Qinhuai River

Introducing Qinhuai River
As the Mother River of Nanjing, Qinhuai River is the cradle giving birth to ancient culture of Nanjing. If one wished to consider the Yangtze as the ego of Nanjing, and the city wall as its superego, there is only one element that could be called its id: Nanjing Qinhuai River. It is a branch of the great Yangtze River with a total length of 110 km. Nanjing Qinhuai River had long since been famous as a trading center, first developed during the Southern Dynasties period that preceded the arrival of the Sui, and once the city recovered from the disaster wrought by Emperor Wendi, the riverbank properties, including the flower boats, grew ever more lucrative. The inner parts of the river were once the red-light district – famous throughout the nation, during the Ming dynasty. The most prominent part of Qinhuai River Scenic area in history is famous as a residential area of Qin Huai Ba Yan, eight famous courtesans during the Ming-Qing transition period.

Qinhuai River Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Qin Huai He 秦淮河
• Best Time to Visit: March to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History and Culture, Cruise
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Qinhuai District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Qinhuai River

Qinhuai River features with famous attractions including the Confucius Temple, Zhanyuan Garden, Zhonghua Gate as well as the sailing boats in the river and pavilions and towers on the riverbanks. Outside the city walls, Nanjing Qinhuai River can be visited via boats that leave from Stone City Harbor. The riverbanks here, now lined with willows and oleander, were first settled some 2500 years ago. In one place the barest remains of Yue City can be seen on the west bank; there’s a rectangular stone foundation that still stands intact and solid at the waterline. There is also a bronze statue of Fan Li, the Yue general who oversaw the city’s construction.

The area is also a good place to taste the local cuisine. The snack stalls dotted the area, and offer a range of food: steamed buns-stuffed with pork, and other delicate fillings, Bawei Dawei Doufunao (eight-flavored jellied bean curd pastries) roasted beef, salty duck, animal stomach, chicken feet (phoenix feet) and much more.

How to get to Qinhuai River
• Qinhuai River can be reached by bus 1, 4, 23, 26, 33, 40, 43, 44, 46, 63, 81, 87, 88, 202, 301, 701, 703, Metro Line 3 and Line 1.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Nanjing to Qinhuai River.

Additional travel advice on Qinhuai River
• Cruise ships are available at the wharf in front of Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple. The whole cruise lasts for about 50 minutes.
• Some of the scenic sports in the area require entrance tickets.