Jiangsu
Eastern China's wealthiest province, home to Suzhou's classical gardens, Nanjing's imperial history, and the romantic water towns that dot the Yangtze Delta.
provinces2026-10-27
At a glance
- Region
- east
- Capital
- Nanjing
- Population
- 85.2 million
- Area
- 107,200 km²
- Best season
- March–May and September–November
- Pinyin
- Jiāngsū
- Country
- CN
- Signature cuisine
- Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, Nanjing Duck
Why visit
For travelers who want to see the "real" Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze) — the willow-lined canals, whitewashed houses, stone bridges, and scholar gardens that have inspired Chinese art for 1,000 years. Tongli and Zhouzhuang water towns are the most romantic places in China.
Getting there
Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG), Suzhou has no airport (use Shanghai or Wuxi). HSR from Shanghai to Suzhou: 25 min. To Nanjing: 1.5 hours.
Getting around
HSR between cities is fast and frequent. Within Suzhou, the metro and buses cover the gardens. Water towns are accessible by tourist bus from Suzhou.
Key cities
UNESCO sites
- Classical Gardens of Suzhou(1,997)
- Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum(2,003)
- Grand Canal(2,014)
Day by day
3 — Suzhou + Tongli
Day 1: Humble Administrator's Garden + Tiger Hill. Day 2: Tongli water town. Day 3: Suzhou Museum + Pingjiang Road + Silk Museum.
5 — Suzhou + Nanjing
Day 1-2: Suzhou. Day 3-4: Nanjing (Ming Xiaoling, Confucius Temple, Nanjing Massacre Memorial). Day 5: HSR back to Shanghai.
Famous for
- Suzhou classical gardens
- Nanjing history
- water towns (Tongli, Zhouzhuang)
- silk
FAQs
Which Suzhou garden is best?
The Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园) is the largest and most famous. The Lingering Garden (留园) is the most refined. The Master of Nets Garden (网师园) is the smallest but considered the most elegant at night.
What is the best water town near Suzhou?
Tongli (同里) — 30 min from Suzhou, less crowded than Zhouzhuang, with a beautiful UNESCO heritage area. Zhouzhuang (周庄) is the most famous but often crowded. Luzhi (甪直) is the quietest.
Is Nanjing worth visiting?
Yes — it was China's capital under six dynasties. Highlights: Ming Xiaoling (UNESCO), Confucius Temple (one of China's largest), Nanjing Massacre Memorial (solemn but essential), and the old city walls.
How is the Grand Canal related to Jiangsu?
The Grand Canal (1,776 km, world's longest artificial waterway) runs through Jiangsu. The Suzhou section is the best preserved, with old locks, stone bridges, and traditional canal-side neighborhoods.
What is the best time to see lotus flowers?
June–August, peaking in July. The Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden both have famous lotus ponds. Visit early morning (6-8 AM) for the best light and fewer crowds.
Can I see the Nanjing Massacre Memorial?
Yes — it's free and open to all. The visit is emotionally heavy but historically essential. Allow 2-3 hours. Photography is not allowed inside the memorial halls.
What is Suzhou silk famous for?
Suzhou has produced silk for 4,000+ years. The Suzhou Silk Museum displays the entire production process. The No.1 Silk Factory sells direct. The Embroidery Research Institute has the world's finest double-sided embroidery.