The Soul of China
Discover the iconic rivers, enchanting mountains and dynastic history of lush Jiangsu province – a quick bullet-train ride, yet a world away, from the hustle of Shanghai.
See ancient culture made modern in Nanjing
One of China’s prettiest cities, the capital of Jiangsu sits on the lower stretches of the famed Yangtze River. Relics of Nanjing’s glorious past as the seat of the Ming dynasty now share tree-lined streets with chic cafés – it’s a fascinating picture of soaring skyscrapers, heritage and mountains in one shot.
The astonishing Porcelain Tower of Nanjing is one of the seven wonders of the medieval world reimagined. Buddha’s remains were believed to be enshrined inside the ruins of the Dabao’en Temple, originally built from painted porcelain bricks in the early 15th century. Now a futuristic steel pagoda reconstruction rises from the site.
Sacred temples and ancient art also fuse with modern architecture at the picturesque Niushou Mountain cultural site. The more traditional Nanjing Yunjin Museum in Jianye displays magnificent brocade tapestries handmade from gold, silk and peacock-feather yarn. Need a historical overview? Atop 392 humbling stone steps on Mount Zijin in Xuanwu, you’ll find the mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China – and one of the best views in the city.
Explore natural history in Changzhou
This Jiangsu prefecture is the gateway to Chinese history stretching back to the Jurassic era. Once known as Dragon Town, Changzhou is now home to China Dinosaurs Park – a science museum and theme park showcasing traces of the giant species that once roamed the country, including the fossil of the world’s biggest and most complete hadrosaur skeleton. Learn about them at the museum then spend the rest of the day on thrill rides and splashing around in the water park.
If serene is more your scene, venture off the tourist trail and into the Nanshan Bamboo Sea. In this 2500-hectare bamboo forest reserve, bright cable cars dangle above misty valleys like lanterns. You can stroll on wooden boardwalks along the tops of mountains or paddle among luminously green peaks reflected in still blue lakes.
This is the secret China you’ve been looking for. Shhh.