Live Your Best Lives
Someone once said, "Every moment of solo travel is filled with freedom and surprise." I love and agree with this quote, so I put it at the beginning of my travelogue. During my junior year of college, I packed my backpack and headed to a guesthouse on Gulangyu Island to volunteer. That was the beginning of my travel bug and the beginning of my solo travels. This time, I went to Nanjing alone—necessary for work, but also a journey of healing through travel.
July 12, 2021 was my first time to Nanjing. I took my mother, who was over 50 years old, to check in at popular tourist attractions in the city.
On October 14, 2023, I boarded a high-speed train from Beijing to Nanjing. After a 1,000-kilometer journey, I returned to this city and saw a different Nanjing. What was it that made me feel different? Perhaps it was my early morning awakening that day, and the joy of exploring autumn in Qixia Mountain.
Perhaps it was in Huashu Village, where mountains and rivers intersect, that one felt the leisurely and comfortable life of Tao Yuanming's secluded life.
Perhaps it was in the Muyan Riverside Scenic Area that we waited for a gorgeous sunset over the Yangtze River.
Perhaps under the guidance of locals, you can climb Mufu Hill and appreciate the charming colors of the city of Nanjing at night.
Maybe it was in the Laoshan forest, where you met a retired grandfather, chatted with him, breathed oxygen, and lamented the preciousness of life.
Perhaps it was that afternoon, when I was drinking tea and admiring flowers in the courtyard of the Bulao Village B&B, indulging in the comfort and romance of rural life.
Maybe you can go to the Sifang Art Lake District, ride a small electric scooter borrowed from the B&B manager, and appreciate different styles of architectural art.
Maybe it's a trip to the Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom for close encounters with animals of all sizes.
Nanjing's charm lies not only in its renowned historical and cultural heritage, rich in cultural heritage and unique human landscapes, but also in its understated beauty, boasting stunning mountain scenery and the unique Yangtze River. Without prior research, it can be difficult to discover this side of Nanjing.
I'm lucky enough to be healed by the beautiful people and things in Nanjing; and I'm lucky enough to be reading this travelogue. Matthias said, "Recalling the past is like living it again." Writing and reading travelogues is a process of recollection and participation. Join me on this three-day, two-night journey of healing!
Day 1: Qixia District: Qixia Mountain - Huashu Village - Muyan Riverside (stay) Huashu Village B&B
[Day 2] Pukou District: Laoshan Forest Park - Sifang Art Lake District - Bulao Village (Accommodation)
[Day 3] Liuhe District: Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom
❕If you also want to follow this itinerary, please don’t forget to read the tips at the end of the travelogue.
Qixia Mountain is a famous maple viewing spot in China, and is known as one of the four major maple viewing spots in China, along with Beijing's Xiangshan Mountain, Hunan's Yuelu Mountain, and Suzhou's Tianping Mountain.
Qixia Mountain boasts a wide variety of red leaves, with Liquidambar formosana being the most prominent, including red maple, Japanese maple, trident maple, feather maple, beech, and Pistacia. From late November to early December, the mountains are blanketed in crimson leaves, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
I got up early to climb the mountain and arrived at the scenic area around 7 o'clock. There were few tourists inside, and the occasional people I met were staff members cleaning up fallen leaves.
The sun is bright but not dazzling. Occasionally a breeze blows, and the leaves rustle. I like and enjoy this tranquility in the mountains alone.
When the mountain is ablaze with red, we effortlessly experience the beauty of Qixia Mountain, a beauty so uninhibited and dazzling. And carefully searching for those maple leaves that have already turned red amidst the verdant greenery brings a sense of the joy of glimpsing the beauty of Qixia Mountain in advance, a beauty so subtle and restrained.
Since ancient times, Qixia Mountain has been visited by numerous celebrities, including emperors and princes. Emperor Qianlong, who loved to travel south of the Yangtze River, visited Qixia Mountain several times. Recognizing its beauty, he wrote, "The First Bright and Beautiful Mountain in Jinling," declaring Qixia Mountain the most beautiful of all Jinling mountains and expressing his love for it.
