Suzhou City
Located on the bank of Lake Taihu in southeastern Jiangsu, Suzhou enjoys the reputation as “Heaven on Earth” and is famous cultural city with 2,500 years of history. The classical gardens in Suzhou enjoy a worldwide fame, and of them, Surging Waves Pavilion, Lion Grove, The Garden of the Master of Nets, Humble Administrator’s Garden viewed as masterpieces of the garden architectures south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. In recent years, water towns in the suburbs, such as Tongli, Luzhi, and Zhouzhuang, have gained favor. Suzhou has beautiful sceneries and abundant natural resources. Since ancient times, it has produced many talented people.
Liyuan Garden
During the late Spring and Autumn Period, Fan Li, a high officer of the Stale of Yue, assisted King of Yue, Gou Jian, and perished the State of Wu. Then he quit the court and took his love, Xi Shi, here to boat on Wuli Lake. Later, people renamed the lake Lihu. In addition to Lihu Lake, which presents the best view of the garden, visitors will also indulge in the willow dike, clouds of peach blossoms, and the waterside long corridor.
Lake Taihu Scenic Zone
During the late Spring and Autumn Period, Fan Li, a high officer of the Stale of Yue, assisted King of Yue, Gou Jian, and perished the State of Wu. Then ho quit the court and took his love, Xi Shi, hereto boat on Wuli Lake. Later, people renamed the lake Lihu. In addition to Lihu Lake, which presents the best view of the garden, visitors will also indulge in the willow dike, clouds of peach blossoms, and the waterside long corridor.
Huqiu (Tiger Hill)
Huqiu (Tiger Hill) is situated in northwestern Suzhou and rises 36 meters high. There are 18 historical sites, such as Broken Beam Hall Silly Spring, Sword Test Rock and Sword Pond. Huqiu Pagoda is entrenched on the summit With seven stories and eight sides, the pagoda was constructed in two layers without a single inch of wood. Since the Ming Dynasty, the pagoda began to incline northward, and till today, the pitch has reached 2.34 meters.
Zhuozhengyuan (Humble Administrator's Gardon)
Located in northeastern urban district, Zhuozhengyuan is the largest private garden in Suzhou and an important cultural unit under state protection. It has been included on the World Cultural Heritage List. Water and rockeries are arranged to rep-resent a pond and three isles, and featuring a simple and natural touch, they well preserve a style of the Ming Dynasty. The water corridor in the west, featuring a zigzagged, graceful line, is a masterpiece structure of the gardens south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
Liuyuan (Lingering Garden)
Located outside Changmen Gate, Lingering Garden was first constructed in 1593 as the private garden of Xu Taishi, a high-ranking official of the Ming court. During the reign of the Qing Emperor Jiaqing, it was possessed by Liu Rong and renamed as “Chilly Green Mountain Villa； also known as “Liu’s Garden,” The garden is reputed as one of China*s four best classical gardens.
North-Temple Pagoda
North Temple was first constructed during the Three Kingdoms Period. Because it is situated in the northern part of the city, it is commonly known as North Temple. The North-Temple Pagoda was first constructed during the Southern Dynasties, with 11 stories, but was destroyed in Northern Song Dynasty. The existing pagoda was built in 1153, the 23rd year of the reign of Emperor Shaoxing during the Southern Song Dynasty.
Hanshan (Chilly Hill) Temple
Located in Maple Bridge Town some 3.5 kilometers sway from Changmen Gate of Suzhou, Hanshan Temple is a world-renowned tourist attraction. Its fame derives from a famous poem, “A Night Mooring at Maple Bridge,” attributed to Tang poet Zhang Ji: “Moon sets, crows cry, and frost fills all the sky; by maples and boat lights, I lie sleeplessly. Away from the town of Suzhou stands Hanshan Temple; the chime of its mid-night bell reaches as far as my boat.”
