Yangtze River Lower Reaches Travel Guide

Below is a 4-day, 3-night travel guide combining Anhui Tianzhushan, Nanjing Qinhuai River, Suzhou Gardens, and Shanghai Chongming Island, with a budget of around 3000 RMB, suitable for travelers who enjoy culture, nature, and cityscapes. 4-Day, 3-Night Travel Guide for the Lower Yangtze River and Surrounding Areas (Budget: About 3000 RMB) Highlights The unique peaks and natural scenery of Tianzhushan The ancient charm and culture of Nanjing Qinhuai River The Jiangnan water town charm of Suzhou Gardens The ecological nature of Shanghai Chongming Island Itinerary Overview Day Main Location Highlights Content Day 1 Anhui Tianzhushan Hiking, sightseeing, experiencing nature Day 2 Nanjing Qinhuai River, Confucius Temple ancient city culture, night tour of Qinhuai River Day 3 Suzhou Gardens: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, stroll in Suzhou ancient city Day 4 Shanghai Chongming Island ecological wetlands, cycling, nature experience Detailed Itinerary Guide Day 1: Anhui Tianzhushan (Budget: About 800 RMB) Transportation: Take high-speed train/bullet train from Hefei or Nanjing (Hefei to Tianzhushan about 2 hours, ticket around 80 RMB/person) Or take a long-distance bus from Nanjing (about 2.5 hours, about 50 RMB) Morning: Hiking Tianzhushan Entrance fee: 150 RMB (may be slightly higher in peak season, booking in advance recommended) Transport: Cable car at the foot of the mountain (one way about 60 RMB) or walk (more tiring but saves money) Experience: Unique peaks, strange rocks, sea of clouds, Buddha’s light; half a day recommended Noon: Simple meal on the mountain or bring your own food (Budget: 30 RMB) Afternoon: Continue sightseeing or descend You can choose to walk or take the cable car down **Accommodation:** Guesthouse or budget hotel near Tianzhushan, about 200 RMB/night Day 2: Nanjing Qinhuai River and Confucius Temple (Budget: About 700 RMB) Transportation: Depart Tianzhushan early morning returning to Nanjing (bullet train about 1.5 hours, ticket 80 RMB) Morning: Qinhuai River boat tour Take a painted boat: 80 RMB/person (160 RMB for 2 people) Experience: Enjoy ancient buildings and dazzling lights along the river Noon: Confucius Temple snack street Special snacks: Duck blood vermicelli soup, salted duck, Nanjing roast duck (Budget: 50 RMB) Afternoon: Confucius Temple, Nanjing Museum (free) or Laomendong cultural district Stroll ancient streets, experience Nanjing culture Evening: Qinhuai River night tour or light show (optional, about 50 RMB) **Accommodation:** Budget hotel in Nanjing city, about 200 RMB/night Day 3: Suzhou Gardens (Budget: About 700 RMB) Transportation: Take high-speed train in the morning (Nanjing to Suzhou about 1 hour, ticket about 50 RMB) Morning: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden Entrance fees: Humble Administrator’s Garden 80 RMB, Lingering Garden 90 RMB Experience: The delicacy and elegance of Jiangnan gardens Noon: Local Suzhou restaurant Recommended: Suzhou cuisine, pastries (Budget: 50 RMB) Afternoon: Stroll Suzhou ancient city Visit Pingjiang Road, Shantang Street, feel the ancient water town charm Evening: Return to Shanghai or stay overnight in Suzhou Budget hotel about 200 RMB/night Day 4: Shanghai Chongming Island (Budget: About 700 RMB) Transportation: Take high-speed train to Shanghai in the morning (about 1 hour, ticket 80 RMB) From downtown Shanghai take bus or subway to Chongming Island (fare about 20 RMB) All day: Chongming Island ecological experience Recommended: Dongtan Wetland, Chongming Forest Park, cycling or hiking Entrance fees: Some attractions free or low cost (20-50 RMB) **Lunch:** Chongming Island specialty farmhouse dishes (Budget: 50 RMB) Afternoon: Continue exploring nature or cycling Experience the ecological reserve, enjoy natural tranquility Evening: Return to downtown Shanghai or head home directly Take high-speed train back to Nanjing or other cities Budget Summary Estimated Costs (RMB) Transportation (high-speed train/bullet train) about 800 RMB (round trip Nanjing-Hefei/Suzhou/Shanghai) Entrance fees and attractions about 600 RMB (Tianzhushan, gardens, some Chongming attractions) Accommodation for 3 nights about 600 RMB (200 RMB per night) Meals about 300 RMB (50 RMB per meal, 4 days) Others (additional transport, souvenirs) about 200 RMB Total about 3000 RMB Tips Book high-speed train tickets and attraction tickets in advance to enjoy discounts. Prepare clothing according to the season; spring and autumn are best, summer requires sun protection, winter needs warmth. Bring some snacks and water to save on meals. Check weather forecasts and plan your itinerary reasonably. If you need more detailed restaurant recommendations, attraction guides, or other customized advice, just let me know! Have a pleasant trip and enjoy yourself!