Nanjing Travel Guide
Nanjing is a city of east-central China, located the southeastern bank of the Yangtze River northwest of Shanghai. Nanjing served as the capital of China during several historical periods, and is listed as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Besides, Nanjing has also served as a national hub of education, research, transportation and tourism throughout history. With an urban population of over five million, it is also the second largest commercial center in the East China region, behind only Shanghai.
Nanjing is also noted for its library, and its astronomical observatory and botanical gardens are among China's largest. The original city wall (70 ft/21 m high), most of which still stands, dates from the Ming dynasty and encircles most of the modern city. The tomb of the first Ming emperor is approached by an avenue lined with colossal images of men and animals. Also of interest are the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, a memorial to China's war dead (a steel pagoda), and the Taiping museum. A 4-mi (6.4 km), two-level railway and road bridge was completed across the Chang in 1968.
Nanjing Steamed Duck
As early as 1910, the Nanjing steamed Duck cutlet was awarded a national award by the Qing government and is now popular in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. This dish is characterized by its appetizing appearance and tender and delicate taste.
The cooking process involves steeping, boiling, braising and baking the duck. The best places to taste this are the snack bars around the Confucius Temple area of the city.
Salted Duck
Delicious and tender salted duck is a Nanjing specialty, rich in flavor but not too greasy. Salted duck hangs from many city shop windows and the best time to purchase and eat the duck is said to be August when the duck is seasoned with Osmathus flowers and has a delicate flavor.
The best place to sample this dish is in the Wan Qing Lou Restaurant in the south of the city.
Jinling Snacks
Jinling is the former name given to Nanjing and today it is not only the name of the tasty beer brewed in the city but also the name associated with the local traditional snacks which are named after the area. These snacks originate in the Confucius Temple area of the city.
This district has long been the center of Nanjing cuisine and today there are many great restaurants and snack bars around here where you can sample traditional Jinling snacks. Local specialties include: deep fried dough cake with scallion and salted duck gizzard.
By air
Nanjing's airport, Lukou International Airport, serves both national and international flights. The airport currently has 85 routes to national and international destinations, which include Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Germany. In addition, passengers can fly from Nanjing to many major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Jinan, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Guilin, Wuhan, Xian, Zhengzhou, Lanzhou, Shenyang and Dalian.
By train
The Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing connects railways on the northern and the southern river banks so that Nanjing has become the train transport hub of Eastern China. At the intersection of the national Jinghu Railway (Beijing-Shanghai Railway) and Ningtong (Nanjing -Tongchuan) Railway, Nanjing has a convenient rail network, with direct trains to Beijing, Shanghai (four hours), Hangzhou (two hours), Tianjing, Harbin, Changchun, Shenyang, Hangzhou (five and a half hours)and Xian.
Blue Sky Bar and Grill
Blue Sky Bar and Grill has great food, great music, foosball and billiards. Come for the food and stay for the great atmosphere of the almost entirely foreign crowd. It has Monthly Pool tournaments, Weekly food specials and a big screen TV for all the Sports events the Satelites provide. Owned by an Australian, Managed by a Canadian and the Waitstaff are almost all fluent in English.
Add: 77 Shanghai Lu Just off Guangzhou Lu
Fuzimiao Dining Street
The riverside area near Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) dotted with numerous snack shops, restaurants housed in traditional Chinese buildings is also a popular night entertaining venue.
Qinhuai River Night Market
At night the whole area is lit up with colourful lights thus creating a very impressive scene. A lively street market is set up in the area and both locals and tourists take part in the bargain hunt. Taking a leisurely stroll along the riverside, seeing the Chinese vendors doing their business or boarding a colourfully decorated boats flowering through the aged river will be a memorial experience. Many foreigners find it a good place to taste the local cuisine. The many snack stalls dotted within the area offer a range of food: (Baozi) steamed buns-stuffed with pork, and other delicate fillings, Bawei Dawei doufunao (eight-flavoured jellied bean curd pastries) roasted beef, salty duck, animal stomach, chicken feet (phoenix feet) and much more. In addition it is a good place for photo opportunities.
Tianshui Yuan Teahouse
Tianshui Yuan Teahouse, located on the Hanzhong Road, the second floor of Hongyun Building, is one of the best teahouses in Nanjing city. When you come here, the classical tea table, old fashion chairs and romantic lighting will attract you immediately. The goal of the teahouse is to make every customer fell relax, easy and comfortable. The Tianshui Yuan Teahouse provides nice tea. Wish you to taste with relish and good mood.
Add: Hongyun Building, No.185 of hanzhongRoad, Nanjing
Tel: 025-86794416
Xicheng Coffee Shop
Xicheng Coffee Shop, located on Hanzhongmon Street in Nanjing city, is a nice place for friends' gathering, lovers' dating and tourists' relaxation. Here, you can enjoy the best service and the best coffee. The shop provides you relaxing atmosphere, comfortable seating and subdued lighting. Xicheng Coffee Shop' s goal is to provide a quiet, laid back atmosphere and create a wholesome environment for every customer.
Add: No.23 of Hanzhongmen Street, Jianye District, Nanjing
Tel: 025-86660611
Jinling Lanterns Fair
It was said that the first lantern fair was held in this region in the reign of Hong Wu in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered a spring lantern fair to be held to celebrate both the coming New Year and prosperity of the country. This tradition was passed down from generation to generation and reached its height in the Ming and Qing periods. Each year from the first day of the lunar January the lantern fair celebration is held in the area surrounding Fuzimiao.
Nanjing Int'l Plum Festival (Plum Hill)
In the early spring between February and March, Nanjing International Plum Festival opens as the first ceremonial tourist event of the year. The meeting place is chosen on Plum Hill. Reputed as the First Plum Hill under Heaven, it is one of the eight plum appreciation sights having the most variety, longest history and being the largest in the country. Because the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year always falls in this period, spectacular celebrations of blossom appreciation, show performances, cultural exhibitions and bazaar shopping are be held.
Yuhuashi (Rain Flower Pebbles) Art Festival
Yuhuashi, a kind of rain-flower pattern agate, is a very popular tourist souvenir. Each year in September, an art and cultural festival is held in Yuhuatai (Rain Flower Terrace) Scenic Area. Exhibition of precious agate stones and performances will be presented.
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