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Jiangsu Province Attractions

Mochou Lake

More intro Click here.(Chinese)

Bus Y4、5、18、29、68、82 stop at Mochou Xinyu (莫愁新寓)
Bus Y4、7、13、19、37、41、48、83, 306 stop at Mochou Hu (莫愁湖)

Yuejiang Tower (Yuejiang Lou)

Yuejiang Tower (Yuejiang Lou, 阅江楼) sits on Lion Hill (Shizi Shan, 狮子山) in the northwest part of Nanjing near the banks of the Chang Jiang (Yangzi, Yangtze, 长江) River.  It is one of the best places in Nanjing to enjoy a view of the river.  Inside the 52 meter tower are displays re...
Yuejiang Tower (Yuejiang Lou, 阅江楼) sits on Lion Hill (Shizi Shan, 狮子山) in the northwest part of Nanjing near the banks of the Chang Jiang (Yangzi, Yangtze, 长江) River.  It is one of the best places in Nanjing to enjoy a view of the river.  Inside the 52 meter tower are displays related to the Ming Dynasty and Zheng He’s sea voyages as well as a multi-storey tile mural.  Part of the restored Nanjing City Wall stretches around Lion Hill, but most of it was still under construction at the time of writing.
 
History of Yuejiang Tower
 
In 1360, Lion Hill (Shizi Shan, 狮子山) was the site of a battle that helped pave the way for the ascension of the Ming Dynasty.  A force of 80,000 soldiers under the command of emperor-to-be Zhu Yuanzhang defeated the 400,000 strong force of Chen Youliang (陈友谅).  A few years later in 1374,  Zhu Yuanzhang (Emperor Hongwu) decided to build the Yuejiang Tower. He composed a poem about the tower and also ordered many scholars to write about the project.  Unfortunately, the construction was soon suspended indefinitely and Yuejiang Tower existed only on paper for over 600 years.  Construction finally began in 1999 and it was opened to the public in 2001.
 
How to Get There
 
Buses 10, 12, 16, 18, 21, 39, 54 and 95 stop near Yuejiang Tower.  It should cost about 10-15 yuan to take a cab from Hunan Road (湖南路) or 20-25 yuan to take a cab from Xinjiekou (新街口).
 
There are two south-facing entrances on Jianning Road (建宁路).  The entrance to the west is next to cement stairs and an elevator that goes up to the top of the hill.  The entrance on the east allows for a scenic walk to the top of the hill.  The tower itself also has an elevator.
 
View from Yuejiang Tower.  Look closely to see the impressive bridge in the distance.
 
Outside of Yue Jiang Lou
 
Links
 
 
Places to Get a Closer View of Chang Jiang River
  Swallow Rock (Yanzi Ji, 燕子矶)
  Nanjing Chang Jiang Bridge (Nanjing Chang Jiang Daqiao, 南京长江大桥)
  Nanjing 2nd Bridge (南京二桥)
 
www.yuejiangtower.com - No English, but the site does have a few more pictures of the tower.

Rain Flower Terrace (Yu Hua Tai)

Introduction

...

Introduction

Legend has it that in the 6th century AD, the monk Yun Guang delivered such a powerful sermon that God himself was moved to let flowers rain down upon this area. This story explains how the stones at this site received their unique color and their name, “yu hua shi,” which means rain flower stone.
 
In the 1930s, Yuhua Tai was put to use as an execution ground by the Chinese Nationalist Party.  Thousands of their left-wing opponents were detained and put to death here.  After the revolution the park was converted into a memorial ground. The park includes a museum, statues, tombs, and a great obelisk which can be viewed from afar stretching skyward above the trees.
 
 
Buying Rain Flower Stones
 
The main store for purchasing Rain Flower Stones is located in the eastern part of the park.  The stones vary wildly in price from under 10 yuan to over 1000 yuan.  The stone’s value increases if:
- The stones are more finely grained. 
- The stones look like something.  For example, a pattern that looks similar to a flower would be worth more than one that doesn’t look like anything.
- The colors are particualrly vibrant.
 
