Jiangsu Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to try, and more in Jiangsu with this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Jiangsu

Jiangsu is a province located in East China, bordering the Yellow Sea to the east. It is known for its scenic landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture. The capital city of Jiangsu is Nanjing, which is also the second-largest city in the province after Suzhou.

Jiangsu’s long-standing history has made it a cultural hub in China. The province served as the political and cultural center of China in ancient times, which explains why it is home to many historical relics and ancient buildings.

List of Places to Visit in Jiangsu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Nanjing Museum - a famous museum in Nanjing, home to many ancient Chinese artifacts
  • Presidential Palace - a historical site in Nanjing, where the Nationalist government was once located
  • Suzhou Museum - a museum in Suzhou that houses traditional Chinese art and artifacts
  • Tiger Hill - a famous hill in Suzhou, known for its beauty and rich history
  • Zhouzhuang Ancient Town - a well-preserved ancient town near Suzhou, featuring traditional canals and waterways

Natural Attractions of Jiangsu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Lingshan Scenic Area - a beautiful mountain range in Wuxi, featuring stunning views and religious sites
  • Xuanwu Lake - a picturesque lake in Nanjing, surrounded by scenic parks and temples
  • Yangcheng Lake - a famous freshwater lake known for its delicious hairy crabs and scenic surroundings
  • Yuntai Garden - a beautiful garden in Nantong with unique water features and traditional Chinese architecture
  • Hanshan Temple - a famous temple in Suzhou, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jiangsu

  • Dajiaochang Scenic Area - a beautiful area in Suzhou, known for its hiking and biking trails
  • Nanjing City Wall - hike on the ancient wall that surrounds Nanjing city
  • Qinhuai River - bike along the scenic river that runs through Nanjing
  • Taihu Lake - rent a bike to explore the scenic lake and surrounding hills
  • Xuanwu Lake Park - a beautiful park in Nanjing, perfect for a leisurely bike ride or walk

Best Things to Do in Jiangsu: Activities and Tours

  • Suzhou City Day Trip - explore Suzhou’s ancient town and traditional canals
  • Nanjing Historical Tour - discover Nanjing’s rich history and culture through a guided tour
  • Hanshan Temple Night Tour - visit the famous temple in Suzhou after dark to see its unique beauty
  • Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall Tour - a somber but educational experience to learn about an important event in Chinese history
  • Wuxi Taihu Lake Day Cruise - relax on a boat while cruising around the picturesque Taihu Lake

Week-Long Itinerary for Jiangsu

Day Activity
1 Explore Suzhou’s Ancient Town and Gardens
2 Hike on Mount Lingshan and Visit Lingshan Buddhist Palace
3 Visit Nanjing’s Museums and Historical Monuments
4 Take a Boat Ride on Taihu Lake and Explore Wuxi
5 Visit Zhouzhuang Ancient Town and Tiger Hill in Suzhou
6 Bike Along Qinhuai River and Visit Presidential Palace in Nanjing
7 Enjoy Xuanwu Lake’s Scenery and Hanshan Temple in Suzhou

Food and Drink Scene of Jiangsu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hairy Crab - a delicacy unique to Jiangsu, served steamed and usually with vinegar and ginger dipping sauce
  • Wuxi Spare Ribs - slow-cooked ribs with a sweet sauce
  • Yangzhou Fried Rice - a simple yet delicious combination of rice, egg, ham, and vegetables
  • Nanjing Salted Duck - duck soaked in saltwater and then dry-cured, served in thin slices
  • Suzhou Shengjianbao - similar to dumplings, these pan-fried buns are filled with pork and soup

Local Beverages

  • Baima Whiskey - a famous Chinese spirit distilled in Yixing, Wuxi, with a unique flavor
  • Taihu Lake Tea - a high-quality tea grown near Taihu Lake
  • Suzhou Huangjiu - a type of rice wine from Suzhou

Where to Stay in Jiangsu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Dinghui Hotel in Nanjing - centrally located with comfortable rooms and good service
  • Renaissance Suzhou Hotel in Suzhou - spacious, modern rooms with impressive views of the city
  • Grand Park Wuxi Hotel in Wuxi - luxurious hotel with spacious rooms and good amenities
  • Nantong Jinshi Hotel in Nantong - centrally located with clean and comfortable rooms
  • Home Inn Plus Jiangning Development Zone in Jiangning - affordable option with basic amenities and a convenient location

What to Buy in Jiangsu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Suzhou Silk - high-quality silk made in Suzhou, known for its softness and shine
  • Yixing Teapots - handmade teapots made in Yixing, which are known for their unique designs and ability to enhance the flavor of tea
  • Embroidery - decorative needlework made by skilled artisans in Suzhou
  • Lacquerware - traditional Chinese artwork made by coating objects in layers of lacquer, often featuring intricate designs

Local Culture and Customs of Jiangsu

Jiangsu has a rich culture that dates back to ancient times. Some of the customs and traditions that are still practiced today include:

  • Paying Respect to Ancestors - many locals still practice ancestor worship and visit the graves of their ancestors during the Qingming Festival in April.
  • Tea Culture - tea is an important part of Jiangsu’s culture, with many famous tea varieties grown in the province. Visitors can experience traditional tea ceremonies and enjoy locally produced tea.
  • Suzhou Embroidery - Suzhou embroidery is a traditional art form that involves stitching intricate designs onto silk fabric. Some of the best embroidery artists in the world are from Suzhou.
  • Celebrating New Year - the Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China and is celebrated with fireworks, family gatherings, and feasts.

