2025 Jiangsu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Always thought the coastal waters around Jiangsu and Zhejiang weren't blue? Lianyungang will leave you speechless with its stunningly blue waters! Lianyungang is a coastal city in Jiangsu Province, located in the northeastern part of the province. It borders the Yellow Sea to the east, Shandong to the north, Xuzhou to the west, and Huai'an to the south. This important port city boasts rich marine resources and a long cultural history. Lianyungang is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery, rich historical sites, and modern port facilities. 📍 Location: Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province 🚄 High-Speed Rail: Lianyungang Station 🚊 Train: Lianyungang East Station 🚗 Self-Drive: Recommended; rental cars available at the high-speed rail station 🚶♂️➡️ Lianyungang Travel Itinerary Guide Day 1: Lianyungang Old Street - Yunv Mountain on the Sea - Yunding, Faqi Temple, Tangwang Lake - Xilian Island (Sunset) Day 2: Yangwotou (Sunrise) - Lian Island (Dashawan, Suma Bay) - Lian Island Yacht Club Sea Sightseeing - Return Trip 📷 Dual Attraction Check-In Guide ✅ Yunv Mountain on the Sea: The "Rio de Janeiro" of Jiangsu. You can take a sightseeing bus or hike up (a long climb), overlooking the old town of Lianyungang

Jiangsu Lianyungang is really a treasure island🏝️ Colorful houses, the fishing boats at the port Here, you have the same blue waters as Qingdao and Pingtan Lianyungang is not as popular and you don't need to take a boat No need to worry about not being able to grab a ferry ticket like in Zhejiang Gouqi Island, Dachen Island, Dongji Island You can directly take the high-speed train, and it's easy to travel around by car~ You can have a comfortable trip with just an average of 300 yuan!! 🚗【Lianyungang Travel Itinerary】 D1 Various places - Lianyungang Old Street - Haiyifang D2 Lian Island (Dashawan - Sumawan) - Sunset at Xilian Island Seafood Market D3 Sunrise at Donglian Island Yangwo Head - Yuntai Mountain over the Sea ✨ ❶ If you only have 2 days, you can skip Haiyifang and combine D1 and D3 ❷ On sunny days, you can see the blue sea surface, the sea is blue with the light, and not blue against the light 🖼️【Lianyungang Attractions Guide】 1️⃣ Lian Island (Dashawan - Sumawan) Remember to walk along the trail from Dashawan to the Peacock Garden, the waves hitting the rocks by the sea are really beautiful, and there's also a suspension bridge over the sea, even phone photos look amazing! 2️⃣ Sunset at Xilian Island Seafood Market Xilian Island is outside the paid scenic area, you can drive there directly, aerial photography of the azure sea and colorful-roofed houses feels like you've arrived at the Amalfi Coast, with fishing boats moored in the distance 3️⃣ Donglian Island Yangwo Head Standing beside the lighthouse, watching the sun rise from the sea level, the orange slowly spreads across the entire sea surface, you'll have a good mood for the whole day~ 4️⃣ Yuntai Mountain over the Sea When you drive up the mountain road and then walk to the viewing platform, what unfolds before your eyes is a sea of blue and houses with red roofs, even without a drone you can overlook the small mountains, and against the light, there's an endless range of mountains, so beautiful!! 🍲【Lianyungang Cuisine】 Seafood is fresh when bought and processed at the market Qin's Roujiamo/Su's Electric Kebabs/Huang Laotou Cold Skin Noodles/Hongxia Rice Noodles/Su's Sweet Potato Noodles 🏠【Lianyungang Accommodation】 It's more convenient to stay on Lian Island, close to dining and watching the sunrise and sunset, you can drive into the scenic area before 8 am and after 6 pm~ You can also stay near Yuntai Mountain over the Sea~ Jiangsu Tourism | Jiangsu Travel | Lianyungang Tourism Jiangsu Seaside | Lianyungang Guide | Lianyungang Travel Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai Seaside | May Day Tourism | Reverse Tourism Jiangsu·China

