The Architecture along the River
The Boats on Qinhuai River
Qinhuai River, Nanjing
A Restaurant on the Bank
The Qinhuai River, with its distinctive scenery and cultural sights, is a must-see for travelers to Nanjing. The river area is the cradle of the ancient culture of Nanjing, and has been the most prosperous and elegant spot of the city from long ago. The river was named 'Huai River' in ancient times. It is said that the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC) - Qin Shi Huang beat away mountains and lead this river into the city, hence the name Qinhuai River. The river is a branch of the Yangtze River, with a total length of about 110 km (68 mi). The city divides the river into two sections: Internal and External Qinhuai Rivers. The External section is the moat of the city, while the internal river traversing the city better known and more scenic part.
Internal Qinhuai River
The internal section flows from Dongshuiguan to Xishuiguan, with a length of 5 km (3 mi). The tourist line extends from Dongshuiguan to Zhonghua Gate. It melds together ancient buildings, gardens, painted boats, commercial streets and local customs. It is the best place to get a glimpse of the ancient city of Nanjing.
The river had been famous throughout Chinese history. During the Six Dynasties (221 - 589, including States Wu of Three Kingdoms Period; Eastern Jin Dynasty; Song, Qi, Liang and Zhen of Southern Dynasties), this area had many famous aristocratic families, businessmen and literati, and was a well-known pleasure spot. Later in the Sui (581 - 618) and Tang dynasties (618 - 907), the river was not a hot area any more and numerous literati visited it and pondered the past. During the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) it was gradually revived as the cultural and educational center south of the Yangtze River. The river experienced its prime during the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing dynasties (1644 - 1911), when the area was filled with whorehouses and beauties.
When touring this area viewing the river scenery from onboard a lantern boat is most enjoyable. The attractions on the bank include: Confucius Temple; Jiangnan Examination Institute (once the largest one for imperial examination in China), Ancient Residence of Wang Xie (an aristocrat in the Eastern Jin Dynasty); Ancient Residence of Li Xiangjun (one of the 'eight beauties of Qinhuai' late in the Ming Dynasty); Ancient Residence of Wu Jingzi (a famous novelist in the Qing Dynasty); Zhanyuan Garden (the oldest garden in Nanjing); Zhonghua Gate (the largest castle in China, and the most complete and complicated ancient castle in the world); the historically well-known Bailuzhou Park.
River Cruise: The boat for the cruise is the ancient painted boat, with services of tea, local snacks and performance of traditional Chinese instruments. The boat starts at Dongshuiguan Wharf, and cruises to Bailuzhou Park. Then travelers can enter the park and view the scenery before returning to Dongshuiguan. The fare is CNY 30 in the daytime and CNY 50 during the night.
External Qinhuai River
The tourist line of external section extends from Wudingmen to Sanchahe, over 10 km (6 mi). The attractions along the route include Stone City, City Wall, and Nanjing TV Station among others. The boat is also the ancient painted boat, with air-conditioning, a sound system, a restaurant, wash room and other amenities.
River Cruise: It takes about an hour, and the boat fare is CNY 60. Travelers have to board at Wudingmen Wharf.
Entrance Fee: Free
Transportation:
A. Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Sanshan Street station;
B. Take Bus No. 1, 4, 7, 15, 40, 44, 49, 62, 304 or Tourism Bus No. 2 and get off at Fuzimiao stop;
C. Take Bus No. 2, 14, 16, 23, 33, 43, 46, 63, 81, 101, 102, 103, 106 or 305 and get off at Changle Road;
D. Take Bus No. 301 and get off at Zhanyuan Road stop.
Tip: The Lantern Fair will be held here from the 1st to 30th of January in Chinese Lunar Calendar every year.
More Tourist Attractions in Nanjing:
