Things to do in Danyang

A nice scenic area. It reminds me of the old poem "Lian Po is old, but can he still eat?" which I learned as a child. There's also Ganlu Temple and the story of Liu Bei's marriage proposal. However, the route markings within the scenic area are unclear. There are relatively few historical sites, and the newly built ones lack atmosphere.

The museum was smaller than I imagined but very well organized and maintained. I booked the ticket through Trip.com and it got me through the entrance gate with the QR code provided which was smooth. Don’t bother talking to the lady at the ticket office, since she was not very friendly. Just go directly to the gate, and scan the QR code.

Zhenjiang Three Mountains Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction in Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province. Composed of Jinshan, Jiaoshan, and Beigushan, the three mountains are distributed along the Yangtze River, each with its own unique characteristics, and are renowned as "the best in Southeast China among the Three Mountains of Jingkou." I. Jinshan – Temples Wrapped in the Mountain, Mythical Legends "Jinshan Temple Wrapped in the Mountain"—Buildings such as Cishou Pagoda and Jiangtian Temple are built against the mountain, so from a distance, only the temple is visible, not the mountain itself. It is one of the four most famous Buddhist temples in China, along with Putuo Temple, Wenshu Temple, and Daming Temple. Main Attractions: Jiangtian Temple (Jinshan Temple): An ancient temple from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the origin of the legend of the White Snake flooding Jinshan Temple. Cishou Pagoda: Climb the pagoda for panoramic views of the Yangtze River and Zhenjiang city. Fahai Cave: The place where the Tang Dynasty monk Fahai practiced, contrasting with the legend. The First Spring Under Heaven: Zhongling Spring, praised as "the best under heaven" by Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty. II. Jiaoshan Mountain – A Natural Landscape, a Hidden Gem of Steles Jiaoshan Mountain, a temple nestled within the Yangtze River, is an island surrounded by water. Reaching the island requires a boat trip. It is renowned for its cliff carvings, stele forest, and ancient fort. Main Attractions: Dinghui Temple: An ancient temple dating back to the Han Dynasty, where Emperor Kangxi once stayed during his southern tour. Jiaoshan Stele Forest (the largest stele forest south of the Yangtze River): Contains a fragment of the *Yizheming* stele (considered the "ancestor of large-character calligraphy"). Cliff Carvings: Inscriptions by literati throughout history, including authentic works by Lu You and Mi Fu. Ancient Fort: Relics of the Opium War resistance against the British. III. Beigushan Mountain – Scenic Beauty, an Epic of the Three Kingdoms Centered on the culture of the Three Kingdoms, it is known as "the most beautiful landscape under heaven," and has been the subject of countless poems and inscriptions throughout history. Main Attractions: Ganlu Temple: The site of the story of Liu Bei's marriage proposal, originally built during the Eastern Wu period of the Three Kingdoms. Beigu Tower: The place referred to in Xin Qiji's poem, "Where can one gaze upon the Central Plains? The scenery of Beigu Tower fills the eyes." Sword Testing Stone: Legend has it that Liu Bei and Sun Quan tested their swords on this stone. Iron Pagoda: A remnant from the Song Dynasty, witnessing the vicissitudes of history.

Jinshan Temple is built against the mountain, and the tiered structure of the temple surrounding the mountain is indeed worth seeing. However, apart from Jinshan Temple, everything else in the scenic area is quite ordinary, and it's difficult to capture the feeling of the flooded Jinshan Temple with a camera; aerial photography would probably be better.

Xijindu's ancient street starts uphill from Changjiang Road, with tire tracks in the middle of the stone-paved road. The brick and stone houses are old and worn, and the steps are quite steep. The Zhaoguan Stone Pagoda stands in the middle of the road, and you can pass underneath it. From the hilltop, you can see the dock and the Yangtze River; at night, the river reflects the lights. There are some old shops on both sides selling pot-lid noodles and braised pork; you can sit down and have a bowl when you're tired from walking. It's less crowded than Shantang Street, but still lively on weekends.

A model of lakeside gardens! The long and narrow lake meanders, with the Five Pavilion Bridge, White Pagoda and Twenty-Four Bridges arranged in succession. Willows and pavilions line both banks, and every step reveals a new scene. Taking a boat trip on the lake allows you to immerse yourself in the experience of "flowers and willows on both banks are entirely dependent on the water, and pavilions and terraces all the way to the mountains".

You need to take a ferry across the river. The scenic area is very comfortable, with cats everywhere, but also a lot of mosquitoes. You can also climb to the top of the tower on the mountaintop for a panoramic view of the Yangtze River and Zhenjiang. Dinghui Temple is always very popular with worshippers.

A trip to Yangzhou's Slender West Lake is a must! 🍃 Stepping into the garden is like entering a flowing ink painting. The lake water is clear and winding, willows sway gently, the iconic Five Pavilion Bridge floats on the emerald waves, and the White Pagoda stands quietly. Every scenic spot reveals the ingenuity of the ancients. You can stroll slowly along the long causeway or take a boat trip on the lake. The breeze blowing across the lake carries the fragrance of grass and trees. The park is large, and a leisurely stroll is very therapeutic. There are places to rest, as well as a children's playground. It's suitable for taking photos or simply enjoying the scenery. The gentle elegance of Jiangnan is fully experienced here. ✨ A small suggestion: After entering the park, take a boat trip first, then visit the main attractions. It's best to enter and exit in one go to avoid backtracking. Otherwise, the large park will take a long time to explore.

The biggest surprise of my trip to Danyang wasn't just getting a pair of satisfactory glasses, but also discovering a hidden gem of a park. Wanshan Park is located in the city center, easily accessible by bus or taxi. The park is exceptionally quiet and clean, a true paradise for birds. Various birds flew around, chirping incessantly; I even encountered one that seemed to talk! I absolutely loved Wanshan Park, and I'm so glad I didn't miss it.

Dinosaur Park is more suitable for older children, as many attractions require a height of 1.2 meters or more. Bring your kids to enjoy quality family time. Even without a baby, who isn't a little over a few hundred months old at some point? The prices inside aren't too expensive, and annual passes are also affordable. Highly recommended.