Nanjing Cherry Blossom Season (南京赏樱季)
Jiming Temple is one of the city’s oldest temples and the only monastery along China’s south-eastern coastal area.
Two of the city’s most picturesque venues to appreciate the blooms are Jiming Temple ( 鸡鸣寺) and Xuanwu Lake.
With the blossoms blooming on the trees and fluttering all around, the Jiming Temple grounds transform into a scene from a romantic movie!
This ancient temple which was established in 300AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and is one of the most picturesque locations to observe the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Jiming Temple is one of the city’s oldest temples and the only monastery along China’s south-eastern coastal area. Emperor Liang Wu Di spent numerous times in quiet contemplation here, earning himself the title of the Emperor Bodhisattva.
Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖)
Xuanwu Lake is situated at the foot of Mt. Zhongshan.
When cherry blossom season sweeps into Nanjing, Xuanwu Lake is magically transformed into a lake of cherry blossoms petals!
This scenic area is situated at the foot of Mt. Zhongshan and is a regular must-see for sakura enthusiasts who leisurely stroll and picnic around the lake. The lake takes its name from the mythical black dragon which is said to protect the area.
Gaochun Canola Flower Festival (高淳油菜花节)
Gaochun Canola Flower Festival takes place in the idyllic setting of Yaxi International Slow City.
Date: March-May annuallyLocation: Nanjing Yaxi International Slow City （南京桠溪国际慢城）
Springtime in Nanjing is not only about cherry blossoms, and the unique annual Canola Flower Festival adds another splash of colour to the season. This annual event takes place in the idyllic setting of Yaxi International Slow City which promises visitors the “slow life” without the pressures and stresses of the modern world.
Here among the golden canola flowers, visitors can stroll around the beautiful city, go fishing, cycle, or just stop and smell the flowers. This eco-tourism initiative showcases the best in “agri-tainment” and offers some of the region’s most mouth-watering, locally-sourced cuisine.
Enjoy local Nanjing delicacies
Osmanthus Taro Dessert (桂花糖芋苗)
Osmanthus Taro Dessert is a soft-boiled taro which is served in a fragrant osmanthus sweet syrup.
This traditional Nanjing dessert is a real local kids’ favourite and is made from soft-boiled taro which is served in a fragrant osmanthus sweet syrup. Locals believe that eating this delectable dessert in Spring will leave you feeling in love!
Recommended shops include:
- Lanlaoda Tangzhou-ou(蓝老大糖粥藕)
- Lianhu Gaodian (莲湖糕点)
Dumpling Soup (汤包)
Dumpling Soup is one of the city’s favourite local delicacies.
When the days are cold and nights are long, Nanjing’s famous dumpling soup provides an excellent pick-me-up and delicious snack. The culinary history of Nanjing’s famous dumplings originated long ago during the Northern Song Dynasty and it has maintained its position as one of the city’s favourite local delicacies.
The richly-filled dumplings are best enjoyed together with the hearty, savoury broth and can be sampled at:
- Jiming Soup Dumpling (鸡鸣汤包)
- Yinshi Chicken Soup Dumpling (尹氏鸡汁汤包)
Accommodation
Zhongshanling International Youth Hostel (中山陵国际青年旅馆)
Zhongshanling International Youth Hostel is its man-made lake complete with local geese.
Address: Zhongshanling Shixiang Road (中山陵石象路) no.7Transportation: Subway Line 2, Muxuyuan Station (苜蓿园站) no. 1 exit
Nestled in the Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area lies the Zhongshanling International Youth Hostel featuring Chinese-style wood cottages intimately surrounded by nature.
This nature-lovers paradise is a must for those looking to experience the natural high and freshness of waking up in the woods, circled by stunning natural features.
The centrepiece of the Hostel is its man-made lake complete with local geese. Let your cares drift away and you may even make friends with the resident cats!
Gong Tangtou House (公塘头民宿)
This accommodation is located off-the-beaten-track in the serene village of Gong Tangtou.
Experience the Nanjing of years gone by at the traditionally-restored Gong Tangtou House. This accommodation is located off-the-beaten-track in the serene village of Gong Tangtou.
The House itself has been lovingly restored in the traditional fashion and maintains its gorgeous wooden beams and doors as well as three spacious courtyards. All of the rooms are tastefully decorated and each has its own special theme.
This cosy hideaway masterfully combines the rural, vintage atmosphere with modern facilities; book lovers in particular should take note of the café’s large library and excellent coffee!
