Jiangsu Province Travel

Jiangsu, a shining pearl on China's eastern coast, is renowned as the "Land of Fish and Rice" and the "Home of Silk". From the ancient capital of six dynasties in Nanjing to the gardens and water towns of Suzhou, from the beautiful Slender West Lake in Yangzhou to the Taihu Lake scenery in Wuxi, every place showcases Jiangsu's profound cultural heritage and the unique charm of the Jiangnan water region.

13
Prefecture-level Divisions
95
County-level Divisions
25
5A-rated Scenic Spots
900+
Cultural Heritage Sites

Explore Cities in Jiangsu Province

Jiangsu Province 5-Day 4-Night Essence Tour

Explore Jiangsu's classical gardens, historical monuments and water town customs, from the ancient capital of six dynasties to the Jiangnan water towns, from Taihu Lake scenery to canal culture, experiencing the perfect fusion of Jiangsu's diverse natural landscapes and rich human history.

Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Main Destinations
Nanjing, Suzhou, Yangzhou
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, History Explorers
Budget Per Person
¥2500-¥3500
01
Nanjing Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum · Confucius Temple · Qinhuai River
Highlights

Arrive in Nanjing, the "Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties", check into hotel then head to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to pay tribute to Dr. Sun Yat-sen's tomb and overlook the panoramic view of Nanjing. Afterwards visit Confucius Temple to experience the cultural legacy of this millennium-old academy. In the evening take a night cruise on Qinhuai River, enjoying the illuminated banks and experiencing the bustling scene of "Ten-mile Qinhuai".

Attractions Arrangement
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
The magnificent mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great pioneer of China's democratic revolution. Built against the mountain, there are 392 steps from the memorial archway to the sacrificial hall, symbolizing the 392 million compatriots of China at that time.
Confucius Temple
One of China's four major Confucian temples, first built in 1034 during the Northern Song Dynasty. The temple complex consists of the Confucian Temple, Academy, and Examination Hall, forming the core area of Qinhuai scenery.
Qinhuai River
Nanjing's mother river, known as "China's First Historical and Cultural River". At night the Qinhuai River is brilliantly lit with painted boats gliding on the water, recreating the prosperous scenes of ancient Jinling, making it an excellent place to experience Nanjing's nightlife.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Nanjing Jinling Hotel
  • Nanjing Yihe Mansions
  • Shangri-La Nanjing
Food Recommendations
  • Salted Duck
  • Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup
  • Beef Pot Stickers
Travel Tips
  • Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum area is large, wear comfortable shoes
  • Confucius Temple snack street offers various Nanjing specialties
  • Book tickets in advance for Qinhuai River night cruise
02
Nanjing History and Culture
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum · Presidential Palace · Nanjing Museum
Highlights

In the morning visit Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, explore the World Heritage site and feel the grandeur of the Ming imperial tombs. Then visit the Presidential Palace to understand important witnesses of modern Chinese history. In the afternoon tour the Nanjing Museum, admire the rich collection of artifacts and gain deep insight into Jiangsu's history and culture.

Attractions Arrangement
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The joint burial mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and his empress. It represents the highest achievement of early Ming architecture and stone carving art, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003.
Presidential Palace
The largest and best-preserved architectural complex among modern Chinese architectural relics, and a main representative of Nanjing's Republican-era architecture. It once served as the Heavenly King's Palace of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, the Viceroy's Office of Liangjiang, and later became the Presidential Palace of the Republic of China.
Nanjing Museum
One of China's three major museums, originally established in 1933 as the National Central Museum initiated by Cai Yuanpei and others. It houses over 430,000 artifacts, both national and regional, including imperial heirlooms and archaeological finds.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: 70 yuan
  • Presidential Palace: 40 yuan
  • Nanjing Museum: Free (reservation required)
Opening Hours
  • Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: 6:30-18:30
  • Presidential Palace: 8:30-17:00
  • Nanjing Museum: 9:00-17:00
Travel Tips
  • Reserve Nanjing Museum tickets via official website or mini-program in advance
  • Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum area is large, allow sufficient time
  • The Presidential Palace has rich historical exhibitions, consider renting an audio guide
03
Suzhou Gardens and Water Towns
Humble Administrator's Garden · Pingjiang Road · Zhouzhuang
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Suzhou, the "Venice of the East", and visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, one of China's Four Great Classical Gardens, to experience the delicacy and elegance of Jiangnan gardens. Then stroll along Pingjiang Road Historical Block to experience the charm of ancient streets and water lanes. In the afternoon, head to Zhouzhuang, China's No.1 Water Town, and take a wooden boat to cruise through the water lanes while admiring the typical water town scenery.

