2025 Jiangsu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Always thought the coastal waters around Jiangsu and Zhejiang weren't blue? Lianyungang will leave you speechless with its stunningly blue waters! Lianyungang is a coastal city in Jiangsu Province, located in the northeastern part of the province. It borders the Yellow Sea to the east, Shandong to the north, Xuzhou to the west, and Huai'an to the south. This important port city boasts rich marine resources and a long cultural history. Lianyungang is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery, rich historical sites, and modern port facilities. 📍 Location: Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province 🚄 High-Speed Rail: Lianyungang Station 🚊 Train: Lianyungang East Station 🚗 Self-Drive: Recommended; rental cars available at the high-speed rail station 🚶♂️➡️ Lianyungang Travel Itinerary Guide Day 1: Lianyungang Old Street - Yunv Mountain on the Sea - Yunding, Faqi Temple, Tangwang Lake - Xilian Island (Sunset) Day 2: Yangwotou (Sunrise) - Lian Island (Dashawan, Suma Bay) - Lian Island Yacht Club Sea Sightseeing - Return Trip 📷 Dual Attraction Check-In Guide ✅ Yunv Mountain on the Sea: The "Rio de Janeiro" of Jiangsu. You can take a sightseeing bus or hike up (a long climb), overlooking the old town of Lianyungang

Jiangsu Lianyungang is really a treasure island🏝️ Colorful houses, the fishing boats at the port Here, you have the same blue waters as Qingdao and Pingtan Lianyungang is not as popular and you don't need to take a boat No need to worry about not being able to grab a ferry ticket like in Zhejiang Gouqi Island, Dachen Island, Dongji Island You can directly take the high-speed train, and it's easy to travel around by car~ You can have a comfortable trip with just an average of 300 yuan!! 🚗【Lianyungang Travel Itinerary】 D1 Various places - Lianyungang Old Street - Haiyifang D2 Lian Island (Dashawan - Sumawan) - Sunset at Xilian Island Seafood Market D3 Sunrise at Donglian Island Yangwo Head - Yuntai Mountain over the Sea ✨ ❶ If you only have 2 days, you can skip Haiyifang and combine D1 and D3 ❷ On sunny days, you can see the blue sea surface, the sea is blue with the light, and not blue against the light 🖼️【Lianyungang Attractions Guide】 1️⃣ Lian Island (Dashawan - Sumawan) Remember to walk along the trail from Dashawan to the Peacock Garden, the waves hitting the rocks by the sea are really beautiful, and there's also a suspension bridge over the sea, even phone photos look amazing! 2️⃣ Sunset at Xilian Island Seafood Market Xilian Island is outside the paid scenic area, you can drive there directly, aerial photography of the azure sea and colorful-roofed houses feels like you've arrived at the Amalfi Coast, with fishing boats moored in the distance 3️⃣ Donglian Island Yangwo Head Standing beside the lighthouse, watching the sun rise from the sea level, the orange slowly spreads across the entire sea surface, you'll have a good mood for the whole day~ 4️⃣ Yuntai Mountain over the Sea When you drive up the mountain road and then walk to the viewing platform, what unfolds before your eyes is a sea of blue and houses with red roofs, even without a drone you can overlook the small mountains, and against the light, there's an endless range of mountains, so beautiful!! 🍲【Lianyungang Cuisine】 Seafood is fresh when bought and processed at the market Qin's Roujiamo/Su's Electric Kebabs/Huang Laotou Cold Skin Noodles/Hongxia Rice Noodles/Su's Sweet Potato Noodles 🏠【Lianyungang Accommodation】 It's more convenient to stay on Lian Island, close to dining and watching the sunrise and sunset, you can drive into the scenic area before 8 am and after 6 pm~ You can also stay near Yuntai Mountain over the Sea~ Jiangsu Tourism | Jiangsu Travel | Lianyungang Tourism Jiangsu Seaside | Lianyungang Guide | Lianyungang Travel Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai Seaside | May Day Tourism | Reverse Tourism Jiangsu·China

