Spotlight on Jiangsu's 13 Cities

Weaving through Jiangsu’s historic cities—each known for unique attractions, local dishes, and competitive spirit.
江苏十三市的特色文化与美食。

📍 Nanjing 南京

Jiangsu’s capital and former national capital of China, Nanjing blends ancient majesty with modern vigor. Its landmarks reflect millennia of history and cultural depth.

Notable spots: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum 中山陵, Nanjing City Wall 南京明城墙
Recommended food: Salted duck 盐水鸭, duck blood vermicelli soup 鸭血粉丝汤

📍 Suzhou 苏州

Famous for its classical gardens and silk culture, Suzhou is a UNESCO World Heritage site with poetic water towns and refined life aesthetics.

Notable spots: Classical Gardens of Suzhou 苏州园林, Pingjiang Road 平江路
Recommended food: Sweet and Sour mandarin fish 松鼠桂鱼, Haitang cake 海棠糕

📍 Nantong 南通

Located at the Yangtze River estuary, Nantong is known as the “First Modern City of China.” It boasts strong educational traditions and riverside culture.

Notable spots: Hao River 浩河, Langshan Mountain 郎山
Recommended food: Nantong-style fried rice 南通炒饭, seafood congee 海鲜粥

📍 Changzhou 常州

Located in southern Jiangsu, Changzhou blends modern development with Buddhist heritage. It’s home to the grand Tianning Temple and the famous China Dinosaur Park, making it a favorite for families and culture lovers alike.

Notable spots: Tianning Temple 天宁禅寺, China Dinosaur Park 中华恐龙园
Recommended food: Sesame Wonton 芝麻馄饨, Changzhou-style mooncakes 常州月饼

📍 Huai’an 淮安

Huai’an is rich in revolutionary history—known as the hometown of Zhou Enlai. Its waterways and preserved residences offer a glimpse into China’s modern history and traditional lifestyle.

Notable spots: Zhou Enlai Memorial 周恩来故居, Hexia Ancient Town 河下古镇
Recommended food: Stewed eel 鲈鱼, Huaiyang cuisine 淮洋菜

📍 Lianyungang 连云港

A coastal gem and the eastern bridgehead of the New Eurasian Land Bridge, Lianyungang offers beachside relaxation and mythological attractions like Huaguo Mountain.

Notable spots: Huaguo Mountain 花果山, Lian Island 连岛
Recommended food: Sea cucumber 海参, seafood noodles 海鲜面

📍 Suqian 宿迁

A rising tourism star, Suqian is filled with lakeside beauty and hometown pride. It’s a city of elegant scenery and rich liquor culture.

Notable spots: Luoma Lake 落马湖, Yanghe Distillery 洋河酒厂
Recommended food: River shrimp 河虾, Suqian-style tofu soup 宿迁豆腐汤

📍 Taizhou 泰州

A cradle of Chinese medicine and opera, Taizhou blends tradition with innovation. Its ancient streets and preserved heritage buildings make it a hidden gem.

Notable spots: Guangxiao Temple 光晓寺, Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall 梅兰芳纪念馆
Recommended food: Stewed pork with brown sauce 粉糖肉, Dried tofu with crab roe 蟹黄豆腐丝

📍 Wuxi 无锡

Wuxi, by Lake Tai, is known for scenic views and industrial achievements. It offers harmony between natural landscapes and economic vitality.

Notable spots: Liyuan Garden 秀园, Grand Buddha at Ling Shan 灵山大佛
Recommended food: Wuxi-style ribs 无锡排骨, Glutinous rice balls 粘粒米圆

📍 Xuzhou 徐州

One of China’s oldest cities, Xuzhou is rich in Han Dynasty relics and heroic military tales. Its terracotta warriors and cloud dragon mountains attract history buffs.

Notable spots: Xuzhou Han Terracotta Warriors Museum 汉兵马俑, Yunlong Lake 云龙湖
Recommended food: Ground pot chicken 地锅鸡, Xuzhou barbecue 烧烤

📍 Yancheng 盐城

Famous for its wetlands and red-crowned cranes, Yancheng is a coastal ecological paradise. It’s also known for its salt history and quiet seaside life.

Notable spots: Dafeng Elk National Nature Reserve 大丰鹿保护区, Yancheng Salt Museum 盐城盐博物馆
Recommended food: Salted duck 盐水鸭, Crab soup bun 蟹汤包

📍 Zhenjiang 镇江

Known for vinegar and ancient culture, Zhenjiang sits by the Yangtze with poetic landscapes and towering hills. It’s famous for literary legends and river scenes.

Notable spots: Jinshan Temple 金山寺, Jiaoshan Island 焦山
Recommended food: Zhenjiang vinegar 镇江醋, Pot-stewed meat 卤肉

📍 Yangzhou 扬州

Yangzhou is a poetic city shaped by canals, gardens, and classical poetry. It was a major hub on the Grand Canal and remains elegant and historic.

Notable spots: Slender West Lake 瘦西湖, Daming Temple 大明寺
Recommended food: Yangzhou fried rice 扬州炒饭, Steamed dumplings 扬州蒸饺