1️⃣ Pingjiang Road (Free): Take the subway line 1️⃣ to Xiangmen Station, walk about 10 minutes, this is my favorite spot, the scenery is very beautiful, all for me to go! Random shots are very photogenic, a super beautiful road, very atmospheric! 2️⃣ Seven-mile Shantang Street (Free): Subway line 2️⃣ exit 3️⃣, worth going! Very beautiful It's even better at night! If you like Hanfu, you can go, there are also Hanfu experience halls here, the price-performance ratio is relatively high, and there are many Suzhou specialty pastries!!! Recommend a delicious restaurant Shantang Street Food 😋 Qian Yuman•Nostalgic Restaurant A must-eat internet celebrity Su-style dish in Suzhou, with a good environment, suitable for check-in and taking pictures. The restaurant is a 3-minute walk from the Shantang Street scenic area🌟 Signature dishes: Bamboo net duck: The skin is crispy, the duck meat is fragrant, especially delicious, it's a signature! Squirrel bass: The fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet and sour Private three-color shrimp tofu: Tender and smooth rice, thick tofu, and shrimp Peach Blossom Ten Miles: A must-order fruit wine with a low alcohol content 3️⃣ Jinsui Bay Trestle (Free): The sunset is absolutely beautiful, the pictures I took before are gone, I always recommend this place to watch the sunset to everyone who comes to Suzhou. You can see Suzhou's most famous 'Big Pants' landmark Oriental Gate! A place I will never get tired of! Subway line 3️⃣ direct, Jin Lake Station exit 3️⃣. 4️⃣ Guanqian Street: There are mainly a lot of snacks inside, various milk tea shops, and clothing stores to stroll around! The most important thing is that the prices are clearly marked, suitable for people like me who don't like to bargain to visit. Take the subway line 4️⃣ to Chayuanchang Station and exit from exit 2, and you will be at Guanqian Street 5️⃣ Hanshan Temple: Ticket ¥20: The moon falls and the crow crows, the frost fills the sky, the river maple and the fishing fire correspond to the sorrowful sleep. Hanshan Temple outside Gusu City, the bell rings at midnight to the guest ship. As one of the top ten famous temples in China, it is of course a tourist spot worth visiting.

A Belgian chocolate moulding workshop enjoyed in the hip riverside area of Canal 5 bustling with cosplayers and students. Museums showcase Jiangsu’s immense history nearby, as well as some of Changzhou’s famous attractions. Bars open up at night and the cultural center carries beauty in the rain. #givethanks

The Sacred Heart Church is a Roman Catholic church. It was built in the French colonial period in the 20th century. It is also known as the Pink Church because it is pink. For some reason, it is impossible to visit. Although it is not a popular attraction, many tourists come here.

I thought the Forbidden City was beautiful enough, until I came here... Jiangsu, you're so silly for not promoting this place! So fun you'll stomp your feet + super photogenic + not crowded Tickets are less than CNY 50, but you can enjoy all the indoor and outdoor activities You can also watch a super stunning light and fireworks show. I won't allow anyone to not know about this!! ✨ Nanny-level guide, save it now! - 📍 Address: Zaohe Town, Suyu District, Suqian City (directly navigate to "Zaohe Longyun City") 🚗 Transportation: Super friendly for self-driving! Free parking 🆓 Office workers rejoice! - Must-play attractions Indoor Aces 1⃣ Guyun Millennium · Flying Cinema Similar to "Soaring Over the Horizon," an immersive panoramic view of the history of the Grand Canal, the whole journey is shocking! It is recommended to rush in as soon as you enter the park, or you will have to wait in a long line! - 2⃣ Chasing Water and Shocking Waves · Dark Ride Take a boat through the underwater world, the special effects are comparable to "Pirates of the Caribbean" It's really exciting! - 3⃣ Dayu Taming the Flood · 5D Cinema Dynamic seats + water spray effects, Tells the legend of Dayu taming the flood, you need to line up in advance! Cool Water (Outdoor) 1⃣ Brave the Rapids: Plunging is super cool! Raincoats are available on site for CNY 10/piece (you can bring your own) 2⃣ Water Shooting Warship: Parent-child interactive water spraying, a must-play in summer! - Must-see performing arts shows 1⃣ [The Emperor is Coming] A large-scale live-action show that recreates the scene of Emperor Qianlong's visit to Jiangnan in those years! 2⃣ [River God's Blessing] Fixed time performance, It is recommended to watch at 18:00 3⃣ Double Dragons Fighting Robbers, the super exciting martial arts performance is very shocking to watch live! - Some small tips: 1⃣ Rush to [Flying Cinema] and [Dayu Taming the Flood] in the morning, Play water activities in the afternoon 2⃣ Brave the Rapids has a waiting time of 1h+ on weekends, it is recommended to stagger the peak 📅 Recommended itinerary 9:00 Enter the park → Rush to [Dayu Taming the Flood] → [Flying Cinema] 11:00 Lunch [Dark Ride] 14:00 [Brave the Rapids] → [Water Shooting Warship] → [Dragon Palace Adventure]