Zhouzhuang, Tongli, and Luzhi
These three ancient water towns possess characteristics of their own. Zhouzhuang is famous for the Twin Bridge, Shen’s House, and Zhang’s House. Tongli houses Tuisi Garden, two halls, and three bridges. And Luzhi preserves Baosheng Temple and traditional water-town-styled costumes.
Nanjing City
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu, is the political, economic, and cultural center of the province. It :one of China’s famous ancient capital cities, and a total of 10 feudal dynasties ever founded capital here; hence its reputation as -Capital of Ten Dynasties.” Nanjing is also a famous tourist city with a number of scenic areas, including Mt. Zhongshan Scenic area, the scenic belt along the Qinhuai River. ?tone Town Scenic Area, urban scenic spots, riverside scenic belt, Yuhuatai Scenic Area, and Mt. Qixia Scenic Area.
Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen
Sprawling on the southern slope of Mt. Zhongshan, the mausoleum is where Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), a great pioneer in Chinese revolutionary history, is buried. Structured in the shape of a liberty bell, it faces a cresscent-shaped square. In the south of the square stands a bronze statue of Dr.Sun-sen, and a total of 392 stone steps link the square with the entrance to the mausoleum. At an elevation of 158 meters, the coffin chamber houses a white-marble statue of Dr. Sun in the center, whose body is buried right beneath the statue five meters in depth.
The Ming Tomb
Located on the southern slope of Purple Mountain in Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu Province, the Ming Tomb buried Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368- 1644). With a history of more than 600 years, it is one of the best-preserved and largest ancient imperial tombs in China. In 2003, it was inscribed into the World Cultural Heritage list.
Yuhuatai
Located outside Zhonghua Gate, Yuhuatai (Rainy-Flowers Platform) is so named because of the legendary of “rainy flowers falling from the Heaven.” It encompasses several zones for different functions: a cemetery for revolutionary martyrs, historical sites, Yuhua stone culture, an amusement zone, and an ecological holiday resort.
Zhonghua Gate
Located just south of Nanjing City, Zhonghua Gate was historically called Treasure Collection Gate. In the shape of a pottery um, it is also called Urn City. Constructed during the Ming Dynasty, it is the largest ancient castle in the world and the greatest ancient city gate in China. It is considered a symbol of the city wall of Nanjing.
The Qinhuai River Scenic Belt
Xuanwu Lake
Located in northeastern Nanjing. Xuanwu Lake covers an area of 4.44 million square meters, with a perimeter of 15 kilometers. The five isles in the lake—Liangzhou, Circular, Water Chestnut, Green Jade, and Cherry Blossom isles—are connected by causeways and bridges to form a charming, scenery.
Confucius Temple
Confucius Temple is a holy shrine of Confucius, a great thinker and educator of ancient China. Here, all the gates and halls are named “Dacheng (Great Accomplishments),,, implying the great accomplishments achieved by Confucius. To the left and right of the temple are Juxing Pavilion and Kuiguang lower, respectively. Crossing the Lingxing Gate, one will find four ancient steles, of which the one carrying the Tainting of Confucius Showing the Courtesy” enjoys a wide fame.
Linggu Temple
Located in the eastern part of the Mt. Zhongshan Scenic Area and east of the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Linggu Temple was originally named Kaishan Temple. It was built for eminent monk Baozhi on the orders of Emperor Wudi(Xiao Yan) of the State of Liang during the Southern Dynasty (420-589). It was originally constructed at the site of present-day Ming Xiaoling Tomb, and when the construction of the tomb started, the temple was moved to the current location and renamed “Linggu.”
Zhenjiang City
Located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, where the Yangtze River meets the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Zhenjiang enjoys convenient communications. Lying by hills and facing he rivers, Zhenjiang historically enjoyed a reputation as “No. 1 River and Mountain under Heaven.” Famous scenic spots include Jinshan Hill, Jiaoshan Hill, Beigu Hill, and the southern subsurbs scenic area. Zhenjiang has been cited as one of China’s outstanding tourist cities.
