Tengwang Pavilion (滕王阁)

Tengwang Pavilion (滕王阁) stands on the west bank of the Gan River (赣江), on the site of a palace that Prince Teng Li Yuanying built in 653 AD. The original burned down centuries ago and the 1989 reconstruction is not authentic Tang architecture. It is still worth the ¥50 — the river setting is the point.

Highlights

The view from the top. The 57-metre, nine-storey tower gives you the best panorama in Jiangxi: the Gan River bending away south, the city grid, and on clear evenings the hills on the far bank.

The base level. Tucked under the tower is a set of Song-dynasty stone steles and a carved relief map of the river region, made by Wang Bo's family. You can walk this section without paying the main ticket if you only want a quick look.

The lantern hall. Upstairs is a hall of carved beams, screens, and calligraphy panels. The craftsmanship is the reason to climb even on a hazy day.

Sunset and night. The riverbank in front of the pavilion is Nanchang's favorite promenade. Fountain and lighting shows run most evenings, and the tower looks much better lit than in flat daylight.

¥50 ($7). Open 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM in summer, shorter in winter. No booking needed, but bring your passport or ID card. Budget 90 minutes, or two if you walk the riverfront afterwards. Cross the water from Wanshou Palace (万寿宫) towers for the classic panoramic shot, and combine with the museum at Hongjulou, ten minutes' walk north.