Jiangsu Province Travel Guide

The Master Of Nets Garden 网师园 Originally known as the Fisherman's Retreat,it was laid out under the Southern Song Dynasty and was renamed the Master of Nets Gardens in the reign of Qianlong under the Qing Dysnasty.The outstanding feature of this small but elegant garden is that it combines living quarters with the landscape garden.The physical center is a pond surrounded by roofed walkways and pavilions,and decorated with trees, flowers and rockery. In short, there are scenes beyond scenes, and gardens within the garden.  

2010 Qinhuai River Lantern Festival
2010 Qinhuai River Lantern Festival will start from February 11th to March 3rd, 2010 in Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River Scenic Area of Nanjing, according to a press conference by Nanjing Municipal Government yesterday.
Themed on "Lucky Tiger Year; Prosperous Jiangsu and Taiwan", the Lantern Festival will be co-held, for the first time, by Jiangsu Provincial Government and Taiwan Government, with a lantern lighting ceremony on the evening of February 11th.
Qinhuai River Lantern Festival will be divided into three displaying areas: Confucius Temple, Qinhuai River Displaying Area and Aigrette Land Park (Bailuzhou Park).
In the Confucius Temple, people will enjoy the anecdotes of Confucius, China's greatest teacher, interesting origin stories of Tiger Year and classic Chinese educative stories in the long history, all of which will be introduced by way of various lantern formations; in the Qinhuai River Displaying Area, people will be marveled at 23 grand lantern formations, which are well-designed and located in the picturesque Qinhuai River Scenic Area; in the Aigrette Land Park, people could have a taste of known and delicious Nanjing local snack and take part in series of celebrating activities like lantern dances and lantern riddles, which have been prepared in advance.
For those who have a strong interest in Chinese cultures and folklores, the Qinhuai River Lanter Festival provide them an excellent chance, which should not be missed.

Background Knowledge
Qinhuai River
The Qinhuai River is a tributary of the Yangtze River, about 110-kilometer-long, which is a major watercourse around Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. It used to called Huai Water, and was renamed Qinhuai River for the legend that Qin Emperor Shihuang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), ordered to introduce Huai Water to the city by excavating a mountain. It was very famous in the history but lost fame due to wars. The water became filthy and no sign of wealth could be found anymore. After repair and restoration in 1985, Qinhuai Rive became a beautiful resort and a must-see in Nanjing, attracting tens of thousands of tourists at home or from overseas every year.
Lantern Festival
Lantern Festival is a Chinese Festival usually celebrated on the 15th day of First Month of China's Lunar New Year. When the Lantern Festival is coming, every family will make a lantern ahead of time and hang it on the gate on the Spring Festival Eve. It says that the spirits of ancestors will come back and bring their offspring good luck in the new year by the guide of lanterns. During Lantern Festival, lantern dance, lantern formation, lantern riddles and various other activities will be held for people's appreciation. Lantern Festival is a good chance for overseas friends to get close to the folk cultures of Real China.

Suzhou is famous for Chinese landscape gardens with traditional Chinese architecture. It is near to Shanghai, so it contains a lot of fashionable elements. After enjoying the amazing landscape gardens, there are still a lot of things to do to know the city. In it, you may appreciate not only the traditional culture of China, but also the fashionable elements of Western countries. The nightlife and entertainment in Suzhou is also wonderful.
First, the Guan Qian Street and Shi Quan Street are the busiest streets in Suzhou. They are commercial streets combining entertainment, restaurants, shopping and tour. These two streets are must for tourists. You can enjoy the refreshing elements here.
Second, tourists should not miss the Shantang Street. This street has a history of more than 1100 years. There are a lot of old architectures here. It is between the Hu Qiu Mountain and the most thriving parts of Suzhou, so it becomes more important. Many famous works referred to it. Visitors may appreciate the amorous feelings of the water town, Suzhou. There are full of neat clothes shops, which are favorites of most young people. Here, there are full of Suzhou snacks and all kinds of fashionable food of other countries, such as Korean cold noodles and Japanese sashimi. Especially at night, the business is quite good.
Third, going to the Eunuch Lane to eat delicious food is a must. The Eunuch Lane is the most famous cate street in Suzhou. It is near the thriving Guan Qian Street. All the famous Suzhou restaurants locate in this street. All kinds of dishes are waiting for guests to taste. It must satisfy your appetite. At night, people are eating barbecue or other dishes with friends and their family. How cozy it is!
Fourth, going to bars is an indispensable choice at night. In Shi Quan Street, there are varieties of bars suitable for different people. Listening to the soft music, drinking beers, it is full of romantic atmosphere. In the Shantang Street, there are also many bars of reminiscence style. Whatever you talk about business stuff or meet friends, going to bars is a good choice.
Fifth, the traditional art of Suzhou, Kun Qu and Ping Tan are the treasure in the drama field of China, just like the Beijing Opera. Ping Tan is sung by Suzhou dialect accompanying three-string and lute. It can be seen in the landscape gardens here and there. At night, tourists usually can enjoy the performance in the theater. Elder people love these two art styles very much.
Besides, there are also other ways of entertainments in Suzhou. Young people like to go to Disco halls and KTV to reduce the pressure. Romantic people like to go to coffee bars to enjoy the leisure. Old people like to go to the tea houses to talk about things of daily life. Many fashionable ladies like to go to the Yoga gyms or hot spring spas to enjoy their pastime.
All in all, there are so many ways of entertainment and colorful nightlife in Suzhou. Tourists must appreciate not only the beautiful landscape gardens but also the amazing culture of Suzhou.