Jinshan Hill
Jinshan Hill, with an altitude of 44 meters, is situated in the northwest of the urban districts of Zhenjiang City. Originally an islet in the middle of the river, it began to be connected with the southern bank some 100 years ago. In addition to Jinshan Temple, the most famous scenic spot on the hill, there are also Cishou Pagoad, White Dragon Cave, and Ancient Fahai Cave.
Ancient Street of Song and Yuan Dynasties
Stretching 1,000 meters in length, the street used to be a small dock. In the center of the street is a five-meter-high s!one pagoda erected on a stone platform supported by four columns. The street still preserves old architectures, inducing buming-incense stores, the headquarsters of the Lifesaving Society constructed during the reign of Qing Emperor Guangxu (1875- 1909), and the former British Consulate constructed in 1889.
Jiaoshan Hill
Located in the Yangtze River northeast of the urban district Jiaoshan Hill like a piece of jade floating in the water. On the southern slope of the mountain, there is a temple called Dinghui, and to the east of the temple is Baomoxuan (Treasured Ink House). Also known as Jiaoshan Ste!e Forest, Baomoxuan houses more than 400 inscribed stone tablets as well as an international stele forest newly established in recent years.
Maoshan Hill
Maoshan Hill encompasses nine peaks, 18 springs, 26 caves, and 28 ponds. Water spurs out as long as one claps hands by the spring. On the summit are the Palaces of Highest Heavens and Great Bliss, which includes Yungong Hall, Scripture Collection Tower, and Kanli Palace. In the Immortals Cave, where historical Taoists cultivated themselves according to the doctrines, there are such scenes as Nine-Bend Milky Way, stalactites, and Immortal-Bom Bridge.
Yangzhou City
Located in the central part of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou borders the Yangtze River in the south and the Huaihe River in the north, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal passes through it. With a history of more than 2,480 years, Yangzhou used to be the economic and cultural center of the Yangtze and Huaihe river valley area and one of China’s first harbors to be opened for foreign trade and international communications. The ancient people of Yangzhou created a splendid culture and left behind a great number of cultural relics, famous of which are Slender West Lake, Rainbow Bridge, Misty Rain Tower, and Great Brightness Temple. Yangzhou has become a famous, excellent tourist city.
Geyuan Garden
Slim West Lake
Lying west of urban Yangzhou, it is a narrow lake linking Hongqiao in the south to Shugang in the north. Although it is slender in shape, its beauty can match the West Lake in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province; hence its name. Famous scenic spots include Great Rainbow Bridge, Xuyuan Garden, Lesser Golden Hill, Fishing Platform, and Spring-Watching lower.
Heyuan Garden
Originally a private garden of He Zhi, a bureaucrat during the Qing Emperor Guangxu, it is composed of three parts: residential courtyard, back garden, and rockery house. String Tower is the symbolic structure of the garden. The main house, Xichun Hall, features single-layer eaves and a gable-shaped root and is completely wood-structured and beautifully decorated in the corridor, gate, and windows.
Five-Pavilion Bridge
Built in 1757, the bridge was originally named Lotus Bridge. On this stone arch bridge, there are five pavilions, with the central one being the highest and set off by the other four in symmetry to resemble a lotus on the lake. Beneath the bridge, there are 15 openings. The bridge has become the city logo of Yangzhou and is considered a successful example among Chinese ancient bridges in combining transportation with aesthetic purposes.
Taizhou City
Located in the central part of Jiangsu Province, Taizhou borders the Yangtze River in the south and is adjacent to the Lixia River and the North Jiangsu Plain in the north. It enjoys the reputations as “Ancient Eparchy of Han and Tang Dynasties.” Famous scenic sites include Guang Xiaolu Temple, Taishan Park, Rishe Garden, and the Memorial Hall of Chong Ru.
Qintong Boat Racing Festival
Around Tomb-Sweeping Day every year, the people of Qintong Town observe the boat racing festival, in order to reinforce the relationships among one another through sports activities. The breathtaking races and stunning performances create an exciting atmosphere and attract numerous viewers to the lakeside.