1️⃣ Pingjiang Road (Free): Take the subway line 1️⃣ to Xiangmen Station, walk about 10 minutes, this is my favorite spot, the scenery is very beautiful, all for me to go! Random shots are very photogenic, a super beautiful road, very atmospheric! 2️⃣ Seven-mile Shantang Street (Free): Subway line 2️⃣ exit 3️⃣, worth going! Very beautiful It's even better at night! If you like Hanfu, you can go, there are also Hanfu experience halls here, the price-performance ratio is relatively high, and there are many Suzhou specialty pastries!!! Recommend a delicious restaurant Shantang Street Food 😋 Qian Yuman•Nostalgic Restaurant A must-eat internet celebrity Su-style dish in Suzhou, with a good environment, suitable for check-in and taking pictures. The restaurant is a 3-minute walk from the Shantang Street scenic area🌟 Signature dishes: Bamboo net duck: The skin is crispy, the duck meat is fragrant, especially delicious, it's a signature! Squirrel bass: The fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet and sour Private three-color shrimp tofu: Tender and smooth rice, thick tofu, and shrimp Peach Blossom Ten Miles: A must-order fruit wine with a low alcohol content 3️⃣ Jinsui Bay Trestle (Free): The sunset is absolutely beautiful, the pictures I took before are gone, I always recommend this place to watch the sunset to everyone who comes to Suzhou. You can see Suzhou's most famous 'Big Pants' landmark Oriental Gate! A place I will never get tired of! Subway line 3️⃣ direct, Jin Lake Station exit 3️⃣. 4️⃣ Guanqian Street: There are mainly a lot of snacks inside, various milk tea shops, and clothing stores to stroll around! The most important thing is that the prices are clearly marked, suitable for people like me who don't like to bargain to visit. Take the subway line 4️⃣ to Chayuanchang Station and exit from exit 2, and you will be at Guanqian Street 5️⃣ Hanshan Temple: Ticket ¥20: The moon falls and the crow crows, the frost fills the sky, the river maple and the fishing fire correspond to the sorrowful sleep. Hanshan Temple outside Gusu City, the bell rings at midnight to the guest ship. As one of the top ten famous temples in China, it is of course a tourist spot worth visiting.

A Belgian chocolate moulding workshop enjoyed in the hip riverside area of Canal 5 bustling with cosplayers and students. Museums showcase Jiangsu’s immense history nearby, as well as some of Changzhou’s famous attractions. Bars open up at night and the cultural center carries beauty in the rain. #givethanks

The Sacred Heart Church is a Roman Catholic church. It was built in the French colonial period in the 20th century. It is also known as the Pink Church because it is pink. For some reason, it is impossible to visit. Although it is not a popular attraction, many tourists come here.

Jiangsu is like an open history book, with every page filled with stories and every landscape whispering the tenderness of time. Travel to Jiangsu and encounter a romance that spans millennia 💕 📍Nanjing: As the ancient capital of six dynasties, every inch of Nanjing exudes profound historical charm. Stroll through Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, where the solemn atmosphere invites reflection on its grand past. By the Qinhuai River near Confucius Temple, as lanterns light up the night, board a painted boat 🛶 to experience the poetic vibe of "moored by Qinhuai near taverns," as if traveling back to ancient Jinling. 📍Suzhou: "When you arrive in Gusu, you’ll see homes nestled along the river"—Suzhou epitomizes the charm of Jiangnan’s water towns. The Humble Administrator’s Garden delights with every step, showcasing the ingenuity and aesthetics of ancient designers. Pingjiang Road’s cobblestones and whitewashed walls with black tiles carry centuries of Wu dialect whispers. Shantang Street glows under the night lights, and a leisurely boat ride feels like stepping into an ink-wash painting. 📍Yangzhou: The phrase "Spring is never too late when I reach true Jiangnan" has captivated countless hearts. Slender West Lake resembles a graceful maiden, enchanting in every season—spring blossoms, summer lotus breezes, autumn maple flames, and winter snowscapes. And let’s not forget Yangzhou’s culinary delights, like steamed soup dumplings and dried tofu threads in morning tea, leaving a lasting taste on your palate. 📍Wuxi: The misty expanse of Taihu Lake is Wuxi’s most mesmerizing sight. When cherry blossoms bloom at Turtle Head Isle, they resemble clouds and rosy clouds, making you feel like you’re in a dreamy wonderland 🌸. The Grand Buddha at Lingshan Mountain offers solemnity and serenity, soothing the soul. 📍Zhenjiang: The cobblestone paths of Xijin Ferry Ancient Street bear witness to the passage of time, with black-tiled buildings exuding historical charm. Here, you can slow down and savor the simplicity and tranquility. Jiangsu blends historical grandeur with the gentle grace of Jiangnan’s water towns. Come and embark on a rendezvous with history and nature 🌳, letting Jiangsu’s beauty leave an indelible mark in your memories. Jiangsu · China