Recommended Attractions - Huang Gongwang's Retreat: This is where Huang Gongwang built his hut and created the masterpiece "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains." The area features beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural landscapes. Walking through it feels like stepping into a painting. - Longmen Ancient Town: One of the best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty mountain village complexes in the Jiangnan region, and also the hometown of Sun Quan. The ancient town's Ming and Qing architecture remains well-preserved, and walking on the bluestone paths allows you to deeply experience the rich historical atmosphere. - Fuchun Paradise: Features attractions such as Jiuxiao Biyun Cave, Tiancheng Wild Oak Forest, and Xiaoyao Rock Ridge Lake. Inside Jiuxiao Biyun Cave, the stalactites take on thousands of shapes, showcasing nature's incredible craftsmanship. - Dongzi Pass: One of Fuyang's important cultural heritages, where modern Hangzhou-style architecture complements the green mountains and white clouds, resembling a graceful Jiangnan lady. With less commercialization, you can also experience traditional Chinese medicine culture here. Local Delicacies - Longmen Gluten Balls: Shaped like large meatballs, these are made by wrapping pork filling, pickled vegetables, and bamboo shoots in wheat gluten and deep-frying them. They're crispy outside, tender inside, with a rich aroma. - Longmen Rice Wine: The rice wine from Longmen Ancient Town is famous for its sweet taste and mellow fragrance, definitely worth trying. - Braised Beef Tendon: After long hours of stewing, the beef tendon becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and deliciously glutinous. You can taste it at some restaurants in Longmen Ancient Town. - River Delicacies: The fish from Fuchun River have tender meat and are delicious whether steamed, braised, or in soup. Options include bass, mandarin fish, and white strip fish. - Wo Tofu: This tofu is fresh and tender with just the right amount of saltiness. It's a Fuyang specialty home-style dish available in local restaurants. Accommodation Options - Fuchun Resort Hangzhou: A classic luxury hotel in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region, located at the actual site depicted in the "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" painting. Designed by Aman's signature designer, the hotel features tea mountains, lakes, and offers various special activities. - Sheraton Fuyang Hotel: The hotel cleverly places its Chinese and Western restaurants and executive lounge on the top floor, offering panoramic views of the Fuchun River. The rooms are spacious and bright with cozy decorations. - Guesthouses along Fuchun River: You can choose to stay at guesthouses along the Fuchun River, falling asleep to the river breeze at night and waking up to beautiful river views in the morning, providing an immersive experience. Travel Experience - In Fuyang, whether cycling along the Fuchun River, feeling the breeze on your face while admiring the picturesque river scenery, or strolling on the bluestone paths of ancient towns exploring old buildings and long history, you'll feel as if you're inside a Jiangnan ink painting, with your mind becoming exceptionally peaceful. - Tasting the local specialties, each bite is full of rich local flavors, allowing you to experience Fuyang's unique culinary charm. - Staying in guesthouses by the Fuchun River or in the forest, waking up to birdsong in the morning and falling asleep to the sound of insects at night, this closeness to nature helps you temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of city life and troubles, enjoying a leisurely and comfortable time.

