Roaming through Five Cities in Jiangsu, Embark on a Journey of Mountain, Sea, and Lake Charm with a Millennium of Life’s Fireworks
Comprehensive Travel Guide to Five Cities in Jiangsu (Detailed Version)
1. Yixing: The Secret Realm of Pottery Charm and Bamboo Sea
Key Attractions✨
1. 🍀Yixing Bamboo Sea Scenic Area: The largest bamboo resource area in East China. Stroll along the Emerald Corridor, climb Lingyun Pavilion to overlook the vast bamboo sea, and enjoy the stunning reflections on Mirror Lake. Mosquito repellent is recommended.
2. 🍀Shushan Ancient South Street: The core area of Zisha (purple clay) culture. Watch master craftsmen making teapots, and buy authentic Zisha crafts at museum shops.
3. 🍀Zhanggong Cave: A natural karst cave wonder with stalactites in various shapes, offering both adventure and sightseeing.
Food Recommendations🍜
- 🍜Must-try: Zhou Zhen Wontons, Xu’s Stinky Tofu, Black Rice Wrapped with Fried Dough Sticks (more authentic with pork cracklings).
- 🍜Recommended Restaurants: Dongmiao Alley Zhou Zhen Wontons, Liba Garden Farmhouse (Braised Bamboo Shoots with Pork).
Accommodation🏠 & Transportation🚗
- 🏠Accommodation: Yaohu Grand Hotel (supporting Yaohu Town), Longyin Jiangnan (design-style guesthouse).
- 🚗Transportation: Attractions are scattered; renting a car is preferred. Within the city, use buses and taxis to connect spots.
2. Taizhou: Slow Enjoyment in the Water City
Key Attractions✨
1. 🍀Fengcheng River Scenic Area: The only core ancient city water system scenic area in the country. Enjoy night tours on painted boats, admire pavilion lights, listen to opera performances, and climb Wanghailou Tower for panoramic views.
2. 🍀Qinhu National Wetland Park: A pure wetland in the Yangtze River Delta. Take a boat to see milu deer. Free first admission ticket in autumn (November-December).
3. 🍀Qintong Ancient Town: A millennium-old town with cobblestone streets, home to ancient mountain tea. Autumn tickets are half price. Try fresh lake delicacies.
4. 🍀Taizhou Old Street: The birthplace of morning tea culture. “Pibaoshui” teahouse is a must-visit. Nighttime is bustling with snacks.
Food Recommendations🍜
- 🍜Must-try: Qinhu Crab, Crab Roe Soup Dumplings, Hot Shredded Tofu, Fish Soup Noodles, Huangqiao Sesame Cake.
- 🍜Recommended Restaurants: Shiliang Teahouse (10-person set meal 488 RMB), Qinhu Oasis Shibadao, Desheng Lake Hairy Crab with 20% off in autumn.
Accommodation🏠 & Transportation🚗
- 🏠Accommodation: Taizhou Cultural Tourism Beautiful Hotel (20% off + free morning tea), Micang Inn (cost-effective at 99 RMB/night).
- 🚗Transportation: City attractions reachable by walking or taxi. Intercity buses to Jiangyan and Xinghua take 1-1.5 hours.
3. Lianyungang: Majestic Mountain and Sea Scenery
Key Attractions✨
1. 🍀Liandao Scenic Area: The largest island in Jiangsu, including Dashawan and Suma Bay beaches. Hike along the rocky coast for great photos. Mawei Island is perfect for sunset viewing.
2. 🍀Yuntai Mountain at Sea: Climb to the Erweijian Observation Deck for views of the blue sea, Liandao, and the port. Autumn brings layered maple leaves. The mountain road features Yuntai Waterfall.
3. 🍀Huaguo Mountain: Inspiration for "Journey to the West." Take the cable car to Yunu Peak (the highest peak in Jiangsu), hike down to encounter macaque monkeys. Keep your food secure.
4. 🍀Lianyungang Old Street: Republic-era architecture cluster. Visit the Longhai Railway History Museum and enjoy local snacks at dusk.