Hotzone
Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area (夫子庙秦淮风光带 )
Fuzimiao Dachengdian, namely as Confucius Temple is one of the four greatest Confucius temples in China.
Jiangnan Gongyuan,near the Confucius temple is the largest examination hall for imperial examination in ancient China.
Zhanyuan Garden, beside Fuzimiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. The first garden on this site was built during the early Ming dynasty by the general Xu Da.
Fuzimiao is Nanjing’s grand Confucius Temple and widely regarded as one of the four greatest Confucius temples in China. Confucius was China’s greatest philosopher, educator and politician, with a legacy that has transcended time and national boundaries.
The current structure was built in the 19th century on the grounds of the original 11th century temple and boasts vibrant architecture, water pavilions, painted boats, and terraces. Fuzimiao can also be appreciated at night on a boat ride down the Qinhuai River.
Recommendations: Fuzimiao Dachengdian (The Dacheng Hall, Confucius Temple) (夫子庙大成殿), Jiangnan Gongyuan (Jiangnan Examination Hall) (江南贡院), Zhanyuan Garden ( 瞻园)
The Old South End-Mendong Historical and Cultural District (老城南文化旅游区)
Grand Bao’en Temple Heritage Park was ranked one of the Seven Wonders of the World during medieval times.
Zhonghua City Gate is a gate and defensive complex on the city wall of Nanjing, China. It is the southern gate of Nanjing city.
Laomendong is a small rejuvenated historical district of Nanjing offering cafes, restaurants and tasteful souvenir shops.
This historic part of the ancient city was declared a residential area by Zhu Yuanzhang, a Ming Dynasty emperor and is one of best places to soak up traditional Nanjing culture and architecture. Meander around the narrow alleyways, the green brick paths and stone buildings on your own time-travelling adventure!
Recommendations: Grand Bao’en Temple Heritage Park (大报恩寺遗址公园), Zhonghua City Gate (中华门 ), Laomendong Historical and Cultural District (老门东历史文化街区)
Changjiang Road Historical and Cultural Street (长江路历史文化街区)
Presidential Palace of Nanjing, housed the Office of the President of the Republic of China since 1927 until the republic was relocated to Taiwan in 1949. It is now a museum called the China Modern History Museum.
Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum, which was a government-run institution specializing in the manufacture of silk fabrics for the exclusive usage of royal families and officials.
To get to grips with Nanjing’s rich history and culture, a visit to Changjiang Road (previously known as Guofu Road) is a must. Strolling down the 2km street is to bear witness to over 600 years of Nanjing’s history from the time of the Ming, through to the Qing Dynasty and its Republic of China days.
The city’s cultural heritage is on permanent display in its impressive libraries, galleries, and museums. The past is juxtaposed with present-day Nanjing and visitors can still watch ordinary people going about their daily lives – the elderly exercising in the park and young children on their way to school.
Recommendations: Presidential Palace of Nanjing (Museum of Modern China History) (总统府（中国近代史博物馆）), Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum (江宁织造府（江宁织造博物馆）), The Oriental Metropolitan Museum (六朝博物馆), Nanjing 1912 Pub Street ( 1912文化休闲街区)
Nanjing Gulou (Drum Tower) Binjiang Scenic Area (鼓楼滨江风貌区)
The Yihe Mansions in Nanjing got awarded by UNESCO for its protection of historical buildings in the Asian-Pacific region on Dec, 22. This is the only awarded project in China this year.
A 66-story building, Zifeng Tower is a 450-metre (1,480 ft) supertall skyscraper in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China.
Nanjing is the only city that covers both sides of the downstream of Yangtze River. The total 58km of Binjiang riverside scenic offers not only the unique condition for water transportation but also brings out the great vitality of Nanjing.
Yihe Road is a popular scenic walk through one of Nanjing’s most elegant neighbourhoods complete with Japanese, French and German style buildings that were built during the Republic of China period.
For a different perspective on Nanjing, a trip to Zifeng Tower – the city’s highest vantage point – will provide plenty of Instagram-worthy panoramas.
Recommendations: Yihe Road Minguo Mansion Area (颐和路民国公馆建筑群), Zifeng Tower (紫峰大厦 )
Xinjiekou (新街口)
Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a bronze statue of Dr Sun as a young man full of ambition and vitality during his student days.