Step right out of Beisita Metro Station, and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the entrance to Bao’en Temple, home to the iconic Beisi Pagoda. The temple welcomes visitors with its grand stone archway — walk through and follow the clear signage guiding you around the serene complex. Free incense is offered for those who wish to pay respects to the goddess, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for reflection or quiet exploration. At the heart of the temple grounds stands the impressive Beisi Pagoda. You can admire it from below or climb the winding stairs for a panoramic view — though it’s a bit of a workout! (Or simply offer to take photos of your friends from the base — no judgment!) Beyond the pagoda, take time to explore other prayer halls and the relaxing park area tucked behind the temple — a lovely escape in the city. #cherryblossom25 #suzhou #chinatrip #travel #Beisipagoda #Baoentemple #Beisita

#Mainland Travel 📍Xuzhou Hanyun Junting Hotel The first time I came to Xuzhou, I chose the Xuzhou Hanyun Junting Hotel, which is very cost-effective! It takes about 1 hour to drive from the airport to the city. The hotel has a good location, spacious rooms, and the most important thing is that the lake view on the high floors is superb! The room is super big. The front desk gave me a high floor with great views and lighting, including lake views and running views. In addition, the room is fully stocked with basic amenities (hangers, hair dryers, slippers, toothbrushes, etc. The only drawback is that there is no refrigerator. In general: It's a good deal, suitable for travelers with a limited budget but want to stay comfortably, the lake view is a bonus 👍🏻 I also booked it on trip.com, the price is the cheapest on the Internet 😁 💰Average price: 100CNY 📍Address: No. 16, Longhu West Road, Yunlong District, Xuzhou, 221000 #Jiangsu Province #Jiangsu #Xuzhou

If you want to go to a place with good food, good shopping and fun, then you must consider Yaohu Town! Yaohu Town is another benchmark tourist destination in China after Wuzhen and Gubei Water Town. 📖Here is the story of Su Dongpo, "I will grow old when I buy land in Yangxian, I have always loved the mountains and rivers", here is the story of the Longyao in Yixing Taoshi, here is the new world of Yixing water town ancient charm and parent-child leisure... 🚘Transportation: Self-driving navigation "Yaohu Town Tourist Center"; or get off at Yixing Station, Hangzhou 🚝 is only 40 minutes away, and then take the 🆓 through bus to get there directly, which is very convenient! #Mainland Travel

🌸Spring trip ~ Wuxi Lingshan Scenic Spot Lingshan is a large scenic spot, among which the Lingshan Giant Buddha is its symbol. With its back against Lingshan and facing Taihu Lake, it is 88 meters tall, making it the largest outdoor bronze statue of Sakyamuni in the world, 17 meters taller than the Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan and 42 meters taller than the Statue of Liberty in the United States. The Lingshan Giant Buddha, together with the Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong in the south, the Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan in the west, the Yungang Buddha in Shanxi in the north, and the Longmen Giant Buddha in Luoyang, Henan in the Central Plains, are collectively known as China's "Five Directions and Five Buddhas".  Figures 1 and 2 show "Nine Dragons Bathing" which recreates the mythical scene of the birth of Sakyamuni. The combination of technology (musical fountain) and religious ritual is very attractive to believers. #Mainland Travel

#discoverchina We have been to quite a few of these types of ancient streets, but this one is by far our favorite. The buildings were very well maintained and there wasn't a lot of people. You wouldn't see the big crowds in the big cities here, which made the stroll down the street a lot more pleasant. It took us a while to find the actual street, but walking around the entire area is a nice experience anyways. The entire area is divided into two main sections, the older and more authentic section on the mountain (requires some stair climbing) and the newer part that was converted from old factory buildings. We entered through the newer area via Chang Jiang Rd. This area has quite a few options for restaurant food, including several western food options, cafes, and bars. We had dinner at the Paulaner, which had live music and outdoor seating. The atmosphere there was very nice. Climbing up the hill, there is a street that is the authentic old street with many shops for souvenirs, local food, and clothes. The view from the hill allows you to see the entire old town laid out. It's quite a cool sight. Continue down the hill as you follow the path and you will reach the more commercial area with the stores and restaurants. Along the way there is a glass floor that allows you to see the staircases built throughout the different dynasties (Qing, Ming, Yuan, Song, Tang).