Despite these general indications of price, it is impossible for anybody except a true expert to assess the actual value of a Rain Flower Stone.
 
Park Layout
 
The Martyrs Museum is located near the south entrance of the park.  Directly in front of the north entrance is the Statue of Martyrs.  On the east side is a variety of smaller attractions including the Rain Flower Stone “Museum” (store) and Yuhua Pavilion.  To the west is a small amusement park for children which includes an additional 5 yuan entrance fee.
 
How to Get There
 
Rain Flower Terrace is located along the western edge of Yuhua Dong Lu (雨华东路) and the northern edge of Yuhua Nan Lu (雨花南路). 
 
To reach the north entrance of the park via the subway, get off at Zhonghua Men (中华门) station. Then exit from the south side of the station and walk a couple blocks east along Yuhua Xi Lu (雨花西路).
 
There are many buses that go straight to the south and north entrance of the park.
 
If you were to come by bicycle it is important to note that there are train tracks just north of the park.  If you are coming from the north and do not want to ride in a huge circle, you should carry your bike up a few flights of stairs to cross the bridge next to Zhonghua Men subway station.
 
 
 
Construction
 
New additions to the park are being built in the southeast and southwest corners.  Construction is scheduled to be completed in August.  There is no need to worry as all of the main attractions described above can still be accessed.  Currently, the only inconvenience is that the east entrance of the park is not yet accessible.

Jiming Temple

Jiming Temple was founded in 300 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty.  Since then it has been destroyed and reconstructed several times.  It was last destroyed by fire in 1973 and restored again in 1981.  It is now one of Nanjing’s most active temples.
 ...
Jiming Temple was founded in 300 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty.  Since then it has been destroyed and reconstructed several times.  It was last destroyed by fire in 1973 and restored again in 1981.  It is now one of Nanjing’s most active temples.
 
The seven story high Bhaisajyaguru Pagoda (Yaoshi Ta, 药师塔) was renovated in 2006 and is again open for visitors.
 
Those interested in temples could combine a trip to Jiming Temple with a trip to Xuanzang Temple at Jiuhuashan, just a 15 minute walk to the east.
 
 
How to get there
 
It would be ideal to walk or bike to Jiming temple since it is located near Jiuhuashan, just off Beijing Dong Lu and next to Xuanwu Lake.
 
The back entrance connects to the Nanjing Ming Dynasty City Wall.  The top of this section of the wall can be reached from the entrances at Jiefang Men and Jiuhuashan.
 
Unfortunately for travellers that choose to take the bus, there are at least 3 bus stops that take the Jiming Temple name.  Jiming Temple is right next to the Paleontology Museum and a couple hundred meters west of the city government buildings.

The Great Wall Roller-skate Rink

Roller-skating is alive and strong in Nanjing. The Great Wall Music Roller-skate Rink is supposedly the most popular roller-skating rink in Nanjing. It’s open all day and can get very busy later in the evening. Tickets are only 11 yuan per person which includes skate rental...
Roller-skating is alive and strong in Nanjing. The Great Wall Music Roller-skate Rink is supposedly the most popular roller-skating rink in Nanjing. It’s open all day and can get very busy later in the evening. Tickets are only 11 yuan per person which includes skate rental. There is no English signage, nor are there any attendants that speak English.
 
How to Get There:
 
The Roller-skating Rink is located in central Nanjing just off of Zhongshan Bei Lu and close to Hunan Road.

Chaotian Palace and Nanjing City Museum

The Nanjing City Museum focuses on Nanjing’s history.  A range of exhibits are featured within the halls of Chaotian Palace.  Since there is a lot of walking to be done outside, it is best to visit when the weather is nice.
 
Most of the general...
The Nanjing City Museum focuses on Nanjing’s history.  A range of exhibits are featured within the halls of Chaotian Palace.  Since there is a lot of walking to be done outside, it is best to visit when the weather is nice.
 
