Qinhuai River

Qinhuai River, Nanjing

Overview

The Qinhuai River is a tributary of the Yangtze with a total length of 110 km. It flows through central Nanjing and is called "Nanjing's mother river". It is the "life blood" of the city. The Qinhuai River is divided into inner and outer rivers.

Today, the scenic belt along the Qinhuai River develops with the Confucius Temple at the center and the river serving as a bond. The belt, featuring attractions such as Zhanyuan Garden, the Confucius Temple, Egret Islet, China Gate as well as the sailing boats in the river and pavilions and towers on the riverbanks, is a blend of historic sites, gardens, barges, streets, pavilions, towers, folk culture and customs.

History

Restaurant on the Qinhuai River
The Qinhuai River, a branch of the mighty Yangtze River has nursed the rich civilization of the region. The inner river of the river once was the red-light district famous throughout the nation in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Painted boats with red lanterns once shuttled to and from, heavily made-up, gifted alms all became historical things. A busy colorful bazaar has gradually taken shape here. Now the flourishing riverside area can be compared to the Nanjing Road of Shanghai and some do call it the "Mini Nanjing Road". Small shops, stores, restaurants and bars cluster the area. One can find everything here ranging from colorful trinkets to local specialties. At night the whole area is lit up with colorful lights thus creating a very impressive scene. A lively street market is set up in the area and both locals and tourists take part in the bargain hunt. Taking a leisurely stroll along the riverside, seeing the Chinese vendors doing their business or boarding colorfully decorated boats on the ancient river could be a memorable experience.

The most prominent part of Qinhuai River Scenic area in history is famous as a residential area of Qin Huai Ba Yan, (Eight beauties of Qinhuai River), actually eight beautiful ladies with a lower social status but a great patriotic sense. They were firstly written into a book named Banqiao Zaji by Yu Huai. They respectively were Gu Hengbo, Dong Xiaowan, Bian Yujing, Li Xiangjun, Kou Baimen, Ma Xianglan, Liu Rushi and Chen Yuanyuan. Most of them experienced the transition of dynasties and the turmoil of society. They lived in the lowest class of society with the strongest sense of patriotism. They were quite talented in painting and poem composition, but most of their works were lost. Straightforwardly, they were prostitutes and singers, but their heart and spirit were pure absolutely. Their love stories were also romantic and historically influential. In folk china, they were respected widely.

During the Nanjing Massacre in 1937, Qinghai River was filled with tens of thousands of bodies, and was reddened with blood. Many Chinese folk songs about the massacre have details about the river at that time.

Highlights

This place is very popular with the locals and many see or buy their items here, or they just hang out around the area. Many foreigners find it a good place to taste the local cuisine. The many snack stalls dotted within the area offer a range of food: (baozi) 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.

The former residence of famed courtesan Li Xiangjun is located along the Qinhuai River and is open to the public.

How to get to Qinhuai River

Metro Route: Take Line 1 and get off Sanshan Station
Bus Route: Take bus No. 1, 4, 7, 30, 31, 40, 44, 49

Travel Guide
Opening Hour: 24 hours
Tel: 025-52300870
Time for visit: 1-2 hours
Best Season: Jan - Feb