#discoverchina Just amazing, I had no idea china had such beauty and untouched nature. this well preserved area still with a touch of corny chinese additions has to be one of my all time places to visit. This is up there with Austrian Alps, Spanish and majorcan coast lines and flying over the great barrier reef. A definite must see. you can do this over and over again for a couple of hours if you are strapped for time or spend the whole day there. Views at the top are restricted in winter due to the fog but most of the time you get a great view of the forrest and outlying villages. Take your sneakers but the locals will do it in 8 inch heals no problems. take the train around the park and ride it to the last part you can walk to the top here or for a longer hike walk from the bottom. stop and look at the pristine water ways and hanging bridges, temples along the way and in spring and summer they have all sorts of fair style activities and food etc in one of the parks suitable for picnics and family gatherings.

#discoverchina Meiling Palace also has historical significance tied to Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. Inside the palace, you can find a photograph of him, which adds an interesting layer to the place's history. It reflects his influence during that era, as the palace played a role in the political and social scene of the time. So, alongside the architectural beauty and serene surroundings, the palace also serves as a reminder of China’s journey into the 20th century. The place feels like a walk through history with a dash of luxury, as it was once a retreat for China’s leaders. Today, it’s open to visitors and gives a pretty cool look at China’s modern history in a stunning natural setting. It’s a great spot for those interested in both history and culture!

#discoverchina Mudu Ancient Town in Suzhou is one of those charming water towns where everything feels peaceful and timeless. The place is connected by a network of waterways, making it super relaxing to explore either on foot or by boat. The Qing emperor actually loved this town so much that he built a vacation palace here to unwind whenever he was in Suzhou! You’ll find plenty of historical spots to check out, from ancient temples to old bridges. If you’re into silk, you’re in for a treat. Mudu has some legit silk shops where you can score beautiful silk clothes and ornaments. It’s like stepping back in time while still getting to enjoy the best of what Suzhou offers. Definitely worth a visit if you want to soak in the history and maybe pick up something special!

#discoverchina Qionglong Mountain is a pretty chill spot if you're into nature and some light hiking. It’s located in the Jiangsu Province of China, not far from Suzhou. The area is pretty well-known for its scenic beauty, with lush greenery, tranquil streams, and views that’ll make you feel like you're in a peaceful escape from city life. A fun fact is that Qionglong Mountain has a little bit of history tied to it as well. It was once a site for monks during the Tang dynasty, and over time, it became a popular spot for tourists because of its natural beauty and historical significance. The mountain’s name itself comes from a legend involving a dragon (Qiong means dragon in Chinese), which adds a bit of mystique to the place. It's also famous for its ancient temples and inscriptions that tie it back to its Buddhist heritage. So, while you can just enjoy the views, there’s a cool history vibe if you're into that kind of thing. Plus, it's not too far from Suzhou, so if you're nearby, it's worth checking out!

#discoverchina Moon Harbour in Suzhou is a cool spot to check out if you're in the area. It's a modern riverside development with a mix of fancy restaurants, bars, and shops. The vibe is chill, especially in the evenings when the lights reflect off the water, creating a pretty peaceful scene. It's got a mix of traditional Chinese architecture and more contemporary design, so there's a nice contrast that adds to the atmosphere. The best part? It’s not as crowded as other touristy places in Suzhou, so you can actually enjoy the view without too much hustle. It’s a great place to grab a bite or just relax by the water. Plus, it's close to popular spots like the Suzhou Museum and the Humble Administrator’s Garden, so you can easily make it part of your day trip. Definitely worth a visit for a laid-back hangout!

