Jiangsu is a province with a long history and diverse culture. It’ s a blessed land where the great beauty of North and South China converges and modern style meets ancient charm. The province boasts world cultural heritages such as the Classical Gardens of Suzhou and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and world intangible cultural heritages like Kunqu Opera.

The old well with clear and sweet water, the creek running under a bridge next to cottages, the vast Taihu Lake, the surging Yangtze River, and the immense seas, all these make Jiangsu the only province in China blessed with rivers, lakes and seas. Shaped and nourished by water, water is a true source of beauty and prosperity to Jiangsu.

In spring, the graceful Taihu Lake is surrounded by colorful blossoms; in autumn, the Hongze Lake celebrates a bumper harvest. The coastal lines of Lianyungang, Nantong and Yancheng are a wonderful place to overlook the boundless sea.

Influenced by the natural environment, the north and south of Jiangsu have distinctly different customs and cultures. The southern area fostered the Wuyue culture featuring elegance while the northern area shaped the Han culture characteristic of magnificence as they moved along the course of history. Yet the two areas share a common cultural core that is the harmonious development between man and nature.

Rich natural resources and diversified folk customs have formulated the assorted cultural and tourist activities in Jiangsu. Celebrations are held across cities for festivals in each season while people enjoy seasonal scenery, dishes and festive occasions.

Thanks to the dense water network, Jiangsu is endowed with assorted natural products, earning it the reputation of “land of fish and rice”. Jiangsu cuisine mainly consists of aquatic products from rivers, lakes and seas, with a fresh taste, salty and slightly sweet flavour, while keeping the food as delicious as it is.

Mother nature offers Jiangsu different gifts in different seasons. In summer, crayfish with beer at night stall is regarded as a must-have snack. You can enjoy the Crayfish Festival in Xuyi and hurry to Xuzhou to join the Fu Yang Festival, diving into an array of feasts.

In autumn, Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are the best seasonal dish, together with the Suzhou-style mooncakes, they are perfect for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

In winter, a morning tea is a must. You can taste the dried bean curd threads in consomme, crab soup dumplings and fish soup noodles one by one, and stay warm all day.