Flying into Nanchang Changbei International Airport, passengers are treated to views of Jiangxi province’s pastoral landscape. The predominantly agricultural region in southeast China is characterised by lush green mountains, the patchwork patterns of rice paddies, serpentine rivers and postcard lakes, all dotted with pockets of rural farming communities. Even the modern, glass-fronted airport is surrounded by fields. The tiny international terminal only handles a few flights a day, so it’s a fairly quick process getting through immigration.
This serene first impression is a sharp contrast to the hive of activity in the provincial capital, just 30 minutes away by car. Nanchang is divided by the Gan River. On the west side, closest to the airport, is the new central business district, where cranes and skyscrapers compete for space.
Evidence of rapid development and investment is everywhere, from gleaming new high-rises to luxury apartments and shopping complexes. You can’t help but notice the stylish SOM twin towers, which finished construction in May. The sleek, 303-metre glass structures offer 59 storeys of modern office space and are an icon of the city’s race to modernise.
A slew of international hotel brands have flocked to the area, including the Shangri-La, which opened in February, the Holiday Inn (June 2015), the soon to be opened Sheraton (September 2015), and the Westin (scheduled for 2019).
Bryan Cheong, general manager of the imminent Sheraton Nanchang, explains that there has been a lot of change in the past decade.
“Ten years ago there were no international brands. Most provincial capitals are second-tier cities, but Nanchang is only a third-tier city, and it has been set back compared to others, so there’s a real need for investment to keep pace. But the new CBD has created lots of millionaires. Property prices have more than doubled as well, from around RMB6,000 (US$980) per sqm to RMB13,000 (US$2,120).”
A major investor is the huge Wanda Group, which has a three-pronged venture in the city: a major retail and commercial complex that opened in 2012; a hotel and exhibition centre; and a huge theme park being built on the outskirts of town, due to launch in 2016.
If anything, the new CBD is in danger of exceeding its capacity, as there is a physical border of mountains that hem in the area. Consequently, there are a number of hot developments on the outskirts of town on the south side of the river, particularly the Nanchang Hi-tech Zone. This area has already attracted 14 Fortune 500 companies, and international conglomerates including FedEx, Dell and Microsoft have set up in the region. Local government also plans to move its municipal offices to the newer areas.
Driving this growth are some key industries. Nanchang has emerged as a modern manufacturing hub, particularly for cars and aircraft.
Multinational automaker Ford opened up a massive assembly plant here at the end of 2012 to produce over 300,000 vehicles a year, while the number of new luxury cars on the roads is a testament to both a booming auto trade and the population’s rapidly rising spending power.
Nanchang is also recognised as a production, research and development, and training base for the Chinese aviation industry. Locally based Hongdu Aviation Industry Group produced the fuselage for the C919, China’s largest homegrown commercial aircraft intended to compete with Airbus and Boeing. Meanwhile, the Nanchang Aviation Industrial Town is being rapidly developed in the High-tech Zone near Yaohu Lake. By 2018, the project will have received RMB30 billion/US$4.9 billion worth of capital investment, which will include construction of a new test flight airport.
The area has also become a centre for optoelectronic firms, and has carved out a specialist niche for itself in LED and touchscreen technology production.
GETTING AROUND
Thanks to its central location between the economic powerhouses of the Yangtze, Fujian and Pearl River deltas, the city benefits from well-connected transport options
Changbei International Airport operates flights across China and to Southeast Asian destinations including Bangkok, Taiwan and South Korea. Hong Kong Airlines launched direct flights three times a week to Nanchang in April.
Work on a Nanchang-Shenzhen High-Speed Railway also began in December 2014, and with completion expected in five years the project aims to cut travel time between the two cities by half – to just under four hours.
The city itself is building its first subway, with the first line due to open at the end of the year, linking the north and south with 24 stops. Phase two will see a second line opening in 2016. An underwater tunnel is also being constructed to ease congestion on the four bridges that currently connect the two halves of the city.
WHAT TO SEE
Situated in the middle of the city, on the banks of the Gan River, is the Tengwang Pavilion (also known as the Pavilion of Prince Teng). This historical landmark is known as one of Three Great Towers of southern China, and was originally built in 653 AD.
The current structure, though, is the product of 29 re-imaginings, after having been destroyed countless times over the centuries. It is now more tourist trap than a site of genuine historical preservation. Inside the nine storeys are painted murals, documents from past and present, statues and a smattering of souvenir stalls. (Admission fee RMB50/US$8; open 7.30am-6:45pm daily; cntwg.com [Chinese only]).