"One Qixia Mountain represents half of the history of Jinling." Qixia Mountain is more than just a mountain; it boasts over 80 historical sites. At its western slope stands the Qixia Temple, built in 489 AD, boasting over 1,500 years of history.
PS: The original name of this mountain was "Sheshan", but later it became famous because of Qixia Temple and was renamed "Qixia Mountain".
Qixia Temple has been a Buddhist holy place since the Southern Dynasties and is the most important temple.
Walking in Qixia Temple, I can't help but think of the line "Winding paths lead to a secluded place, where the Zen room is surrounded by flowers and trees." It comes from "Inscription on the Zen Courtyard Behind the Poshan Temple" by the Tang Dynasty poet Chang Jian. It talks about the simplicity and tranquility of the temple, and is full of Zen, which is just right for the scene.
The temple's historical sites include the Mingzhengjun Stele, a stupa, and the Thousand Buddha Caves, known as a miniature version of the Yungang Grottoes. The stupa's base and body are decorated with exquisite relief carvings depicting various bodhisattvas and Buddhist stories.
The stupa is next to the Thousand Buddha Rock. It was first carved in the Southern Qi Dynasty. Buddha statues are carved in the caves along the mountain wall.
Those familiar with Buddhism or Ming Dynasty culture may be familiar with the book "Liaofan's Four Lessons," a book of moral exhortations. Its author is Yuan Liaofan, a renowned Ming Dynasty thinker whose fate was divined and who later transformed it through spiritual practice. Qixia Temple is said to be one of the locations where this story takes place. It's speculated that the "Liaofan Asks for the Way" attraction within the scenic area also originated from this location.
Near the temple, I encountered many cats. Perhaps influenced by the temple's incense for a long time, they remained calm even when the camera was almost close to their faces.
When you go up to tease it, it will walk away slowly. Its calm and detached attitude seems to be saying: "I won't get entangled with you mortals."
The vegetarian noodles at Qianfozhai Vegetarian Restaurant are a specialty of Qixia Mountain and are well worth a try. The kitchen staff were warm and friendly. Knowing that I like spicy food, they specially found the chef's homemade sauce for me, and it was really delicious!
The North Gate is the main entrance to the scenic area, and from there you can see Qixia Temple. Strangely, despite its name, it's located in the southwest corner of the scenic area on the map. If you know the reason, please share.
Most tourists begin their tour through the north gate of Qixia Mountain. Unconventionally, I chose to enter through the south gate, following the trail all the way to the summit, then making a circuit of the path before exiting through the north gate. This way, I avoided backtracking and, starting early in the morning, was just in time for lunch.
Specific route (for reference only): South Gate - Horse Drinking Pond - Baicao Garden - Red Maple Forest - Liao Fanweng - Bishan Pavilion - Maple Forest Lake - Fengxiang Peak - Shihuang Approaching - Red Leaf Valley - Peach Blossom Lake - Peach Blossom Valley - Qixia Temple - North Gate. Experience tells me that for first-time visitors, the thickest route on the map is generally the best. This route follows the thickest line on the map and has a dedicated pedestrian path.
The scenic area is very large. Personally, I think there is no need to worry too much about the route. Just be more relaxed, follow your heart, and take things as they come. You may find surprises.
Fengxiang Peak is the highest peak in Qixia Mountain, at 284.7 meters above sea level. My personal advice is to hike within your means; climbing to the summit is not a must; the stunning views are enough to make the trip worthwhile.
【Tour Information】
Tips:
Address: No. 88, Qixia Street, Qixia District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province
Tickets: NT$50 on weekdays, NT$80 during maple leaf season
Opening hours: 07:00-17:30
Tour duration: The entire journey from the summit to the descent takes about 3 hours
Traffic advice: It is difficult to get a taxi after going out. It is recommended to walk towards the nearby bus stops after going out. If you can't get a taxi, you can take the bus.
