# Zhenjiang travel guide (镇江) Jiangsu Province · East China, China · 9 places Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/jiangsu/zhenjiang ## Quick itinerary - **Day 1:** Jinshan → Jiaoshan - **Day 2:** Xijindu Ancient Ferry Crossing → Zhenjiang Museum → Beigu Mountain → Dashikou Food Night Market (dinner) - **Day 3:** Maoshan Mountain ## The feel of the place - **Warm and Friendly:** Hopping on any bus in Zhenjiang with no particular destination, watching the street scenes and listening to the local dialect, you may feel as though you have stepped into an old black-and-white film. Beneath the faded, ancient buildings, the city's calm breathing and steady heartbeat come through. It lacks the dazzling looks and vibrant energy of other Jiangnan cities, but its peaceful, gentle atmosphere makes you feel at home even when you are far from it. - **Comfort in the Worn-Down:** Old streets, greyish, dilapidated buildings, a handful of cafés and bars, and a subdued night life: this may be your first impression of the city. In truth, a city is like a home. A luxurious, spotless mansion may be comfortable, yet leave you ill at ease, while a cluttered, informal flat, though small, lets you feel free and relaxed. Zhenjiang belongs to the latter. Its shabbiness, together with the warmth and easygoing nature of its people, makes you feel wonderfully relaxed. ## The feel of the place ### Preparation and Information ### Language The Zhenjiang dialect is shaped by northern dialects, Wu dialects and the Yangzhou dialect, so it is quite complex. However, Mandarin works perfectly well for communication. ### Climate and Travel Season The golden seasons for visiting Zhenjiang are spring and autumn. The temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold, ideal for sightseeing, and flowers, fruit and a wide variety of seafood are plentiful, so food lovers and sightseers alike will not want to miss them. ## Getting there & around ### Getting There and Away ### By Air Zhenjiang has no airport. To fly, you need to go to Nanjing Lukou International Airport or Changzhou Benniu Airport. A shuttle bus runs directly from Zhenjiang to Nanjing Lukou Airport every day from 5:30 to 18:30, departing every half hour. ### By Train Almost all trains on the Shanghai–Nanjing line stop at Zhenjiang, and there are also trains departing from Zhenjiang to Beijing and Wenzhou. ### By High-Speed Rail Both the Shanghai–Nanjing and Beijing–Shanghai high-speed lines serve Zhenjiang. Since the opening of Zhenjiang South Station on the Beijing–Shanghai line, the fastest journey to Beijing takes 4 hours 45 minutes, and the fastest to Shanghai takes 54 minutes. ### By Road Most long-distance coaches and express buses in Zhenjiang depart from Zhenjiang Bus Station, with services to Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Ningbo and other destinations. In addition, Zhenjiang and Yangzhou are linked by the Zhenjiang–Yangzhou intercity bus line, which stops at major scenic spots and commercial centres. In front of Zhenjiang Railway Station, shuttle buses to Yangzhou Bus Terminal run every day, roughly every 10 minutes, with no fixed timetable. ### Getting Around the City ### Bus Zhenjiang has many bus routes, so it is very convenient to reach the scenic areas by bus. For routes up to 15 km, the fare is ¥1. For routes of 15–20 km, the fare is ¥2. For routes over 20 km, fares are charged by distance band. ### Taxi Standard taxis have a flag fare of ¥10 for the first 3 km; new-energy taxis have a flag fare of ¥11 for the first 3 km. From 3 to 16 km, the fare is ¥2.7 per km; beyond 16 km, it is ¥3 per km. From 22:00 to 5:00 the next day, a night service fee of 20% of the fare above the flag fare is added. ### Getting There and Away Road transport is the fastest way to reach and leave Zhouzhuang, as the town is mainly connected to the outside world by road, with waterways serving only as a supplement. ### The Bridges of Zhouzhuang Zhouzhuang's ancient town is a network of bridges facing and linked to one another. To this day, 14 stone bridges dating from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties still survive. ### Free with valid proof If a rickshaw driver tells you he can take you into the town for free, don't believe him. Even if