#springitinerary Okay, Humble Administrator’s Garden is like the chillest place ever. It’s huge, but not in an overwhelming way, more like “I could wander here forever and be totally fine with it” vibes. There’s water everywhere, ponds with lily pads, arched bridges, and those super peaceful pavilions that make you wanna sit down and write poetry (or at least pretend to). The garden layout is kind of genius, every turn feels like a little scene, perfectly set up with trees, rocks, and reflections that hit just right. You’ll see koi swimming around, old-school architecture, and flowers tucked into quiet corners. Even when there are people around, it still feels calm. It’s one of those places that just gets you in a peaceful headspace. Super photogenic, super serene, and honestly just a great place to zone out, relax, and enjoy the vibes. A total Suzhou must-do.

#springitinerary Lion Grove Garden is honestly such a fun little adventure. It’s not your average quiet garden stroll, this place has a full-on rock maze that feels like something out of a fantasy movie. You can climb through caves, tunnels, and winding stone paths, all made from these wild, jagged rocks that kind of look like lions (if you squint hard enough). Besides the rock craziness, the garden itself is super pretty, classic Suzhou vibes with peaceful ponds, willows, and those elegant pavilions that make you feel like a zen master. It’s not too big, so you can take your time wandering, snapping pics, and pretending you’re in ancient China. Perfect spot for getting a little lost (in a good way), escaping the city noise, or just vibing with nature and cool architecture. Definitely not your average garden, this one’s got personality. Loved every twisty little corner.

#springitinerary So Tiger Hill in Suzhou? Kinda epic in a low-key way. It’s got this perfect mix of nature, history, and random cool stuff to stumble across. You start off just expecting a little hike, and suddenly you’re looking at a 1,000-year-old leaning pagoda that’s basically China’s version of Pisa. Wild. The walk up is super doable, lots of shady spots, gardens, little bridges, and ancient stone paths. Along the way, you’ll find bonsai displays, old gates, and even a sword-testing stone (yes, really). It feels peaceful but never boring. There are plenty of photo ops and spots to just chill and soak it all in. Plus, the views from the top are 10/10. It’s not super crowded either, which makes the whole thing feel like a mini escape. Honestly? Great way to spend a few hours. History, nature, and no rush. Loved it.

#springitinerary Alright, Shantang Street is straight-up a vibe. It’s like stepping into an old movie, but with bubble tea, souvenir shops, and the occasional guy playing a traditional instrument like he's in a Netflix period drama. The street runs along a canal, so you've got those super scenic water-town views while munching on street food, major win. It’s busy, yeah, but in a fun, lively kind of way. There’s something to see (or eat) every few steps. I tried this grilled squid thing and some mystery dumplings, no regrets. The lanterns at night? Totally insta-worthy. Also, lots of little shops with quirky gifts, handmade stuff, and random trinkets you didn’t know you needed. You could easily spend a few hours here just wandering. Great place to people-watch, snack-hop, and soak up the old-meets-new Suzhou vibe. 10/10 would stroll again, especially at sunset.

#springitinerary Okay, so I totally didn't expect to vibe this hard with a garden, but the Lingering Garden in Suzhou? Absolutely dreamy. It's like walking into a scroll painting, except you're in it and there are koi fish and mini bridges everywhere. The place is huge but super chill, with twisty paths, weirdly calming rock formations, and those elegant old-school Chinese pavilions. Honestly, it feels like time just kinda... pauses. There’s this one part with a bamboo grove that made me feel like I was in a kung fu movie (minus the flying). It's peaceful without being boring, and there's always something cool to look at, like little details carved into walls or ponds that reflect everything beautifully. If you’re into nature, quiet vibes, or just wanna escape the noise, this place hits different. Totally worth the stroll. Bring snacks and a camera.

#springitinerary Tongli is like stepping into a real-life time capsule, canals everywhere, stone bridges, and these cute old houses that make you wanna slow down and soak it all in. It’s way less crowded than some other spots, so you get those peaceful vibes without fighting the tourist mobs. Walking around feels super chill, you can hop on a tiny boat to cruise the canals or just stroll through narrow alleys lined with little shops and snack stalls. The food is surprisingly good, and the local pastries are next-level. Bonus: there’s a bunch of cute teahouses where you can sit, sip some tea, and watch life go by. At night, the lanterns come out and the whole town lights up in the most magical way. Honestly, Tongli is perfect if you want that old China feel without the chaos. Easy, breezy, and full of charm. Would go back in a heartbeat.

