Jiangsu Province Attractions
Jiangsu Province Articles
Police and Visas and Residence Permits
Emergency
In case of emergency dial 110.
Visa's and Other Services for Foreigners
The Exit-Entry Appliation Office (出入境办证大厅) handles issues for foreigners including visa extensions....
Emergency
In case of emergency dial 110.
Visa's and Other Services for Foreigners
The Exit-Entry Appliation Office (出入境办证大厅) handles issues for foreigners including visa extensions.
It is located on the south-east corner of Moling Lu and Fengfu Lu (秣陵路和丰富路的东南角落). Services for foreigners are on the West wing of the building.
Central Office Phone Number
The staff here only speak Chinese. This is the first number to call to obtain any contact information if you can speak Chinese. Dial (025) 84420114.
Temporary Residence Permits
Temporary Residence Permits are needed to stay anywhere in Nanjing. Students should have this done for them by their University.
If you are renting an apartment you should go to the nearest police station to obtain your permit. It's quite simple and can be done in 20 minutes. The trick is that the police stations are not likely to have staff available that can speak English or any language other than Mandarin and Nanjinghua (Nanjing dialect).
An Introduction to Nanjing City
Nanjing is situated on the middle and lower reaches of the Yangzi river in eastern China. The city covers an area of over six thousand square kilometers with a population of over 6.2 million.
As the capital of Jiangsu province, Nanjing is an important cultural and education center....
Nanjing is situated on the middle and lower reaches of the Yangzi river in eastern China. The city covers an area of over six thousand square kilometers with a population of over 6.2 million.
As the capital of Jiangsu province, Nanjing is an important cultural and education center. The city boasts many of the province’s top universities and colleges. The city’s notable student population consists of both native Chinese and foreigners.
The name Nanjing, which means "South Capital", is reflective of the importance of Nanjing as the capital of six dynasties in China’s fabled history (Wu, Eastern Jin, Song, Qi, Liang and Chen). The Chinese often refer to Nanjing as "Jinling" and/or "Stone City", while some foreigners know it as "Nanking". Officially named Nanjing during the Ming dynasty, it was called "Ning" for short.
Visitors to Nanjing will be impressed by the city’s well-preserved traditional architecture and historical sights. Parts of the original city walls and city gates are still intact, a feature which sets Nanjing apart from most ancient Chinese cities.
Introduction to Nanjinghua
Nanjing-talk which is also called Nanjingese or Nánjīnghuà (南京话) is quite similar to Mandarin Chinese. The distinct differences in pronounciation are not a large enough hurdle to prevent a fluent Mandarin speaker from understanding Nanjing-talk. Nevertheless, Nanjing...
Nanjing-talk which is also called Nanjingese or Nánjīnghuà (南京话) is quite similar to Mandarin Chinese. The distinct differences in pronounciation are not a large enough hurdle to prevent a fluent Mandarin speaker from understanding Nanjing-talk. Nevertheless, Nanjing-talk contains unique grammar and phrases that only somebody who has been in Nanjing for some time would understand.
This article is meant to be an overview of Nanjinghua for people that already speak Mandarin, read pinyin and (obviously) read English. It will be updated from time to time.
In Nanjing-talk there is no "standard". "Old Nanjing-talk" is different from "new Nanjing-talk" and there is even differences between different districts of Nanjing. Finally, a person can speak pure Nanjing-talk or they could speak something that is close enough to Mandarin that it could be debated whether it’s actually Nanjing-talk or more like Mandarin with an accent.
Nanjing-talk uses the same 4 tones as Mandarin but with some important differences:
- It has a fifth tone that is high and drops quickly. Below we’ll note that tone with a "5" after it.
- The fourth tone and first tone are usually reversed.
Nanjing-talk uses the same 4 tones as Mandarin but with some important differences:
- It has a fifth tone that is high and drops quickly. Below we’ll note that tone with a "5" after it.
- The fourth tone and first tone are usually reversed.
Words and Phrases
Here’s a few common words and phrases. The Mandarin is on the left and Nanjing-talk on the right.
"a"
多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián ?) = Duo a qian? In this phrase “shao” is replaced by “a” to create an all-important question: "How much money?"
"a"
多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián ?) = Duo a qian? In this phrase “shao” is replaced by “a” to create an all-important question: "How much money?"
要辣油吗? (Yào làyóu mā?) = A you layou a? In this phrase “yao” is replaced by “you” and the “ma” is replaced by an “a” at the beginning and end of the phrase. The double “a” structure is used to create questions such as this one: "Want hot sauce?"
你喜不喜欢？(Ní xǐ bù xǐhuan?) = Ni a xihuan a? Again, the double "a" structure is used to make a question.
下不下? (Xià bù xià ?) = A xia? This time the second "a" was left out, however it is still a question: "get off (the bus or vehicle)?".
"mede"
下不下? (Xià bù xià ?) = A xia? This time the second "a" was left out, however it is still a question: "get off (the bus or vehicle)?".
"mede"
没有 (Méiyǒu) = mede This phrase is used very frequently. The “me” is pronounced the same as “么” from “什么” (shēnmè). The de is pronounced just like “的”.
没有事 (Méiyǒu shì) = mede si Again, this phrase is used very frequently. Note that 事 is pronounced "si".
Changing Vowels
喝 (hē) = ho5 "ho" is often spoken in the "fifth tone" of Nanjing-talk. Example) "Wo dou shi ho." = "All I do is drink."
黑 (hēi) = he Example) "Heren!" = "Black person!" - If not "老外" (lǎowài), this is what may be spoken when a black person is spotted.
的 (de) = di Example) "Shi ta di." = "It’s his/hers."
白 (bái) = be "Be" is read in the fifth tone. Example) "Ta chuan di shi be xiezi." = "He/she is wearing white shoes."
More Phrases
干什么事? (Gàn shénmè shì ?) = Gan me si a
没有事 (Méiyǒu shì) = mede si Again, this phrase is used very frequently. Note that 事 is pronounced "si".
Changing Vowels
喝 (hē) = ho5 "ho" is often spoken in the "fifth tone" of Nanjing-talk. Example) "Wo dou shi ho." = "All I do is drink."
黑 (hēi) = he Example) "Heren!" = "Black person!" - If not "老外" (lǎowài), this is what may be spoken when a black person is spotted.
的 (de) = di Example) "Shi ta di." = "It’s his/hers."
白 (bái) = be "Be" is read in the fifth tone. Example) "Ta chuan di shi be xiezi." = "He/she is wearing white shoes."
More Phrases
干什么事? (Gàn shénmè shì ?) = Gan me si a
Examples
The "Drink Wontons" song (He hundun, 喝混沌) was ultra-popular with teenage Nanjingers in 2006. It remains a great example of Nanjing-talk. This link shows a video version of it.
Top Jiangsu Province Tours
$40 Per Day
Nanjing nightlife tours - Bar crawling
In recent years Nanjing’s nightlife scene has undoubtedly changed for the better. The 1912 bar district is a common place to start a tour of Nanjing’s nightlife as it features Nanjing’s largest concentration of bars and clubs. Besides 1912, bars, pubs, clubs, karaokes, restaurants and not-so-mentionable locales are dispersed across the city, especially near Xinjiekou and close to the student population.
...Read moreIn recent years Nanjing’s nightlife scene has undoubtedly changed for the better. The 1912 bar district is a common place to start a tour of Nanjing’s nightlife as it features Nanjing’s largest concentration of bars and clubs. Besides 1912, bars, pubs, clubs, karaokes, restaurants and not-so-mentionable locales are dispersed across the city, especially near Xinjiekou and close to the student population.
Nail Jazz Bar is a light bar with good Jazz muisc, live sometimes, they have over 50 kinds of imported beer from all over the World, the Draft beer Hoegaarden is with special roam and taste, for lady, here have over 100 cocktail to choose, lovely and enjoyable. The price here is quite as other bars, short cocktail for 28 Yuan, long drink cocktail for 38 Yuan. Hoegaarden draft beer, 38 for 0.3L and 68 for 0.5L.
