NIC Living Guide—Recommendations for Tourist Destinations

Natural Scenery Type

Tianmu Lake: The Pristine Pearl of Jiangnan

Nestled at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces, Tianmu Lake stands as a national 5A-level scenic area and ecological resort, renowned as the "Back Garden of the Shanghai-Nanjing Metropolis Cluster". Just 2 hours from Shanghai and 35 minutes from Nanjing Lukou International Airport, this natural gem offers seamless access while retaining an air of tranquil seclusion.

Tips: 

Basic Ticket price: 90 RMB

Opening Hours: 8:00 am—5:00 pm

Address: No. 1, Huanhu West Road, Tianmuhu Town, Liyang, Jiangsu Province.

Image Source: "Tianmu Lake Scenic Area" Official WeChat Account

Image Source: "Changzhou Release" Official WeChat Account

Anji, Zhejiang: Where Green Dreams Meet Timeless Charm

Nestled in northern Zhejiang, just a 50-minute drive from Hangzhou and a short trip from the Yangtze River Delta metropolises, Anji is far more than a scenic escape—it’s the birthplace of the "Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets" philosophy. This land, once the ancient Zhangjun county seat and cradle of Yue culture, weaves together over 200 intangible cultural heritages, boundless natural beauty, and thrilling adventures into an unforgettable tapestry.

Tips:

Ticket Price: Anji is a county in Zhejiang province. The ticket price is up to the scenic area you plan to visit.

Address: Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China

Image Source: "Anji Release" Official WeChat Account

Ancient Town Style Type

Wuzhen, Zhejiang: A Timeless Water Town Frozen in Elegance

Tucked in northern Zhejiang, where the Grand Canal meanders through the Jiangnan plain, Wuzhen is more than a "water town"—it’s a living museum of ancient Chinese life. With a history stretching over 1,300 years, this UNESCO-listed cultural gem has preserved its stone bridges, wooden houses on stilts, and crisscrossing canals, offering visitors a chance to step back into a poetic Jiangnan of centuries past. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Hangzhou and 2 hours from Shanghai, Wuzhen blends accessibility with an unspoiled, old-world charm.

Tips: 

Basic Ticket Price: 100RMB.

Opening Hours: 7:00 am—6:00 pm

Address: No. 18, Shifo South Road, Tongxiang, Zhejiang Province.

Image Source: "Wuzhen Scenic Area" Official WeChat Account

Tongli, Jiangsu: "Little Venice of the East"

Tongli Ancient Town, located in the Wujiang District of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, is a pearl among China's ancient water towns, often hailed as the "Oriental Venice". It attracts countless visitors with its canals and stone bridges.

Tips:

Basic Ticket Price: 100 RMB

Opening Hours: 8:00 am—9:00 pm 

Address: No. 1, Zhongchuan South Road, Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province.

Image Source: "Tongli tourism" Official WeChat Account

Cultural and Historical Type

Nanjing Zhongshan Scenic Area, Jiangsu: Where History, Nature, and Legacy Converge

Perched on the slopes of Zijinshan (Purple Mountain)—Nanjing’s "green lung"—Zhongshan Scenic Area is a sprawling 8,000-acre sanctuary that weaves together China’s modern history, ancient heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. More than just a tourist destination, it’s a place to honor visionary leaders, wander through centuries-old temples, and lose yourself in mountain forests—all just 30 minutes from downtown Nanjing. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or seeker of quiet contemplation, this iconic scenic spot offers an unforgettable journey through time.

Tips:

Ticket Price: free 

Opening Hours: 6:30 am—6:00 pm

Address: No. 7, Shixiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province.

Image Source: "Nanjing Zhongshan Scenic Area" Official WeChat Account

Image Source: "The Daily Bite" Official WeChat Account

Special Experience Type

Moganshan, Zhejiang: Zhejiang’s Timeless Mountain Retreat of Luxury & Nature

Tucked in northern Zhejiang, just a 2.5-hour drive from Shanghai and 1.5 hours from Hangzhou, Mogan Mountain is far more than a summer escape—it’s a postcard-perfect blend of lush landscapes, colonial-era charm, and boutique luxury. For over a century, this 758-meter-high mountain has drawn travelers seeking respite from city heat (it’s 6–8°C cooler than the plains in summer) and a taste of slow, elegant living. Whether you’re hiking through bamboo forests, sipping tea in a historic villa, or unwinding in a cliffside spa, Mogan Mountain offers a serene escape that feels worlds away from the bustle of the Yangtze River Delta.

Tips: 

Basic Ticket Price: 80 RMB 

Opening Hours: 8:00 am—5:00 pm

Address: Mogan Mountain, Deqing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province.

Image Source: "Moganshan Tourism Official Platform" Official WeChat Account

Huaniao Island, Zhoushan, Zhejiang: Zhejiang’s Secluded "Island of Flowers & Birds" for Serene Coastal Escapes

Tucked away in the East China Sea, part of the Zhoushan Archipelago, Huaniao Island (literally "Flower & Bird Island") is a hidden gem far from the crowds of more famous coastal destinations. Just a 2-hour ferry ride from Shenjiamen Port (Zhoushan) and 4 hours from Shanghai, this tiny island (only 3.28 square kilometers) feels like a world of its own—where turquoise waters lap against rocky shores, wildflowers carpet hillsides, and seabirds fill the sky at dawn. It’s the perfect spot for travelers craving quiet: no skyscrapers, no loud crowds, just the sound of waves and the breeze. Whether you’re strolling along golden beaches, watching sunsets over the ocean, or spotting rare birds, Huaniao Island offers a slow, peaceful coastal experience you won’t find elsewhere.

Tips: 

Basic Ticket Price: 85 RMB

Opening Hours: All day

Address: No. Liwu Line, Shengsi County, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province.