Most of the general signs are in English, but many of the artifact labels are not translated into English.  English speaking tour guides are occasionally available for 60 yuan.
 

Artifacts from the Shipyard

 
From 1405 to 1433 Zheng He (郑和) made seven voyages west of China. These adventurs carried Zheng He and his crew to Southeast Asia, India, and even as far as Africa.  At the time Nanjing was the capital of China’s Ming Dynasty, and Zheng He’s ships were built in Nanjing.  The shipyard has since been excavated, and remains from the ships and the tools used to build them are on display at the museum. It was said to be the only ancient ship building excavation site in China.
 

Six Dynasties Period

 
Located in Dacheng Hall is an exhibit focused on Nanjing during the Six Dynasties period.
 

Exhibition of Nanjing History and Culture

 
This exhibition is worth a look, but it is easy to miss as it is hidden in a building with a relatively insignificant appearance just to the west of Dacheng Hall.  The exhibitions contain information on Nanjing’s history from as early as the time of “Nanjing homo erectus” all the way up to the present.
 

How to Get There

Chaotian Palace is located between Mochou Lu (莫愁路), Jianye Lu (建业路), and Wangfu Street (王府大街).  It is a 10 minute walk west of Zhangfuyuan Subway Station.
 
Remember not to confuse Nanjing City Museum with Nanjing Museum which is a totally different museum.
 

Nanjing Brocade Museum of China

What is Nanjing Brocade?
 
Nanjing brocade is regarded as one of the best forms of silk. It boasts a history of more than 1500 years and was originally formed by a merging of Northern and Southern Chinese technologies.  It is&nbs...
What is Nanjing Brocade?
 
Nanjing brocade is regarded as one of the best forms of silk. It boasts a history of more than 1500 years and was originally formed by a merging of Northern and Southern Chinese technologies.  It is famous for it’s cloud-like colours and intricate patterns.
 
Inside the Museum
 
The museum displays many samples of Nanjing brocade. There is also an exhibition room where visitors can observe professional brocade artists working wooden looms which produce brocade products that are sold both on location and abroad.
 
There is a store on the first floor that sells authentic Nanjing brocade.  There are many other locations in Nanjing that sell brocade.  However, while many of these shops will claim their products are authentic, they may be imitations.
 

How to Get There
 
The museum is located right next to 
the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum.  Take bus 7, 37 or 61 to Chanan Road Station (茶南路站).  From the bus stop walk east to the corner and then head northwest down the alley.  Look for the insignificant building with the red sign on top.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tips
 
The Nanjing Brocade Museum and Brocade Research Institute are both in the same building. In many tour guides and maps, these two names are used interchangeably to refer to the same location. 
 
A trip to both the Brocade Musem and the Massacre Memorial Hall easily fits into an afternoon.
 

Skyways Bakery and Deli

This cozy bakery is surely one of the most well known Western food joints in Nanjing.  The bakery serves sandwiches, pastries, and ice cream ready to eat.  They also sell real freshly made bread and cheese.

Inside, there are a few tables and a message board that i...

This cozy bakery is surely one of the most well known Western food joints in Nanjing.  The bakery serves sandwiches, pastries, and ice cream ready to eat.  They also sell real freshly made bread and cheese.

Inside, there are a few tables and a message board that is frequented by many foreigners in Nanjing, especially students.  The "Skyways" sign is a bit hard to notice, so look carefully for a grey sign with small yellow writing.

If you are looking for some other foreign ingredients to compliment what you purchase at the bakery, then cross the street and check out the small foreign goods store.

There is also a second location of Skyways Bakery and Deli that is less well known:

Taiping Men Dajie No. 10 (太平门大街10号)
+86 (0)25 8481 2002
9:30am-9:30pm

This location has plentiful seating both inside and outside. 

This Skyways is also a bit difficult to locate, because the store face is pushed back behind the front of the building.  Again, look for the grey sign with small yellow writing.