Qixia Mountain is the most famous attraction on this trip. The following attractions are relatively niche and rarely known to foreign tourists, such as Huashu Village.
Located southeast of Qixia Mountain, Huashu Village, named for its numerous birch trees, is a small village nestled between mountains and water, boasting a thousand-year history and beautiful rural scenery.
As soon as I got off the bus, I saw a golden rice field. The heavy rice ears swayed gently in the wind like waves, which made me feel the beauty of the wind blowing the wheat fields.
The golden rice fields attracted many people to take pictures, but I didn’t dare stay too long because my real destination was Huashu Village.
As we approached the village, we saw three or five villagers chatting and taking a rest under the big tree at the entrance, and another three or two villagers setting up stalls to sell their own agricultural products. As I recall, it seemed that many ancient villages had such a lush tree at the entrance.
Neighbors were sitting on the roadside chatting. When they saw a stranger coming, they looked at him in a daze, but it didn't make people feel uncomfortable.
The small shops on the street have a literary and fresh style of facade design, which attracts tourists to stop and take photos.
In order to accommodate tourists, many characteristic homestays and farm stays have been opened in the village.
The village is close to Zhouchong Reservoir. On the way to the reservoir, I saw an old lady sitting under a big tree by the bridge, with a little dog lying obediently on the ground beside her, a picture of peaceful times.
It is like a paradise around Nanjing, where we can heal the fatigue brought by the fast-paced life and temporarily forget many troubles in life.
【Tour Information】
Tips:
Address: Xigang Street, Qixia District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province
Tickets: Free
Traffic suggestion: self-driving
Nanjing, a historic port city along the Yangtze River, is also the only ancient capital city on the Yangtze River's shores. On the south bank of the Yangtze River in Nanjing's main city, the Muyan Riverside Scenic Area boasts scenic spots such as the Yanji Sunset, Toutai Cave, Ertai Cave, Santai Cave, Guanyin Pavilion, and Bodhidharma Cave.
This area is very large. I chose the Yangtze River Guanyin Scenic Area west of Yanziji Park. If you are a friend who likes historical sites, you can go to Mufu Climbing and Daruma Cave.
At around 4 p.m., many people had gathered on the riverside promenade built along the river. Some were flying kites, some were walking their children, some were having a party, some were daydreaming, and I was here, waiting for the sunset over the Yangtze River.
Nanjing didn't let me down that day; I waited for a beautiful sunset by the Yangtze River. "A ray of setting sun spreads across the water, half the river rustles, half the river red." This line from Bai Juyi's "Song of the Dusk River" perfectly describes this moment.
The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the river, making the waves sparkle and emit a dazzling light. The ships coming and going are like passers-by, while the Yangtze River Bridge in the distance is like a silent guardian.
【Tour Information】
Tips:
Address: No. 9 Yongji Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province
Tickets: Free
Transportation suggestions: Drive by yourself; take the subway to Yanziji Station, then ride a shared bike or take a taxi.
I had no plans to go to Mufu Mountain originally, but I accidentally saw photos of the night view of the mountain on the Internet. It was also a niche viewing spot discovered by locals, and I immediately felt a yearning for it.
After dark, the path along Mufu Mountain was devoid of streetlights or other lighting. Relying solely on the dim moonlight and my phone's navigation system for navigation, I felt uneasy. Turning onto a side street, it was deserted. I finally waited for an elderly man to pass by and asked for directions. He was a nearby resident out for a walk and happened to take me to the observation deck. From there, I could see Nanjing's tallest building, the Zifeng Tower. Standing 450 meters tall and boasting 89 floors, it's a true landmark.
