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Nanjing Chang Jiang Bridge ( Nanjing Yangzi River Bridge, Nanjing Changjiang Daqiao)

The 4.5 kilometer long, double-decker, Nanjing Chang Jiang Bridge was only the second bridge that crossed the Chang Jiang (长江) after its completion.  Changjiang is also known as the Yangzi River or Yangtze River.  Completed in 1968 during the cultural revolution...
The 4.5 kilometer long, double-decker, Nanjing Chang Jiang Bridge was only the second bridge that crossed the Chang Jiang (长江) after its completion.  Changjiang is also known as the Yangzi River or Yangtze River.  Completed in 1968 during the cultural revolution, it is also the first bridge that crosses Chang Jiang to be built entirely by the Chinese.  The influence of the era is evident in the socialist-inspired statues on either side of the bridge.  The bridge deck provides a good view of the river. It is possible to walk from one side of the bridge to the other.
 
 
 
 
 
Other Places to View the Chang Jiang River in Nanjing
 
Swallow Rock (Yanzi Ji, 燕子矶)
Yuejiang Tower (Yuejiang Lou, 阅江楼)
Nanjing 2nd Bridge (南京二桥)

The entrance to the bridge and park is on the south side of the bridge.  Buses 15, 67 and 69 stop in front of the Daqiao Gongyuan (大桥公园).  Tour buses drive through the park right up to the elevator that leads to the deck of the bridge.

Purple Mountain Observatory

Purple Mountain Observatory contains astronomical instruments dating back to the Ming Dynasty.  The modern observatory began operating in 1934 and is still actively i...
Purple Mountain Observatory contains astronomical instruments dating back to the Ming Dynasty.  The modern observatory began operating in 1934 and is still actively involved in research today.
 
For most, a visit to the observatory will compliment a hike or ride up or down Purple Mountain. Once you have arrived, it only takes about 30-45 minutes to observe the instruments and enjoy the view from the observatory.
 
 
View from the top of one of the observatories.
 
Armillary Sphere
 

The Swallow Rock (Yanzi Ji)

This small scenic area in the northwest part of Nanjing was supposedly named "Swallow Rock" as its shape resembles a swallow.  It is not one of Nanjing’s most popular attractions, yet it still provides an excellent and an up-close view ...

This small scenic area in the northwest part of Nanjing was supposedly named "Swallow Rock" as its shape resembles a swallow.  It is not one of Nanjing’s most popular attractions, yet it still provides an excellent and an up-close view of the Chang Jiang (长江 - Also called Yangzi River or Yangtze River). 

The Swallow Rock is also of minor historical interest for several unrelated events.  The famous poet Li Bai once got drunk here and wrote a poem that is now displayed on the rocks.  There is also a small monument that marks this as one of the sites where citizens of Nanjing were slaughtered by the Japanese during the Nanjing Massacre.

How to Get There

- Buses 8, 122 and 125 stop at Swallow Rock.  From the bus stop walk forward and turn right.
- Take a taxi from the Maigao Qiao subway station.

Other Places to View the Chang Jiang River in Nanjing
 
Nanjing Chang Jiang Bridge (Nanjing Chang Jiang Daqiao, 南京长江大桥)
Yuejiang Tower (Yuejiang Lou, 阅江楼)
Nanjing 2nd Bridge (南京二桥)

Linggu Temple, Linggu Pagoda, Beamless Hall and Tomb of Tan Yankai

The Linggu Temple area contains the Linggu Temple, Linggu Pagoda, The Beamless Hall and the tomb of Tan Yankai.

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The Linggu Temple area contains the Linggu Temple, Linggu Pagoda, The Beamless Hall and the tomb of Tan Yankai.

          


Linggu Pagoda
 
The 60 meter high, 9 storey, Linggu Pagoda was completed in 1933.  The pagoda serves as a memorial for the Nationalist soldiers that died in the 1926-1928 revolution.  A spiral staircase  around the central pillar leads all the way to the top.  Looking out from the pagoda, you can see the Purple Mountain forest and Nanjing’s skyscrapers rising in the distance.
 
Linggu Temple
 
The Linggu Temple was built in memory of the monk Xuanzang. Xuanzang traveled to India to study Buddhism, and later he returned to China to translate a wealth of Buddhist scriptures into Chinese.  Walk into the temple and take a right to find the building that displays Xuanzang’s story.  The wooden carvings on the wall illustrate his beginnings as a monk in China and his trip to India while the statue in the middle depicts Xuanzang translating scriptures.  If you are lucky, you may come across a friendly monk that can explain the whole story in great detail.


