Attractions · Zhenjiang

Jinshan Temple was first built in the Eastern Jin and is famous for the White Snake legend's flooding of Jinshan. The Cishou Pagoda is 30 metres high, and climbing it gives a view over the Yangtze. Fahai Cave, White Dragon Cave and many other legendary remains are here. Highlights include the First Spring Under Heaven. Tip: hire a guide to tell the White Snake story for a better sense of how legend and reality intertwine. Practical info: located at 62 Jinshan Road, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province; ticket ¥65; opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings blossom to Jinshan; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk. Combine with Xijindu Ancient Street, Beigu Mountain and Jiaoshan for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and avoid the crowds, allowing time for queues and security checks.

Tip: Hire a guide to tell the White Snake story for a better sense of how legend and reality intertwine.

• Address: 62 Jinshan Road, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province
• Ticket: ¥65
• Opening: 08:00–17:00

What repays attention most on this street is underfoot: from the Six Dynasties onward, road surfaces of the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing lie one on top of another, and a cross-section display, 'a thousand years at a glance', lets a visitor cross several dynasties in a step. The Zhaoguan Stone Pagoda was built in the Yuanzhen era (1295–1297) and is 8.635 metres high; it is the only surviving Yuan-dynasty street-crossing stone pagoda in China, and pedestrians pass beneath its arched gateway. In the 42nd year of Kangxi (1703), Zhenjiang's gentry and merchants founded the Life-Saving Association, keeping boats to rescue people whose vessels capsized on the river — a precious witness to early institutionalised water rescue in China. Zhenjiang opened as a treaty port in January 1861 and a British concession was laid out; the British consulate rebuilt in 1890 was listed as a national key cultural relic in 1996 and is now the Zhenjiang Museum. Highlights include the Daidu Pavilion. Tip: go in the evening, when the old street has a special charm under the lights. Practical info: located on Xijindu Street, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province; admission free; open all day.

Tip: Go in the evening, when the old street has a special charm under the lights.

• Address: Xijindu Street, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province
• Ticket: Free
• Opening: All day

Beigu Mountain is famous for the Three Kingdoms story, and Ganlu Temple is said to be where Liu Bei took a bride. Xin Qiji's 'Yongyule: Recalling the Past at Beigu Pavilion, Jingkou' made the mountain famous. Highlights include the Lingyun Pavilion and the Henshi. Tip: the mountain is steep, so wear comfortable shoes. Practical info: located at 3 Dongwu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province; ticket ¥40; opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings blossom to Jinshan; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk. Combine with Jinshan Temple, Xijindu Ancient Street and Jiaoshan for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and avoid the crowds, allowing time for queues and security checks; if carrying luggage or children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

Tip: The mountain is steep, so wear comfortable shoes. From Beigu Pavilion you can look far over the Yangtze.

• Address: 3 Dongwu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province
• Ticket: ¥40
• Opening: 08:00–17:00

Jiaoshan is an island in the Yangtze surrounded by water, named after the Eastern Han hermit Jiao Guang who lived here. Dinghui Temple is a famous Jiangnan temple, and the Yi He Ming inscription is praised as the ancestor of large characters. Highlights include the Xijiang Tower and the stele forest. Tip: a ferry is needed to reach the island; allow half a day. Practical info: located on Jiaoshan Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province; ticket ¥65 (includes ferry); opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings blossom to Jinshan; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk. Combine with Jinshan Temple, Xijindu Ancient Street and Beigu Mountain for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and avoid the crowds, allowing time for queues and security checks; if carrying luggage or children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

Tip: A ferry is needed to reach the island; allow half a day. The stele forest is a must for calligraphy lovers.

• Address: Jiaoshan Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province
• Ticket: ¥65 (includes ferry)
• Opening: 08:00–17:00