you get in, you won't be able to enter any of the small attractions inside. If you hold a tour guide certificate, a military officer's ID or a driver's licence (A-class), you can visit for free by showing that document. ### Getting to Zhouzhuang 1. From Hangzhou to Zhouzhuang, you can first take a train to Suzhou. At Suzhou North Bus Station (east of the railway station), there are direct coaches to Zhouzhuang, taking about 1 hour and costing ¥16. These coaches arrive at Zhouzhuang New Bus Station, which is 2 km from the old town. After getting off, there are many pedicab rickshaws; a fare of about ¥5 will take you into the ancient town. 2. Zhouzhuang has direct buses to Tongli, or you can take a bus from Suzhou that passes through Tongli. The journey takes about 20 minutes. - tip: Delicious “Wansan Family Feast” The “Wansan Family Feast” emphasises seasonal produce and carefully selected ingredients, excelling in colour, aroma, taste and presentation. Signature dishes include Wansan trotters, three-flavour glutinous rice balls, steamed mandarin fish, steamed and braised eel rolls, perch and water shield soup, ginger-marinated river snails, meat-stuffed oil pockets, layered tofu skin with pork, braised dried tofu and slow-steamed lotus root. Wansan trotters generally cost ¥60 each. ### By Road Zhouzhuang is well connected by road. You can take a tourist express or a regular bus from Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Kunshan or Zhejiang. Cities close to Suzhou, such as Shanghai and Nanjing, also have direct buses to Zhouzhuang. Shanghai → Zhouzhuang From Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Terminal: departures at 8:00, 9:30, 12:00, 14:20 and 15:40. From Shanghai South Railway Station: departures at 8:15 and 13:20. Journey about 1.5 hours; fare ¥29. Jiaxing → Zhouzhuang Kunshan → Zhouzhuang Nanjing → Zhouzhuang Suzhou → Zhouzhuang ### By Waterway The Jishui River, which flows past the north of the town, is a national Class IV waterway and an important route linking Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Shanghai. It runs east to the Port of Shanghai and west to connect with the Grand Canal. - tip: From Zhouzhuang to Tongli by water, a speedboat takes only about 20 minutes. The one-way fare is ¥180 and the return fare is ¥250. As the price is quite high, only a few people choose this option. ### Getting Around Town From Zhouzhuang Bus Station to the old town, you can take a taxi or a pedicab rickshaw. If you take a rickshaw in Zhouzhuang, be sure to agree on the price beforehand. Apart from small wooden boats on the waterways, vehicles are not permitted in the Zhouzhuang old town, and bicycles are also banned. Boat trips in the Zhouzhuang scenic area are available on both the old town and new district waterways. In the old town, a wooden boat costs ¥100 for 20 minutes (up to 8 people). In the new district, a boat costs ¥180 per hour (up to 8 people). ### Quanfu Temple, Zhouzhuang Located on the shore of Nanhu Lake at the southernmost tip of Zhouzhuang, Quanfu Temple is known as the “Buddhist Kingdom on the Water”. There is a saying that Quanfu Temple existed before ancient Zhouzhuang. The scenery here is very beautiful. ### Accommodation Within the Scenic Area Inside the scenic area is the Guyun-style guest house (古韵风客房), built in the style of Jiangnan vernacular dwellings, right beside Qinglong Bridge in the old town. It is convenient for sightseeing, and staying there means you avoid the hassle of passing through the scenic area's entrance gates. - tip: “Four Seasons Zhouzhuang” (《四季周庄》) is China's first live-action water-town performance presenting the original ecological culture of Jiangnan. The show unfolds in the classic setting of “small bridges, flowing water and homes”, using distinctive water-town staging to recreate the cultural character and enchanting charm of Zhouzhuang, China's first water town. - **Railway Station Information Desk** — - **Shanghai Transport Hub** — Both the main terminal of the Shanghai Transport Hub and Shanghai Hongkou Station run Zhouzhuang tourist express buses. The main terminal departs at 7:00 and Hongkou at 8:00; other departure times depend on passenger demand. Journey time: 1.5–2 hours. Fare: ¥140–150. - **16** — Departures at …50 