by Will McGough
Last updated: 1:00 AM ET, Tue December 13, 2016
The Nanjing Niushoushan Cultural Park, which opened in late 2015, is a stunning preservation of a centuries-old scared Buddhist site. Maybe revitalization is a better word. The miraculous palace is built into the side of a mountain and goes down six floors below ground level. If you've had enough of past culture and want to focus on the present, head out for a coffee/tea carrying morning walk around center city's Xuanwu Lake, specifically along and through Xuanwu Park. It's an old imperial garden, and here, you will get a glimpse of the active Nanjing locals engaging in group exercise (like dancing), walking, or having morning tea with friends.
Where to Stay: Nanjing is a super cheap destination when it comes to high-quality lodging. For the price of a mid-range hotel (or less) here in the States, you can stay at one of the top hotels in the city: The Shangri-La ($108/night), InterContinental ($124/night), Sofitel($68/night), and Fairmont ($104/night) can all be had for rates that are unbelievably low.
What to Eat: Salted duck is by far the most popular food in Nanjing, and you should be sure to try it in all forms: marinated, roasted - hey, you can even scarf down a duck tongue. But the most memorable food you'll eat when in Nanjing is the "hairy crab." I know, it doesn't sound incredibly appetizing. But these little suckers are sweet and tasty, and they're extremely popular with locals (much like Chesapeake Bay crabs). So much so that, when in season, they sell them in boxes at the airport for travelers to take with them (seriously). Known as they are because of the hair that grows from their shell, they are available during the fall throughout Gaochun County.
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