What I Learned from Living in Ganzhou for 3 Months: Surprising Insights!
Affordable living, cultural treasures, and hidden opportunities — here's why this city has earned my heart.
For the past few months, I’ve been living in Ganzhou, a city not often found on the tourist radar. While it’s not the most popular destination in China, Ganzhou has its own unique charm, a rich history, and a welcoming community. Since there isn’t much information online about this city, I wanted to share my perspective and shed light on what makes Ganzhou special.
A Snapshot of Ganzhou
Located in the southern part of Jiangxi Province, Ganzhou is the second-largest city in the region, with a population of approximately 9 million. Known as the “cradle of Hakka culture,” the city boasts over 2,200 years of history and was a vital political, economic, and cultural hub during the Song Dynasty. With more than 70% of its area covered in lush forests, Ganzhou’s natural beauty is breathtaking.
Living here has its perks. The cost of living especially accommodation, is affordable compared to major cities like Shenzhen, yet it remains conveniently connected to them. High-speed trains make it possible to reach Shenzhen (2-3 hours), Guangzhou (2-2.5 hours), and even Hong Kong (3-4 hours, with a transfer). It’s perfect for someone like me, who occasionally travels to these cities for conferences or short getaways.
Different Flavors
One thing you’ll quickly notice about Ganzhou is its love for spicy food, which suits the humid, hot climate by stimulating appetite and aiding digestion. Breakfast here is quite different from what I was used to in Portugal. Instead of muesli, milk, or a pastel de nata, locals enjoy noodles, dumplings (jiaozi), or salty corn dishes in the morning.
The bakeries here offer their own interpretation of European pastries—soft bread is the norm, and chocolate is often replaced with red beans in cakes or bread. Surprisingly, hot chocolate isn’t served at all, and finding good cheese can be a challenge. However, I’ve discovered two desserts I love: black sesame glutinous rice balls and a mysterious red sticky rice dish served with mango, sweet potato jelly, and coconut milk (if anyone knows its name, let me know!).
Another highlight has been tasting Ganzhou’s famous Gannan navel oranges, which I picked fresh from an orchard in the mountains. They’re incredibly juicy and flavorful—a must-try if you visit!
Ganzhou’s Economy and Opportunities
Ganzhou thrives on furniture manufacturing, which is distributed across China. It’s akin to a Chinese version of IKEA, complete with an amusement park that showcases their products while offering free entry and family-friendly attractions.
Education is also a booming sector. Parents here place a high value on their children’s education, with intense competition for spots in the best schools—even at the kindergarten level. There’s a significant demand for English teachers, and families are willing to invest heavily to help their kids master the language.
Favorite Spots in Ganzhou
There are plenty of places to explore in Ganzhou, but I’ll save some of them for future articles or Instagram posts. For now, here are two of my favorite spots:
Yugu Pavilion: Perched atop Helan Hill, this three-story wooden structure is a provincial key scenic spot. The area features historic buildings, local restaurants, and opportunities to rent traditional costumes for photoshoots. The evenings are especially lively, with traditional shows and cultural performances.
Pontoon Bridge (Ganzhou Ancient Floating Bridge): Built during the Song Dynasty, this charming floating bridge offers a relaxing atmosphere. Fishermen sell fresh catches along the side, while nearby, there are cozy coffee shops, barbecue restaurants, and camping spots. I often bring my laptop to work here, enjoying a peaceful view of the river.
Integration and Challenges
Integrating into life in Ganzhou can be challenging if you don’t speak Mandarin, as most administrative processes and local interactions are conducted in Chinese. If you’re considering a move, working with an agency or having a local friend to help with paperwork can make things easier.
One thing I’ve noticed is how warm and welcoming the people here are compared to those in bigger cities. However, navigating biases can sometimes be part of the experience, particularly in areas with larger foreign populations. For example, in Guangzhou, I faced discrimination from a landlord who refused to let me stay at my friend’s home during my visit for a week because of my skin color and even called security when she saw me. While such moments can be uncomfortable and, at times, shocking, I’ve learned to focus on the positive and remain open to new experiences.
Why Ganzhou Is Worth Exploring
Ganzhou might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of China, but it’s a place where you can experience authentic local culture, stunning natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. Whether you’re interested in its rich history, thriving industries, or simply connecting with its warm-hearted people, Ganzhou has a lot to offer.
This is an encouragement to explore beyond the well-known destinations, embrace human experiences, and see China’s incredible diversity firsthand. I look forward to discovering more of this vast and beautiful country during my stay here and sharing it with you along the way.