Located in southern Nanjing, this national 5A-level scenic area stretches 4.2km along the "Ten-Mile Qinhuai" river, covering 2.6 square kilometers. It seamlessly blends Ming-Qing architecture with modern urban landscapes, featuring 23 historical building complexes including 3 national heritage sites (Confucius Temple complex, Jiangnan Examination Hall, and Zhonghua Gate Fortress). The iconic Qinhuai River section spans 80m wide with 1.5km continuous gable walls along its banks, whose nighttime illumination won the "World Urban Lighting Design Award".
History & Culture
As Nanjing's mother river, Qinhuai flourished since the Three Kingdoms period, peaking during Ming Dynasty. The Confucius Temple, first built in 1034 AD and reconstructed in 1865, ranks among China's Four Great Confucian Temples. Jiangnan Examination Hall produced over 800 top scholars (zhuangyuan) during Ming-Qing periods - more than half nationwide. Li Xiangjun's former residence witnesses legends of "Eight Qinhuai Beauties", while Wuyi Alley records the rise and fall of Wang-Xie aristocratic families. Zhu Ziqing's essay "Qinhuai River in Oar Sounds and Lantern Lights" immortalized its literary charm.
Key Attractions
- Confucius Temple - This 26,000㎡ Ming-Qing complex houses an 8m-tall bronze statue of Confucius (weighing 2.5 tons) and 38 stone tablets inscribed with imperial examination graduates' names.
- Jiangnan Examination Hall - China's largest imperial examination venue, where the underground museum displays the 1894 zhuangyuan's original examination paper.
- Qinhuai Pleasure Boats - Electric-powered replicas of Ming official boats, offering 40-minute night cruises passing 12 cultural landmarks including Li Xiangjun's residence.
- Zhonghua Gate Fortress - The world's largest surviving enclosed castle, with 27 troop shelters for 3,000 soldiers. Ming-era masons' fingerprints remain visible on bricks.
Local Delicacies
- Eight Qinhuai Delicacies - Including Yonghe Garden's Huangqiao sesame cakes and Qifangge's duck oil pastries
- Saltwater Duck - Nanjing specialty cured in century-old brine, renowned for "white skin and tender meat"
- Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup - Slow-cooked duck broth with fresh blood curd, served with crispy rice crust
- Rain Flower Tea - Top 10 Chinese tea, pine-needle shaped, best harvested before Qingming Festival
Travel Guide
- Tickets: Confucius Temple (free), Jiangnan Examination Hall (¥25), Night Cruise (¥100), Zhonghua Gate (¥50)
- Itinerary: Afternoon at Examination Hall → Evening at Confucius Temple → Night Cruise → Next day at Zhonghua Gate
- Transport: Metro Line 3 to Confucius Temple Station (Exit 2), or buses 1/4/7 to terminus
Pro Tips
- Opt for 7:00-8:30 PM cruise to avoid crowds while enjoying light shows
- Stay vigilant in crowded snack streets near Confucius Temple
- Book VR imperial exam experience at Jiangnan Hall in advance (300/day)
- Zhonghua Gate ticket sales end at 5 PM but grants access to night 3D projections
- Spring (March-April) combines Qinhuai Lantern Festival with cherry blossoms