For a more recent piece of history, head to Bayi Square – the second-largest square in China after Tiananmen Square. It was built in 1977 to commemorate the “Nanchang Uprising” in 1927, when communist forces rebelled against the Kuomintang in a battle that has come to be seen as the founding of the People’s Liberation Army. To one end of the square is a large musical fountain, which is particularly popular in the summer. From here you can also see a water and light show every evening at 8pm, where LED panels on buildings and the bridges light up alongside animations and laser beams to accompanying music.
To sample authentic local food and culture, Yijingyuan Laojiefang is the place to visit. The enormous venue can host roughly 2,000 diners every night, and is usually packed. The interior has been designed to recreate the flavour of old Nanchang, with courtyard façade and traditional roof architecture. Dishes range from roasts to seafood and cold dishes. Expect to pay around RMB100/US$16 per head. (Address: Financial Street, Honggutan; +86 791 8675 7788) A little gem of a Western-style bistro is TGS The Goodies Store, where you can enjoy a gourmet range of freshly made ciabattas, wraps and burgers with great-tasting cappuccinos. (Address: 1/F Dingfeng Central Building, No 1368 Honggu Middle Road, Honggutan New District; +86 791 8386 8667)
WHERE TO STAY
Crowne Plaza Nanchang
This was one of the first international hotels to open in Nanchang and is located in the older district. It boasts 380 rooms and a large pillarless ballroom that can hold up to 1,000 people, in addition to nine function rooms. Large guest rooms offer views over the river, with comfy beds and all the mod cons you would expect. Internet access was particularly good, with access to Facebook and Gmail. Café Asia on the third floor serves a good range of Asian and international cuisine.
ihg.com/crowneplaza
Sheraton Nanchang
Opening in September, the Starwood property has an enviable location on the main thoroughfare of the CBD. It is next to the site of what will become a subway station, and opposite a modern shopping mall, as well as close to lots of businesses and office space. The 350 guest rooms and suites will offer city or river views, and come with the hallmarks of Sheraton, including high-speed internet and comfortable beds. Two ballrooms, nine meeting rooms and a business centre cater to business needs.
starwoodhotels.com/Sheraton
Hualuxe Nanchang
Located in the Nanchang High-TechZone, this new hotel is a convenient option for those with business in the area, as it’s about a 40-minute drive from the airport. The hotel is particularly geared to accommodate high-end Chinese business travellers, with culturally tailored features such as a tearoom, late-night noodle bar and a “Luxe Gathering” space comprising a karaoke room, mahjong table and space for fine dining to mix business and pleasure.
ihg.com/hualuxe
A slew of international hotel brands have flocked to the area, including the Shangri-La, which opened in February, the Holiday Inn (June 2015), the soon to be opened Sheraton (September 2015), and the Westin (scheduled for 2019).
Bryan Cheong, general manager of the imminent Sheraton Nanchang, explains that there has been a lot of change in the past decade.
“Ten years ago there were no international brands. Most provincial capitals are second-tier cities, but Nanchang is only a third-tier city, and it has been set back compared to others, so there’s a real need for investment to keep pace. But the new CBD has created lots of millionaires. Property prices have more than doubled as well, from around RMB6,000 (US$980) per sqm to RMB13,000 (US$2,120).”
A major investor is the huge Wanda Group, which has a three-pronged venture in the city: a major retail and commercial complex that opened in 2012; a hotel and exhibition centre; and a huge theme park being built on the outskirts of town, due to launch in 2016.
If anything, the new CBD is in danger of exceeding its capacity, as there is a physical border of mountains that hem in the area. Consequently, there are a number of hot developments on the outskirts of town on the south side of the river, particularly the Nanchang Hi-tech Zone. This area has already attracted 14 Fortune 500 companies, and international conglomerates including FedEx, Dell and Microsoft have set up in the region. Local government also plans to move its municipal offices to the newer areas.
Driving this growth are some key industries. Nanchang has emerged as a modern manufacturing hub, particularly for cars and aircraft.
Multinational automaker Ford opened up a massive assembly plant here at the end of 2012 to produce over 300,000 vehicles a year, while the number of new luxury cars on the roads is a testament to both a booming auto trade and the population’s rapidly rising spending power.