Changzhou City
Located in southern Jiangsu, Changzhou is a newly rising industrial city and a famous historical and cultural city. It preserves many historical sites, famous of which are Tianning Temple, Hongmei Tower, Inkslab Washing Stone of Su Dongpo, Yizhouting Park, and ruins of Yancheng City.
Tianning Temple
Situated on Jiefang Road in Changzhou, the temple as constructed in 1352. It originally covered of nearly 90,000 square meters and had eight halls, 25 houses, and 24 towers, of which only the Precious Hall of Great Hero, Guardian Warriors Hall, Samantabhadra Hall, Manjusri Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Arhats Hall still exist today. The Precious Hall of Great Hero, constructed during the Qing Dynasty, is 33 meters in height and 27 meters in depth, its wood columns being 30 meters high.
Yancheng City
Situated some 7,000 meters south of Changzhou City, it is China’s existing oldest and complete city structure, including exterior city walls (2.5 kilometers in perimeter), interior city walls (1.5 kilometers in perimeter), and subordinate city walls (0.5 kilometers in perimeter), as well as three circles of moats. A wide variety of cultural relics have been unearthed here.
Tianmu Lake
Tianmu Lake attracts tourists with beautiful landscapes, fresh air, fragrant tea. and tasty fish. Staying at the standard of the state second-class superior drinking water, the lake s water is naturally drinkable. Other tourist attractions are Deze Pavilion), Zhuangyuan Tower, and snake art show.
Nantong City
Located in eastern Jiangsu, Nantong City is the first inland harbor city for the Yangtze River to enter the sea and an important commodity distribution center in the Yangtze River Valley. As the birthplace of China’s textile industry, it is a famous textile-based city. Main scenic spots are Langshan Hill, Southern Suburb Park, Nantong Museum, and Textile Museum.
Langshan Hill
Lying by the Yangtze River, the hill faces Junshan and Jianshan hills to the east and Ma’an and Huangni hills in the west, the five hills as a whole being called “Langwu Hills.” From the summit, one can have a panoramic view of the enchanting landscapes of the city. Principal scenic spots are Kuizhu Mountain House, Great Saint Hall, and Zhiyun Pagoda.
Yuantuojiao
Located at the easternmost end of Jiangsu Province, Yuantuojiao is a natural scenic and tourist zone, in which one can enjoy the spectacular view of the meeting of the Yangtze River, East China Sea, and Yellow Sea.
Yancheng City
Dafeng Pere David's Deer Nature Reserve
Covering an area of 26.67 million square meters in southeastern Dafeng City on the shore of Yellow Sea, the nature reserve is so far China’s largest breeding base for the Pere David’s deer and the world’s largest reserve for wild Pere David’s deer which have returned to nature. It is also inhabited by more than 20 species of animals under state first-and second-class protection, including the red-crowned crane, white-naped crane, and Chinese river deer. It is an important ecological tourist zone in China’s eastern coastal area.
Xuzhou City
Located in northern Jiangsu, Xuzhou is a famous historical and cultural city. Many cultural heritages dating to the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties have been brought to light, including portrait stones, terracotta warriors and horses of Western Han, and silver-thread jade suits of Eastern Han. Major scenic spots are Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Western Han, Yunlong Mountain, Municipal Museum, Yunlong Lake, Guishan Han Tomb, and Quanshan Forest Nature Reserve.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Western Han
Buried in Lion Mountain in Xuzhou and discovered in 1984, it is an important archaeological discovery following the terracotta warriors and horses discovered in Yangjiawan, Xianyang, and the terracotta warriors and horses discovered in the mausoleum of Qinshihuang (First Emperor of Qin) in Lintong, Xi’an. Archaeological analysis suggests that it was a funerary sacrifice buried with a dead king of the State of Chu during the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-25 A.D.). In 1985, the Xuzhou Han Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum was constructed, based on the warriors-and-horses pits.
