Traveling in Jiangsu
Jiangsu is a coastal province of China located just north of Shanghai. With a landscape abundant in lakes, rivers, and canals the region is extremely fertile, known for its quaint water towns and classical Chinese gardens. Its capital, Nanjing, dates back to the first dynasty period and is the birthplace of Wu culture.
Regions
Some of the province's major cities include the capital of Nanjing, Suzhou, and a number of ancient water towns like Zhouzhuang, Tongli, and Luzhi. Nanjing is a renowned historical and cultural city and was the capital of several dynasties over the course of Chinese history. Some of its most popular features include the Xiaoling Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty, Linggu Temple, Confucius Temple, and Purple Mountain. Suzhou is famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of "Venice of the Orient." It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen. The water towns of Jiangsu province are some of the oldest and most charming in the world with little bridges over murmuring brooks and rustic cottages along stone-paved streets, all amidst narrow canals which are important to local culture. Zhouzhuang, a landmark water town that dates back to the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, is one such place where the winding canals are essential to everyday life. Other cities include Changzhou, Xuzhou, Wuxi, and Zhenjiang, amongst a few more.