Tour Highlights:
Jiangsu, a province featured and enriched by water, is full of the aquatic splendor. This off-the-beaten-path adventure invites you to discover Jiangsu’s “water” culture, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring ecological landscapes it has cultivated, and relish the region’s authentic flavors. Revel in the idyllic riverside vistas, breathe in the invigorating air of verdant forest wetlands, and appreciate graceful creatures like Milu deer (Père David’s deer), red-crowned cranes, and spoon-billed sandpipers at World Heritage sites. Tourists can experience charm of time on a boat tour on the ancient canals and indulge in the delectable Huaiyang cuisine, getting a revitalizing and fulfilling journey for both body and soul.
D1:Arriving at Nanjing Lukou International Airport
D2：Xuanwu Lake and Bird Ecological Park，Glass Walkway of Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge，Finless Porpoise Observation Site in the Riverside Scenic Zone of the North Bund of Nanjing，Pukou Shuimo Danian Luehdorfia Chinensis Natural History Museum，and Night cruise on Qinhuai River
On the second day after arriving in Nanjing, tourists can explore Xuanwu Lake, the largest imperial garden in Jiangnan Region of China, a serene urban refuge teeming with avian life. People can encounter enchanting feathered sprites on Lingzhou Isle at the heart of the lake, traverse the Glass Walkway of Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, and marvel at the convergence of modernity and history. Besides ambling along the riverside scenic belt and basking in the grandeur of the mighty river, tourists can also admire the wonders of the insect world at the Luehdorfia Chinensis Natural History Museum. Besides, they can embark on a night cruise along the Qinhuai River, reflecting on the ancient capital’s prosperity amid the melodious paddles and lanterns’ gentle glow, while savoring the rich cultural heritage of Jinling (the old name of Nanjing).
D3：Tieshan Temple Forest Park，Hongze Lake Wetland Park，Tianquan Lake Tourism Resort and Healthcare Base，and Xuyi Crayfish
On the third day, tourists will head to Huaian’s Tieshan Temple Forest Park for a rejuvenating lung-nourishing sojourn. People can venture into the Hongze Lake Wetland Park, where expansive lakes, boundless plains, and deep reed marshes intertwine to form nature’s picturesque tapestry. Get immersed in the beauty of lakes and mountains at the Tianquan Lake Tourism Resort and Healthcare Base and experience the perfect blend of relaxation and elderly care. More than that, in Huai’an, tourists will be delighted by the mouthwatering Xuyi crayfish.
D4：Hongze Lake in Huai'an，Former residence of Zhou Enlai，and Former residence of Wu Cheng'en
On the fourth day, the tour takes the visitors to explore China’s fourth-largest freshwater lake, Hongze Lake. People can meander along the ancient Hongze Lake dike, which has a history of more than 1,800 years. There, tourists can breathe in the fresh and damp air of the wetlands and uncover historical attractions like the Qianlong Imperial Stele and the Immortal’s Cave. By visiting Mr. Zhou Enlai’s former residence, people can delve into the life and patriotic passion of this Huaian’s native statesman. If anyone is curious about the creation of Journey to the West, one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature, the visit to the former residence of the author Wu Cheng’en will be a great choice to unearth the stories behind the novel.
D5：Qingkou Water Conservancy Project，Huai’an Grand Canal Scenic Area，China Water Transport Museum，and Huaiyang cuisine
Huai’an, the canal capital of China, celebrates a rich history of water transportation and exquisite water conservancy landscapes. Tourists will be amazed by the Qingkou Water Conservancy Project, a World Cultural Heritage site showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Chinese water projects. While traversing the Huai’an Grand Canal Scenic Area, tourists can unveil the charm of history at the China Water Transport Museum, and experience the past and present of these venerable waterways. Besides, as the birthplace of Huaiyang cuisine, Huai’an tempts your taste buds with authentic dishes like Pingqiao Tofu, Ruandou Eel and Qingong meatballs.
D6：Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve，Yellow Sea Forest Park，and Bird observation at Tiaozini Wetland Park
On the sixth day, the plan is to set off for Yancheng, a destination where people can relax and open up there hearts. Tourists can watch herds of deer frolicking in the water at the Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve, and inhale deeply within the enchanting, emerald forests of the Yellow Sea Forest Park. The harmonious coexistence of all creatures at the Tiaozini Wetland Park, a World Natural Heritage site and international bird gathering place is surely attractive, and also, people can get close to the rare and endangered spoon-billed sandpipers.
D7：Red-crowned Crane Wetland Ecological Park，Holland Flower Sea，and Ocean Bay Ecological Tourism Resort
At the Red-crowned Crane Wetland Ecological Park, tourists will behold the mesmerizing “dance” of cranes and deer, and listen to the captivating and poignant tales of the girl who sacrificed her life for saving a red-crowned crane. Upon arriving at the Holland Flower Sea, peole can immerse themselves in the exotic realm, where vast tulip fields, windmills, and castles weave a fairy-tale dreamscape. By exploring the Ocean Bay Ecological Tourism Resort, tourists will encounter a cherry blossom town, hot spring town, water park, Dengying Pavilion, food street, and the ancient town of Yandu, gaining great fun in a world while tradition and modernity intertwine.
Day 8: Return to Nanjing and head to Lukou Airport
