Jiangsu Travel Guide:Attractions, Travel Tips, Best Time to Travel, Maps,Nanjing
Jiangsu, a splendid land inlaid between the Yangtze River and the Yellow Sea, has long been recognized as a fertile region rich in both culture and scenery. As a significant province along the eastern coast of China, Jiangsu not only bears a profound historical and cultural heritage but also attracts numerous domestic and international tourists with its diverse natural landscapes and modern urban features.
From north to south, Jiangsu's tourist tapestry unfolds gracefully. In the north, Xuzhou is renowned for its Han Dynasty cultural sites, with precious artifacts such as Han tombs and Han stone reliefs that transport visitors back to an era of grandeur and majesty.
In the central region, Nanjing, as an ancient capital of six dynasties, boasts historic sites like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Confucius Temple, which narrate the glory and vicissitudes of this millennium-old city. As for Suzhou, it represents the water towns of the south Yangtze region, with classical gardens like the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden, showcasing the utmost beauty of Eastern garden art through their exquisite layouts and elegant scenery.
Further south, the scenic Taihu Lake in Wuxi boasts breathtaking views, with the romantic cherry blossoms at Turtle Head Isle and the majestic Grand Buddha at Lingshan Mountain, which leave visitors feeling refreshed and exhilarated. In Changzhou, theme parks such as Dino Park and Joyful Valley are ideal destinations for family outings, filled with the joy and surprises of modern technology.
Welcome to Jiangsu, this magical land that blends classical charm with modern ambiance. Here, you will be deeply captivated by its rich historical culture, as if traveling through a thousand years to witness those glorious past events in person.
Our Jiangsu Travel Guide can provide available information for your travel. It's time to start a wonderful trip to Jiangsu!
Features
Chinese: 江苏 Jiangsu Area: 107,200 square kilometers
Time Zone: UTC+8 Population(2022): about 85,260,000
Location: China's Eastern Coastal Region Climate: East Asian Monsoon Climate
Post Code: 210000-226000 Administration Type: Non-autonomous Region
Area Code: (+86) 025-0527 Average annual rainfall: 1132.8mm
Top Jiangsu Tourist Attractions
Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden)
Humble Administrator’s Garden
Humble Administrator's Garden, located in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, is acclaimed as the foremost among the Four Great Gardens of China and is also an integral part of the World Cultural Heritage. The garden was initially constructed in the early Ming Zhengde years (around 1509 AD) by Wang Xianchen, a former censor who retired to his hometown after growing disillusioned with the political arena. The Humble Administrator's Garden covers an area of approximately 50,000 square meters and is divided into three main parts: the eastern, central, and western sections. The main attractions include the Orchid Snow Hall, the Distant Fragrance Hall, the Fragrant Isle, the Lotus Wind Pavilion, the Mountain Viewing Tower, the Small Flying Rainbow, and the Loquat Garden, among others. The central part is the essence of the garden, with a pool area that accounts for one-third of the total, dominated by water, extensive pools, lush trees, and natural scenery.
Niushou Mountain
Niushou Mountain, located in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China, is a renowned cultural and tourism destination that combines natural beauty with historical and cultural depth. It is about a 30-minute drive from the city center. The mountain is named for its twin peaks that stand in opposition, resembling the horns of an ox, and is also affectionately referred to by locals as "Ox Head Mountain" or "Tianque Mountain". With a long history and rich cultural significance, Niushou Mountain has been a sacred site for Buddhism since ancient times. During the Southern Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty, there were as many as 30 temples on the mountain, making it the most concentrated area among the "four hundred and eighty temples" of the Southern Dynasties. Today, the Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone centers around the Buddha's Topknot Palace, Buddha's Topknot Pagoda, and Buddha's Topknot Temple, showcasing a magnificent complex of Buddhist architecture.
Hanshan Temple
Hanshan Temple, a Buddhist temple with a long history and profound cultural significance, is one of the treasures of Chinese culture. Initially built during the Tianjian era of the Southern Dynasties' Liang Dynasty (502-519 AD), it was originally named "Miaoli Puming Pagoda Courtyard". Later, it was renamed Hanshan Temple after the Tang Dynasty’s eminent monk Hanshan, who once resided there. Despite being destroyed by wars multiple times over a thousand years, the temple has always been rebuilt and has now become a famous Buddhist temple and tourist attraction in China. The architectural style of Hanshan Temple is unique, blending the essence of Buddhist culture with the art of Jiangnan gardens. The Buddha statues and murals within the temple are of great artistic value, including many precious Buddhist artworks. The Mahavira Hall, the main structure of Hanshan Temple, features double eaves and a hip roof, exuding a grand presence.
Zhouzhuang
Zhouzhuang, located in Jiangsu Province and hailed as "China's First Water Town", is a historic and picturesque ancient water town in the Jiangnan region. Surrounded by water on all sides, the town was formed by rivers, with streets and markets built along the waterways. The town's crisscrossing river network features 14 ancient stone bridges from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties that are well-preserved. More than 800 households reside along the rivers, with over 60% of the residences preserving the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing periods, presenting a vivid tapestry of Jiangnan water town scenes. Zhouzhuang's ancient town attracts countless visitors with its unique water town charm and rich cultural landscapes. Attractions within the town, such as the Fuan Bridge, the Double Bridge, and the Shen Hall, each have their own distinctive features.
