Regional deep dives

Jiangsu

From Suzhou’s gardens and hills to Nanjing’s historic streets, discover Jiangsu through its cities and individual places.

东京村子 · CC BY-SA 3.0

GoTerraVoya · 2026

Intercity: High-speed rail is dense at Nanjing South, Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Xuzhou and Lianyungang; Nanjing to Shanghai takes about 1–1.5 hours and to Suzhou about 1 hour (subject to official announcements). Nanjing Lukou, Wuxi Shuofang, Changzhou Benniu and Nantong Xingdong airports serve the province; Nanjing Metro Line S1 links Lukou Airport with Nanjing South Station.
In cities: Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Xuzhou and Nantong have metros or trams, with well-developed buses and ride-hailing. Suzhou's old town has many canals and narrow roads — metro plus walking is recommended, and driving into old-town lanes is discouraged. Nanjing's Yangtze bridges and river-crossing tunnels congest at peak times, so allow extra time for river crossings.
Rural and water towns: Zhouzhuang, Tongli and Luzhi are usually reached by high-speed rail or coach from Suzhou or Shanghai to a nearby station, then bus. Lixiahe and coastal tidal-flat areas rely mainly on coaches with fewer departures — check official timetables in advance (subject to official announcements).
Tickets and payment: Rail tickets are real-name via 12306; metro and bus fares are typically a few yuan and distance-based, accepting transit cards and mobile QR. Prices and fines are given only as magnitudes and are subject to official announcements.

Red Line: At memorial sites such as the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, visit solemnly and follow on-site rules on photography, dress and conduct. In gardens and historic buildings, do not climb rockeries, carve surfaces, or pick flowers and trees.
Taboo: Two pitfalls outsiders most often hit: (1) laughing loudly or dressing overly revealingly in a memorial hall; (2) giving loud guided commentary or leaning on historic structures for photos in Suzhou gardens. Also, do not play music loudly in old-town residential areas. When tasting Nanjing salted duck or Suzhou squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, order as needed and do not rank northern versus southern tastes as superior or inferior.
Good Manners: Speak quietly in gardens and follow one-way routes. On the metro, let passengers alight first and offer seats to older people and children. Showing a destination name in Chinese helps when asking directions; shopkeepers are usually glad to point the way.

Source leads are being checked individually; confirm travel details with local official notices.

Places to explore