Behind the Wall - A cozy atmosphere, decent food, live music and cheap margaritas make Behind the Wall a popular hang-out, especially with the foreign student population. Inside, Behind the Wall’s three rooms are linked by over-sized arched doorways, and provide seating for groups of two to ten. Mexican, Latin and Greek cuisine is served. The drink menu is varied and not too expensive by Nanjing standards - margaritas are served for only 15 Yuan from Sunday to Thursday.
Castle Bar - Castle Bar is lively on weekends and can become packed during special events. However, during weekdays staff members often outnumber customers. A good place if you like dancing.
Secco Restaurant and Bar - Great German restaurant and bar in Nanjing, they have a good rang and selection of cocktail made by a German, he is also the manager there, really strict to every cocktail he made, always bring you the best taste.
Finnegans Wake - A traditional Irish bar in Nanjing,offering Kilkenny, Guinness and strongbow cider on draught.
Please contact me for daily tour fees, i charge by per tour, not per person.
$50 Per Day
Nanjing Hiking tour with local tour guide Sam
It`s springtime, it`s hiking time!
This tailor-made tour is for people who like nature, history, and hiking!
Ming Tomb (Admission: FreeCNY) - Nanjing became the capital of China when Zhu Yuanzhang founded the Ming Dynasty in 1368. During his reign, Zhu Yuanzhang built the great city walls of Nanjing, the imperial palace, and his future tomb - the Ming Tomb in Nanjing. The Ming Tomb is a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see for travellers to Nanjing.
...Read moreIt`s springtime, it`s hiking time!
This tailor-made tour is for people who like nature, history, and hiking!
Ming Tomb (Admission: FreeCNY) - Nanjing became the capital of China when Zhu Yuanzhang founded the Ming Dynasty in 1368. During his reign, Zhu Yuanzhang built the great city walls of Nanjing, the imperial palace, and his future tomb - the Ming Tomb in Nanjing. The Ming Tomb is a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see for travellers to Nanjing.
Xuanwu Lake (Admission: Free) - Close to the city center and featuring 368 hectares of water and 104 hectares of land, Xuanwu Lake Park is a favorite getaway for locals. Well before the sunrise and even after sunset, the park is bustling with visitors. Some come to walk, jog, or fly kites, others to practice Tai Chi, and many more just want to enjoy the scenery.
Nanjing Food Court - my favorite local Nanjing restaurant, Nanjing people like to go there with family. It`s a resultant with a lot of Nanjing local food and ancient style of decoration, at night they will have Kunqu playing, coolest restaurant ever.
City Wall (Admission: 45CNY) - Nanjing City Wall, constructed during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties between 1365 and 1386, originally stretched over 30km which made it the longest city wall in the world. Now, with about two thirds of the wall still intact it still remains the longest city wall in China. We could walk on the city wall and feel the history of Nanjing.
*Please contact me for daily tour fees, i charge by per tour, not per person.
$80 Per Day
Relaxing Hot Spring Tour at Tangshan Area
Nanjing Tangshan is famous for the hot spring, hot spring is good for your skin and health, and relaxing your body and get rid of the press.
Maybe you don't like all the tourist attractions in the downtown, here would be one of another option.
This tour will be only visit 2 attractions and the rest will be spend the whole time in the hot spring. Or, if you prefer, you can only go for the spring.
Tour plan would be:
Hotel pick up -----> Yangshan Stele -----> Tangshan Ancient Ape Man Caves -----> Hot Spring -----> Send back to hotel.
...Read moreNanjing Tangshan is famous for the hot spring, hot spring is good for your skin and health, and relaxing your body and get rid of the press.
Maybe you don't like all the tourist attractions in the downtown, here would be one of another option.
This tour will be only visit 2 attractions and the rest will be spend the whole time in the hot spring. Or, if you prefer, you can only go for the spring.
Tour plan would be:
Hotel pick up -----> Yangshan Stele -----> Tangshan Ancient Ape Man Caves -----> Hot Spring -----> Send back to hotel.
Since Tangshan is a little town outside of Nanjing city and it`s quite far away, i would suggest to use a private car to drive there directly.