#springitinerary Pingjiang Road in Suzhou is straight-up adorable, like, “I could live here and write poetry” levels of cute. It’s this narrow, stone-paved street that runs along a canal, with tiny bridges, old buildings, and the chillest atmosphere ever. You’ll find tea houses, snack stalls, calligraphy shops, and random spots selling handmade stuff that you don’t need but totally want. It’s super walkable and just feels really cozy, especially in the evening when the lanterns light up and everything gets all glowy. You’ll hear the soft splash of boats going by and maybe some dude playing traditional music around a corner, total main character moment. It’s not super flashy or modern, but that’s the charm. Just good vibes, great snacks (get the osmanthus cake!), and endless photo ops. If you’re into wandering with no real plan, Pingjiang Road is your jam. Would totally go back just to vibe again.

I’ve seen a fair few water towns now, but Zhouzhuang by night? It’s in a league of its own. Lit up with soft lantern glow, reflections dancing across the still canals — it really does feel like the Venice of the East, but with its own quiet charm. Wandering through the cobbled lanes and arched stone bridges after dark felt like stepping into a painting. Peaceful, atmospheric, and utterly timeless. You’ll hear the gentle splash of the gondola poles, smell street food wafting from tucked-away courtyards, and catch glimpses of life carrying on just as it has for centuries. It’s romantic, yes — but also deeply rooted. There’s history in every brick. Jiangsu really knows how to do water towns, and Zhouzhuang is one of the most stunning I’ve seen. If you can, go in the evening — the lights, the calm, the colours… it’s something special. #Zhouzhuang #WaterTownChina #JiangsuTravel #VeniceOfTheEast #ZhouzhuangByNight #ChinaAtNight #LanternGlow #HiddenChina #MagicalEvenings #CanalViews #HistoricTowns #TravelChina #WanderNights #DreamyDestinations #CulturalEscape #ScenicChina #NightWanderings #AncientWaterTown #SlowTravelChina #UKTravellerInChina #TimelessBeauty #ZhouzhuangMoments #ChineseHeritage #PicturePerfectChina #EveningExploration #ChinaUnfiltered #couplestrip #china

I thought the Forbidden City was beautiful enough, until I came here... Jiangsu, you're so silly for not promoting this place! So fun you'll stomp your feet + super photogenic + not crowded Tickets are less than CNY 50, but you can enjoy all the indoor and outdoor activities You can also watch a super stunning light and fireworks show. I won't allow anyone to not know about this!! ✨ Nanny-level guide, save it now! - 📍 Address: Zaohe Town, Suyu District, Suqian City (directly navigate to "Zaohe Longyun City") 🚗 Transportation: Super friendly for self-driving! Free parking 🆓 Office workers rejoice! - Must-play attractions Indoor Aces 1⃣ Guyun Millennium · Flying Cinema Similar to "Soaring Over the Horizon," an immersive panoramic view of the history of the Grand Canal, the whole journey is shocking! It is recommended to rush in as soon as you enter the park, or you will have to wait in a long line! - 2⃣ Chasing Water and Shocking Waves · Dark Ride Take a boat through the underwater world, the special effects are comparable to "Pirates of the Caribbean" It's really exciting! - 3⃣ Dayu Taming the Flood · 5D Cinema Dynamic seats + water spray effects, Tells the legend of Dayu taming the flood, you need to line up in advance! Cool Water (Outdoor) 1⃣ Brave the Rapids: Plunging is super cool! Raincoats are available on site for CNY 10/piece (you can bring your own) 2⃣ Water Shooting Warship: Parent-child interactive water spraying, a must-play in summer! - Must-see performing arts shows 1⃣ [The Emperor is Coming] A large-scale live-action show that recreates the scene of Emperor Qianlong's visit to Jiangnan in those years! 2⃣ [River God's Blessing] Fixed time performance, It is recommended to watch at 18:00 3⃣ Double Dragons Fighting Robbers, the super exciting martial arts performance is very shocking to watch live! - Some small tips: 1⃣ Rush to [Flying Cinema] and [Dayu Taming the Flood] in the morning, Play water activities in the afternoon 2⃣ Brave the Rapids has a waiting time of 1h+ on weekends, it is recommended to stagger the peak 📅 Recommended itinerary 9:00 Enter the park → Rush to [Dayu Taming the Flood] → [Flying Cinema] 11:00 Lunch [Dark Ride] 14:00 [Brave the Rapids] → [Water Shooting Warship] → [Dragon Palace Adventure]

