“The first step of the Long March, a pure heart by the Yudu River.” This small town nestled between the southern Jiangxi mountains and the Gongjiang Plain is not only the gathering and departure site of the Central Red Army’s Long March but also holds the millennium-old Hakka heritage and ancient pagoda culture of southern Jiangxi. The Gongjiang River flows through the city, witnessing the grand scene in 1934 when soldiers and civilians dismantled door panels to build a pontoon bridge, and nurturing the bluestone streets of Red Army Street and the flying eaves and copper bells of Chongguang Pagoda. Here, red history, Hakka culture, and the elegance of ancient pagodas intertwine into a unique landscape.
Must-See Before You Go: Stay Smart to Save Time and Enjoy More
- Choose accommodation in the core area to unlock river views and convenience: To fully immerse yourself in the red atmosphere and ancient pagoda scenery, prioritize hotels along the Gongjiang River. The Wanda Realm Ganzhou Yudu offers a luxurious sky pool and stunning river views, while the Maple Leaf Garden Hotel’s river view rooms are especially breathtaking at night, with a distant view of Chongguang Pagoda’s illuminated reflection. If taking the high-speed train, Vienna Hotel (Yudu High-Speed Rail Station branch) is right at the station exit, and driving to various attractions is also convenient.
- Transportation tips: Taxi within the city, self-driving around: Attractions are concentrated in the county seat; it takes only 10 minutes by taxi from Red Army Street to Pagoda Park. For visiting surrounding villages like Hanxin Ancient Village, self-driving is recommended, about an hour’s drive with scenic views of southern Jiangxi’s hilly countryside along the way.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are most pleasant: In March-April, cherry blossoms at Pagoda Park bloom like snow, beautifully complementing the ancient pagoda; in October-November, the crisp autumn air offers excellent views from the pagoda, overlooking the Gongjiang River and the city panorama, perfect for atmospheric photos.
Core Route: Check Off Red Memories + Ancient Pagoda Charm + Hakka Life
Morning: Follow the Red Footsteps, Relive the Long March Spirit
1. 9:00 Red Army Street: Touch living history (must-visit): This 1,300-meter bluestone path is a “living fossil” of Long March history. Among old houses with blue bricks and black tiles are 14 protected cultural sites, including Comrade Mao Zedong’s former residence and the Red Fourth Army headquarters. Be sure to try weaving straw shoes at the Red Fourth Army headquarters experience area, then visit the “Home of the Red Army” to hear stories from the third generation of Red Army descendants. The couplet on the wall, “Children join the army to guard the country, returning home still clad in armor,” is deeply moving. The aroma of mugwort rice cakes wafts from Hakka snack shops along the street—take a break and try some when tired.
2. 10:30 Central Red Army Long March Departure Memorial Park: Salute the departure moment (free): A 10-minute walk from Red Army Street, this is the core site where the Red Army crossed the Yudu River. The bronze sculpture in front of the monument captures the farewell scene between soldiers and civilians. Inside the memorial hall, old photos and door panels tell the story of “5,000 Yudu youths joining the army and villagers donating a year’s grain,” with the melody of “Ten Farewells to the Red Army” seeming to echo in your ears. Climb the viewing platform to overlook the Gongjiang River; the former pontoon bridge site now ripples peacefully, deepening appreciation for today’s peace.
3. 11:30 Yudu County Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall: Remember the heroic souls: The newly renovated exhibition uses sound, light, and multimedia to recreate the deeds of 187 martyrs from Yudu, with stories of heroes like Xiao Dapeng moving visitors to tears. Please maintain silence and respect during your visit.
Afternoon: Visit Ancient Pagodas and Temples, Savor Hakka Heritage
1. 14:00 Chongguang Pagoda Park: Climb the millennium Wenfeng, embrace river and sky views (must-visit): A 10-minute taxi ride from the memorial park brings you to this “guardian of Yudu’s cultural heritage.” The ancient pagoda was first built in the second year of Song Zhiyuan (1055), originally named “Huiming Temple Pagoda.” It was rebuilt and renamed “Chongguang Pagoda” during the Ming Jiajing era, known as the “Wudu Wenfeng.” Reconstructed in 2004 in Song-style architecture, the 55.26-meter seven-story pagoda stands by the river, its flying eaves and copper bells ringing in the wind.
- Explore the pagoda: The octagonal pagoda features four main gates on the first floor aligned with the cardinal directions and four corner gates on the second floor. Each level displays the “Yudu Fu” inscriptions, narrating the history of Hakka migration south and the heroic Long March.
- View from the top: The summit offers a panoramic view where the blue waves of the Gongjiang River, the modern silhouette of the Long March Bridge, and the distant southern Jiangxi mountains blend harmoniously, merging ancient charm with modern style.
- Surrounding strolls: The park also houses Futian Zen Temple, with its exquisitely carved vermilion gate and towering ancient trees. Listen to the lingering bell sounds, admire cliff inscriptions, and soak in the serene Zen atmosphere. In spring, the cherry blossom corridor is a flutter of pink and white; in autumn, the lawn is perfect for picnics and relaxation, exuding comfort.
2. 15:30 Tantou Village: The rebirth of a 700-year-old ancient village: A 20-minute drive from Pagoda Park, this ancient village founded in the early Ming dynasty preserves complete Hakka residences. Cobbled alleys wind intricately, and the old ancestral hall’s wood carvings are exquisite. Visit a villager’s home for a cup of Hakka rice wine, listen to elders recount the village’s connection to the Red Army, and feel the warmth of Hakka culture.
3. 16:30 Hanxin Ancient Village: A hidden intangible cultural heritage town among mountains and waters (optional): As a “National Forest Village,” the Meijiang River meanders around the village, with clan buildings arranged harmoniously. Experience intangible cultural heritage crafts like Hakka paper umbrellas and bamboo weaving. At sunset, the ancient dock bathed in golden light makes every photo a masterpiece in ink-wash style.
Taste and Extras: Yudu’s Hidden Surprises
- Must-try Hakka flavors: Mugwort rice cakes on Red Army Street (mugwort glutinous rice flour wrapped with dried bamboo shoots and minced meat), Hakka stuffed tofu in Tantou Village, and vinegar fruit stir-fried large intestines at county restaurants—all satisfying for about 30 yuan per person. Near Pagoda Park, the Futian Zen Temple vegetarian restaurant offers light and refreshing Zen cuisine.
- Cultural souvenirs and gifts: Straw shoe keychains on Red Army Street and Long March-themed bookmarks at the memorial park make meaningful keepsakes; Hakka tea oil and Zishan soy sauce are authentic local specialties, perfect for gifting.
- Limited-time extras: Pagoda Park is especially lively on weekends, with elders playing chess under the pagoda and children running and playing. The ancient pagoda stands like an “old friend” guarding everyday life. At nightfall, LED light shows on the pagoda tell stories of the Soviet area, blending technology and tradition into a unique charm.
Yudu is never just a monotonous red symbol; it holds the grandeur of the Long March departure, the tranquility of ancient pagodas and temples, and the warmth of everyday life. Come here to read the original spirit by the Gongjiang River and gaze across time from the ancient pagoda—you will truly touch the soul of southern Jiangxi’s red land.
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