The Confucius Temple
The Confucius Temple in Jiangsu, also known as the Nanjing Confucius Temple, is one of the four great Confucian temples in China and an important hub of ancient Jiangnan culture and a gathering place for the historical and cultural essence of Jinling (Nanjing). The temple complex is vast, covering a large area, and mainly includes three major architectural groups: the Confucius Temple, the Academy, and the Imperial Examination Hall. Known as a famous scenic spot along the Qinhuai River, it is a characteristic landscape area of the ancient capital, Nanjing. The Confucius Temple is not only an important place to commemorate Confucius but also a center for the dissemination of Confucian culture. Historically, many Confucius temples had affiliated academies that cultivated a large number of scholars and literati. Today, the Confucius Temple has become a well-known open national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, attracting countless visitors to experience the rich cultural atmosphere.
Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
The Lingering Garden
The Lingering Garden is a historically rich and picturesque classical private garden. Originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era, the garden covers an area of approximately 23,300 square meters and is renowned as one of the Four Great Gardens of China, alongside the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Summer Palace in Beijing, and the Mountain Resort in Chengde. The architectural artistry of the Lingering Garden is exquisite, with grand and ornate halls and varied courtyards. The garden adopts an irregular layout, integrating the architectural elements with mountains, water, and rocks to create a natural charm. The garden is home to many peculiar rocks, with the most famous being the Guanyun Peak, which perfectly embodies the characteristics of Taihu stones known as "thin, permeable, translucent, and wrinkled". In addition, the Lingering Garden holds a wealth of cultural and historical value, making it an excellent place for visitors to savor classical beauty and experience traditional culture.
Tongli Ancient Town
Tongli Ancient Town, a millennium-old water town in Jiangnan, is acclaimed as the "Oriental Venice". Founded during the Shaoxing years of the Southern Song Dynasty, the town covers an area of 133.15 square kilometers. It is characterized by its crisscrossing waterways, small bridges, and flowing streams, exuding an antique elegance that is quintessential of the Jiangnan water towns. Within the ancient town, there are 15 interconnecting waterways spanned by 49 stone bridges, forming a unique "river"-shaped layout that divides the town into seven islets, which are then linked together by the ancient bridges, showcasing the distinctive charm of a water town. Tongli Ancient Town is also one of China's Top Ten Historical and Cultural Towns and one of China's Top Ten Charming Towns, attracting countless tourists every year.
The Lingshan Scenic Spot
The Lingshan Scenic Spot is a comprehensive tourist destination that combines natural scenery, religious culture, and historical heritage. Centered around the Lingshan Giant Buddha, this park is one of the best-preserved Buddhist cultural theme parks in China, which primarily features relics of Sakyamuni Buddha. Attractions within the scenic area, such as Xiaolingshan, Xiangfu Temple, and the Lingshan Giant Buddha, together form the unique charm of this sacred Buddhist site. The Lingshan Giant Buddha stands at 88 meters tall and is the world's largest outdoor bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, exuding solemnity and sanctity. Visitors can take an elevator to an open-air platform and walk around the base of the Buddha, immersing themselves in the grandeur and tranquility of Buddhist culture. Also within the scenic area, the Nine Dragon Bathing performance is a must-see attraction.
Lingshan Nian Hua Wan
Lingshan Nian Hua Wan, Jiangsu, is nestled against the backdrop of the Lingshan Giant Buddha and is approximately 30 kilometers away from downtown Wuxi. It is a resort destination filled with Zen aesthetics and natural beauty, covering an area of 106.67 hectares with a total construction area of 350,000 square meters. The overall design of the town centers around the theme of "Zen", integrating the Buddhist culture of the Lingshan Cultural Scenic Area with the dual characteristics of travel and vacation, earning it the reputation of being a "Paradise of Eastern Zen Living and a World Garden for the Soul". Upon entering Nianhua Bay, you will find that every detail here is imbued with tranquil Zen aesthetics. The architectural style of the town is simple and elegant, similar to Nara in Japan, yet it also incorporates the unique water systems characteristic of small towns in Jiangnan, China, creating a distinctive architectural style.
The Sun Yat-Sen's Mausoleum Scenic Spot
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area in Jiangsu Province is the location of the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, a great pioneer of China's modern democratic revolution, and its affiliated memorial architecture complex. As one of the first batch of national key scenic spots and a national 5A-level tourist attraction, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area not only carries a profound historical and cultural heritage but is also a sacred place in the hearts of countless people. The construction of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum began in the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926) and was completed by the end of 1931. The entire architectural complex is built according to the mountain terrain, with a grand momentum, and is known as "the first mausoleum in the history of modern Chinese architecture". In addition to the main building, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area also has many affiliated attractions, such as the Music Terrace, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Liuhui Pavilion. These memorial buildings surround the tomb like stars supporting the moon, providing visitors with a rich tourism experience.