Recommended Attractions - Huang Gongwang's Retreat: This is where Huang Gongwang built his hut and created the masterpiece "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains." The area features beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural landscapes. Walking through it feels like stepping into a painting. - Longmen Ancient Town: One of the best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty mountain village complexes in the Jiangnan region, and also the hometown of Sun Quan. The ancient town's Ming and Qing architecture remains well-preserved, and walking on the bluestone paths allows you to deeply experience the rich historical atmosphere. - Fuchun Paradise: Features attractions such as Jiuxiao Biyun Cave, Tiancheng Wild Oak Forest, and Xiaoyao Rock Ridge Lake. Inside Jiuxiao Biyun Cave, the stalactites take on thousands of shapes, showcasing nature's incredible craftsmanship. - Dongzi Pass: One of Fuyang's important cultural heritages, where modern Hangzhou-style architecture complements the green mountains and white clouds, resembling a graceful Jiangnan lady. With less commercialization, you can also experience traditional Chinese medicine culture here. Local Delicacies - Longmen Gluten Balls: Shaped like large meatballs, these are made by wrapping pork filling, pickled vegetables, and bamboo shoots in wheat gluten and deep-frying them. They're crispy outside, tender inside, with a rich aroma. - Longmen Rice Wine: The rice wine from Longmen Ancient Town is famous for its sweet taste and mellow fragrance, definitely worth trying. - Braised Beef Tendon: After long hours of stewing, the beef tendon becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and deliciously glutinous. You can taste it at some restaurants in Longmen Ancient Town. - River Delicacies: The fish from Fuchun River have tender meat and are delicious whether steamed, braised, or in soup. Options include bass, mandarin fish, and white strip fish. - Wo Tofu: This tofu is fresh and tender with just the right amount of saltiness. It's a Fuyang specialty home-style dish available in local restaurants. Accommodation Options - Fuchun Resort Hangzhou: A classic luxury hotel in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region, located at the actual site depicted in the "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" painting. Designed by Aman's signature designer, the hotel features tea mountains, lakes, and offers various special activities. - Sheraton Fuyang Hotel: The hotel cleverly places its Chinese and Western restaurants and executive lounge on the top floor, offering panoramic views of the Fuchun River. The rooms are spacious and bright with cozy decorations. - Guesthouses along Fuchun River: You can choose to stay at guesthouses along the Fuchun River, falling asleep to the river breeze at night and waking up to beautiful river views in the morning, providing an immersive experience. Travel Experience - In Fuyang, whether cycling along the Fuchun River, feeling the breeze on your face while admiring the picturesque river scenery, or strolling on the bluestone paths of ancient towns exploring old buildings and long history, you'll feel as if you're inside a Jiangnan ink painting, with your mind becoming exceptionally peaceful. - Tasting the local specialties, each bite is full of rich local flavors, allowing you to experience Fuyang's unique culinary charm. - Staying in guesthouses by the Fuchun River or in the forest, waking up to birdsong in the morning and falling asleep to the sound of insects at night, this closeness to nature helps you temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of city life and troubles, enjoying a leisurely and comfortable time.

Step right out of Beisita Metro Station, and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the entrance to Bao’en Temple, home to the iconic Beisi Pagoda. The temple welcomes visitors with its grand stone archway — walk through and follow the clear signage guiding you around the serene complex. Free incense is offered for those who wish to pay respects to the goddess, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for reflection or quiet exploration. At the heart of the temple grounds stands the impressive Beisi Pagoda. You can admire it from below or climb the winding stairs for a panoramic view — though it’s a bit of a workout! (Or simply offer to take photos of your friends from the base — no judgment!) Beyond the pagoda, take time to explore other prayer halls and the relaxing park area tucked behind the temple — a lovely escape in the city. #cherryblossom25 #suzhou #chinatrip #travel #Beisipagoda #Baoentemple #Beisita

