Jiangsu

Yes, most foreign travelers require a visa to enter China, which includes Jiangsu. Apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate before travel. Some transit exemptions exist for short stays in certain airports.

In major tourist cities like Nanjing, Suzhou, and Shanghai, basic English is spoken in hotels, tourist attractions, and by some younger people. In smaller towns and rural areas, English is minimal. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app is highly recommended.

Huaiyang cuisine is a must. Signature dishes include 'Lion's Head' meatballs (braised pork), 'Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish' (sweet and sour), Yangzhou fried rice, Nanjing salted duck, and various delicate soups and dumplings (xiaolongbao).

Major hotels, high-end restaurants, and large stores in cities accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). However, China is a cashless society dominated by mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay). It is essential to have a Chinese bank account or carry sufficient cash (Chinese Yuan - RMB) for smaller vendors, markets, and transportation.

Top attractions include: The Classical Gardens of Suzhou (UNESCO), The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing, The ancient water towns (Zhouzhuang, Tongli), The Grand Canal sections in Yangzhou and Wuxi, The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, and The modern skyline of Shanghai (The Bund, Pudong).

Most foreign nationals require a visa; check with Chinese embassy. Some cities offer 144-hour transit visa-free stays.

Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards accepted in hotels and big stores; cash needed for small vendors.

Limited, especially outside major cities. Learn basic Chinese phrases or use translation apps.

No, drink bottled or boiled water. Ice in drinks may be made from tap water.

Jiangsu cuisine (Huaiyang) is known for delicate flavors, like xiaolongbao, sweet and sour spare ribs, and Nanjing salted duck.

Avoid discussing sensitive topics like Tiananmen Square or Tibet. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice.

High-speed train from Shanghai to Nanjing takes about 1 hour; to Suzhou, 30 minutes.

Yes, but take standard precautions: avoid dark alleys at night, keep valuables hidden, and use registered taxis.

Comfortable walking shoes, layers for variable weather, a power adapter (Type A/C/I), and a reusable water bottle.

Yes, but you may need a VPN for apps like Google and Facebook. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy.

Qinhuai Lantern Festival (Nanjing, Jan-Feb), Suzhou International Silk Festival (Sep), and Dragon Boat Festival (June).

Tipping is not expected and can be seen as insulting. Service charges are included in bills.