The Huaguoshan
Huaguoshan, renowned as the hometown of Sun Wukong from the classic novel Journey to the West, is hailed as the "Eastern Continent of the Divine". With its beautiful mountains and rivers, pleasant scenery, distinct seasons, and mild climate, it is an ideal place for tourism, sightseeing, and leisure vacations. The main peak of Huaguoshan, Yu Nu Peak, stands at an elevation of 624.4 meters, making it not only the highest point of Huaguoshan but also the tallest peak in Jiangsu Province. The Water Curtain Cave, once the residence of Sun Wukong, features a profusion of stalagmites inside, each with a unique form, while outside, a waterfall cascades down like a galaxy, exuding a majestic and mighty presence. Huaguoshan is not only rich in natural landscapes but also imbued with profound historical and cultural depth. Today, Huaguoshan has become a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, drawing countless visitors to explore the homeland of Sun Wukong and experience the fantastical world of Journey to the West.
The Nanjing Museum
The Nanjing Museum, located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, is one of China's earliest large-scale comprehensive museums and is also among the top three museums in the country. Its predecessor can be traced back to the National Central Museum, which was advocated and established by Cai Yuanpei and others in 1933. As the earliest large-scale comprehensive museum funded by the state in China, the Nanjing Museum is not only an important cultural institution directly under the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism but also a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national key cultural relics protection unit. The museum covers a vast area with a rigorous layout and houses a rich collection of cultural relics from the Paleolithic Age to the contemporary era, totaling more than 430,000 pieces (sets), among which the number of valuable cultural relics ranks second in China, only after the Palace Museum. Each category forms a historical series on its own, together bearing witness to the development of Chinese civilization over thousands of years.
The Lion Grove Garden
The Lion Grove Garden is one of the four famous gardens in Suzhou, and it is also a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a World Cultural Heritage site. Initially built in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty by the disciples of the Zen master Tian Ru for their master, it was first named the Lion Forest Monastery and underwent several name changes before finally being named the Lion Grove Garden. The garden is renowned for its rock formations, many of which resemble lions, hence its name. The most famous feature of the Lion Grove Garden is its grottoes, which are considered the largest surviving ancient rockery groups in China. The rockery is exquisitely designed with a labyrinthine network of paths, offering visitors endless imagination and the joy of exploration. The garden also contains numerous stone inscriptions, ancient buildings, and inscriptions, as well as imperial poems, which bear witness to the historical changes and cultural heritage of the Lion Grove Garden.
The Wutong Boulevard
The Wutong Boulevard in Jiangsu is a vibrant business card of the city of Nanjing, carrying a wealth of historical culture and a strong sense of humanities. This avenue is famous for its tall and straight wutong trees on both sides, with dense canopies that not only provide shade and shelter for pedestrians, offering a cool and pleasant place to rest, but also witness the transformation and development of the city of Nanjing. The beauty of Wutong Boulevard lies not only in its natural scenery but also in its unique cultural connotations. Wutong trees have a special symbolic significance in Nanjing, symbolizing the city's historical and cultural heritage. Strolling on Wutong Boulevard, people seem to be in a fresh, idyllic retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, feeling a sense of peace and tranquility. On Wutong Boulevard, each wutong tree carries a story, and these stories are strung together to form the unique charm of the city of Nanjing, which is memorable and lingering.
The Daming Temple
Daming Temple, like a dazzling pearl inlaid in the embrace of the ancient city, not only bears the vicissitudes of a thousand years but also stands as an important cultural heritage and religious sanctuary in Yangzhou and across the country with its profound cultural heritage and exquisite architectural art. Upon entering Daming Temple, the first thing that catches the eye is the solemn archway, inscribed with the four characters "Qi Ling Historic Site" in seal script, which are vigorous and powerful, written by Yao Yu, the salt transportation commissioner during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. The Mahavira Hall, as the main hall of Daming Temple, is a marvel of architectural art, fully displaying the grandeur and delicacy of Tang Dynasty architecture. Inside the hall, the Buddha Shakyamuni is enshrined, sitting on a lotus platform, with a solemn Dharma appearance that inspires awe. The temple also houses a large collection of Buddhist scriptures and cultural relics.
The Slender West Lake
Slender West Lake in Jiangsu is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction that combines natural scenery and cultural landscapes. Originally known as Baozhang Lake, it is a branch of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal in Yangzhou, with a vast water area, a total length of about 4.3 kilometers, and a width ranging from 13 to 116 meters. It is famous for its unique slender shape and beautiful scenery. The history of Slender West Lake is long-standing; since the Sui and Tang dynasties, gardens have been built along its waterways. By the Kangxi and Qianlong periods of the Qing dynasty, the six southern tours of Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong created a flourishing scene described as "flowers and willows on both banks all depend on the water, and pavilions and terraces along the way to the mountains", forming the basic pattern of the gardens around Slender West Lake. The scenic area is home to many famous gardens and historical sites, such as Xu Garden, Little Golden Mountain, Five Pavilion Bridge, White Pagoda, Twenty-Four Bridges, and Wanhua Garden.
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