#Mainland Travel 📍Xuzhou Hanyun Junting Hotel The first time I came to Xuzhou, I chose the Xuzhou Hanyun Junting Hotel, which is very cost-effective! It takes about 1 hour to drive from the airport to the city. The hotel has a good location, spacious rooms, and the most important thing is that the lake view on the high floors is superb! The room is super big. The front desk gave me a high floor with great views and lighting, including lake views and running views. In addition, the room is fully stocked with basic amenities (hangers, hair dryers, slippers, toothbrushes, etc. The only drawback is that there is no refrigerator. In general: It's a good deal, suitable for travelers with a limited budget but want to stay comfortably, the lake view is a bonus 👍🏻 I also booked it on trip.com, the price is the cheapest on the Internet 😁 💰Average price: 100CNY 📍Address: No. 16, Longhu West Road, Yunlong District, Xuzhou, 221000 #Jiangsu Province #Jiangsu #Xuzhou

If you want to go to a place with good food, good shopping and fun, then you must consider Yaohu Town! Yaohu Town is another benchmark tourist destination in China after Wuzhen and Gubei Water Town. 📖Here is the story of Su Dongpo, "I will grow old when I buy land in Yangxian, I have always loved the mountains and rivers", here is the story of the Longyao in Yixing Taoshi, here is the new world of Yixing water town ancient charm and parent-child leisure... 🚘Transportation: Self-driving navigation "Yaohu Town Tourist Center"; or get off at Yixing Station, Hangzhou 🚝 is only 40 minutes away, and then take the 🆓 through bus to get there directly, which is very convenient! #Mainland Travel

🌸Spring trip ~ Wuxi Lingshan Scenic Spot Lingshan is a large scenic spot, among which the Lingshan Giant Buddha is its symbol. With its back against Lingshan and facing Taihu Lake, it is 88 meters tall, making it the largest outdoor bronze statue of Sakyamuni in the world, 17 meters taller than the Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan and 42 meters taller than the Statue of Liberty in the United States. The Lingshan Giant Buddha, together with the Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong in the south, the Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan in the west, the Yungang Buddha in Shanxi in the north, and the Longmen Giant Buddha in Luoyang, Henan in the Central Plains, are collectively known as China's "Five Directions and Five Buddhas".  Figures 1 and 2 show "Nine Dragons Bathing" which recreates the mythical scene of the birth of Sakyamuni. The combination of technology (musical fountain) and religious ritual is very attractive to believers. #Mainland Travel

#discoverchina We have been to quite a few of these types of ancient streets, but this one is by far our favorite. The buildings were very well maintained and there wasn't a lot of people. You wouldn't see the big crowds in the big cities here, which made the stroll down the street a lot more pleasant. It took us a while to find the actual street, but walking around the entire area is a nice experience anyways. The entire area is divided into two main sections, the older and more authentic section on the mountain (requires some stair climbing) and the newer part that was converted from old factory buildings. We entered through the newer area via Chang Jiang Rd. This area has quite a few options for restaurant food, including several western food options, cafes, and bars. We had dinner at the Paulaner, which had live music and outdoor seating. The atmosphere there was very nice. Climbing up the hill, there is a street that is the authentic old street with many shops for souvenirs, local food, and clothes. The view from the hill allows you to see the entire old town laid out. It's quite a cool sight. Continue down the hill as you follow the path and you will reach the more commercial area with the stores and restaurants. Along the way there is a glass floor that allows you to see the staircases built throughout the different dynasties (Qing, Ming, Yuan, Song, Tang).

#discoverchina Just amazing, I had no idea china had such beauty and untouched nature. this well preserved area still with a touch of corny chinese additions has to be one of my all time places to visit. This is up there with Austrian Alps, Spanish and majorcan coast lines and flying over the great barrier reef. A definite must see. you can do this over and over again for a couple of hours if you are strapped for time or spend the whole day there. Views at the top are restricted in winter due to the fog but most of the time you get a great view of the forrest and outlying villages. Take your sneakers but the locals will do it in 8 inch heals no problems. take the train around the park and ride it to the last part you can walk to the top here or for a longer hike walk from the bottom. stop and look at the pristine water ways and hanging bridges, temples along the way and in spring and summer they have all sorts of fair style activities and food etc in one of the parks suitable for picnics and family gatherings.

#discoverchina Meiling Palace also has historical significance tied to Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. Inside the palace, you can find a photograph of him, which adds an interesting layer to the place's history. It reflects his influence during that era, as the palace played a role in the political and social scene of the time. So, alongside the architectural beauty and serene surroundings, the palace also serves as a reminder of China’s journey into the 20th century. The place feels like a walk through history with a dash of luxury, as it was once a retreat for China’s leaders. Today, it’s open to visitors and gives a pretty cool look at China’s modern history in a stunning natural setting. It’s a great spot for those interested in both history and culture!

