A Blessed Land on Earth: Jurong in Zhenjiang

Jurong in Zhenjiang is truly an underrated treasure destination, perfectly blending Taoist culture, natural scenery, and rural charm. As a travel blogger, I have designed a three-day, two-night itinerary for you that is both photogenic and experience-focused, with a budget well within 3000 RMB. 🌄 Jurong Three-Day Tour: Exploring the Mountains, Waters, and Poetry of the "First Blessed Land" ✨ Highlights of the Trip · In-depth Cultural Experience: Explore Maoshan, the "Eighth Cave Heaven" of Taoism, and Baohua Mountain, the "First Mountain of the Buddhist Vinaya School," to feel the unique religious cultural atmosphere. · Perfect Combination of Nature and Countryside: The itinerary includes mountain views, flower seas, wetlands, and rural villages, satisfying your longing for nature and pastoral life. · High Cost-Performance Quality Enjoyment: Reasonable budget allocation ensures comfortable accommodation, authentic dining, and rich experiences. 📋 Basic Itinerary Information Itinerary Overview Table | Day One | Day Two | Day Three | |---------|---------|-----------| | Morning | Arrive in Jurong, head to Maoshan Scenic Area | Grape picking experience at Dingzhuang Vineyard | Baohua Mountain National Forest Park | | Noon | Meal within or near Maoshan Scenic Area | Taste farmhouse dishes | Qianhua Ancient Village local snacks | | Afternoon | Visit Maoshan attractions (Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace, Yuanfu Wanning Palace, etc.) | Fure Flower Sea Scenic Area | Tour Qianhua Ancient Village and Longchang Temple | | Evening | Stay at a homestay near Maoshan, enjoy local specialties | Return to city for accommodation, visit night market | Return trip | 🧳 Preparation Before the Trip · Best Seasons: Spring and autumn are the most beautiful seasons in Jurong. · Transportation: · External: Jurong is conveniently accessible by high-speed rail. · Internal: Use buses or taxis between attractions. · Essentials: Comfortable sports shoes (for hiking and walking), sun protection and mosquito repellent, camera (both scenery and ancient villages are very photogenic). 💰 Budget Plan Here is the budget plan for the entire trip, giving you a clear view of expenses: ```mermaid pie title Jurong Three-Day Tour Budget Allocation (Per Person) "Accommodation (2 nights)" : 600 "Food and Dining" : 550 "Tickets and Experiences" : 450 "Transportation Costs" : 300 "Contingency Fund" : 200 ``` The total budget is 2100 RMB, leaving you about 900 RMB as a contingency fund for souvenirs or unexpected expenses. 🌿 Detailed Itinerary 🏔️ Day One: Taoist Exploration at Maoshan and Homestay Experience · Morning: Take the high-speed train from your departure city to Jurong. After arrival, drop off your luggage at the hotel, then head straight to Maoshan Scenic Area. Maoshan is the birthplace of the Taoist Shangqing sect, known as "the immortal residence of Qin and Han, the home of prime ministers in Liang and Tang dynasties." Take the shuttle bus to Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace, the highest point of Maoshan, offering panoramic mountain views. · Afternoon: Visit Yuanfu Wanning Palace, Xike Spring (legend says clapping hands triggers the spring to gush), and other attractions. If time permits, visit the Maoshan New Fourth Army Memorial Hall to learn about the red revolutionary history. · Evening: Stay at a homestay near Maoshan, such as the Fanjing Huakai Homestay, which blends Eastern Zen with modern comfort. Dinner can include local specialties like Maoshan stewed old goose. 🌾 Day Two: Countryside Fun and Flower Sea Stroll · Morning: Head to Dingzhuang Village for grape picking (specific costs to be confirmed at the vineyard). Dingzhuang Village is a rural tourism hotspot famous for grapes. · Afternoon: Visit Fure Flower Sea Scenic Area, a national AAA-level tourist attraction themed around colorful flower seas, family parks, and modern agriculture. Then, if in season, visit the strawberry picking base in Xucun, Baitu Town (costs to be confirmed at the base). · Evening: Return to Jurong city for accommodation. Dinner can feature local snacks such as Dongxiang rice flour soup and Baitu braised pork. 🏯 Day Three: Baohua Mountain and Qianhua Ancient Village · Morning: Visit Baohua Mountain National Forest Park. Baohua Mountain is famous for its "beauty of forest foothills, elegance of peaks, depth of caves, and charm of misty clouds." You can hike along the Qianlong Imperial Path to the summit, overlooking the magnificent views of the Yangtze River and Nanjing’s Purple Mountain. · Afternoon: Tour Qianhua Ancient Village at the mountain’s foot, a replica of a Ming and Qing dynasty village showcasing the life of common people during the prosperous Kang-Qian era about 300 years ago. Visit Longchang Temple in the village, the first Buddhist Vinaya school site. · Evening: Enjoy dinner in the ancient village, then conclude the trip and return. 💎 Blogger’s Creative Suggestions 1. Photo Spots: · Maoshan: Panoramic views of the mountains from Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace. · Fure Flower Sea: Stand on the flower field boardwalk with windmills in the background for a fresh Japanese-style look. · Qianhua Ancient Village: Wear Hanfu for ancient-style photos; the atmosphere is magical when lanterns light up at night. 2. Content Angles: · Center the trip around Jurong’s identity as the "First Blessed Land," combining its natural beauty and cultural heritage from the perspective of "seeking blessings." · Highlight convenient transportation and suitability for short getaways, providing references for readers from nearby cities. 3. Practical Tips: · Some scenic areas (like Maoshan and Baohua Mountain) are large, so wear comfortable shoes for touring. · Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for traveling in Jurong. I hope this guide helps you have a wonderful journey in Jurong! This small city truly allows you to slow down and feel the ease and beauty of a "blessed land." If you have any special needs for any part of the trip, I’m happy to provide more detailed advice.