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Yuejiang Tower (Yuejiang Lou)

Yuejiang Tower (Yuejiang Lou, 阅江楼) sits on Lion Hill (Shizi Shan, 狮子山) in the northwest part of Nanjing near the banks of the Chang Jiang (Yangzi, Yangtze, 长江) River.  It is one of the best places in Nanjing to enjoy a view of the river.  Inside the 52 meter tower are displays re...
 
History of Yuejiang Tower
 
In 1360, Lion Hill (Shizi Shan, 狮子山) was the site of a battle that helped pave the way for the ascension of the Ming Dynasty.  A force of 80,000 soldiers under the command of emperor-to-be Zhu Yuanzhang defeated the 400,000 strong force of Chen Youliang (陈友谅).  A few years later in 1374,  Zhu Yuanzhang (Emperor Hongwu) decided to build the Yuejiang Tower. He composed a poem about the tower and also ordered many scholars to write about the project.  Unfortunately, the construction was soon suspended indefinitely and Yuejiang Tower existed only on paper for over 600 years.  Construction finally began in 1999 and it was opened to the public in 2001.
 
How to Get There
 
Buses 10, 12, 16, 18, 21, 39, 54 and 95 stop near Yuejiang Tower.  It should cost about 10-15 yuan to take a cab from Hunan Road (湖南路) or 20-25 yuan to take a cab from Xinjiekou (新街口).
 
There are two south-facing entrances on Jianning Road (建宁路).  The entrance to the west is next to cement stairs and an elevator that goes up to the top of the hill.  The entrance on the east allows for a scenic walk to the top of the hill.  The tower itself also has an elevator.
 
View from Yuejiang Tower.  Look closely to see the impressive bridge in the distance.
 
Outside of Yue Jiang Lou
 
Links
 
 
Places to Get a Closer View of Chang Jiang River
  Swallow Rock (Yanzi Ji, 燕子矶)
  Nanjing Chang Jiang Bridge (Nanjing Chang Jiang Daqiao, 南京长江大桥)
  Nanjing 2nd Bridge (南京二桥)
 
www.yuejiangtower.com - No English, but the site does have a few more pictures of the tower.

Rain Flower Terrace (Yu Hua Tai)

Introduction

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Introduction

Legend has it that in the 6th century AD, the monk Yun Guang delivered such a powerful sermon that God himself was moved to let flowers rain down upon this area. This story explains how the stones at this site received their unique color and their name, “yu hua shi,” which means rain flower stone.
 
In the 1930s, Yuhua Tai was put to use as an execution ground by the Chinese Nationalist Party.  Thousands of their left-wing opponents were detained and put to death here.  After the revolution the park was converted into a memorial ground. The park includes a museum, statues, tombs, and a great obelisk which can be viewed from afar stretching skyward above the trees.
 
 
Buying Rain Flower Stones
 
The main store for purchasing Rain Flower Stones is located in the eastern part of the park.  The stones vary wildly in price from under 10 yuan to over 1000 yuan.  The stone’s value increases if:
- The stones are more finely grained. 
- The stones look like something.  For example, a pattern that looks similar to a flower would be worth more than one that doesn’t look like anything.
- The colors are particualrly vibrant.
 
Despite these general indications of price, it is impossible for anybody except a true expert to assess the actual value of a Rain Flower Stone.
 
Park Layout
 
The Martyrs Museum is located near the south entrance of the park.  Directly in front of the north entrance is the Statue of Martyrs.  On the east side is a variety of smaller attractions including the Rain Flower Stone “Museum” (store) and Yuhua Pavilion.  To the west is a small amusement park for children which includes an additional 5 yuan entrance fee.
 
How to Get There
 
Rain Flower Terrace is located along the western edge of Yuhua Dong Lu (雨华东路) and the northern edge of Yuhua Nan Lu (雨花南路). 
 
To reach the north entrance of the park via the subway, get off at Zhonghua Men (中华门) station. Then exit from the south side of the station and walk a couple blocks east along Yuhua Xi Lu (雨花西路).
 
There are many buses that go straight to the south and north entrance of the park.
 
If you were to come by bicycle it is important to note that there are train tracks just north of the park.  If you are coming from the north and do not want to ride in a huge circle, you should carry your bike up a few flights of stairs to cross the bridge next to Zhonghua Men subway station.
 
 
 
Construction
 
New additions to the park are being built in the southeast and southwest corners.  Construction is scheduled to be completed in August.  There is no need to worry as all of the main attractions described above can still be accessed.  Currently, the only inconvenience is that the east entrance of the park is not yet accessible.

Jiming Temple

Jiming Temple was founded in 300 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty.  Since then it has been destroyed and reconstructed several times.  It was last destroyed by fire in 1973 and restored again in 1981.  It is now one of Nanjing’s most active temples.
 ...
Jiming Temple was founded in 300 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty.  Since then it has been destroyed and reconstructed several times.  It was last destroyed by fire in 1973 and restored again in 1981.  It is now one of Nanjing’s most active temples.
 
The seven story high Bhaisajyaguru Pagoda (Yaoshi Ta, 药师塔) was renovated in 2006 and is again open for visitors.
 
