Classic Route of the Southern Jiangsu Golden Triangle

As a first-time traveler to Jiangsu, you are about to embark on more than just an ordinary provincial tour; it is an immersive journey through 2,500 years of civilization— from the delicate gardens of the "Paradise on Earth" to the profound cultural heritage of the "Six Dynasties Ancient Capital"; from the bustling life along the Grand Canal to the Republic of China-era elegance by the Yangtze River. Over five days and four nights, we abandon the "check-in style" rush, carefully selecting the essence of the Southern Jiangsu Golden Triangle (Suzhou—Wuxi—Nanjing), all connected by high-speed rail within 30 minutes. With centralized accommodations, smooth travel routes, and affordable costs, you can discover the soul and spirit of Jiangsu in the most relaxed way. 🌸 Five-day itinerary: From gardens to lakes, tracing waters to mausoleums (High-speed rail + walking, one city per day) Day 1｜Suzhou · The Poetic Eye of Gardens Arrive at Suzhou Station, take the subway directly to the [Pingjiang Road Historic District] (free): small bridges and flowing water, soft sounds of Pingtan storytelling, the fragrance of osmanthus sugar porridge; walk to the [Humble Administrator’s Garden] (80 RMB): the foremost of China’s Four Great Gardens, understand Jiangnan philosophy in the “With Whom to Sit” pavilion; evening at [Shantang Street] (free): Seven Li Shantang, built by Bai Juyi, listen to a rendition of “Jasmine Flower” under the night lights. Day 2｜Wuxi · The Heartbeat of Taihu Lake High-speed rail 25 minutes to Wuxi, morning at [Yuantouzhu] (90 RMB): “Taihu Lake’s premier scenic spot,” cherry blossoms on Changchun Bridge (March–April), the snow-rolled waves on Wanlang Rock (viewable year-round), boat rides to Taihu Fairy Island; afternoon at [Huishan Ancient Town] (free): birthplace of the clay figurine A’fu, and [Yuan Garden] (70 RMB), a famous Jiangnan garden visited by emperors Kangxi and Qianlong on their southern tours. Day 3｜Nanjing · The Literary Spirit of the Six Dynasties High-speed rail 20 minutes to Nanjing, morning at [Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum] (free): embraced by Purple Mountain, feel the Republic of China’s grandeur under the Bo’ai Archway; afternoon at [Nanjing Museum] (free, reservation required): immersive street scenes in the Republic of China pavilion, authentic gold-threaded jade burial suits, and the museum’s three treasures including the Ming Hongwu red-glazed plum vase. Day 4｜Nanjing · Everyday Life and Local Flavors Morning visit to [Laomendong] (free): Ming dynasty street layout, try Jiang Youji potstickers, Blue Boss sugar taro, and Xiao Zheng’s crispy sesame cakes; afternoon at [Confucius Temple Qinhuai River] (outer area free): visit only the Imperial Examination Museum (50 RMB) to avoid overpriced “Top Scholar Cakes” at the Gongyuan; evening climb [Zhonghua Gate Fortress] (50 RMB), watch the sunset turn gold, the “Jinling” inscription on the city wall bricks still visible. Day 5｜Culinary Finale · Local Market Experience Visit [Kexiang Vegetable Market] (non-scenic area): buy vacuum-packed salted duck (48 RMB each), Yuhua tea (60 RMB per jin), osmanthus sugar taro (15 RMB per box); before departure, pack Wufan rice balls and fermented glutinous rice dumplings at [Fangpo Pastry Shop] (12 RMB), savor the morning light of Jinling in one bite. 🍵 Culture and Pitfall Tips Core culture: Garden culture (World Cultural Heritage, a microcosm of the universe), Kunqu and Pingtan opera (UNESCO intangible heritage, originated in Suzhou), Six Dynasties culture (Nanjing as the “Literary Capital”), Taihu fishing and farming culture (Wuxi), Republic of China architecture (Nanjing’s Yihe Road, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum); Affordable expenses: total tickets about 340 RMB per person; dining 45–65 RMB per person (Suzhou-style soup noodles 20 RMB, Wuxi soup dumplings 18 RMB, Nanjing duck blood vermicelli 32 RMB); high-speed rail one-way ≤50 RMB; bus 2 RMB per ride; Pitfalls to avoid: ① Pingjiang Road “Suzhou embroidery fans” are mostly machine-embroidered fakes, look for “Chinese Arts and Crafts Master” signature versions; ② Do not buy “Taihu pearls” outside Yuantouzhu, they are plastic coated; ③ Confucius Temple “blessed Wenchang brushes” and “Top Scholar Cakes” are overpriced by over 300%, not worth it; ④ For Nanjing salted duck, choose old brands like “Osmanthus Duck” and “Jinhongxing,” as loose ducks inside scenic areas are often outsourced. The beauty of Jiangsu lies in its subtlety— a leaking window frame in the Humble Administrator’s Garden captures half a scroll of ink painting, a single boat at Yuantouzhu parts the vast glassy lake, and a celadon bowl in the Nanjing Museum’s glass case holds the moonlight of the entire Yangtze River. After five days of first encounters, you will truly understand what “most Jiangsu” means.