Mount Huangshan (2 days, approx. 300 km from Nanjing)
This dramatic landscape, as one of China’s most representative natural landscapes and listed in UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage sites, includes formations of natural stone pillars, grotesquely-shaped rocks, waterfalls, caves, lakes and hot springs, formed by its complex geological history. From Nanjingnan Railway Station, take the high-speed rail to Huangshan North Station (approx. 1.5-2 hours), then transfer to a scenic area bus to Tangkou Town at the mountain’s base (approx. 50 minutes). It is recommended to stay overnight at the base. The next morning, take the cable car up the mountain. Walk along the cliffside plank path in the Xihai Grand Canyon, admire the ancient pines of various shapes at Shixin Peak, and head to Bright Summit to witness the sunset over the sea of clouds in the evening. Mountain trails are well-maintained, but the entire hike takes 6-8 hours; travel light and wear shoes with good grip. The probability of seeing the sea of clouds is highest in spring and summer, while winter offers snowy scenery. After descending, try local Huizhou dishes like hairy tofu and stinky mandarin fish to conclude the trip.
Copyright: Author Hou Ruidong
Copyright: Author Zhou Zehua
Slender West Lake (Full day, approx. 100 km from Nanjing)
Slender West Lake is located in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, one of the most famous classical garden lakes in the Jiangnan region. It is named for its long, slender watercourse. Pavilions and towers are built along its banks, and Qing Dynasty emperors made 6 inspection tours here. From Nanjingnan Railway Station, take the high-speed rail to Yangzhou East Station (approx. 1 hour). Alternatively, a direct shuttle bus is available from the Nanjing Travel Distribution Center, departing at 07:30 and returning at 17:00. Upon entering, it’s recommended to take a painted pleasure boat to admire The famous Twenty-four Bridge: the jade-belt-like Arch Bridge is 24 meters long, 2.4 meters wide and had 24 steps as well as 24 balustrades of white jade. Afterwards, ascend the Five-Pavilion Bridge for a panoramic view of the lake. Spring, with blooming Qionghua flowers and willow trees, is the best season to visit. For lunch, savor Yangzhou Fried Rice, Lion’s Head Meatballs with Crab Roe, and Dried Tofu Shreds in Broth. In the afternoon, stroll through the historical Dongguan Street to experience the slow-paced life of Huaiyang culture.
Jinshan Temple (Full day, approx. 70 km from Nanjing)
Jinshan Temple is located in Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, the site of the “Flooding of Jinshan Temple” legend from the Chinese folk tale Legend of the White Snake. The temple is built against the mountain, with halls and pavilions enveloping the entire hill, creating the unique “temple-wrapping-the-mountain” scenery. From Nanjing Railway Station, take the high-speed rail to Zhenjiang Station (only 20 minutes, 2nd-class seat approx. 34 CNY). After exiting, take Bus No. 2 for about 20 minutes to reach the Jinshan Scenic Area. Inside, ascend the stone steps to visit the Daxiong Hall and Cishou Pagoda. From the pagoda, you can overlook the Yangtze River and the Runyang Bridge. Explore the White Dragon Cave (legend says it leads to Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou) and Fahai Cave to feel the millennial Zen atmosphere. In the afternoon, wander through the Xijin Ferry Historical and Cultural District, where ancient stone-paved streets connect architectural remains from the Six Dynasties to the Qing Dynasty. In the evening, take a stroll along the Yangtze River Road to watch the sunset glow on the river surface.
Copyright: Zhenjiang Cultural Tourism Industry Group
Copyright: Suzhou Humble Administrator’s Garden Management Office
Humble Administrator’s Garden (Full day, approx. 200 km from Nanjing)
The spot is located in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is a model of Chinese private classical gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Limited to the space within a single residence, this garden is intended to be a microcosm of the natural world, incorporating basic elements such as water, stones, plants, and various types of buildings of literary and poetic significance and embodying the Jiangnan elegance.” From Nanjing South Railway Station, take the high-speed rail to Suzhou Station (approx. 1 hour). After exiting, take the metro or a taxi for about 15 minutes to reach the scenic area. Inside, focus on appreciating the lotus pond at the Hall of Distant Fragrance, the Small Flying Rainbow Bridge, and the design of the Mountain-in-View Tower, which skillfully borrows the scenery of the North Temple Pagoda. Visit the garden in the morning. For lunch, walk to Guanqian Street to taste Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish and Fried Shrimp with Biluo Chun Tea. In the afternoon, stroll through the historical Pingjiang Road, take a hand-rowed boat to listen to the boat women singing in the local Wu dialect, and in the evening, head to Shantang Street to see red lanterns reflecting on the water, experiencing the poetic feeling of “night mooring in Gusu.” The entire trip is relaxed, suitable for a deep cultural tour.
The Bund, Shanghai (Full day, approx. 300 km from Nanjing)
The Bund is the starting point of modern Shanghai, stretching about 1.5 kilometers along the Huangpu River to the east. On its west side stand 52 historical buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and more, earning it the nickname Museum of International Architecture. From Nanjingnan Railway Station, take the high-speed rail to Shanghai Railway Station (approx. 1.5 hours). After exiting, transfer to Metro Line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road Station (approx. 20 minutes), then walk to the Bund. It is recommended to arrive in the afternoon. Start strolling southward along the river from the Waibaidu Bridge, appreciating classic buildings like the HSBC Building, Customs House, and Peace Hotel along the way. At dusk, wait at the waterfront promenade to see the lights on both sides of the Huangpu River gradually illuminate. If time permits, take a ferry to the opposite Lujiazui in Pudong and look back at the Bund night view from the other Riverside—a dazzling interplay of lights and historical architecture. The entire walk takes about 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. In the evening, you can savor Shanghai specialties like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and Shengjian Bao(Pan-Fried Pork Buns) on Nanjing Road, concluding the trip perfectly.
Copyright: Xinmin Evening News