Deji Plaza is an upscale office and shopping mall complex in Xinjiekou, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
Xinjiekou is Nanjing’s thriving CBD and is popularly known as “The No.1 Business Circle in China”. The district is a far cry from its early days as a quiet neighbourhood which rose to prominence after Nanjing was declared the capital of the Republic of China.
The imposing statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen looks out over Xinjiekou’s vibrant city vibes, modern skyscrapers and dynamic retail stores. As the city’s main transportation hub and commercial centre, this is the place to shop till you drop or indulge in people watching at one of the many F&B outlets.
Recommendations: Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孙中山铜像), Chaotian Palace (Nanjing Municipal Museum) (朝天宫), Deji Plaza (德基广场)
Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area (钟山风景区)
Zhongshan Ling is situated at the foot of the second peak of Mount Zijin in Nanjing, China.
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming dynasty. It lies at the southern foot of Purple Mountain, located east of the historical centre of Nanjing, China.
Tai Cheng Museum is located on the city wall near Jiefang Gate. It is a cultural relic and also the only museum nationwide based on ancient city wall that foucus on integrated displays and researches of multiple historical values of the City Wall in Nanjing.
The Nanjing Museum is located in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province in East China. With an area of 70,000 square metres (17 acres), it is one of the largest museums in China. The museum has over 400,000 items in its permanent collection, making it one of the largest in China.
Zhongshan Mountain Scenic area rises over 400m above sea level above the city and is a stunning natural visitor attraction. The presence of purple rock at its peak reflects a purple hue off the surrounding clouds giving the mountain its local nickname of Zijin (purple) Mountain.
The panoramic views from the Mountain are matched by the tree-lined, shaded interconnected walkways which cover 31sq km and over 200 scenic spots. Between the pines and cypresses is a landscape spanning 1,000 years and six dynasties.
The Mountain is also home to fifteen key historical and cultural relics, including, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Linggu Temple and the Xiaoling Mausoleum from the Ming Dynasty (listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site).
Recommendations: Zhongshan Ling (Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum) (中山陵), Mingxiao Ling; Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty (Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties) (明孝陵), Taicheng (Tai City Wall) (台城), Nanjing Museum (南京博物院)
Qingao (Youth Olympic) Binjiang Scenic Belt Area (青奥滨江风光带)
Fish Mouth Wetland Park, a place where there is a big land of reed marshes
Nanjing Eye is a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, cable-stayed bridge with semi-fan system and steel bridge.
As the venue of the 2nd World Youth Olympics, the Binjiang Scenic Belt Area incorporates new attractions including, the Nanjing Eye, the Nanjing World Trade Center, the Nanjing Olympic Museum and the unmistakable Nanjing Eye Pedestrian Bridge.
It is worth mentioning that the night view over the river was magnificent. the city lights were reflected like fireworks splashing into the water and the sparkles were almost an ocean of lights.
Recommendations: Nanjing Eye (南京眼), Fish Mouth Wetland Park (鱼嘴湿地公园), Cloud Brocade Museum (南京云锦博物馆)
Nanjing Suburbs (近郊)
Yaxi, a tiny village with a population of just 20,000 in China’s Jiangsu province, has been given the title of "slow city"
Niushoushan Cultural Park, a centuries-old sacred Buddhist site in southern Nanjing containing historic monasteries, pagodas, and relics of the Ming Dynasty
Tangshan Hot Spring, called “soup mountain” in Chinese, the 292-meter hill is a gigantic natural tub for thermal mineral waters.
Qixia Temple is a Buddhist temple located on Qixia Mountain in the suburban Qixia District in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, People’s Republic of China, 22 kilometres northeast of downtown Nanjing.
While Nanjing’s city centre combines its ancient historic heart with a modern outlook it is easy to forget the more laid-back side of the city’s green suburbs. Away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city streets, Nanjing’s suburbs offer an authentic green alternative – encompassing endless fields, oceans of bamboo trees and bubbling streams through quaint villages.
This is a different side of Nanjing and one best for sharing serene moments with friends and family. From hiking, fruit picking, sampling farmers’ home cooked dishes or experiencing traditional and interesting folk celebrations with the locals, the genuine Nanjing offers plenty of warmth and soul.
Recommendations: Niushoushan Cultural Park (牛首山文化旅游区), Qixia Temple (栖霞寺), Yaxi International Slow City (桠溪国际慢城), Tangshan Hot Spring (汤山温泉度假区)