This observation deck isn't located at the top of the mountain, but rather on a small platform midway up the mountain with a wide view. I visited around 8:00 AM, when it was completely dark. The best time to take photos is around 6:00 PM, so bring a telephoto lens. It's not recommended for non-photography enthusiasts to make this trip.
【Tour Information】
Tips:
Address: Mufu Denggao Scenic Area, Mufu East Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province (see screenshot for the specific location of the viewing platform)
Tickets: Free
Transportation: Self-driving; take the subway to Wutang Square Station, then walk or take a taxi. The entire journey is about 1.3 kilometers (uphill).
This is the largest national forest park in the province, with a forest coverage rate of over 80%. The air has a high content of negative oxygen ions, which has attracted many locals to come here to climb mountains and breathe oxygen.
From Bulao Village, you can walk to the south gate of Laoshan National Forest Park. Since the park has launched a night tour program, you can see many light show installations upon entering.
One of the little boys lying flat on his back caught my attention. Lying flat on his back in the embrace of nature—at the foot of Laoshan Mountain—how many city dwellers would envy him?
Under the guidance of the lady at the scenic spot ticket gate, I followed the trail all the way up the mountain and soon reached the top of Eagle Mountain. Eagle Mountain is the highest peak in the scenic area, with an altitude of 326 meters. It is named after the large number of eagles that often gather there.
There's an observation tower on the mountain. At the fork in the road leading to the tower, I habitually headed for the stairs, but an elderly man stopped me and told me to go up the slope, saying it was a shortcut. I obediently followed his instructions, and it was indeed easier than the stairs. I thought to myself: Listening to the elderly really does help you avoid detours.
Climbing the observation tower, I took in the surrounding scenery. In the distance, peaks rose one after another, and at the foot of the mountain, the city buildings loomed. A gentle breeze caressed my face, and I felt a sense of relief. Haha! Another day of being healed by the mountains.
After the viewing, we descended to find the old man still there. I assumed he was waiting for his family to pick him up, but after a few small conversations, I realized he'd come all the way from the city alone to hike up the mountain for oxygen therapy. At 76, and having undergone two surgeries, he still insists on getting out and exercising every day—it's truly remarkable. We then joined him on the descent. I'm not one to bother others, but we had such a great time chatting that I even asked him to take a few photos along the way.
We added each other on WeChat and made plans to hang out together next time we were in Nanjing. Now, every time I post on WeChat Moments, he likes and comments. His presence seems to remind me of the preciousness of life and allows me to appreciate the pure and sincere friendships of that generation.
When he learned that it was my first time here, he recommended that I visit the Hundred Birds Park and enthusiastically sent me to the entrance of the park before leaving on his own.
The old man hadn't lied to me; the Bird Park was truly worth a visit. There are 27 bird species here, including common ones like emus, peacocks, mynahs, swans, and grey cranes. These birds have been domesticated and are relatively docile, and most of them are free-range, allowing us to observe them up close.
Laoshan is vast, but the scenic route is simple. Since I stayed in Bulao Village, I entered and exited through the South Gate. After climbing the trail to the summit, I returned to Zhuangyuan Square, then to the Bird Garden, and finally returned to the South Gate. Those not staying in Bulao Village can enter and exit through the West Gate.
Tour route: South Gate - Zhuangyuan Square - Eagle Peak Observation Tower - Zhuangyuan Square - Bird Garden - South Gate (for reference only)
【Tour Information】
Tips:
Address: No. 90 Huangshanling Road, Pukou District, Nanjing
Opening hours: 08:00-17:00
Ticket price: 30 yuan
Traffic suggestion: self-driving
Visiting time: Climb up the steps to the top of the mountain from the south gate of the scenic area, about 1 hour one way.
Bulao Village is a small village at the foot of Laoshan Mountain. Legend has it that the love between a couple at the foot of Laoshan Mountain moved the Jade Emperor so much that he made the trees there evergreen and the springs everlasting. The people who lived there also enjoyed eternal life and eternal love, hence the name Bulao Village.
