Nanjing

Day 3: Bullet Train from Shanghai to Nanjing

25 December 2013 Wednesday

Both of us were pretty excited to take China's bullet train for the first time. The Shanghai Hongqiao train station was modern and pretty impressive. It was huge, lined with many gates, and had restaurants and shops for passengers as they wait for their trains. 

We were a little taken aback at the gate when we witnessed a few passengers attempting (rather violently) to get through without tickets. Other than that, everything and everyone else was structured and orderly.

The ride from Shanghai to Nanjing costs us ¥134.50 (S$28) each. The train arrived right on time. During the ride, there were train staff coming by several times, checking tickets, making sure the bags are stowed on the overhead shelf safely, selling food and drinks, etc.

The ride took slightly over an hour. Once we arrived in Nanjing, Gek Kia swiftly figured out the subway and got us to Cumberland Boutique Hotel, about S$100 per night. It was conveniently located a few hundred metres from the subway station.

Both of us were very happy with the room - it was modern, clean and extremely spacious. For those of you familiar with my travels, you will know that this is completely not my style. But I'm not complaining.

We were starving by the time we checked in, so we hopped into Deji Mall, which was fortunately just a road away. We had beef noodles and braised beef rice for ¥85 (S$18). After picking up some overpriced bread and orange juice for ¥35 (S$7) from the supermarket, we went back to the hotel to rest.

In the evening, we walked three subway stations (approximately 30 minutes) to Fuzi Temple, a pedestrian street filled with shops and food stalls.

I couldn't resist trying the deep fried fermented tofu 臭豆腐. A ¥10 (S$2) tray of goodness!

For something more substantial, we went to Nanjing Da Pai Dang - a Marche-like chain serving local Nanjing delights.

We ordered braised duck wings, fried radish cakes, sweet and sour chicken, pork belly glutinous rice and a huge bottle of coke, all for ¥140 (S$30).

Day 4: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

26 December 2013 Thursday

We went back to Deji Mall for brunch at a Hong Kong restaurant. The two plates of noodles cost us ¥70 (S$15). 

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall was the main reason why I wanted to visit Nanjing. It is a painful but important reminder of over 300,000 deaths during the six to eight weeks of Japanese occupation.

We took another long stroll in the afternoon to an area frequented by university students. We chanced upon a tiny bustling street with a market, several local noodles stalls and a couple of cafes.

To rest our feet, we checked out Miss Tree Cafe. We had a latte, milk tea and a small pizza for ¥70 (S$15). The cafe was well decorated, with interesting pictures, cute plushies, antique phones and accessories scattered all around.

I didn't realised there was a bear guarding the cafe. Must be a tough job sitting out there in the cold.

Next up and the last item for the day was shopping and eating at Nanjing Lion's Bridge Pedestrian Street.

 I bought a new hat that will keep my head and ears very warm.

 And we tried the famous crab roe dumpling - two for ¥15 (S$3).

He bought a crispy chicken cheese roll for ¥18 (S$3.70).

Becky lent me her boots as she was worried that my shoes weren't warm enough. I was super impressed by how warm they kept my feet, I decided to buy a pair just like hers. For ¥181 (S$38), I got one similar to hers - leather boots with wool lining.

Day 5: Zhongshan Mountain National Park

27 December 2013 Friday

We bought a ¥90 package ticket (S$19) which entitles admission to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum 明孝陵 and Linggu Pagoda 灵谷塔. 

Our first stop was Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵), Tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, also known as Emperor Hongwu, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Instant noodles tasted especially good in freezing winter.

Second stop:  Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵), the resting place of the leader of the 1911 revolution. The 392 steps made my legs ache for the next two days.

And the last stop was Linggu Pagoda 灵谷塔.

We made it just in time for the sunset and before they closed the pagoda.

For dinner, we decided to check out 1912, a collection of cool bars and up-market restaurants.

However, after a quick tour around, we decided on a restaurant across the road, which seemed to be more popular with the locals.

We ordered hong shao pork ribs, salted duck, crispy dumplings and vegetables for ¥130 (S$27).

[If you'll like to follow the trip chronologically, please go to Day 6: Train from Nanjing to Hangzhou.]