Founded during the Han era, this provincial capital flourished under the Ming Dynasty as a center of trade. However, it is best remembered as the scene of a significant uprising led by the Communist leader Zhou Enlai, who took control of the city for a few days in 1927. Although Nanchang was soon recaptured by the Nationalists, the incident started a chain of events that ultimately led to the formation of the People’s Republic of China. Despite being largely an industrial city, Nanchang has numerous sights including a good museum and several sites with revolutionary associations.

Youmin Si

This Buddhist temple founded in the Liang era in the 6th century is one of Jiangxi’s principal shrines. It was damaged during the Cultural Revolution, and has now been restored. One of its three halls has a 10 m high Buddha statue standing on a lotus. The temple also houses a Ming-dynasty bronze bell and another cast during the Tang era in AD 967. Just south of the temple is Bayi Park (August 1st Park), formerly the site of the imperial examination halls. It is a pleasant expanse of water and greenery, with an enclosed garden known as Old Man Su’s Vegetable Plot, after its Song Dynasty owner.

Teng Wang Pavilion

The impressive Teng Wang Pavilion was first built in 653, during the early Tang era and immortalized by the poet Tang Bo. There have been about 26 versions of the pavilion since then - the latest was erected in 1989 to replace the one destroyed by fire in 1926. The 60 m high structure is in the Southern Song Dynasty style. Visitors can take a lift to the top for views of the city. Occasional performances of dance and music or local opera are also held in the small theater.

Shengjin Ta

Formerly part of a temple, this 59 m high brick pagoda was first built in the late Tang Dynasty, but was entirely rebuilt in the 18th century. Like many pagodas, its construction was said to avert disaster, while its destruction heralded the fall of the city. The pagoda is located in a quaint neighborhood with a handful of teahouses, barber shops, and grocery stores.

Revolutionary Museum

Housed in a striking building that was once a hotel, the August 1 Uprising Museum was the headquarters of the Communist forces led by Zhou Enlai, that captured the city in 1927. Its three floors are filled with period furniture and weaponry.