Nanchang is also recognised as a production, research and development, and training base for the Chinese aviation industry. Locally based Hongdu Aviation Industry Group produced the fuselage for the C919, China’s largest homegrown commercial aircraft intended to compete with Airbus and Boeing. Meanwhile, the Nanchang Aviation Industrial Town is being rapidly developed in the High-tech Zone near Yaohu Lake. By 2018, the project will have received RMB30 billion/US$4.9 billion worth of capital investment, which will include construction of a new test flight airport.
The area has also become a centre for optoelectronic firms, and has carved out a specialist niche for itself in LED and touchscreen technology production.
GETTING AROUND
Thanks to its central location between the economic powerhouses of the Yangtze, Fujian and Pearl River deltas, the city benefits from well-connected transport options
Changbei International Airport operates flights across China and to Southeast Asian destinations including Bangkok, Taiwan and South Korea. Hong Kong Airlines launched direct flights three times a week to Nanchang in April.
Work on a Nanchang-Shenzhen High-Speed Railway also began in December 2014, and with completion expected in five years the project aims to cut travel time between the two cities by half – to just under four hours.
The city itself is building its first subway, with the first line due to open at the end of the year, linking the north and south with 24 stops. Phase two will see a second line opening in 2016. An underwater tunnel is also being constructed to ease congestion on the four bridges that currently connect the two halves of the city.
WHAT TO SEE
Situated in the middle of the city, on the banks of the Gan River, is the Tengwang Pavilion (also known as the Pavilion of Prince Teng). This historical landmark is known as one of Three Great Towers of southern China, and was originally built in 653 AD.
The current structure, though, is the product of 29 re-imaginings, after having been destroyed countless times over the centuries. It is now more tourist trap than a site of genuine historical preservation. Inside the nine storeys are painted murals, documents from past and present, statues and a smattering of souvenir stalls. (Admission fee RMB50/US$8; open 7.30am-6:45pm daily; cntwg.com [Chinese only]).
For a more recent piece of history, head to Bayi Square – the second-largest square in China after Tiananmen Square. It was built in 1977 to commemorate the “Nanchang Uprising” in 1927, when communist forces rebelled against the Kuomintang in a battle that has come to be seen as the founding of the People’s Liberation Army. To one end of the square is a large musical fountain, which is particularly popular in the summer. From here you can also see a water and light show every evening at 8pm, where LED panels on buildings and the bridges light up alongside animations and laser beams to accompanying music.
To sample authentic local food and culture, Yijingyuan Laojiefang is the place to visit. The enormous venue can host roughly 2,000 diners every night, and is usually packed. The interior has been designed to recreate the flavour of old Nanchang, with courtyard façade and traditional roof architecture. Dishes range from roasts to seafood and cold dishes. Expect to pay around RMB100/US$16 per head. (Address: Financial Street, Honggutan; +86 791 8675 7788) A little gem of a Western-style bistro is TGS The Goodies Store, where you can enjoy a gourmet range of freshly made ciabattas, wraps and burgers with great-tasting cappuccinos. (Address: 1/F Dingfeng Central Building, No 1368 Honggu Middle Road, Honggutan New District; +86 791 8386 8667)
WHERE TO STAY
Crowne Plaza Nanchang
This was one of the first international hotels to open in Nanchang and is located in the older district. It boasts 380 rooms and a large pillarless ballroom that can hold up to 1,000 people, in addition to nine function rooms. Large guest rooms offer views over the river, with comfy beds and all the mod cons you would expect. Internet access was particularly good, with access to Facebook and Gmail. Café Asia on the third floor serves a good range of Asian and international cuisine.
ihg.com/crowneplaza
Sheraton Nanchang
Opening in September, the Starwood property has an enviable location on the main thoroughfare of the CBD. It is next to the site of what will become a subway station, and opposite a modern shopping mall, as well as close to lots of businesses and office space. The 350 guest rooms and suites will offer city or river views, and come with the hallmarks of Sheraton, including high-speed internet and comfortable beds. Two ballrooms, nine meeting rooms and a business centre cater to business needs.
starwoodhotels.com/Sheraton
Hualuxe Nanchang
Located in the Nanchang High-TechZone, this new hotel is a convenient option for those with business in the area, as it’s about a 40-minute drive from the airport. The hotel is particularly geared to accommodate high-end Chinese business travellers, with culturally tailored features such as a tearoom, late-night noodle bar and a “Luxe Gathering” space comprising a karaoke room, mahjong table and space for fine dining to mix business and pleasure.
ihg.com/hualuxe 