past the hour; journey about 1.5 hours; fare ¥30. - **Jiaxing North Bus Station** — Departures at 9:55 and 14:40; fare ¥27. - **Kunshan South Station Bus Terminal (Kunshan New Passenger Station)** — 5:18–16:14; one bus every 15–20 minutes; journey about 1 hour; fare ¥6. - **Nanjing Tourism Transport Hub** — Departs at 6:30 every Saturday and Sunday; fare ¥115. - **North Bus Station** — 7:00–18:00; one bus every 20 minutes; journey 1.5 hours; fare ¥17. - **Suzhou North Square Station** — Daily 6:45–17:10; one bus every 20–45 minutes; journey about 1.5 hours; fare ¥17. ## Eat & drink Zhenjiang cuisine belongs to the Huaiyang culinary tradition. It favours well-cooked, soft textures, specialises in braising, stewing, simmering and roasting, and emphasises preserving the original flavour and the fresh taste of the broth. ### Local Snacks ### Recommended Restaurants ### Recommended Food Streets ### Zhenjiang Soy Sauce Noodles Soy sauce noodles are a must-try in Zhenjiang. They used to be found everywhere at roadside stalls, but today you will rarely see them on the menus of restaurants large or small. Don't worry, though: almost every restaurant serves shredded pork noodles, which are essentially soy sauce noodles with a little shredded pork added. At ¥4 a bowl, they're well worth a try. ### The Three Oddities of Zhenjiang Locals have a catchy rhyme: “Zhenjiang has three oddities: its fragrant vinegar never spoils, its cold meat is not served as a main dish, and lids get boiled in the noodle pot.” The “three oddities” refer to Zhenjiang's fragrant black vinegar, Zhenjiang Yao meat (肴肉, cold pork) and Zhenjiang noodle and pastry snacks. They are called “oddities” perhaps to describe how incredibly good their flavours are. Shen Hall Restaurant is Zhouzhuang's most famous eatery. Wansan Pork Knuckle is a must-try, and it's best eaten here, though be prepared to spend: prices already rival those in Shanghai. Zhouzhuang's river snails and small fish are also tasty. ### Zhouzhuang Seafood Zhouzhuang is a water town with an abundance of fresh seafood year-round. The most famous are the “Three Delicacies of the Xian River”: perch, white clams and icefish. Zhouzhuang also produces eel, and the local saying “When the rice ripens, the eel rivals ginseng” is known to everyone. Soft-shelled turtle, river shrimp and more are also available. - **Braised Silver Carp Head (Chaihui Lian Yutou)** — A traditional Zhenjiang signature dish with a rich broth and tender fish head meat. Well worth trying. - **Steamed Crucian Carp** — The fish is steamed without being scaled, which is removed just before eating. Dipped in a little ginger and Chinkiang black vinegar, it tastes even better. - **Crystal Pork Shank** — This Zhenjiang specialty has a history of over 300 years and is a must-try. - **Crab Roe Soup Dumplings** — A traditional Zhenjiang snack said to have a history of more than 200 years. Its flavor is light and distinctive. - **Yanchun Restaurant (Dashikou Branch)** — Here you can order almost all of Zhenjiang's signature dishes, along with the best and most authentic yaorou (cold pork shank) and many soup dumplings and other snacks. It's a favorite breakfast spot for locals. The neighboring Chunjiang Restaurant is also good, with a wide variety of dishes and warm, attentive service. (87 Jiefang Road, 0511-85010477) - **Bishirong Jinshan Morning Tea (Dongrun Branch)** — This restaurant is in a rather remote location with an average setting, but the staff are very friendly. Dishes take a while to arrive, but prices are reasonable and the flavors are fresh. In season, you may also find pufferfish here. (55 Daxi Road, 13605297777) - **Dashikou Food Night Market** — This area brings together street snacks, upscale restaurants and a bustling food street, making it the hub of Zhenjiang for food, shopping and entertainment. - **Jiangxian Food Street** — Don't miss Zhenjiang's river seafood (jiangxian). Here you can sample the distinctive river delicacies of Zhenjiang. ## Shopping Mention Zhenjiang and many people will immediately think of Zhenjiang vinegar. The famous “Jinshan” brand Zhenjiang black vinegar has a history of over 130 years and is known for its “color, aroma, sourness, mellowness and richness.” Zhenjiang's handicrafts are also