Guishan Han Tomb
A burial place for Liu Zhu, the sixth-generation Prince Xiangwang of the State of Chu during the Western Han Dynasty, and his wife, the tomb is composed of two paralleled paths and 15 coffin chambers in different sizes. Covering an area of mono than 7(» square meters, rt occupies almost the entire spaced Guishan Hill. Embracing a chamber for carriages and horses, a weapon warehouse, a kitchen, a singing and dancing hall, front hall, and coffin chambers, the tomb is like an underground palace.
Wuxi City
One of China’s excellent tourist cities, Wuxi is situated in southern Jiangsu, bordering Lake Taihu in the south and adjacent to the Yangtze River in the north. The Grand Canal passes through the city. Bestowed with beautiful landscapes. Wuxi has many scenic spots, such as Meiliang Lake, Lihu Lake, Xihui Park, and Mashan Hill. In addition to the rivers, lakes, and springs, it also has Taihu Amusement Park, Tang City, and many historical sites. The city has become an all-inclusive tourist area that combines sightseeing with folk customs, historical sites, sports, and rest and recuperation.
Mt. Lingshan Wonderland
Mt. Lingshan Wonderland mainly consists of Xiangfu Temple and Lingshan Great Buddha. The former w-as first constructed by the disciples of eminent Tang monk Xuanzang and has been renovated many times. The latter, behind the Xiangfu Temple, is a 88-meter-high open-air standing bronze statue of Sakyamuni.
Wuxi & Film Television City
The Wuxi Television and Film City boasts two major scenic zones, Tang City” and “Three Kingdoms and Outlaws of the Marsh,” as well as two 1,200-square-meter studios, a 720- square-meter broadcasting hall, and a complete set of film production equipment.
Lake Taihu
Covering an area of 2,250 square kilometers in southern Wuxi, Lake Taihu is one of China’s five largest freshwater lakes. Historically called Zhenze, the lake is a famous scenic an tourist site. The continuous mountains around the lake compose a meandering, graceful lakeshore line. Forty-eight isles, large and small, dot the lake, and together with the mountains and peninsulas on the bank, they are called 72 Peaks.” In 1982, Lake Taihu was rated as a state important scenic area.
Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Islet)
Located at the foot of Nandu Hill on the bank of Lake Taihu, Yuantouzhu feces water on three sides and is so named because of its shape like a turtle’s head. Viewed from here, Lake Taihu is boundless and seems to be connected with the sky. Major scenic spots include Changchun Bridge, Yuantou Beacon, Depth of Lotus Flowers, Horizontal Clouds and Rock Wall, Chenglan Hall, Flying Clouds Pavilion, Guangfu Temple, Brightness Pavilion, Wanlang Bridge, Geyuan Three Hills, and Luding Hill.
Jichang Garden
With structures built by water, the garden is famous for its wide use of landscaping skills. After visiting the garden six times, the Qing Emperor Qianlong ordered to construct a garden called Xiequ, modeled after Jichang Garden, in the northeast comer of the Summer Palace in Beijing.
Suqian City
Suqian has a long history, home to the heritages of the Xiacaowan Culture dating back 50,000 years ago, the earliest human existence so far found in Jiangsu. It was also the birthplace of many historical personalities, including Xiang Yu, overlord of West Chu, Liu Shixun, an anti-Jin hero of the Southern Song Dynasty, and Yang Sihong, a national hero of the late Qing Dynasty.
Suqian has distinctive natural and artificial landscapes. The Hongze and Luoma lakes cover a total area of more than 2 billion square meters, featuring misty waves, rare waterfowls, shadows of fishing boats, and enchanting sceneries. The Home of Xiang Yu stands in an imposing manner. The Temporary Palace of Emperor Qianlong looks resplendent and magnificent.
Temporary Palace of Emperor Qianlong
Located in northwest of urban Suqian, it covers an area of more than 20,000 square meters. Facing south and laid out in symmetry, the palace embraces more than 20 structures, including halls, pavilions, and terraces, all featuring a traditional architectural style and standing in an imposing manner.
