Nestled in the eastern part of Fuliang County, Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province, Yaoli Ancient Town stands as a shining pearl at the intersection of Qimen, Xiuning, Wuyuan, and Fuliang counties, approximately 50 kilometers away from both Jingdezhen downtown and Fuliang County seat. This ancient town, rich in profound historical culture, is hailed as the "Origin of Porcelain, Homeland of Tea, and Sea of Forests." It is not only a key national scenic spot and a famous national historical and cultural town, but also holds the honors of a national mine park, a key national cultural relic protection unit, and a national dual heritage of nature and culture.
The natural scenery and cultural landscapes of Yaoli Ancient Town complement each other beautifully. With a forest coverage rate exceeding 94%, the town boasts a diverse array of over 180 rare plants and animals, including the southern Chinese yew and ginkgo trees. The ancient buildings within the town are predominantly Hui-style architecture, characterized by white walls, gray tiles, and horsehead walls that harmoniously blend with the lush green mountains and clear waters. Among them, the Cheng Ancestral Temple is one of the largest ancient buildings, exhibiting intricate carvings and diverse themes that showcase the essence of Hui-style architectural art. Furthermore, Yaoli was once the birthplace of Jingdezhen porcelain, boasting a long history of ceramic production. The ancient mine pits, kiln sites, water wheels, and workshops are all relics that testify to the glory of the ceramic industry in Yaoli.
Must Things To Do in Yaoli Ancient Town
Exploring the Ming and Qing Ancient Architecture of Yaoli
The Ming and Qing buildings
The Ming and Qing buildings in Yaoli are a perfect fusion of history and art, unique imprints carved by time. They are not just buildings, but also the crystallization of wisdom and emotions of generations of Yaoli people, narrating the past and glories of the ancient town. Most of them adopt the Hui-style architectural features, with white walls, black tiles, flying eaves, and upturned corners, nestled amidst the green mountains and clear waters, forming beautiful pictures. The Ming and Qing buildings of Yaoli are not only witnesses of history but also inheritors of culture. They have witnessed the prosperity and development of Yaoli Ancient Town and carried the emotions and memories of the Yaoli people. Every building tells a story, and every detail contains profound cultural connotations.
Exploring the Early Kiln Sites of Jingdezhen
The Lantian Kiln site
The early kiln sites carry the history of the origin and development of Jingdezhen's ceramic culture. Among them, the Lantian Kiln site, located in Xianghu Town, Fuliang County, is a Tang Dynasty kiln site that pushed Jingdezhen's porcelain-making history back by about a hundred years. Standing here, we can envision the scenes of ancient potters working diligently, transforming lumps of clay into exquisite ceramic artworks with their blood, sweat, and dedication. Despite the vicissitudes of a thousand years, the ceramics here still retain their simplicity and elegance, leaving people in awe. Another important early kiln site in Jingdezhen is the Nanyao Kiln site, situated in Jiedu Town, Leping City. The ceramics here are predominantly blue-and-white porcelain, exhibiting the unique charm of ancient ceramic art through their distinctive glaze colors and patterns.
Viewing the Millennium Ancient Camphor Trees in Meiling Ancient Village
The millennium-ancient camphor trees
The millennium-ancient camphor trees in Meiling Ancient Village are a breathtaking natural and cultural landscape. These ancient camphor trees grow at the entrance of Meiling Village, with a total of nine trees. They are arranged at the water entrance of the village, with their trunks growing irregularly but still robust and upright, demonstrating resilient vitality. The ages of these ancient camphor trees are all over 500 years, with the thickest one having a chest diameter of 732 centimeters, a height of 14 meters, and an age of over 1000 years, witnessing the historical changes of Meiling Ancient Village. These ancient camphor trees grow on a boat-shaped earthen altar surrounded by ponds, creating a unique and meaningful scenery. They not only symbolize wealth accumulation and fire prevention but also form the characteristic of Huizhou water entrance gardens.
Viewing Nanshan Falls from Wanghu Village
The Nanshan Falls from Wanghu Village
Wanghu Village, a subordinate village of Yaoli Town, boasts a lofty terrain with an elevation of over 1,300 meters, making it the highest mountainous village in Jingdezhen. This village not only offers stunning natural scenery but also possesses a unique cultural heritage. It was originally named Wanghu, purportedly because two large families, the Wangs and the Hus, who migrated here from the ancient Huizhou in Anhui, once resided here. Nanshan Falls, a magnificent natural attraction in Wanghu Village, is located at the foot of Gaoji Mountain. It consists of four distinct sections: the Main Falls, the Stone Flower Falls, the Flying Dragon Falls, and the Drifting Silk Falls, each exhibiting its own unique scenery. The falls stretch over a total length of 400 meters with a total drop of 220 meters. The steep mountain slopes and smooth rocks are surrounded by bamboo forests, creating a delightful landscape.
Information
Ticket: 30 yuan/person (ancient town ticket); Yoli Scenic Package ticket 110 yuan/person.
Travel Tips
Best Travel Time:
Yaoli Ancient Town has four distinct seasons, each with its unique charm. Spring and autumn have pleasant weather, making them ideal for outdoor exploration, but also mean more tourists visiting the town. If you prefer a quiet environment, you can choose to visit Yaoli Ancient Town in winter, when it appears more serene and quaint.
Local Cuisine:
Tasting local cuisine is also a major pleasure of traveling. The food in Yaoli Ancient Town is primarily made from natural ingredients and has a unique taste. Specialties worth trying include alkaline rice cake, bitter tree tofu, and oil fritters. While exploring the town, don't forget to sample these delicious dishes and experience the unique flavors of Yaoli Ancient Town.
Accommodation Options:
For accommodation, Yaoli Ancient Town offers a variety of hotels and inns for tourists to choose from. These lodging facilities usually have beautiful environments and complete facilities, catering to the needs of different travelers. When booking accommodation, it is recommended to search and compare information such as prices, services, and locations of different lodging facilities in advance to find the most suitable accommodation option for yourself.
Weather check:
"Before your trip, make sure to check the local weather forecast and pack suitable clothing and items. As Yaoli Ancient Town is situated in a mountainous area, the roads may be a bit rough. It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing to ensure a safe and pleasant journey."
