Tours and holidays with added interest
Jiangsu
- Name in Chinese characters: 江苏
- Name in Pinyin: Jiāngsū
- Status: Province
- Capital: Nanjing
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Location within China
General Overview
Jiangsu Province lies on China's east coast above Shanghai. That puts it on the lower reaches of the Yangtse River. This, combined with the two lakes, Taihu and Hongze, makes it a naturally water-rich region and this has lead to the development of many canals and other waterways. The biggest canal of all, The Grand Canal, once connected Hangzhou and Beijing for the transport of rice, and Emperor's.
Most of Jiangsu Province is plains. The rich lands have allowed for a large population to grow; one of the most dense in China.
Nanjing is the provincial capital and has been capital of all China at various times in history. In fact, the name Nanjing translates as southern capital. Nanjing bore the brunt of the Japanese invasion prior to the Second World War and suffered terrible atrocities.
Attractions For Visitors
Nanjing makes a good starting point for a visitor to Jiangsu. There are many sites in the city itself including a memorial to the massacre referred to above, the Mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat Sen (one of the leading figures in the revolution that ousted the Qing Dynasty) and the Fuzi Miao shopping district.
Many visitors also head for Suzhou where the ornate gardens can fill several delightful days, and evenings. Suzhou is also famous for its silks and it is well worthwhile taking a trip to one of the factories even if you do not intend to buy anything.
Other sites are more for domestic tourists being mostly relevant to Chinese literature. Much of the action from the book San Guo (usually translated as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms) is based here, and Huai'an is famous as being the home town of Wu Cheng'an, author of the other classic - Journey to the West (known to many of us in the west as 'Monkey').
Lianyungang on the coast is an interesting diversion for those who want something a bit different. It is related to the 'Journey to the West' story. Many believe that the nearby Yantai Shan was an inspiration for the story and many of the features found on the mountain now bear names linking them to the book. That makes for a fun day's exploration.
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Current Comments
4 comments so far (post your own)Clive
The Nanjing Astronomy and History Museum is located withn the Purple Mountain Observatory and you may visit this. Access is by a cable car or a long hike. Many interesting instruments are on display here. Though their purpose is scientific their form is most definitely 'with Chinese characteristics'.
Posted by China Journeys on Sun 6 May, 2012
The story of astronomy fascinates me and I understand that the Purple and Gold Mountain Observatory is near Nanjing. Are there local travel links in place for daily visits?
Posted by ClivePD on Sat 5 May, 2012
Hi Thomas
You don't say where you are coming from but if coming from another city in the east you will find that the trains are best, otherwise you will probably be better off flying.
Posted by China Journeys on Sat 17 Mar, 2012
What's the best way to get to Nanjing
Posted by Thomas on Sat 17 Mar, 2012