Zhenjiang 1-Day Family Self-Drive Trip for 4 People During National Day, Enjoy the Mountain and Water City for 1000 RMB

This National Day, don’t want to travel far but afraid of crowds? How about a spontaneous 1-day self-drive mini-vacation in Zhenjiang! Just 1.5 hours from Nanjing, and only 3 hours from Shanghai, with a budget of 250 RMB per person and a total of 1000 RMB for 4 people, you can experience the beauty of this "urban forest"—home to a thousand-year-old ancient temple, Jiangtian Zen Temple, unbeatable river views, and a bowl of unforgettable Guogai noodles.

📍Trip Highlights: Hiking + Temple Visit + Food + Riverside Stroll
Relaxed pace, suitable for all ages, perfect for family or friends, no rush but full of fun.

🚗 Morning: Departure → Jiaoshan Scenic Area (Arrive by 9:30)
It’s recommended to leave before 8 AM, navigate to [Jiaoshan Scenic Area] (north suburb of Zhenjiang city), take the Huning Expressway or the riverside road. Round-trip fuel and toll fees cost about 200 RMB.
✅ Jiaoshan is known as the "Floating Jade in the River," the only island surrounded by water on all four sides in the Yangtze River, accessible by ferry (ferry ticket 70 RMB/person, including entrance fee)
✅ The Chrysanthemum Exhibition is grandly open during National Day, with ancient stele forest, Dinghui Temple, and Wanfo Pagoda scattered around, rich in cultural atmosphere
✅ Feel the river breeze, enjoy views of the Yangtze River Bridge, kids love watching boats shuttle by, elders sit quietly listening to the bell, very pleasant

Playtime is about 2.5 hours, no shopping traps on the island, purely sightseeing and relaxation.

🍜 Noon: Enjoy Authentic Zhenjiang Flavors by Xijin Ferry
After descending, drive to [Xijin Ferry Historic and Cultural District] (20 minutes by car, parking available at Liqun Times Parking Lot, 5 RMB/hour, about 20 RMB for the whole day).
Lunch recommended at [Yanchun Restaurant] or [Old Wharf Restaurant]:
✅ Must-try: Authentic Zhenjiang Guogai Noodles (shredded pork or kidney), clear stewed lion’s head meatballs, crab roe soup dumplings, vinegar-fried river shrimp
✅ Enough for 4 people to eat well, about 300 RMB, Guogai noodles paired with Hengshun vinegar, tangy and appetizing, unforgettable aftertaste!

🏛️ Afternoon: Stroll Xijin Ferry + Climb Yuntai Pavilion for River View
After lunch, start a slow walk:
✅ Xijin Ferry is a thousand-year-old ancient ferry port, with winding bluestone paths and layers of relics from Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties
✅ Visit Zhaoguan Stone Tower, Lifesaving Society Old Site, British Consulate Old Site (free admission)
✅ Climb [Yuntai Pavilion] (30 RMB/person optional ticket) to overlook the Yangtze River and old city panorama, breathtaking views

If with kids, try intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting or clay sculpture DIY (workshop from 30 RMB/person, optional)

🌅 Evening: Watch the Sunset on Binjiang Road to End the Day
Before leaving, drive slowly along [Yangtze River Road Scenic Belt], stop at the riverside walkway outside [Zhenjiang Museum] (free):
✅ Watch the sunset cast on the river, sailboats dotting the water, gentle evening breeze
✅ The silhouette of Jinshan Temple faintly appears in the distance, full of poetic charm

No extra cost, but you get the most beautiful light and shadow moments of the day.

💰 Expense Breakdown (Total ≈ 1000 RMB):
⛽ Fuel + Toll: 200 RMB
⛴️ Jiaoshan Ferry + Entrance: 70 RMB × 4 = 280 RMB
🍽️ Meals: Lunch 300 RMB + Drinks/Snacks 100 RMB = 400 RMB
🅿️ Parking Fee: 20 RMB
🎁 Reserve Fund: 100 RMB (buy some Hengshun vinegar, osmanthus sugar as souvenirs)
= Total spending exactly 1000 RMB, excellent cost performance!

📌 Tips:
✔️ Last Jiaoshan ferry at 16:30, recommended to leave the island before 14:30
✔️ Guogai noodles are slightly salty and spicy, you can request less salt or pair with soy milk
✔️ Xijin Ferry has many slopes, wear comfortable shoes, elders should walk slowly

One day in Zhenjiang, half city mountain scenery, half city river,
A bowl of noodles, a ferry port, a stretch of bluestone road,
Hides the most underrated everyday life and poetry of Jiangnan.
Spend 1000 RMB for a calm and unhurried holiday,
You will find—
True travel is not far away, but in every moment that moves your heart.