 
 
How to get there
 
It would be ideal to walk or bike to Jiming temple since it is located near Jiuhuashan, just off Beijing Dong Lu and next to Xuanwu Lake.
 
The back entrance connects to the Nanjing Ming Dynasty City Wall.  The top of this section of the wall can be reached from the entrances at Jiefang Men and Jiuhuashan.
 
Unfortunately for travellers that choose to take the bus, there are at least 3 bus stops that take the Jiming Temple name.  Jiming Temple is right next to the Paleontology Museum and a couple hundred meters west of the city government buildings.

Chaotian Palace and Nanjing City Museum

The Nanjing City Museum focuses on Nanjing’s history.  A range of exhibits are featured within the halls of Chaotian Palace.  Since there is a lot of walking to be done outside, it is best to visit when the weather is nice.
 
Most of the general...
The Nanjing City Museum focuses on Nanjing’s history.  A range of exhibits are featured within the halls of Chaotian Palace.  Since there is a lot of walking to be done outside, it is best to visit when the weather is nice.
 
Most of the general signs are in English, but many of the artifact labels are not translated into English.  English speaking tour guides are occasionally available for 60 yuan.
 

Artifacts from the Shipyard

 
From 1405 to 1433 Zheng He (郑和) made seven voyages west of China. These adventurs carried Zheng He and his crew to Southeast Asia, India, and even as far as Africa.  At the time Nanjing was the capital of China’s Ming Dynasty, and Zheng He’s ships were built in Nanjing.  The shipyard has since been excavated, and remains from the ships and the tools used to build them are on display at the museum. It was said to be the only ancient ship building excavation site in China.
 

Six Dynasties Period

 
Located in Dacheng Hall is an exhibit focused on Nanjing during the Six Dynasties period.
 

Exhibition of Nanjing History and Culture

 
This exhibition is worth a look, but it is easy to miss as it is hidden in a building with a relatively insignificant appearance just to the west of Dacheng Hall.  The exhibitions contain information on Nanjing’s history from as early as the time of “Nanjing homo erectus” all the way up to the present.
 

How to Get There

Chaotian Palace is located between Mochou Lu (莫愁路), Jianye Lu (建业路), and Wangfu Street (王府大街).  It is a 10 minute walk west of Zhangfuyuan Subway Station.
 
Remember not to confuse Nanjing City Museum with Nanjing Museum which is a totally different museum.
 

Nanjing Brocade Museum of China

What is Nanjing Brocade?
 
Nanjing brocade is regarded as one of the best forms of silk. It boasts a history of more than 1500 years and was originally formed by a merging of Northern and Southern Chinese technologies.  It is&nbs...
What is Nanjing Brocade?
 
Nanjing brocade is regarded as one of the best forms of silk. It boasts a history of more than 1500 years and was originally formed by a merging of Northern and Southern Chinese technologies.  It is famous for it’s cloud-like colours and intricate patterns.
 
Inside the Museum
 
The museum displays many samples of Nanjing brocade. There is also an exhibition room where visitors can observe professional brocade artists working wooden looms which produce brocade products that are sold both on location and abroad.
 
There is a store on the first floor that sells authentic Nanjing brocade.  There are many other locations in Nanjing that sell brocade.  However, while many of these shops will claim their products are authentic, they may be imitations.
 

How to Get There
 
The museum is located right next to 
the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum.  Take bus 7, 37 or 61 to Chanan Road Station (茶南路站).  From the bus stop walk east to the corner and then head northwest down the alley.  Look for the insignificant building with the red sign on top.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tips
 
The Nanjing Brocade Museum and Brocade Research Institute are both in the same building. In many tour guides and maps, these two names are used interchangeably to refer to the same location. 
 
A trip to both the Brocade Musem and the Massacre Memorial Hall easily fits into an afternoon.
 

He Yuan

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He Yuan is a fun garden to get lost in. Built in 1883, its maze of buildings and residences adapt some Western architectural styles, yet retain a nostalgic late Qing era feel.

This deep, rocky, and elegant place is an intricate weaving of gardens and crimson buildings meshed with buildings within buildings and gardens surrounding gardens. He Yuan emits the feeling of the sun before a rain shower.

There is a certain mystery to the grounds, as finding yourself lost within a forest of towering stones is nearly guaranteed.

A few hundred year old trees cast a long shadow over the two story buildings and lotus ponds, while smaller trees emerge from the rocks and walkways to flower in the spring. Stepping into He Yuan is an escape, and then exiting back out onto the busy street outside will feel like an unfamiliar world. It also lies in a great part of town for street browsing and alley wandering with a great Korean restaurant (Ah Li Lang) just a short walk north of the entrance.

Combo Ticket: For 110 yuan you can get a combo ticket which includes the entrance fees to Slender West Lake, a small museum within the Slender West Lake scenic area, Ge Yuan and He Yuan.  It also includes a twenty minute ferry ride down The Grand Canal.


Visit He Yuan’s official website

He Yuan is located south-east of the center of Yangzhou.  Tourist buses number 1 and 2 both go to He Yuan, as well as city bus number 9 and 19.  It is a short walk west from the south dock of the ferry to He Yuan.