jiangxi cuisine, appearing with many meals and available from markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical wet market selling fresh produce, live fish and poultry, tofu and breakfast stalls; ideal for trying local snacks and seeing ingredients used in daily cooking.
Evening market area where vendors sell skewers, fried snacks, sweet pastries and local desserts — try grilled corn, fried dumplings and sesame pancakes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite nods, slight bows or a handshake for introductions are common. Show respect to elders and allow older people to board public transport first when appropriate.
Communal dishes are common — try a bit of everything if offered. It’s polite to gesture food towards others and to use serving chopsticks if provided; avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.
Dress modestly and speak quietly in religious sites. Follow local customs (remove hats, avoid loud photography during rituals) and respect signs restricting access.
Safe topics include food, family and local life. Avoid sensitive political topics and be cautious when discussing land or development issues with strangers.
Safety
Tipping in Guixi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local eateries and taxis; small tips are increasingly accepted in tourist-facing hotels and some restaurants, but are not expected. For guides or exceptional service, a modest cash thank-you is fine.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate urban transactions, including markets and small vendors. Cash (RMB) is still widely used in rural areas; international credit cards may be accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants but less so in small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild, increasingly warm weather with occasional showers; countryside becomes green and flowers bloom — a pleasant time for hikes and photography, though expect some wet days.
Hot and humid with high rainfall during the monsoon months (June–July); afternoons can be heavy with thunderstorms. Bring light clothing, waterproof gear and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.
Clearer skies, comfortable temperatures and lower humidity; arguably the best season for outdoor activities and sightseeing with good air quality and vivid foliage in higher areas.
Cool and relatively damp but not severely cold compared with northern China; occasional cold snaps and gray days — pack a warm layer and expect fewer tourists.
Guixi at Night
Hiking in Guixi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Well-known Taoist mountain with scenic trails, temples and rock formations; trails suit a range of fitness levels and offer impressive vistas.
Lowland walks and boardwalks around wetland areas ideal for birdwatching and flat, gentle hikes; best in drier seasons for access.
Gentle trails through nearby hills and tea plots provide peaceful walks and cultural insight into local agriculture and harvest practices.
Airports
How to reach Guixi by plane.
The major regional airport serving Jiangxi province; roughly a 2–3 hour drive or train ride from Guixi depending on connections — good choice for domestic and some international flights.
Closer for eastern Jiangxi travelers (approximately 1–1.5 hours by road), with domestic connections to larger hubs; convenient for visitors combining pottery-city visits with Guixi.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The overwhelming majority of residents are Han Chinese, speaking local Gan dialects and Mandarin for official use.
Like many smaller Chinese cities, Guixi has a noticeable population of elderly residents who live in suburban and rural villages, while younger people often move to larger cities for work.
There are small numbers of ethnic minority groups in the province, but they represent a minor portion of Guixi’s population; cultural life is predominantly Han Chinese.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Indoor racket sports are widely popular and commonly played in community centers and parks.
Basketball courts are common and the sport is popular among youth and students.
In areas near Poyang Lake and rivers, dragon boat activities and seasonal rowing events are traditional and locally popular.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guixi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; order dishes centered on seasonal vegetables, tofu and egg preparations, and request no fish sauce or meat stock. Use the phrase “我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)” to indicate vegetarianism and be explicit about avoiding meat broths.
Vegan dining is more challenging due to frequent use of eggs, lard and meat-based broths. Carry a translation card explaining restrictions and stick to vegetable stir-fries, cold tofu dishes and simple rice or noodle preparations.
Rice-based dishes are commonly safe, but soy sauce and wheat-containing items are widespread. Ask about ingredients and avoid battered or soy-marinated foods if highly sensitive.