Beamless Hall
This vaulted structure was built entirely with bricks, and has no beams, hence its name: The Beamless Hall.  This structure would be regarded as an extraordinary piece of architecture if it was built today. Considering it was built in 1381, it is that much more impressive.
 
The hall originally served as a place of worship, but now it serves as a place of remembrance.  Within the hall 110 stone tablets include the names of the 33224 deceased Nationalist officers and soldiers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tomb of Tan Yankai



Tan Yankai was chairman of the Nationalist Government.  Upon his death in 1930, this tomb was built in his honor.

 
How To Get There
 
Both the 游1 (you 1) and 游2 (you 2) buses stop near the entrance to the Linggu Temple area.  These buses end daily service at 5:00pm and 5:45 pm respectively.
 
It is also possible to take a cab to Linggu Temple, however, legitimate cabs are not always readily available to take you back into the city.  There are usually people at the entrance that would love to charge much more than the normal rate to take you from the Linggu Temple into the city.
 
In the off chance you want to reach the Linggu Pagoda area from the top of the mountain see "Linggu Pagoda to The Mountain Peak" about 3/4 down the Purple Mountain article.



                              

Ling Shan Buddha

As a tourist in China, there are a plenty of Buddhist temples and Buddha statues to marvel at. Wuxi boasts the Giant Ling Shan Buddha (or ’Ling Shan Da Fo’).

This one you must see. Not only is it very, very big, but the whole attrac...

As a tourist in China, there are a plenty of Buddhist temples and Buddha statues to marvel at. Wuxi boasts the Giant Ling Shan Buddha (or ’Ling Shan Da Fo’).

This one you must see. Not only is it very, very big, but the whole attraction is meticulously planned and very well presented with something of interest for everyone. Here are some of the treats in store:

  • The Fountain Show: This is a water show choreographed to music with commentary (in Chinese). Even if you don’t understand the commentary, the show is quite spectacular. There are shows at 10.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm - though the showtimes be altered or even cancelled during quieter times. The first show can be hard to get to on time if you catch a bus from Wuxi, so it's usually best to aim for the 11.30 show. It is also worth checking on the wind direction before choosing a spot to stand, especially if you'd like to protect your camera, as you can get quite damp on the down-wind side.

washing baby buddha

  • The happy Fat Buddha with a hundred playful Buddha babies climbing all over him.

  • The Hand.

  • The big Buddha himself. Ascending the steps to the feet of the giant standing Buddha is no easy climb.

Entrance fees

These have a way of changing with the season. Recently it cost 80 yuan to enter the grounds. This ticket will give you access to almost everything. Upon last check an extra 15 yuan gets visitors into the museum at the base of the Buddha and right up to touch his feet.

Getting There

The number 88 bus goes from outside the railway station to Ma Shan (马山) where the Buddha is located. Unlike other buses the no. 88 bus allows passengers to pay according to how far they travel. There is a conductor who sells tiny paper tickets. The ride to Ma Shan costs 4 yuan. It is possible to catch the bus at other stops along the route, which goes along the Grand Canal and across the LiangXi bridge. However, the trip is quite long (about an hour, and fairly bumpy), so it's worth trying to get on the beginning in order to get a seat.

As you arrive at the number 88 bus station you will be beset by a number of operators with mini-vans hoping to take you on a guided tour. They usually ask for about 100 yuan. It's your choice. The bus is good value, and you probably don’t really need them to show you around. When you return from your visit, the operators will still be there. You may decide take a ride back with one of them if you can bargain the price down. This return scenario might end up being a little faster and comfortable in exchange for the higher cost.

 

Lotus Lake

Following the quiet canal a few kilometers south from Slender West Lake leads to Lotus Lake (He Hua Chi). There is a pleasant tea house on an island in the lake, and some trails and paths meander throughout the park as well. ...

Following the quiet canal a few kilometers south from Slender West Lake leads to Lotus Lake (He Hua Chi). There is a pleasant tea house on an island in the lake, and some trails and paths meander throughout the park as well. The lake can even be enjoyed without physically entering the park, as the bustling side streets around Lotus Lake are interesting places to explore as well.