Zhenjiang

Zhenjiang is a seriously underrated gem of a small Jiangnan city: slow-paced, affordable, and full of great food. It is perfect for a relaxing 2-day, 1-night weekend of wandering and eating. Here is a classic route that avoids backtracking and common tourist traps.

Classic 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: After arriving in the morning, head to Jinshan Temple and visit the site associated with the “Flooding of Jinshan Temple” from the Legend of the White Snake; at noon, have an authentic bowl of pot-lid noodles nearby; in the afternoon, go to Xijin Ferry, which is especially photogenic after the old street lights up at dusk; in the evening, eat river delicacies around Xijin Ferry or Jingji Road, then take a walk to digest.

• Day 2: In the morning, experience the local morning tea culture; later in the morning, climb Beigu Mountain for panoramic views of the Yangtze River and take in the atmosphere of the “finest landscape along the Yangtze”; in the afternoon, visit Zhenjiang Museum, then do a Citywalk along Jingji Road or Boxian Road; before evening, head to Yong’an Road Food Market for snacks, then return home.

Must-Visit Attractions

Zhenjiang’s attractions are fairly concentrated, centered on the “Three Mountains and One Ferry.” Choose 2-3 based on your energy level.

Must-Eat Foods and Restaurants

Eating is absolutely a highlight of visiting Zhenjiang. Do not miss the carbs or the river delicacies.

• Pot-Lid Noodles: Zhenjiang’s signature noodle dish, named for the small pot lid that floats in the pot while the noodles cook. Try a local-favorite small shop such as Zhang’er Noodle House or Qiuji Century-Old Shop, order toppings of eel and kidney slices, and add vinegar for a more authentic taste.

• Zhenjiang Morning Tea: Must-tries include crab roe soup dumplings, crystal yaorou pork, and three-diced buns. Recommended spots are Feiquan Morning Tea or Luoji Morning Tea. Arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid the peak queues.

• River Delicacies: When in Zhenjiang, you have to try pufferfish. Yong’an Fish Restaurant is a long-standing local favorite. Its signature pufferfish braised with clover is incredibly fresh, and you can even take photos with live pufferfish. Remember to get a queue number in advance.

• Specialty Snacks: Yong’an Road Food Market hides lots of lively local snacks, such as Dingji pork tenderloin, Zhao’s fermented-rice rice cakes, salted egg yolk cheese shaomai, and the must-drink Yangda Yogurt (jasmine flavor recommended).

• Home-Style Dishes: Second Miss Zhou’s Kitchen offers great value for money. The signature braised pork is rich but not greasy, and the lard rice and peppercorn chicken are also very popular. It is a good choice for a meal with friends.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Transport: The attractions are not far from one another. Taxi rides are usually around the starting fare, or you can rent an electric scooter to move through the alleys of the old town, which is the most convenient option. Driving is actually more likely to get you stuck in traffic.
• Accommodation: Stay near Xijin Ferry or Dashikou. It is convenient for eating and walking around at night, and close to the main attractions.
• Pitfalls to Avoid: Do not trust people at the entrance of Xijin Ferry who try to lure you into buying overpriced jade; the “free guides” at the entrance of Beigu Mountain may be trying to take you shopping; Yong’an Road Food Market may feel underwhelming if you are only going there to check off popular snacks, and is better suited to people who enjoy browsing morning markets; some viral restaurants, such as Meihua Xiaoguan, have very mixed reviews, so check recent genuine reviews before deciding.