Jiang Nan literally means the south (Nan) of the lower reaches of the Yangze River (Jiang). In the ancient time, Jiang Nan is the symbol of well-developed and prosperous culture and rich and popular river-side living style. Nowadays, Jiang Nan mainly refers to Shanghai, southern part of Jiangsu Province and Northern part of Zhejiang Province, which mainly include Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Suzhou and Wuxi, etc. Jiang Nan is famous for its beautiful river-side scenery and splendid culture, and attracts a huge number of tourists home and abroad every year. Late spring and early summer is the best time to visit Jiang Nan, as everything is booming in this period, you can experience a hot Jiang Nan. So do not hesitate to follow us and let’s start the journey to Jiang Nan.
Nanjing
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is a city famed for its rich culture, long history and beautiful landscape.
One of the great ancient capitals in China, Nanjing has a long history and it was awarded the one of the cities which were titled “Famous Historic and Culture City” in China. The long history has left behind lots of famous culture relics and sites in Nanjing which include: the willowed banks of Xuanwu Lake, the bright lights and river scenery of Confucius Temple, the ancient city wall (the best preserved in the world), the World Heritage-listed Ming Tomb, Dr.Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Jinghai Temple , Presidential Palace and so on.
Nanjing, with a favorable geographical location and picturesque landscape, is also a famous tourist city. Nanjing is situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River where the four seasons are clearly demarcated, bringing plenty of rainfall and abundant produce. The mountains, lakes, rivers and forests proper form the beautiful vistas all year round.
How to get to Nanjing
By air
Nanjing Lukou International Airport(禄口国际机场) attracts 65 domestic lines, and flights to Seoul of Korea, Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Osaka and Nagoya of Japan.
The shuttles take about 40 minutes to downtown, terminal point (departure) is Zhonghua Gate Coach Station.(中华门长途汽车站).
Tip:
Fee: RMN25
Time: 06：00-20：30
Interval: Half an hour
How to get to Zhonghua Gate Coach Station: It is near the Zhonghua Gate subway station
Inquiry number: 025-52480488
By train
Nanjing is connected to nearly all of the major cities in China by train. And Nanjing is also the railway conveyance center of Jiangsu Province. There are 4 railway stations, and among them Nanjing Railway Station is the main passenger station. You can call them with following numbers for detailed information.
- Nanjing Station inquiry number: 025-85822222
- Booking Number: 9820 press key 4
- Nanjing West Station: 025-85822222
- Nanjing South Station: 025-52414183
- Nanjing North Station: 025-58851205
- Booking number: 025-58852218
Attractions in Nanjing
The long history and beautiful scenery endow Nanjing with many attractions, and the main ones are as follows:
Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖)
Located at the bottom of Zhongshan Hill, it covers 368 hectares of water area, is dotted with five green isles, connected by bridges or dykes, each having an attractive and unique flavor. The beauty of the city, the lake, the woods and the hills is all merged into one --- the Xuanwu Lake.
Along the scenic belt around the lake, you can enjoy the morning glory in Xuanwu, visit Wumiao Sluice Gate, stroll by the ancient city wall and walk on the Ten-Mile-Dyke. You can also have a good time in the Water Paradise or relax yourself in the natural Metasequoia Oxygen Bar.
- Open Time:07:00—21:00
- Fee: RMB20
- Bus Route: Tourist Bus No.1 and Bus No.8,15,22,25,28,30,33,35,38,47.(Get off at the Xuanwu Lake Park)
- You can take the Subway Line 1(Get off at the Xuanwu Lake Park)
- You also can take the yacht from the Nanjing Railway Station Square and enter the Spot.
The Confucius Temple Area（夫子庙）
The Confucius Temple is located at the two sides of Qinhuai River（秦淮河）, mainly includes three building complexes: Confucius Temple, Studying Hall, Gongyuan. It became study hall in Southern Song Dynasty, then was changed into examination hall in Ming Dynasty, and formed a central place with restaurants and tea housed. Nowadays, the Confucius Temple is one of the 40 best tour spots of China.
- Open Time: 8∶00—21∶30
- Fee: Free (If you want to go to other temples, you have to buy the tickets.)
- Bus Route: Tourist Bus No.2, 4 and Bus No, 1, 7, 31, 40,301,304(get off at the Confucius Temple Station)
- There are lots of shops which sell local food and souvenir, you can by some, but so not forget bargain. And night is the best time to visit Confucius Temple.