quite renowned. White marble screens, Jinshan lanterns and others have long been celebrated and are the top choice for souvenirs. Other well-known local specialties include Baihua tribute wine, Danyang sealed-jar wine, Zhenjiang shad and Yangtze River knifefish. ### Shopping Streets Zhenjiang's specialty markets and streets include Zhongshan East Road Commercial Street, Nanmen Street Night Market, Jingkou Sluice Farmers' Market, Wushisan Slope Antiques Market, Xijin Ferry Cultural Street, and Linyin Road Flower and Bird Market. ## Where to stay ### Zhouzhuang If it's not a holiday, it's best to find a small inn within the ancient town. Facilities and hygiene are decent, and prices are only around ¥120; you can haggle. On weekends, prices typically rise by around ¥20. - **Zhenjiang Xijin Post Station** — (14 Ligun Lane, Xijindu, 0511-88881366) - **Jinshui Loutai Guesthouse** — Located beside the famous Shuangqiao (Twin Bridges) scenic spot, this family-run guesthouse has only seven or eight rooms and is well suited to students. (80 Beishi Street, Zhouzhuang Town, 18068081825) - **Xiaoqiao Renjia Inn** — Built along the river, true to its name (“Small Bridge, Homes by the Water”). Facilities are decent and it's worth a stay. (43 Waibang, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, 0512-57211851) - **Zhouzhuang Mulan Boutique Inn** — Beside Longxing Bridge and close to Fuguiyuan Road, it's near Quanfu Temple, Nanhu Qiuyue Garden, Shen Hall, Zhang Hall and other major attractions, and close to the ancient-town water-lane boat pier and the around-town water tour pier. The location is excellent. (No. 5 Nanhu Street, Zhouzhuang Town (within the ancient town), 0512-57941668) ## Nightlife Zhouzhuang at night is much quieter than by day. Why not sit down at Sanmao Teahouse, which rivals Zhouzhuang in fame? Pick a window seat, sip your tea and listen to the soft Wu dialect. The nostalgia and melancholy feel like a dream, almost unreal. ## Things to see - **Zhenjiang Museum** (★★★★): Admission Free admission; Opening hours 9:00–17:00 (closed on Mondays); Time needed 2–4 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/zhenjiang-museum - **Jiaoshan Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission Peak season ¥65; off-season ¥50; Opening hours 8：00—17：30; Time needed 3–5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/jiaoshan-scenic-area - **Jinshan Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission Peak season ¥65; off-season ¥50; Opening hours 8：30—16：30; Time needed 2–4 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/jinshan-scenic-area - **Maoshan Mountain** (★★★★): Admission Peak season: ¥100, with sightseeing shuttle ¥35; off-season: ¥80, with sightseeing shuttle ¥25; Opening hours 07:30-17:00; Time needed 1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/maoshan-mountain - **Baohuashan Mountain** (★★★★): Admission ¥50 (includes Qianhua Ancient Village and Longchang Temple); Opening hours 9：00—22：30 — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/baohuashan-mountain - **Nanshan Mountain** (★★★★): Admission ¥40 (the Nanshan scenic area currently requires advance booking for entry, which can be done through its official WeChat public account); Opening hours 7：30—17：00; Time needed 1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/nanshan-mountain - **Xijindu Ancient Ferry Crossing** (★★★★): Admission From ¥25 (some smaller attractions charge extra); Opening hours Open all day; Time needed 2–4 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/xijindu-ancient-ferry-crossing - **Beigushan Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission ¥40; Opening hours 8：00—16：30; Time needed 3–5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/beigushan-scenic-area - **Zhouzhuang Ancient Town** (★★★★★): Admission From ¥72 (children under 6 years old/under 1.4 m free, ages 6-18 half price; age 70 and above free, ages 60-70 half price; students half price; active-duty military/veterans/persons with disabilities free, etc.); Opening hours 08:00-21:00; Time needed 0.5-1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/zhouzhuang-ancient-town --- Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 1054–1072. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.