Lion Bridge Food Street

Introducing Lion Bridge Food Street

Located on Hunan Road in Nanjing's Gulou District, Shiziqiao Food Street is one of the city's bustling districts. This food street is quite unique. At the entrance stands a large memorial archway, flanked by bronze statues depicting bygone folk customs. The street is thoughtfully furnished with numerous benches, allowing people to stop and linger over the delicious food. Here, you'll find dishes like Huiwei Duck Blood Vermicelli, Jingcheng Huluwang, Octopus Meatballs, and Yin's Century-Old Chicken Soup Dumplings, all at affordable prices and delicious, making it a perfect spot for children.

The street also offers a wide variety of accommodations and shopping options. For excellent Nanjing cuisine, consider Lion House (No. 29, Lion Bridge Pedestrian Street) or Lion Palace Restaurant (No. 2, Lion Bridge Pedestrian Street). For Nanjing snacks, try Nanjing Dapaidang (No. 2, Lion Bridge Pedestrian Street), a restaurant with a Republican-era ambiance, Century Yin's Soup Dumplings, or Huiwei Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for about 2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Lion Bridge Food Street

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Lion Bridge Food Street in Nanjing has been a historic food market for centuries. It is a popular destination known for its local Nanjing cuisine and street food culture. The area is named after the Lion Bridge, an ancient bridge that has been an important part of the city's infrastructure.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Lion Bridge Food Street is located near the Lion Bridge in the central area of Nanjing. It can be easily reached by metro (Line 1, Line 3, or Line 10, get off at the nearby station) or by taxi. Walking from nearby attractions like the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge is also an option.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The food street is open daily, generally from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or evening, when the street is most vibrant, and the food stalls are fully stocked.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee for Lion Bridge Food Street. Visitors only need to pay for the food and products they purchase at the stalls. You can pay with cash or mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No booking is required to visit the food street, as it is an open-air market. You can visit any time during the operating hours.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Exploring Lion Bridge Food Street will typically take around 1-2 hours, depending on how many food stalls you wish to visit and if you plan to shop for souvenirs.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The famous local food stalls selling Nanjing's signature dishes like salted duck and dumplings.
• The scenic view of the Lion Bridge and the surrounding river area, offering a picturesque setting.
• The lively street performers, adding a festive atmosphere to the food street.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are generally not available on the food street itself. However, you can find local guides near nearby attractions in Nanjing who can assist with general city tours. Most guides will speak Mandarin, but some may offer English tours for the main attractions.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The Lion Bridge itself offers great views of the area, especially during sunset.
• Photograph the bustling street scenes and vibrant food stalls along the street.
• Look out for unique food photography shots with the dishes being prepared right in front of you.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the main street and try a variety of street foods. Walk through the entire food street to see all the local specialties and finish by crossing the Lion Bridge for some scenic views of the area.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

While there are no formal light shows or special tours, the food street becomes especially lively at night with illuminated stalls and street performances. It’s the best time to experience the street food atmosphere.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The food street can get crowded, particularly on weekends and during public holidays. To avoid the crowds, try visiting on weekdays in the late morning or early afternoon.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• There are public toilets available at the food street.
• Food and water are widely available from the street stalls.
• Shops selling souvenirs and snacks can be found throughout the area.
• Rest areas are limited, but you can take a break at some of the benches near the Lion Bridge.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The street is accessible for elderly and children, though it can get crowded. However, the area may not be fully accessible for disabled visitors due to the busy market setting and uneven pavements.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are the most popular methods for payment. Credit cards may not be widely accepted in all stalls.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are plenty of small food stalls and local restaurants along the food street serving Nanjing-style cuisine.
• Nearby cafes offer a place to sit and relax after exploring the area.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at some stalls, offering tofu and vegetable dishes. Halal food may be harder to find, but there are some halal eateries around Nanjing that can be visited after exploring the food street.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Hotels like the Nanjing Grand Hotel and Nanjing Hotel offer convenient access to the Lion Bridge area.
• There are budget accommodations nearby, including guesthouses and small hotels.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, a key historical and architectural landmark.
• The Nanjing Museum, one of the largest museums in China, showcasing ancient Chinese history.
• The Confucius Temple area, filled with traditional Chinese architecture and culture.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, souvenir shops are available near the food street, selling local crafts, snacks, and traditional Chinese items such as silk products, tea, and jade jewelry.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the food street, you can easily take public transportation like the metro, taxis, or buses to nearby attractions like the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge or the Nanjing Museum.