Attraction Arrangement
Humble Administrator's Garden
The largest existing classical garden in Suzhou and one of China's Four Great Classical Gardens. Centered around water, the garden features winding mountains and rivers, exquisite halls and pavilions, and lush flowers and trees, embodying strong characteristics of Jiangnan water towns and hailed as the "Mother of Chinese Gardens".
Pingjiang Road
The most well-preserved area in Suzhou's ancient city, known as a microcosm of the ancient city. The block still maintains the double chessboard pattern of "parallel water and land, adjacent rivers and streets" and the unique style of "small bridges, flowing water, white walls and black tiles", with abundant historical relics and cultural landscapes.
Zhouzhuang
Known as China's No.1 Water Town with a history of over 900 years, it is one of the Six Ancient Towns in Jiangnan. The town is a water country surrounded by water on all sides, where all travels rely on boats even for short distances. The entire town is built along rivers with connected bridges and streets, featuring deep courtyard houses with high eaves, representing the typical Jiangnan scenery of "small bridges, flowing water and families".
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • High-speed train from Nanjing to Suzhou: about 1 hour
  • Drive from Suzhou to Zhouzhuang: about 1.5 hours
  • Wooden boat tours available in Zhouzhuang
Ticket Information
  • Humble Administrator's Garden: ¥90
  • Pingjiang Road: Free
  • Zhouzhuang: ¥100
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to stay overnight in Zhouzhuang to experience the morning and night scenery of the water town
  • Humble Administrator's Garden is crowded with tourists, it is recommended to go in the morning
  • Try Suzhou specialties: Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs
04
Yangzhou Canal Culture
Slender West Lake · Ge Garden · Dongguan Street
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Yangzhou, the "Famous City on the Huai Left Bank", and visit the Slender West Lake, hailed as "the most splendid garden under heaven", to admire the exquisite beauty of the lake gardens. Then visit Ge Garden, one of China's Four Great Classical Gardens, to appreciate the unique charm of bamboo and stone art. In the evening, stroll along Dongguan Street to experience the historical charm of the millennium-old street and taste Yangzhou's special snacks.

Attraction Arrangement
Slender West Lake
A symbol of Yangzhou's grace and luxury, and an important part of the Grand Canal of China, a World Cultural Heritage. With its delicate and graceful charm, the Slender West Lake is unique among other lakes. A winding river is like a silk ribbon, fluttering and flowing, narrowing and widening, presenting a slender elegance different from Hangzhou's West Lake.
Ge Garden
One of China's Four Great Classical Gardens, famous for its bamboo and stones. The character "Ge" (个) in the garden's name is taken from half of the Chinese character for bamboo (竹), corresponding to the various bamboos in the garden. With innovative conception and rigorous structure, Ge Garden is a unique example of Chinese gardens and one of the most renowned scenic spots in Yangzhou.
Dongguan Street
The most representative historical old street in Yangzhou, stretching 1122 meters from the ancient Grand Canal in the east to Guoqing Road in the west. The street is bustling with commercial activities, lined with various shops and businesses, boasting many time-honored brands and characteristic stores, making it an ideal place to experience Yangzhou's traditional culture.
Practical Information
Ticket Reservation
  • Slender West Lake: ¥150
  • Ge Garden: ¥45
  • Dongguan Street: Free
Opening Hours
  • Slender West Lake: 6:30-17:30
  • Ge Garden: 7:15-17:15
  • Dongguan Street: Open 24 hours
Travel Tips
  • You can take a boat tour on Slender West Lake to enjoy different views
  • The Four-Season Rockeries are the biggest highlight of Ge Garden, don't miss them
  • Dongguan Street is more lively at night, you can taste local delicacies like Yangzhou Fried Rice and Lion's Head Meatballs
05
Wuxi Taihu Lake Scenery
Yuantouzhu · Lingshan Giant Buddha · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, travel to Wuxi and visit Yuantouzhu, the most famous scenic spot of Taihu Lake, to admire the vast misty waves of the lake. Then visit the Lingshan Giant Buddha to experience the solemnity and sacredness of Buddhist culture. In the afternoon, head to the airport/station according to your return schedule and end your pleasant trip to Jiangsu.

Attraction Arrangement
Yuantouzhu
A peninsula lying on the northwest bank of Taihu Lake, named after a huge rock protruding into the lake shaped like a divine turtle raising its head. Yuantouzhu boasts beautiful mountains and clear waters, a natural landscape that is the essence of Taihu Lake scenery, known as "the most famous scenic spot of Taihu Lake and a renowned cherry blossom viewing destination in China".
Lingshan Giant Buddha
The world's tallest bronze standing statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, standing 88 meters high and consecrated in 1997. The Buddha is located at Xiaoling Mountain, named by Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty, hence the name Lingshan Giant Buddha. With a kind smile, the Buddha looks out at all living beings, with his right hand in the "Abhaya Mudra" (gesture of fearlessness) representing relief from suffering, and left hand in the "Varada Mudra" (gesture of granting wishes) representing giving happiness.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Yuantouzhu: ¥105
  • Lingshan Giant Buddha: ¥210
  • Scenic Area Shuttle Bus: ¥30
Shopping Recommendations
  • Wuxi Clay Figurines
  • Yangshan Honey Peaches
  • Taihu Lake Whitebait
Return Trip Suggestions
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport is about 35 km from the urban area
  • Wuxi Sunan Shuofang Airport is about 20 km from the urban area
  • Allow sufficient time for check-in procedures
Jiangsu Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • March-May: Spring blossoms with pleasant climate
  • September-November: Clear autumn sky with the most beautiful scenery
  • June-August: Plum rain season, remember to bring rain gear
Must-Try Local Cuisine
  • Salted Duck
  • Yangzhou Fried Rice
  • Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish
  • Wuxi Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs
  • Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approximately ¥600-800
  • Accommodation: ¥200-400 per night
  • Catering: ¥80-120 per day
  • Transportation: ¥400-600
  • Total: ¥2500-3500