Today, it is surrounded by green trees and has fresh air. It has opened tourism projects such as homestays, gourmet restaurants, RV camps, and ecological farms, making it a treasure holiday destination around Nanjing.
The Xiqianhua Inn where I stayed was located west of Bulao Village. Upon entering the inn, the first thing that caught my eye was a spacious, tree-lined courtyard furnished with a few tables and chairs. Beyond the courtyard was a vast sea of flowers in full bloom.
Wild cats often visit the inn, so just watch from a distance. If you try to tease one, you might get scratched, so remember to exercise restraint. If you do get scratched, there's a first aid kit in the inn—hopefully, you won't need to use it!
The inn's rooms are spread across three villas, all warmly and comfortably furnished, with every amenity available. I stayed in a duplex suite with mountain views. It's a loft-style building, with a dining and reception area on the first floor and rooms on the second floor, complete with a hot spring bathing pool. In the evening, I soaked in the warm waters and then slept soundly on the soft, comfortable bed.
The next morning, the aunt thoughtfully delivered breakfast to the room. The combination was nutritious and healthy, and the ingredients were said to be all local agricultural products.
The inn offers a Chinese afternoon tea: premium green tea paired with a few delicious snacks. After returning from a hike, I sipped tea and admired the flowers in the courtyard. The ancient saying, "Tea dispels sleepiness, and the sound of chimes dispels the mundane," truly rings true.
During my time at the inn, I experienced the tranquility and comfort of rural life. If you want to find a quiet and comfortable place to relax, Bulao Village is a good choice.
The inn manager was very welcoming and gave me a lot of useful travel advice. When he learned I was going to the Sifang Art Lake District, he even offered to lend me his electric bike. The lake district is quite large, so having an electric bike was a big plus. Thank you, manager!
After dinner, I took a walk in the village to digest the food and found many interesting shops. Although it is far away in the suburbs, there are also exquisite restaurants and services here.
At night, the warm lights on the street make people feel cozy.
【Tour Information】
Tips:
Address: Bulao Village, Pukou District, Nanjing
Tickets: Free
Transportation suggestions: drive or take a taxi
On a beautiful afternoon, I rode my electric scooter from Bulao Village to the Sifang Art Lake District. The Sifang Art Lake District, a collection of buildings designed by 24 renowned architects from 15 countries and regions, is a veritable open-air "architecture museum." If you're looking to experience the charm of architectural art in Nanjing, there's no better place.
Here we can admire more than 20 buildings of different styles, such as the art gallery with postmodern style and anti-gravity structure; the courtyard with strong Chinese local cultural characteristics; and the small building with a sense of transcendence and seclusion in the mountains and rivers.
The Sifang Art Museum at the entrance is a representative work of the entire lake area and is also the first architectural work of American contemporary architectural master Steven Holl in China.
The museum's exhibitions change from time to time, and have previously exhibited works by many contemporary artists active on the international stage, including Olafur Eliasson, Hiroyuki Sone, Lucy Raven, Marlene Dumas, Kan Xuan, Cattelan, Takashi Murakami, Anselm Kiefer, Yang Fudong, Zhou Chunya, and Zhang Peili.
The exhibitions here are trendy and trendy, showcasing more contemporary avant-garde art. The museum is divided into three floors, each with a different theme.
I love the magic of light and shadow on the second floor, the unique installations on the negative first floor, and the big, sparkling "diamond" in the middle of the first floor even more. Doesn't this indirectly prove that no girl can escape the charm of diamonds?
The lake area is very large, and riding an electric bike is the best way to explore it.
I came across a field of pink hibiscus on the roadside and unexpectedly got a piece of pink romance unique to autumn!
【Tour Information】
Tips:
Address: No. 90 Huangshanling Road, Pukou District, Nanjing
Opening hours: 10:00-16:30
Ticket price: 20 yuan (including art gallery, which is closed on Mondays)
Transportation suggestion: drive or ride an electric bike
Tour Tips: Except for the Sifang Art Museum, the interiors of other buildings in the lake area are not open to the public.