#discoverchina Mudu Ancient Town in Suzhou is one of those charming water towns where everything feels peaceful and timeless. The place is connected by a network of waterways, making it super relaxing to explore either on foot or by boat. The Qing emperor actually loved this town so much that he built a vacation palace here to unwind whenever he was in Suzhou! You’ll find plenty of historical spots to check out, from ancient temples to old bridges. If you’re into silk, you’re in for a treat. Mudu has some legit silk shops where you can score beautiful silk clothes and ornaments. It’s like stepping back in time while still getting to enjoy the best of what Suzhou offers. Definitely worth a visit if you want to soak in the history and maybe pick up something special!

#discoverchina Qionglong Mountain is a pretty chill spot if you're into nature and some light hiking. It’s located in the Jiangsu Province of China, not far from Suzhou. The area is pretty well-known for its scenic beauty, with lush greenery, tranquil streams, and views that’ll make you feel like you're in a peaceful escape from city life. A fun fact is that Qionglong Mountain has a little bit of history tied to it as well. It was once a site for monks during the Tang dynasty, and over time, it became a popular spot for tourists because of its natural beauty and historical significance. The mountain’s name itself comes from a legend involving a dragon (Qiong means dragon in Chinese), which adds a bit of mystique to the place. It's also famous for its ancient temples and inscriptions that tie it back to its Buddhist heritage. So, while you can just enjoy the views, there’s a cool history vibe if you're into that kind of thing. Plus, it's not too far from Suzhou, so if you're nearby, it's worth checking out!

#discoverchina Moon Harbour in Suzhou is a cool spot to check out if you're in the area. It's a modern riverside development with a mix of fancy restaurants, bars, and shops. The vibe is chill, especially in the evenings when the lights reflect off the water, creating a pretty peaceful scene. It's got a mix of traditional Chinese architecture and more contemporary design, so there's a nice contrast that adds to the atmosphere. The best part? It’s not as crowded as other touristy places in Suzhou, so you can actually enjoy the view without too much hustle. It’s a great place to grab a bite or just relax by the water. Plus, it's close to popular spots like the Suzhou Museum and the Humble Administrator’s Garden, so you can easily make it part of your day trip. Definitely worth a visit for a laid-back hangout!

#discoverchina this is my favorite temple just a bit outside of Nanjing. It is worth to visit this temple. You can go by taxi or by public transportation as well, if you like the thrill. Most people will not speak English around this area, but they will try to help you to find your way in case you get lost. Take subway line two to leave the city, because with subway line one you will join a huge traffic jam on your way to QiXia at the moment. They are widening a bridge. The temple area is very nice even if lots of the Buddha sculptures lost their head decades ago. Most Chinese People will visit this temple only because of the famous leaf’s. After visiting the Temple and the Buddha sculptures just hike up the path to the top of the mountain and you will enjoy a nice view of Yangtze river and Nanjing.

#discoverchina Yu Hua Tai is a small suburb on the southern side of Nanjing, it is adjacent to the city gate and is easily accessible through the Metro or the bus. There is a large park with a rather grisly revolutionary past, but for me the stand out highlight of the area is the little market around the bus station, it consists of lots of old women with tables full of bowls of water full of little polished stones, from which the area is named, I believe the story goes that a buddhist monk once spoke to a crowd there and his words were so beatiful, flowers fell from heaven like raindrops (Yu Hua), the brightly coloured stones in water are called Yu Hua Shi, which means raindrop flowers. You can get these stones all over nanjing, but they are never as nice or as quaint as at Yu Hua Tai. Recommended if you have a few hours to spare and have already been to Fuzi Miao, but if you buy remember to bargain hard!

#discoverchina This is a very nice place to spend a nice day with family and friends. Many places to walk and interesting history in this park centered on a winter palace from a dynasty. In the commercial area it is a bit kitschy, but not as bad as the Nanchang area in the city. A little more traditional. The temples are fascinating; respect the fact that the main one in the palace is operating and people are praying. Don't take pictures or be obtrusive. It's helpful to obtain a map since you can easily get turned around on the many pathways and alleys, but by all means do explore. When done, wander into the commercial district centered on one main street with many side streets and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. The people are pleasant and friendly, and you may even get to know them. Certainly worth visiting and spending at least 1/2 a day. Cheers!