Nanjing Welcomes International Travelers as China Re-Opens its Borders
Following more than three years of pandemic restrictions, China fully re-opened its borders to international travelers in mid-March, and the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism is welcoming curious travelers to consider Nanjing for upcoming trips.
NEW YORK, April 21, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Following more than three years of pandemic restrictions, China fully re-opened its borders to international travelers in mid-March, and the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism is welcoming curious travelers to consider Nanjing for upcoming trips. Here are just a few Nanjing travel highlights that will delight visitors to this sophisticated city of ancient greatness:
Cherry Blossoms Transform Historical Sites into Magical Wonderlands
Each spring from March through mid-April, picture-perfect cherry trees provide a fragrant backdrop to some of Nanjing's most famous landmarks. Some of the most popular locales to view the blossoms include Cherry Avenue at Jiming Temple, one of the oldest, most-visited Buddhist temples in Nanjing; Chaotian Palace where the blossoms pop against red walls and glazed roof tiles; and Mufu Hill where more than 5,000 trees are located, creating a spring canopy like none other. Visitors to Nanjing can get even more out of their cherry blossom experience by visiting the Muyan Riverside Scenic Chery Blossom Viewing Area, built along the Yangtze River offering two miles of viewing pleasure. There are over 5,000 cherry blossom trees planted alongside the river and the area has even earned its title as the 'Largest Number of Cherry Blossom Trees at the Riverside Pathway,' by World Record Certification (WRCA.)
Seasonal Festivals Celebrate Local Culture and Customs
Festivals provide an educational and immersive way to experience Nanjing. On June 222, the shores of Mochou Lake draw thousands of spectators for the annual Dragon Boat Festival – an annual holiday celebrated throughout China. Dragon boat races, the most important activity of the festival, date back more than 2,500 years, and feature quick paddling teams accompanied by the sound of beating drums. It is said that the winning team will have good luck and a happy life in the following year. When fall rolls around, travelers can tempt their tastebuds with one of China's most unique delicacies during the Hairy Crab Festival. Crabs are harvested locally from Gucheng Lake, one of China's best breeding grounds for the rich and buttery fur-fringed crustaceans, which can be found on menus across Nanjing. Travelers planning further ahead can consider visiting during the Qinhuai International Lantern Festival on February 24, 2024, when hundreds of thousands of red lanterns illuminate the Confucius Temple area of Nanjing to mark the end of the Chinese New Year celebration.
New Luxury Hotels on the Horizon
With travel in full swing, Nanjing will welcome several new hotels to provide the ultimate home base to explore all the city has to offer. Opening its doors in May 2023 in the eclectic Hexi area, Andaz Nanjing Hexi is the latest luxury lifestyle hotel from Hyatt that blends Nanjing's rich culture with the vibrant character of this modern neighborhood. Offering all the amenities world travelers expect from a luxury hotel, Andaz Nanjing Hexi is conveniently located near some of the city's most popular destinations, including Zhongshan Mountain National Park, Qinhuai Scenic Area, the Nanjing Museum, and more. International hotel brands including Conrad Hotels and Resorts, the iconic luxury hotel brand of Hilton; Marriott Hotels & Resorts; and Mandarin Oriental also have properties in the works. Additional hotels on the horizon include a new luxury landmark from Capella Hotel Group and W Nanjing, both scheduled to open in 2025.
About Nanjing
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is situated in the Yangtze River Delta area 190 miles northwest of Shanghai. Recognized as one of the four great ancient capitals of China, Nanjing has served as the capital city of 10 Chinese dynasties and regimes for a total of more than 1,800 years. A sophisticated metropolis and a modern center of history, education, and culture, Nanjing is home to some of the country's most significant historical attractions such as the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum; The Presidential Palace; and a City Wall that dates back more than 600 years. Popular attractions also include China's oldest public library and one of the country's first museums, the Nanjing Museum. Nanjing is accessible by Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) with daily flights from North America. Three train stations – Nanjing Railway Station, Nanjing South Railway Station, and Nanjing West Railway Station – connect Nanjing to all of China's major cities, including Shanghai, which is a 90- minute ride via bullet train or three hours by car. For more information on Nanjing, visit http://www.gotonanjing.com/ or follow the destination on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube at @GoToNanjing.
Media Contact
Kathleen Leslie, PTG Consulting, 1 949-999-9428, [email protected]
SOURCE Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism
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