For my final stop in Nanjing, I chose Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom. This zoo is located on the shores of Jinniu Lake in Liuhe District, about 60 kilometers from the main city.
Compared with the city zoo, this park is larger and has more animal species, including many rare species. It is also more interactive and allows close contact with wild animals.
There are more than 300 species of animals in the park, such as giraffes, zebras, sika deer, dolphins, pandas, raccoons, lions, tigers, etc. Just looking at these adorable animals is very healing.
Look! Do these two brown bears look like Big Bear and Little Bear from the cartoon?
The capybara, also known as the capybara, is a semi-aquatic mammal native to South America and the world's largest rodent. Its gentle nature, good temper, and stable emotions have made it a popular animal, and it has recently captured the hearts of many online. Its harmless appearance and the carefree air it exudes in every move are truly endearing!
Feeding the same deer as those in Nara is a favorite activity for many children.
The cute alpaca is easy to touch. Like many animals in the park, it eats carrots, but you must listen to the caretaker when feeding it. Don't feed it too much, because it can't control itself and won't even notice it's full.
Although alpacas are gentle, if you provoke one or encounter one in a bad mood, it will spray something in your face like a camel! I'm speaking from experience, don't ask me how I know!
Unlock many animals here that you have only seen in books and on screens before, such as cute kangaroos.
This wasn't my first time seeing raccoons, but they're so adorable! I love them the first time I see them! This sleepy little raccoon, in particular, seemed oblivious to the world around him, even amidst the throngs of tourists.
Giraffes are truly stunning! If you see one in the driving area but don't have time to take a photo, don't feel bad—there are still giraffes in the pedestrian zone!
You can buy leaves here to feed it, but unlike other animals, it is usually fed by adults here, maybe because the giraffe is too big?
We also captured many heartwarming moments here, like two ring-tailed lemurs cuddling together, looking lazy and loving. Like pandas, they have dark circles under their eyes, and their tails are circled, seemingly inspired by zebra stripes.
When he is not sleepy, his eyes are as wide as bells, almost catching up with Black Cat Sheriff.
Seeing this flamingo, you might be curious: Why isn't it red? Actually, flamingos have white feathers when they are young. Their diet primarily consists of lake algae and crustaceans, such as shrimp and crab. These foods contain large amounts of astaxanthin. As astaxanthin accumulates in the flamingo's body, its color gradually changes, from white to pink and then to red.
When I first saw it, it was motionless on the side of the road. I thought it was a sculpture. But then it pounced and walked into the middle of the road, completely unafraid of us, as if we were just tourists visiting its home. But that seems to be the case.
There are definitely ferocious animals in a zoo. Look at the lion below. Does it remind you of Simba, the protagonist of the cartoon "The Lion King"?
There is no room for two tigers in one mountain. I wonder who is the boss among these tigers?
The park is divided into a self-driving area and a walking area, which means that you can drive into the zoo, watch various animals through the car window, and experience a wonderful journey with animals.
If you're a non-driving tourist like me, you can take the free sightseeing train to explore the self-driving area and easily enjoy the same fun as a self-driving tour. The train operates from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, departing on the hour from Monday to Friday and departing on weekends when it's full.
The park also offers a variety of performances, including clever sea lion shows, a spectacular circus, and lively folk acrobatics. I asked the staff and learned that the daily performance schedule can be found on the scenic area's official WeChat account.
The Grand Circus is a must-see, featuring acrobatics, dance, magic, equestrianism, and parades. The stage may not be glamorous, but the actors perform attentively and professionally, drawing applause and admiration from the audience.
Waving, saluting, shaking hands, walking upright, catching rings, roller skating, the cute sea lion rolled its round body and performed skillfully under the guidance of the keeper. The adults and children in the audience applauded them.