Home of Xiang Yu
The Home of Xiang Yu is situated in Wutong Lane in northern old city of Suqian. In the late Qin Dynasty, Xiang Yu (232 B.C.-202 B.C.) led the uprising troops and destroyed the main force of Qin army. Qin perished, and Xiang Yu crowned himself the title of “Overlord of West Chu.” After a severe defeat in Gaixia in the fight between Chu and Han, Xiang Yu committed suicide by the Wujiang River. In 1534, the Temple of Overlord of West Chu was built in the birthplace of Xiang Yu. In 1703, a stone tablet marking “Home of King Xiang” was erected. In 1953, the Yingfeng Tower was built to display historical documents on the biography of Xiang Yu and poems and articles about him. The former residence of Xiang does not exist any longer, and the current structure was constructed in 1981.
Lianyungang City
Located in northeastern Jiangsu Province and adjacent Yellow Sea, Lianyungang is an important opening city on China’s eastern coast. It boasts many historical and cultural heritages, abundant tourist resources, delicious sea-food cuisine, and an exceptional bathing beach. Here, tourists can visit Flower and Fruit Mountain, the harbor, Sucheng Scenic Zone, Donglei Scenic Zone, and cliff
Flower and Fruit Mountain
Rising 625 meters, the mountain enjoys a reputation as a Wonderland by East China Sea. The flower-and-fruit mountain described in the Journey to the West, one of China’s four most famous classics, was said to be based on this mountain. During the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, a number of temples and pagodas were built on the mountain, including Sanyuan Palace, Haiqing Temple, and King Ayu Pagoda, In addition, the 12 stone carvings in Yulin Temple are reputed to be the “Number One Attraction on Yuntai Mountain.”
Liandao Island
Liandao Island and its seaside scenic area encompass harbor, Liandao Island. Xugou Ditch, Sucheng Scenic Zone, and Yellow Nest. Consisting of two connected islets. Liandao stretches 18 kilometers long. The bathing beach, featuring clear water, fine sands, and a gentle foreshore, can receive 30,000 tourists.
Huai'an City
Huai’an City is located in the central part of North Jiangsu Plain. With a long history, Huai’an was the birthplace of the Qingliangang Culture dating back 6,000 years ago. Since ancient times, Huai’an has produced many personages. A number of memorial halls of historical figures have been established here. Major scenic spots include Shaohu Lake Park, Wentong Pagoda, Ancestral Temple of Guan Tianpei, Memorial Hall of Liang Hongyu, Han Hou Fishing Platform, Memorial Hall of Wu Cheng’en, Chuxiu Garden, Qingyan Garden, Zhenhuai Tower, and Memorial Hall of Zhou Enlai.
Memorial Hall and Former Residence of Zhou Enlai
The Memorial Hall of Zhou Enlai faces water in three sides and is surrounded by exuberant trees. Constructed in 1992, the main building has three floors: the first floor is exhibition hall, the second floor memorial hall, and the third floor platform. The white marble statue of Zhou Enlai in the memorial hall is the largest sitting statue of Zhou Enlai in China. The Former Residence of Zhou Enlai is situated in Fuma Lane in Chuzhou District It displays many precious documents and photos.
Former Residence of Wucheng'en
The Former Residence of WuCheng’en, the author of Journey to the West, is a simple, elegant compound. Entering the gate, one will see a bamboo grove and feel a tranquil and peaceful touch. Xuanting Hall, where Wu received guests, now displays Wu’s book New Stories of Flowers and Grass, poems, and other literary works.
Ming Ancestral Tomb
Situated near the suburbs of Xuyi County, the tomb is the burial place of the grandfather and earlier ancestors of Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming Dynasty. The entire cemetery, in the shape of a rectangular, has two rounds of surrounding walls, the exterior wall being 4.5 kilometers in perimeter while the interior, two kilometers. Inside the Jiuxing Gate is Gold Water River, which is spanned by three stone bridges. The Earth Bridge is connected to Wansui Hill by a 250-meter sacred path, which is flanked by two pairs of Watching Columns and 19 pairs of Stone Statues. Other structures include halls, gates, and pavilions.