Yao Li Ancient Town
Yao Li Ancient Town, also known as Chung Creek Park, is located 50 kilometers from Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province. It is in the middle of three important world cultural heritage sites (Huangshan, Xidi, and Hongcun). It is a famous national historical and cultural town, covering about 195 square kilometers. Chung Creek Park is known for its Gan-style architecture and is referred to as the "origin of porcelain, hometown of tea and forests." The park is open from 08:00 to 18:00, and the ticket price for adults is 98.00 yuan. Popular attractions include the Dongbu Ancient Wharf, Ceramic Tea Ancient Town, Meiling Leisure Resort, South Ceramic Theme Park, and Wanghu Primitive Forest. It is recommended to spend one day and one night to fully enjoy the visit.
History of Yao Li Ancient Town
Chung Creek Park (Yao Li Ancient Town) has a rich historical status. In 2003, Yao Li Town and Gaoling Village were recognized as historical town and cultural famous village in Jiangxi Province. In 2005, Chung Creek Park (Yao Li Town) received multiple prestigious titles, "National 4A Scenic Area," and "National Forest Park." Yao Li Gaoling is known worldwide as a holy land of ceramics and the place where "Kaolin" was named. The area boasts 127 ancient mining pits, 67 ancient kiln sites, 600 ancient workshops, and 100 ancient wharves. Originally named "Yao Li," the town gained its name because it was the birthplace of Jingdezhen ceramics. Ceramics production began here as early as the mid-Tang Dynasty, with manual workshops producing exquisite pottery.
The scenic area enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, and over 94% of the land is covered by dense forests. The highest peak, Wuhua Mountain, stands at 1,618.4 meters and serves as the source of the Changjiang river, Jingdezhen.
Main Attractions in Yao Li Ancient Town
The Dongbu Ancient Wharf is located on the eastern bank of the Dong River, at the base of Gaoling Mountain. It was one of the famous ancient streets in the Fuliang region during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This area, comprising the ancient street and wharf, served as a gathering place for Gaoling clay during that time. As waterways were the primary means of transportation, the Dong River, originating from Gaoling Mountain in Yao Li, flowed through Dongbu Village and eventually joined the Chang River. It played a significant role in connecting the eastern Fuliang region with the outside world. The Dongbu Wharf at the foot of Gaoling Mountain was crucial for the economic development of the region. It facilitated the transportation of Gaoling clay, Yao Li glaze fruits, and kiln firewood to Jingdezhen, supporting the growth of the porcelain industry. The shops along the ancient street in Dongbu, the grooves on the stone slabs left by carts, and the stone inscriptions of Qing Dynasty decrees regulating the Gaoling clay market are authentic records of the vibrant scenes at the ancient Dongbu Wharf.
The Yao Li Ceramic Tea Ancient Town, is one of the earliest recognized historical and cultural famous towns in Jiangxi Province. It dates back more than two thousand years, originating during the Western Han Dynasty. The town showcases a variety of cultural landscapes, including ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and revolutionary sites. Situated south of Xiangshan Mountain and north of Shishan Mountain, the town is adorned with picturesque surroundings. The Yao River flows gently from east to west, and scattered along its banks are hundreds of Ming and Qing ancient buildings. These buildings feature distinctive architectural elements such as flying eaves, raised corners, and white and gray walls, harmonizing with the lush green mountains and serene blue waters. Walking along the bluestone-paved streets of the ancient town feels like stepping into a historical painting depicting life in the Ming and Qing eras.
The Meiling Leisure Resort Area is famous for its beautiful countryside scenery. Meiling Ancient Village, also known as "Mei Flower Garden Homes," has preserved its ancient charm for over a thousand years. It showcases the magnificent Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall and a cluster of thousand-year-old camphor trees. Dielian Valley's winding paths connect serene pools and waterfalls, where colorful butterflies can be seen fluttering around. The well-preserved Huirao Ancient Road, made of flagstones, was once a commercial route between Raozhou and Huizhou in ancient times. The Meiling Resort offers stunning views and a pleasant climate. It features several unique bamboo and wooden villas that provide accommodation, dining, entertainment, bathing facilities, and conference amenities. It is a perfect destination for reconnecting with nature.
Rao Nan Ceramic Theme Park presents the rich and fascinating ceramic culture of the Dong River region in Jingdezhen. It showcases ancient kiln sites from the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, along with relics of the ceramic industry like ancient mines and water-powered stamp mills. This park is of great importance for studying the historical production of ceramics in Jingdezhen. The Rao Nan deposit, in particular, is globally recognized as a significant ceramic production site. Visitors can also engage in interactive activities to personally experience the timeless charm of the ancient ceramic culture.
The Wanghu Primitive Forest in Yao Li offers breathtaking natural beauty. It boasts steep mountains, dense forests, and awe-inspiring views. Here, you'll find a thriving ecosystem with 648 species of woody plants from 95 different families and a diverse range of wildlife. The Nanshan Waterfall Group, within the tourist area, consists of four waterfalls: Nanshan, Shihua, Feilong, and Piaojin. Stretching over 400 meters, the main waterfall is 220 meters high and 80 meters wide. The waterfalls cascade in a series, each with its own size, speed, and captivating appearance, creating a charming and delightful landscape. Another attraction is the protected primitive forest, which has been growing for over 600 years. It showcases a variety of vegetation, from broad-leaved forests to coniferous forests, and includes vines, tall trees, colorful flowers, and shrubs. The forest's vibrant layers create a vivid and distinct visual effect.
The Gaoling Porcelain Clay Mine Site, now known as Gaoling National Mine Park, is located in Gaoling Mountain, Ehu Town, Fuliang County, Jiangxi Province. It is a nationally protected cultural heritage site. The mining of kaolin clay began during the Yuan Dynasty and reached its peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The site contains numerous pits, mines, washing pits, and tailings from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. Several stone tablets from the Ming Wanli period and the Qing Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong periods are also preserved. Dongbu Village still retains the remnants of the former Gaoling Clay Water Transport Pier and Qing Dynasty government stone tablets, as well as a Qing Dynasty market street. Gaoling Mountain, the namesake of the clay used for porcelain making, played a significant role in the development of the porcelain industry in Jingdezhen during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. In 2001, the Gaoling ancient mine site was designated as a nationally protected cultural heritage site.
The Gaoling Clay Mine Site Park consists of two scenic areas: the Gaoling Site and Dongbu Ancient Street. Gaoling-Dongbu is one of the first batch of historical and cultural famous villages in Jiangxi Province. Gaoling is a renowned ancient production area of ceramic raw materials in China and the birthplace of the world-famous "Gaoling Clay."
Highlights of Yao Li Ancient Town
Yao Li Ancient Town
Embark on a captivating journey through Yao Li's historical charm and natural beauty. Explore ancient streets, marvel at Ming and Qing architecture, relax in pristine forests, and discover the enduring legacy of the ceramic industry. Join us and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination. Book your tour now and experience the wonders of Yao Li!