For those who like folk acrobatics, I recommend going to the Variety Show Stage. I didn't catch the Fairy Tale Theater's performance this time, but if you have seen it, please share your experience.
Besides the animals and performances, the park also boasts numerous attractions, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, and children's castle for children, and glass bridges, sky bikes, cliff swings, zip lines, rainbow slides, and go-karts for adults. Both adults and children can find their own unique joy here!
The park is quite large, so if you have limited physical strength or are a family with children, you can consider renting a mobility scooter with a deposit of 500 yuan and a charge of 50 yuan per half hour.
While riding a sightseeing train, I sat next to an elderly man. Later, while watching a circus, we happened to sit together again. He recognized me and greeted me. We chatted, and learned he was 87 years old. I was surprised he'd taken the subway from the city alone, and I complimented him on his robust health. While we can't resist the passage of time, we can maintain a youthful heart, exploring and experiencing the wonders of the world with a passion for life. Well, may we remain forever young, passionate, and filled with tears!
【Tour Information】
Tips:
Address: 50 meters east of 99 Township Road, Liuhe District, Nanjing
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 (no entry after 15:30)
Tickets: 160 yuan for walking area; 180 yuan for self-driving area (only for vehicles with 7 seats or less)
Duration: 3-5 hours
Transportation suggestion: Drive or take Subway Line S8 [Jinniu Lake] and take a taxi
Jinling has a wide variety of snacks, including duck blood vermicelli soup, beef pot stickers, salted duck, plum blossom cakes, crab roe soup dumplings, pig stomach noodles, chicken soup dumplings, boiled dried bean curd strips, and stinky tofu. The duck blood vermicelli soup is a must-try, but I personally prefer beef pot stickers, pig stomach noodles, and chicken soup dumplings.
Bulao Village has many farmhouse restaurants, each with its own signature dish. I stayed at the Xiqianhua Inn and ate there directly. The food was delicious, and I especially recommend the stinky tofu and pork intestines pot and the farmhouse gravy with rice crust, which are quite unique.
In addition, friends who like Jiangsu and Zhejiang cuisine can go to Yuanshe in Bulao Village, which specializes in authentic Jinling flavor. Among them, the signature handmade tofu is a homemade specialty that is tender and fragrant!
Pig's head and Jinniu Lake casserole fish head are Jinniu Lake specialties. There are many restaurants near the Jinniu Lake subway station. After visiting the Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom, you can stop by and try some!
All the attractions are scattered across Nanjing's three suburbs (Qixia, Pukou, and Liuhe). None of them are directly accessible by subway, so renting a car and driving yourself is the best way to get around! If you're like me and don't want to rent a car, you can also choose to take a taxi, subway, bus, shared bikes, and walk to get a more comprehensive experience of the transportation conditions in different areas of Nanjing, hahahaha~
Huashu Village, also a suburban village, isn't as developed as Bulao Village, but rather a more pristine and rustic village. Bulao Village boasts a larger number of guesthouses and restaurants, a more established commercial environment, and a richer array of entertainment options, making it a well-equipped urban getaway. If you're pressed for time, choose an "overnight" option based on your preferences.
This itinerary involves quite a bit of mountain climbing, so it requires a good level of stamina. If you're not a bit of a masochist, don't copy it! Adjust the itinerary to your own needs and preferences, such as adding more days or reducing the number of attractions.
During the journey, I would feel tired, but I was constantly healed by the beautiful scenery and wonderful people and things I encountered. Perhaps it was because of this repetition that made my second trip to Nanjing so special and unforgettable.
This time in Nanjing, I met many helpful locals. Looking back on my previous travels, it seems like every time I venture out, I'm met with helpful people. A grateful heart, thank you for reading to the end. After my Nanjing trip, I made a last-minute decision to head to Guizhou, where I unlocked many fascinating travel experiences. However, since I'm naturally lazy, I don't always write travelogues. I welcome your criticism, encouragement, and encouragement.