Jiangsu Province Articles

Top Jiangsu Province Tours

$40 Per Day

Nanjing nightlife tours - Bar crawling

In recent years Nanjing’s nightlife scene has undoubtedly changed for the better.  The 1912 bar district is a common place to start a tour of Nanjing’s nightlife as it features Nanjing’s largest concentration of bars and clubs.  Besides 1912, bars, pubs, clubs, karaokes, restaurants and not-so-mentionable locales are dispersed across the city, especially near Xinjiekou and close to the student population.

Nail Jazz Bar is a light bar with good Jazz muisc, live sometimes, they have over 50 kinds of imported beer from all over the World, the Draft beer Hoegaarden is with special roam and taste, for lady, here have over 100 cocktail to choose, lovely and enjoyable.  The price here is quite as other bars, short cocktail for 28 Yuan, long drink cocktail for 38 Yuan. Hoegaarden draft beer, 38 for 0.3L and 68 for 0.5L.

Behind the Wall - A cozy atmosphere, decent food, live music and cheap margaritas make Behind the Wall a popular hang-out, especially with the foreign student population. Inside, Behind the Wall’s three rooms are linked by over-sized arched doorways, and provide seating for groups of two to ten. Mexican, Latin and Greek cuisine is served. The drink menu is varied and not too expensive by Nanjing standards - margaritas are served for only 15 Yuan from Sunday to Thursday.

Castle Bar - Castle Bar is lively on weekends and can become packed during special events. However, during weekdays staff members often outnumber customers. A good place if you like dancing.

Secco Restaurant and Bar - Great German restaurant and bar in Nanjing, they have a good rang and selection of cocktail made by a German, he is also the manager there, really strict to every cocktail he made, always bring you the best taste.

Finnegans Wake - A traditional Irish bar in Nanjing,offering Kilkenny, Guinness and strongbow cider on draught.

 

Please contact me for daily tour fees, i charge by per tour, not per person.

$50 Per Day

Nanjing Hiking tour with local tour guide Sam

It`s springtime, it`s hiking time!

This tailor-made tour is for people who like nature, history, and hiking!

Ming Tomb (Admission: FreeCNY) - Nanjing became the capital of China when Zhu Yuanzhang founded the Ming Dynasty in 1368.  During his reign, Zhu Yuanzhang built the great city walls of Nanjing, the imperial palace, and his future tomb - the Ming Tomb in Nanjing.  The Ming Tomb is a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see for travellers to Nanjing.

Xuanwu Lake (Admission: Free) - Close to the city center and featuring 368 hectares of water and 104 hectares of land, Xuanwu Lake Park is a favorite getaway for locals.  Well before the sunrise and even after sunset, the park is bustling with visitors. Some come to walk, jog, or fly kites, others to practice Tai Chi, and many more just want to enjoy the scenery.

Nanjing Food Court -  my favorite local Nanjing restaurant, Nanjing people like to go there with family. It`s a resultant with a lot of Nanjing local food and ancient style of decoration, at night they will have Kunqu playing, coolest restaurant ever.

City Wall (Admission: 45CNY) - Nanjing City Wall, constructed during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties between 1365 and 1386, originally stretched over 30km which made it the longest city wall in the world.  Now, with about two thirds of the wall still intact it still remains the longest city wall in China. We could walk on the city wall and feel the history of Nanjing.

*Please contact me for daily tour fees, i charge by per tour, not per person.

$80 Per Day

Relaxing Hot Spring Tour at Tangshan Area

Nanjing Tangshan is famous for the hot spring, hot spring is good for your skin and health, and relaxing your body and get rid of the press.

Maybe you don't like all the tourist attractions in the downtown, here would be one of another option.

This tour will be only visit 2 attractions and the rest will be spend the whole time in the hot spring. Or, if you prefer, you can only go for the spring.

Tour plan would be:

Hotel pick up -----> Yangshan Stele -----> Tangshan Ancient Ape Man Caves -----> Hot Spring -----> Send back to hotel.

 

Since Tangshan is a little town outside of Nanjing city and it`s quite far away, i would suggest to use a private car to drive there directly.