#discoverchina this is my favorite temple just a bit outside of Nanjing. It is worth to visit this temple. You can go by taxi or by public transportation as well, if you like the thrill. Most people will not speak English around this area, but they will try to help you to find your way in case you get lost. Take subway line two to leave the city, because with subway line one you will join a huge traffic jam on your way to QiXia at the moment. They are widening a bridge. The temple area is very nice even if lots of the Buddha sculptures lost their head decades ago. Most Chinese People will visit this temple only because of the famous leaf’s. After visiting the Temple and the Buddha sculptures just hike up the path to the top of the mountain and you will enjoy a nice view of Yangtze river and Nanjing.

#discoverchina Yu Hua Tai is a small suburb on the southern side of Nanjing, it is adjacent to the city gate and is easily accessible through the Metro or the bus. There is a large park with a rather grisly revolutionary past, but for me the stand out highlight of the area is the little market around the bus station, it consists of lots of old women with tables full of bowls of water full of little polished stones, from which the area is named, I believe the story goes that a buddhist monk once spoke to a crowd there and his words were so beatiful, flowers fell from heaven like raindrops (Yu Hua), the brightly coloured stones in water are called Yu Hua Shi, which means raindrop flowers. You can get these stones all over nanjing, but they are never as nice or as quaint as at Yu Hua Tai. Recommended if you have a few hours to spare and have already been to Fuzi Miao, but if you buy remember to bargain hard!

#discoverchina This is a very nice place to spend a nice day with family and friends. Many places to walk and interesting history in this park centered on a winter palace from a dynasty. In the commercial area it is a bit kitschy, but not as bad as the Nanchang area in the city. A little more traditional. The temples are fascinating; respect the fact that the main one in the palace is operating and people are praying. Don't take pictures or be obtrusive. It's helpful to obtain a map since you can easily get turned around on the many pathways and alleys, but by all means do explore. When done, wander into the commercial district centered on one main street with many side streets and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. The people are pleasant and friendly, and you may even get to know them. Certainly worth visiting and spending at least 1/2 a day. Cheers!

#discoverchina Zhan Yuan Garden in Nanjing is a pretty chill spot to visit if you're into traditional Chinese gardens. It's not as crowded as some of the bigger attractions, so it’s perfect if you just want to wander around in peace. The garden was originally built in the Ming Dynasty, but it's been rebuilt and renovated a few times. The design is classic think ponds, pavilions, rockeries, and tons of greenery. There’s also a bit of history tied to it; it was once the residence of an important official during the Ming Dynasty. Nowadays, it’s a nice mix of nature and historical vibes. The garden’s pretty well-kept, and you’ll find little hidden corners that make for great photo ops. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out for a relaxing stroll through a piece of Nanjing’s past.

#discoverchina Silk Museum is a must visit place when you are in Suzhou. I enjoyed learning how silk road started and spent hours here at the gallery reading the history of silk and looking at the exhibits, then walked through an arched red door into a beautifully landscaped mulberry garden. There was a 100 year old mulberry tree and many young mulberry shrubs too. At Sericulture Room, I watched how silk is processed starting from the silk worm egg development until it spins cocoon. At weaving and dyeing room, there was a demonstration on using traditional looms to produce elegant Brocades and Silk. Just next to the museum, there was a Silk Shop or boutique where you can buy a fine quality Silk blouses, shirts, scarves, bed linen and many more.

#discoverchina Nanchan Temple was wonderful. The first thing that will tickle your senses about the place will be the intricacies, colors and shapes of the temple architecture. Its like each panel has been meticulously placed designed to suit. The Buddhist relics inside the temples are awesome. They come in different shapes, sizes and colors and all are worth the veneration given to them. Coming out from the worship halls, there is all manner of things to do - you can watch auctions, you can do a little shopping, you can get many photo requests like me, and you can even eat Halal food ! But one of the Rea highlights is going for a cruise along the canal. You can see so many little bars, and restaurants along the way as you go down the canal in the boat. Its very relaxing and can be enjoyed by all. Nanchan Temple is a definite must see.

