Zhenjiang Has It All

**Zhenjiang Travel Guide** Located in southern Jiangsu Province at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Zhenjiang is a historic cultural city with over 3,000 years of history. It boasts stunning natural scenery, rich historical relics like Jinshan Mountain, Beigu Mountain, and Xijin Ferry, as well as famous local delicacies such as Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar and "pot lid noodles." --- **📅 Best Time to Visit** - **Spring and Autumn (March–May, September–November)**: Pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities. - **Summer (June–August)**: Hot but perfect for experiencing the charm of Jiangnan's water towns. - **Winter (December–February)**: Chilly with fewer tourists, suitable for those who prefer tranquility. --- **🚗 Transportation** **1. How to Get to Zhenjiang?** - **High-speed rail/bullet train**: Zhenjiang Station, Zhenjiang South Station (20 minutes from Nanjing, ~1.5 hours from Shanghai). - **Long-distance bus**: Zhenjiang Bus Station offers routes to cities within and around Jiangsu. - **Self-driving**: Accessible via highways like Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway and Yangli Expressway. **2. Local Transportation** - **Bus**: Covers major attractions, fare ¥2. - **Taxi/ride-hailing**: Starting fare ~¥10, suitable for short trips. - **Shared bikes**: Great for short rides in the city. --- **🏞 Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Jinshan Scenic Area (5A-rated)** - **Highlights**: Famous for Jinshan Temple, the origin of the legend "Madame White Snake Floods Jinshan." - **Key sights**: - Jinshan Temple (Jiangtian Temple) - Cishou Pagoda - "First Spring Under Heaven" (Zhongling Spring) - **Ticket**: ¥65 - **Suggested duration**: 2–3 hours **2. Beigu Mountain (5A-rated)** - **Highlights**: A mountain steeped in Three Kingdoms history, referenced in poet Xin Qiji’s works. - **Key sights**: - Ganlu Temple (where Liu Bei married) - Beigu Tower - Duojing Tower - **Ticket**: ¥40 - **Suggested duration**: 1.5–2 hours **3. Xijin Ferry Ancient Street (Free)** - **Highlights**: A millennia-old ferry port, now a historic district with beautiful night views. - **Key sights**: - Zhaoguan Stone Pagoda - Former British Consulate - Zhenjiang Museum (free) - **Suggested duration**: 1–2 hours **4. Jiaoshan (5A-rated)** - **Highlights**: Known as the "Floating Jade Mountain" on the Yangtze, famous for its steles and ancient temples. - **Key sights**: - Dinghui Temple - Jiaoshan Stele Forest (including the "Elegy to a Crane") - Wanfo Pagoda - **Ticket**: ¥65 (includes ferry) - **Suggested duration**: 2–3 hours **5. Nanshan Scenic Area (4A-rated)** - **Highlights**: The city’s "green lung," blending nature and culture, ideal for hiking. - **Key sights**: - Zhaoyin Temple - Zhulin Temple - Wenyuan (Mi Fu Calligraphy Cultural Zone) - **Ticket**: ¥40 - **Suggested duration**: 2–3 hours --- **🍜 Must-Try Local Food** 1. **Pot Lid Noodles**: A Zhenjiang specialty, chewy noodles—try "Dahua Noodle House" or "Lao Zhao Noodle House." 2. **Yao Meat**: Crystal pork trotters, a famous cold dish best paired with aromatic vinegar. 3. **Zhenjiang Aromatic Vinegar**: One of China’s four famous vinegars—visit the "China Vinegar Culture Museum." 4. **Crab Roe Soup Dumplings**: Thin-skinned and juicy—recommended at "Yanchun Restaurant." 5. **Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup**: A local snack, savory and delicious. **Recommended Food Streets:** - **Xijin Ferry Food Street** (quaint, great for photos + dining) - **Dashikou Commercial Area** (popular with locals, many dining options) --- **🏨 Accommodation Recommendations** - **Luxury hotels**: - Crowne Plaza Zhenjiang (near Xijin Ferry) - Jinling Fengjingcheng Hotel (near Jinshan) - **Budget/unique stays**: - Xijin Ferry area B&Bs (traditional-style experience) - Home Inn, Hanting (affordable chain hotels) --- **📌 Classic Itineraries** **One-Day Tour (Highlights)** - Morning: Jinshan Temple → Xijin Ferry Ancient Street - Lunch: Pot lid noodles + Yao meat - Afternoon: Beigu Mountain → Zhenjiang Museum - Evening: Night stroll at Xijin Ferry **Two-Day Tour (In-Depth)** - **Day 1**: Jinshan → Xijin Ferry → Zhenjiang Museum → Night walk - **Day 2**: Jiaoshan → Beigu Mountain → Nanshan (or Vinegar Culture Museum) --- **⚠️ Tips** 1. Attractions are close—consider a **Zhenjiang Tourist Pass** (covers Jinshan, Jiaoshan, Beigu Mountain, etc.). 2. Some sites (e.g., Jinshan Temple) involve stairs—wear comfortable shoes. 3. Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar makes a great souvenir—**Hengshun Vinegar** is a top brand. 4. Sun protection in summer, warmth in winter. --- Zhenjiang is perfect for slow travel, blending history and nature. Hope this guide helps you enjoy your trip! 😊