Food Recommendations🍜
- 🍜Must-try: Shovel Seafood Platter, Steamed Swimming Crab, Small Fish Pancakes, Spicy Sea Snails, Clams.
- 🍜Recommended Restaurants: Liandao Lao Si Hai Seafood, Yanhe Alley Sanjie Dumplings, Old Street Traditional Pancake Shop.
Accommodation🏠 & Transportation🚗
- 🏠Accommodation: Liandao Skyline Hotel (270° sea view rooms), Yangshan Island Wooden Houses (sea gathering + bonfire), Xugou Express Hotel (budget-friendly).
- 🚗Transportation: High-speed rail to Lianyungang Station/East Station. Convenient BRT in the city. Sightseeing buses available in scenic areas.
4. Zhenjiang: Elegant Charm of a Millennium-Old Ferry
Key Attractions✨
1. 🍀Xijindu Ancient Street: A thousand-year-old stone slab road, home to Zhaoguan Stone Tower and Lifesaving Society relics. Night tours with dazzling lights, known as the "Little Hongya Cave."
2. 🍀Jinshan Park: The origin of the "White Snake Floods Jinshan" legend. Climb Cishou Tower for panoramic views of Zhenjiang.
3. 🍀Beigu Mountain: A historic cultural mountain where Wang Anshi wrote "Between Jingkou and Guazhou is just a river." Climb to enjoy river views and ancient city scenery.
Food Recommendations🍜
- 🍜Must-try: Guogai Noodles, Crystal Pork, Crab Roe Soup Dumplings, Hengshun Vinegar (Zhenjiang’s Three Wonders).
- 🍜Recommended Restaurants: Li Sao Guogai Noodles, Huotou Steamed Crab Roe Soup Dumplings, Miss Zhou’s Dishes.
Accommodation🏠 & Transportation🚗
- 🏠Accommodation: Xijindu Guesthouse (ancient street style), Atour Hotel (business convenience).
- 🚗Transportation: Taxi from Zhenjiang Station to Xijindu takes 10 minutes. Jinshan Park accessible by Bus No. 10.
5. Yancheng: Wetland Ecological Painting
Key Attractions✨
1. 🍀China Milu Park: The world’s largest milu deer reserve. Take sightseeing cars for close encounters and explore wetland ecology.
2. 🍀Yellow Sea Forest Park: The largest artificial forest in East China. Walk wooden boardwalks to breathe fresh air. Quiet and comfortable for relaxation.
3. 🍀Holland Flower Sea: 30 million flowers, comparable to Keukenhof. Perfect for photos and flower viewing with seasonal scenery.
4. 🍀Tiaozi Ni: Yellow Sea tidal flat wetland with rich species. At low tide, you can gather seafood. Occasionally spot wild milu deer and various birds.
Food Recommendations🍜
- 🍜Must-try: Dongtai Fish Soup Noodles, Yancheng Eight Bowls, Drunken Snails, Lotus Root Powder Balls, Funing Big Cake.
- 🍜Recommended Restaurants: Dongtai Fish Soup Noodle Shop, Yan Shengli Wonton Shop.
Accommodation🏠 & Transportation🚗
- 🏠Accommodation: Dayang Bay Yihe Lakeside Hotel (luxury private hot springs), Caofangzi Hotel (family-friendly).
- 🚗Transportation: From Yancheng Station, take bus and transfer to scenic area shuttle. Self-driving is recommended for Tiaozi Ni.
6. General Practical Tips👩
1. 🎫Ticket Discounts: Many attractions in Taizhou offer free or discounted tickets from November to December. Book online in advance to save time.
2. ☀Weather and Clothing: Cool in spring and autumn (9-22°C). Bring a light jacket. Lianyungang’s coastal wind requires windproof clothing.
3. 💰Budget Reference: Per person budget for economy travel is 1650-2200 RMB; comfortable travel is 3100-4000 RMB (including accommodation, meals, transportation, and tickets).