I Thought Suzhou Was Beautiful Until I Visited Zhenjiang

# Encountering Zhenjiang: Poetry and Vibrancy in a Low-Profile Jiangnan City In the vast canvas of Jiangnan, Zhenjiang shines like a modest yet uniquely radiant pearl. Unlike some popular cities with far-reaching fame, it hides countless captivating stories and beauty. If you're traveling in Nanjing, why not take a quick 20-minute high-speed train ride to explore this charming small city and discover its poetic charm and vibrant atmosphere? ## Convenient Transportation, Starting Your Zhenjiang Journey Departing from Nanjing Station, just hop on a speeding high-speed train, and in a mere 20 minutes, you'll cross city boundaries and arrive in Zhenjiang. Such convenient transportation seems like a path carefully paved by heaven for this encounter. One day is enough to experience the essence of this city. ## One-Day Tour Route, Unlocking Zhenjiang's Beauty ### Xijindu Ancient Street: Timeless Charm, Flowing Poetry Step onto the bluestone path of Xijindu Ancient Street, and you'll feel transported through time back to a bustling ancient ferry port. Ancient buildings line the street, with their flying eaves and interlocking brackets still exuding rustic charm despite the test of time. Every brick and crevice carries historical memories. Walking slowly along the street, feeling the gentle breeze, you can almost hear the footsteps and laughter of merchants and travelers from past and present. Climb up Yuntai Pavilion and gaze into the distance to take in the panoramic view of Xijindu Ancient Street. At this moment, Wang Anshi's famous verse naturally comes to mind: "Spring breeze greens again the southern shore, when will the bright moon shine as I return home?" Those lingering poetic lines seem to add a richer poetic charm to this beautiful scenery. Imagine Wang Anshi standing here, looking at Jiangnan's beauty, feeling homesick—it makes one sigh at the passage of time and the vicissitudes of history. ### Zhenjiang Vinegar Culture Museum: Fragrant Vinegar, Thousand-Year Heritage Before even entering the Zhenjiang Vinegar Culture Museum, the strong aroma of vinegar greets you, as if warmly welcoming every visitor. This museum is like a time capsule carrying a thousand years of vinegar culture. Inside, detailed exhibitions showcase the vinegar brewing process, from selecting raw materials to complex procedures, each step crystallizing the wisdom and dedication of ancient people. You can witness how workers transform grains into fragrant vinegar, experiencing the wonder and charm of traditional craftsmanship. Here, you also have the opportunity to experience the vinegar-making process yourself and create your own bottle of vinegar. As you pour the amber-colored liquid into a bottle and watch it shimmer in the sunlight, you can't help but marvel at the profound nature of traditional craftsmanship and the importance of its inheritance. ### Jingji Road: Artistic and Retro, Romantic Encounters Jingji Road, originally named Jinji Ridge, is an ancient street carrying a thousand years of history in Zhenjiang. Walking along this street feels like entering an artistic world. Many artistic boutiques and coffee shops line both sides of the street, each with its unique style and atmosphere. Here, you can order a cup of coffee, sit by the window, and quietly watch people come and go, feeling the slow passage of time. If you enjoy photography, put on an artistic dress or a vintage qipao, and stand at a street corner or on steps to capture atmospheric photos. Sunlight filtering through tree leaves casts dappled shadows, making each photo tell a romantic story. ### Yong'an Road Food Street: Vibrant Life, Delicious Flavors Yong'an Road Food Street is a small alley full of local flavor, condensing the essence of Zhenjiang's everyday life. Walking into the alley, the aroma of various delicacies greets you, making your mouth water. The fire-baked flatbread with egg features a crispy crust wrapped around tender eggs—one bite brings pure happiness. Paper-thin shaomai has skin as thin as cicada wings wrapping around soft glutinous rice and savory fillings, offering rich textures. Handmade rolled noodle sheets paired with various seasonings and vegetables are refreshing and delicious. Yangda yogurt has a rich milky flavor that lingers. Rice cakes are soft, sweet, and emit a subtle rice fragrance. The countless delicacies here are irresistible. It's recommended to bring a "5G stomach" to fully enjoy this food feast. ## Zhenjiang Cuisine, A Feast for Your Taste Buds ### Morning Tea Time: Savoring Classics In Zhenjiang, morning tea is a ritual of life. Crab roe soup dumplings have thin skin and generous filling with rich soup—one bite releases the fresh flavor of crab roe. Zhenjiang pot lid noodles feature chewy noodles and a delicious broth topped with various ingredients, creating a satisfying meal. Small wontons with thin skin and tender meat in a fresh, tasty soup make an excellent breakfast choice. ### Main Course Delicacies: Experiencing Flavors During meal times, be sure to taste Zhenjiang's specialty dishes. Braised pufferfish has tender meat and delicious flavor, a famous dish in Zhenjiang. Zhenjiang pressed meat is translucent, rich without being greasy, and pairs wonderfully with vinegar and ginger strips. Vinegar-flavored ribs are bright red, sweet and sour, with a rich vinegar aroma. ### Special Snacks: Sweet Memories Besides main courses, don't miss Zhenjiang's special snacks. Zhenjiang vinegar is sour but not astringent, fragrant with a hint of sweetness, perfect for cooking and seasoning. Fermented rice cake is soft, sweet, with a subtle wine aroma. Tenderloin is crispy outside and tender inside, aromatic. Hot pot dishes simmer various ingredients to perfection, warming both body and heart. Zhenjiang, this small city full of poetry and vibrant life, is like a book you can never finish reading—each page holds surprises and touching moments. It attracts every traveler who comes to explore with its unique charm. If you're looking for a quiet yet flavorful place, come take a walk in Zhenjiang and see for yourself. You'll surely fall in love with this low-profile yet incredibly charming Jiangnan city.