Best Time to Visit Jiangsu

The best time to visit Jiangsu is between March and May or from September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer months can be hot and humid, and winter months can be cold and dreary.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jiangsu

Do:

  • Have a cup of tea at a traditional teahouse
  • Visit the historical sites and museums to learn about China’s past
  • Try the local cuisine, including the famous hairy crab and Suzhou Shengjianbao
  • Shop for souvenirs, including silk products and Yixing teapots

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the locals or their customs and traditions
  • Take photos of people without first asking for permission
  • Make political statements or discuss sensitive topics in public

Safety and Health

Safety in Jiangsu

Jiangsu is generally a safe place for travelers. However, it is important to remain vigilant and take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

  • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas
  • Use a reputable taxi service, and don’t accept rides from strangers
  • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Health in Jiangsu

Travelers should take some precautions to stay healthy while visiting Jiangsu. Some tips include:

  • Drink bottled water or boiled water to avoid getting sick
  • Wear sunscreen to protect against the sun’s harmful rays
  • Be careful when eating street food and make sure it is cooked properly

Getting to Jiangsu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Jiangsu

  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport - located in the capital city of Nanjing, it is the busiest airport in Jiangsu and serves both domestic and international flights.
  • Sunan Shuofang International Airport - located in Wuxi, it mainly serves domestic airlines with flights to most major Chinese cities.
  • Changzhou Benniu International Airport - located in Changzhou, it serves flights to several domestic destinations.

Bus Stations Near Jiangsu

  • Nanjing Bus Station - the main bus station in Nanjing, with routes to destinations throughout Jiangsu and other provinces.
  • Suzhou North Bus Station - one of the main bus stations in Suzhou, with routes to destinations throughout Jiangsu and other provinces.
  • Wuxi Bus Station - the main bus station in Wuxi, with routes to destinations throughout Jiangsu and other provinces.

Other Options

  • High-Speed Train - a fast and efficient way to travel around China, with several high-speed trains running between major cities in Jiangsu.
  • Taxi - a convenient way to get around the cities, but make sure to use a reputable taxi service.
  • Bike Rental - a great way to explore the cities and scenic areas.

How to Get Around in Jiangsu

Getting around Jiangsu is relatively easy, thanks to the province’s efficient public transportation system. Some of the options include:

  • Buses - an affordable way to get around Jiangsu’s cities and towns.
  • Subways - Nanjing and Suzhou both have subway systems that are easy to use and affordable.
  • Taxis - a convenient way to get around the city, but make sure to use a reputable taxi service.
  • Bikes - rent a bike to explore the cities and scenic areas.

Where to Go Next from Jiangsu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Shanghai - just a two-hour train ride from Suzhou, Shanghai is a bustling metropolis with a unique blend of modern and traditional Chinese culture.
  • Hangzhou - known for its beautiful scenery and famous West Lake, Hangzhou is located just over an hour’s train ride from Suzhou.
  • Yellow Mountain - a stunning mountain range located in nearby Anhui Province that is known for its stunning vistas and hikeable trails.

Conclusion

Jiangsu is a province that offers a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. From hiking on Mount Lingshan to exploring Suzhou’s ancient town and tasting the famous hairy crab, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This comprehensive tour guide will help you make the most of your visit to Jiangsu and discover all the fascinating things this province has to offer.

Humble Administrator's Garden, a famous classical garden of Suzhou Humble Administrator's Garden, a famous classical garden of Suzhou Zhonghua Gate, part of the city wall of Nanjing Zhonghua Gate, part of the city wall of Nanjing Cargo boats on the Grang Canal near Yangzhou Cargo boats on the Grang Canal near Yangzhou Majestic stone statues guard the tombs of the Southern Dynasties royalty, scattered throughout Nanjing's eastern suburbs Majestic stone statues guard the tombs of the Southern Dynasties royalty, scattered throughout Nanjing's eastern suburbs


    Changshu
    Changzhou
    Gaoyou
    Jiangyin
    Lianyungang
    Suzhou
    Wujiang
    Wuxi
    Xuzhou
    Yangzhou
    Yixing
    Zhangjiagang
    Zhenjiang
    Zhouzhuang