Taicheng Wall (台城)
Taicheng is once the Palace in DongJin and in South Dynasty （AD317――AD 589）. People are accustomed to calling the walls between Jiefang Gate and Jiuhua Hill this name. Standing on the top of the city wall, the tourists can see Zhongshan Hill in the east, Xuanwu Lake in the north, city mansions in the south and Jiming Temple in the west. A museum about the history of Ming Dynasty’s City Wall stands here.
- Fee: RMB10
- Bus Route: Tourist Bus No1, and Bus No.304, 15
Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty (明孝陵)
It is the tomb of the first Emperor of Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang and his queen. Now only remains part of leading area, Dajinmen and stele tower area, sacred way and burial area, but is still magnificent, and listed in the World Heritance Record.
- Add: South Side of Zhongshan Hill
- Open Time:06:00-18:00
- Fee: RMB 50
- Bus Route: Tourist Bus No2, 3and Bus No.20
Jiming (crowing cock) Temple (鸡鸣寺)
Jiming Temple is initially built by Emperor Liang Wu Di（502-549） right by the Taicheng city, with the former name of Tongtai temple. The temple was ruined and rebuilt in successive dynasties, and became the famous scenic spot of the Millennium. The senior Pharmacist Buddhist Tower（药师佛塔） that rebuilt in 1990 is the special scenery of the temple, with seven floors, eight surfaces and the height of 44.8 meters.
- Open Time: 06：00-22：00
- Fee: RMB 5
- Bus Route: Tourist Bus No1 and Bus No. 2，3，11，15，20，24，31，48，52，70，304
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum（中山陵）
The Mausoleum of Dr.Sun Yat-sen is situated on the southern slope of the Zijinshan Mountain (Purple Gold Mountain) in the eastern suburb of of Nanjing. The remains of Dr. Sun, who was a pioneer of Chinese democratic revolution was buried here on June 1, 1929. The mausoleum, shaped like an alarm bell, is built at the foot of the mountain. A feeling of respect may be aroused when climbing by the steps.
- Open Time:06:00-18:00
- Fee: RMB 40
- Bus Route: Tourist Bus No1, 2, 3 and Bus No. 9.
Presidential Palace (总统府)
The history of the place dates back to 600 years ago, and the site was the mansion of Prince of Han during the Ming Dynasty. In the Qing Dynasty it became the office of the Viceroy of Jiang Nan and Jiangxi. In March 1853, the Taiping peasant army conquered Nanjing and established their regime known as “The Kingdom of Heavenly Peace”. Hong xiuquan, the Heavenly King of the regime, claimed the former palace and ordered it enlarged. In 1864, Zeng guofan, the military commander of the Qing Empire, attacked and cracked down the Taiping army. In 1912, Dr. Sun Yat-sen was elected the President of the Republic, and changed the west garden of the palace into the Presidential Residence. In 1928, the palace became the administration office of the republic government.
- Open Time:08:00-17:00
- Fee: RMB 40
- Bus Route: and Bus No. 2, 3, 5, 29, 25
Qixia Mountain(栖霞山)
Qixia Mountain is situated 22 kilometers northeast of Nanjing City. The name originated from the Qixia Stellar House erected in the mountain in South Dynasty. Qixia Mountain was well-known across South Yangtze River, not only for its Qixia Temple, Thousand Buddhas Cliff, Royal Stele and Sheli Pagoda, but also for its deep forests, clean springs and intoxicating scenery, which has created the name of The First Beautiful Mountain in Jinling (another name for Nanjing).
- Open Time: 6:30－17:30
- Fee: RMB 10
- Bus Route: You can take the Bus Line Nanlong (南龙线) at the Nanjing Railway Station
Hotels in Nanjing
As tourist development grows in Nanjing, the hotel industry flourishes more and more. It is very easy to find a hotel in Nanjing, ranging from 5 star hotels to youth hostels. Of course, it will be any traveler's first choice to stay in the city center due to the superior geographical location and the convenient transportation.