#discoverchina Mt. Huaguoshan, located near Lianyungang in Jiangsu Province, is a pretty cool spot to visit if you're into nature and a bit of history. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich connection to Chinese mythology, it’s often tied to the classic novel *Journey to the West* as the home of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. The mountain is filled with beautiful rock formations, ancient temples, and lush forests, making it a peaceful escape from city life. Historically, it’s been a place of worship and meditation for centuries. Many visitors come for the hiking trails and scenic views, but there’s also the allure of exploring its temples and cultural significance. Whether you’re interested in mythology or just enjoy some quiet time in nature, Huaguoshan offers a bit of both. It’s not as crowded as some other touristy spots, so you can enjoy the vibe at your own pace.

#discoverchina Supposedly this street is all about travelling back in time and buying dongxi (things) to prove it to yourself and others. Really it's a celebration of a wonderful classical Chinese city that is full of life, history, culture, riches and poverty and a pride in itself. Walking down the busy but not too busy street, I always feel like the city has let be part of its lifeblood in a welcoming hospitable way. Shops, shops and more shops. Anything and everything. My favourite are the candy makers especially the honeycomb and peanut brittle types. The street is quite long and ends in part of the old city wall with what was a main gate. I'm sure it's a reconstruction as nearly all Chinese cities destroyed their walls post 1949 but it gives you the concept and feeling of what it was like to live in a walled city for protection. It also contains an interesting museum. Along the way don't miss World Heritage Ge Yuan garden. Be sure to checkout the side lanes, one is full of snack vendors. I wish e-bikes and motor bikes were banned but people live here in the side lanes and supplies are delivered that way as there are no cars. Still there are some crazy bike riders with ridiculous horn beeping determination. Down a lane we found a wonderful music coffee and drink cafe, Sadly they had no business card or I would be writing a great review, I keep coming back to Dongguan Jie and never get tired of it.

#discoverchina Hong Mei Park, close to Changzhou's urban core, is filled with winding paths, flowers, and prime examples of traditional Chinese architecture. Looking for spontaneous performances of Chinese opera or dancing? This is a safe bet. Its convenient location (both fairly central within the city and a stone's throw from Chabgzhou's most famous Buddhist temple) mean that in evenings and on weekends and holidays, Hongmei is guaranteed to be crowded. Still, it's worth a stop as one of the city's most famous sites. For kids, there's also plenty to do. Paths wind through mini forests of stones that are perfect for imaginary adventures. There's also a small area with pseudo amusement park style rides and a bit of a petting zoo (there once was an actually zoo, but that moved down to Wujin many years ago and became the Yancheng Safari Park). These days, selfies are the major activity and you'll see plenty of people hunting out perfect positions to take theirs. The crew that maintains this park must work incredibly hard. It's amazing how well it holds up considering how popular it is.

#discoverchina The Couple's Retreat or Ouyuan Garden consists of a large residential complex , with smaller houses built in the middle of the layout, with two gardens to the east and the west, respectively. On three sides it is surrounded by a canals on three sides . Walking through the many formal entries, rooms, courtyards , with connecting passageways, covered walkways, interconnecting with to some very small garden spaces, then to extensive recreations of natural landscape vista's, with water features, ponds, bridges, pathways and classic Chinese garden arrangements, you could easily slip back in time. It can easily be seen and appreciated by all who visit, that this is a fine example of the classic Suzhou architecture and garden of the time. The site has been faithfully restored and formally recognized as an UNESCO World heritage site in 2000. At the end of your visit you can return to the car park by sampan(for a small tip/fee) via a rear exit, which opens directly onto canal to the canal. The journey takes only minutes but it reminds you of the way the way former residents moved about the Suzhou of old.

#discoverchina This is a great man in the history. Heard the place his body buried is really good in fengshui. heard that his coffin used to open for public visit but not anymore. Just right behind his statute. Be sure that you wear a comfortable shoe as you might take long walk to the top. actually it has so many places like this in China. Always long walk. but not as difficult as the walk in Great wall of China. Where here is more relaxed. This is definitely a great man I admire when study the history. Lots of tour friends said to me that this is place you won't be miss.