You can book the star rated hotels on the website http://www.ctrip.com (it has English version), which has very detailed information
Here we provide some information about youth hostel for you
Nanjing International Youth Hostel (南京国际青年旅舍)
- Tel: 025－83300517
- Add: HeQun Xin Chun #7, Shanghai Rd. Nanjing（南京市上海路合群新村七号）
- E-mail:
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- You can get detailed information and book room on its website: http://www.jasminehostel.com/index.html
Nanjing Fuzimiao International Youth Hostel (南京夫子庙青年旅舍)
- Tel: 025－86624133
- Add: No.68 Pingjiangfu Street Nanjing (Near by Pingjiangfu Bridge) (南京夫子庙平江府路68号)
- E-mail:
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- You can get detailed information and book room on its website: http://www.yhnanjing.com/
Food in Nanjing
Local dishes
Duck Blood Soup(鸭血汤)
The name of this dish may sound odd to foreigners who might wonder how the blood and soup is combined. Actually Chinese people do eat the blood of duck, goose and chicken but in a unique way. They collect the blood of a freshly killed duck or goose and stir, then seal and refrigerate until ready to use. The result is blood cakes. The soup is seasoned with salt, pepper, and subtly spicy undertones. Simmer gently for several minutes and serve with eggs, noodles and caraway. This food is the top of all travelers' recommendations. The cheap stalls at Fuzimiao dining street sell the best at RMB3.5.
Gan Si (Shredded Bean-curd Sheets)(煮干丝)
A refreshing cold dish made of Bean-curd sheets. The bean-curd sheets are cut finely into threads with seasoning of sauce, sesame oil and vegetables shreds of bamboo root, mushroom, chicken or meat. It has fine shreds and a tender taste. It can also be boiled in broth and served with other meat shreds.
Salted Soup Duck（桂花盐水鸭）
Autumn in Nanjing is a season of scented osmanthus blossom and the best time to make the delicious Salted Soup Duck because ducks at this time are fat. The chef chooses well-bred ducks and smears salt and spice on them to add flavors. The spice ingredients are a secret. Then the spiced ducks are marinated in a sauce for two hours. Just before eating, the ducks are steamed. It should taste fragrant, crisp and tender. The best restaurant to taste it is Jinling Restaurant near Xinjiekou.
Dou Fu Nao (Tofu pudding)（什锦豆腐涝）
This is a great breakfast-time soup dish made from tofu (bean curd), mushrooms, coriander and chili.
Where to eat
Confucius Temple Food Street (夫子庙小吃街)
Located by the southern shore of Qinhuai River, its architectural style is of Ming and Qing Dynasties in general. Besides the former residence of Wang Xie, Egret Hotel, there are mostly restaurants and special local products stores. The typical traditional snacks are Qinhuai snacks.
What you can buy in Nanjing
Yuhua Tea(雨花茶)
Nanjing Yuhua Tea is one of ten most famous teas in Nanjing. The tea looks round and green, with white hairs, just like pine needles.
Yuhua Tea is mainly grown in suburban area of Nanjing, with stringent require
Wooden Carvings（木雕）
The wood carving could trace back to the New Stone Age. Nanjing's wood carving is divided into two types: the red sandalwood carving and the yellow poplar wood carving. Nanjing’s wood carvings are imitation antique wood carvings, with camphor trees as their major raw materials.
Nanjing Velvet (南京天鹅绒)
Velvet is a material which is traditionally made and crafted in Nanjing. There are two main types of velvet produced in the region: silk velvet and silk-floss velvet. This velvet is used in tapestry, cushions, rugs, clothing and upholstery. The tapestry made of velvet is rich in colors and has a solemn bearing, with mountains, water, flowers, birds, sights and people featured on them.
Cloud Brocade（云锦）
One of China's three famous brocades, it was used exclusively by the imperial houses or as gifts bestowed by the emperors on princes or senior officials. Today it is still woven by hand with traditional technique.
Yun Brocade is famous for its beautiful and delicate vein alike colorful cloud compared with other handcrafts in Nanjing. It is a traditional handicraft in China. In fact, these products were selected for the imperial family in the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty.
Rain Flower Pebbles （雨花石）
Rain Flower Pebble is also called Lucky Stone; the pebble is one of the symbols of Nanjing, deposit of ancient riverbed of Yangtze River, produced in Yuhuatai. The finer ones are called Rain Flower Agate, has rich colors, glittering and crystal-clear. They were praised as “Heaven-granted treasure” when exhibited abroad.
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Travel in Jiangsu 
