Nanjing Exploration: History, Food & Unique Culture

From Jesus’ Brother to Salted Duck: Exploring NANJING | China Travel Vlog

Destination:ChinaCity:NanjingPopulation:9.4 million
From Jesus’ Brother to Salted Duck: Exploring NANJING | China Travel Vlog
Two Cents On Tour2025-03-2223 min

Nanjing is… well, it’s a lot. My first day here was a mix of chaos, history, and way too much duck. I checked into the cheapest hotel I could find (which was an adventure in itself), wandered a street dedicated entirely to cats (yes, there’s a cat’s butt statue), and tried the city’s famous salted duck. Plus the Taiping Rebellion, Hong Xiuquan—the guy who thought he was Jesus’ Chinese brother and started one of the wildest rebellions in history. This video is my first day in Nanjing: the good, the bad, and the salty. From the Nanjing Eye Bridge at sunset to the longest hotel check-in of my life, it’s all here.

--- Two Cents On Tour
March 22, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:08Cheapest hotel in Nanjing
  2. 0:19Cat themed street
  3. 5:47Checking into hotel
  4. 6:01Taiping Rebellion Museum
  5. 14:34Nanjing Eye visit
  6. 21:42Nanjing duck dish

Two Cents On Tour explores Nanjing's rich history and stunning views, from the Taiping Rebellion museum to the Nanjing Eye bridge, savoring local duck dishes along the way. A memorable China adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Finding budget-friendly accommodations in Nanjing that cater to foreign travelers can be challenging but rewarding. Be prepared for extra paperwork and registration processes. (0:08)
  2. Tip 2Navigating the registration process for foreigners in budget hotels in China can involve providing details like your travel itinerary and passport information. Be prepared for this process when choosing budget accommodation. (5:03)
  3. Tip 3Many subway stations in Nanjing primarily use stairs, unlike some other cities with more escalators. Plan accordingly if you have mobility issues or prefer escalators. (15:05)
  4. Tip 4Consider using bike-sharing services to get around Nanjing, especially for longer distances. Many options are available, but ensure you're familiar with the app and parking procedures. (15:31)
  5. Tip 5When using bike-sharing services, park your bike in designated areas to avoid penalties. Check the app for proper parking instructions. (17:43)
  6. Tip 6Salted duck is a popular Nanjing dish, but be aware that it can be quite salty. Pair it with rice or other dishes to balance the flavor. (22:30)

Two Cents On Tour's Nanjing adventure begins with a budget hotel stay and a quirky cat-themed street. He then delves into the fascinating, albeit bloody, history of the Taiping Rebellion, led by Hong Xiuquan, who believed himself to be Jesus' brother. The journey continues to the stunning Nanjing Eye pedestrian bridge, offering captivating city views. The day concludes with a delicious, albeit salty, taste of Nanjing's famed salted duck.

More about the current video:

From Jesus’ Brother to Salted Duck: Exploring NANJING | China Travel Vlog

This vlog follows Two Cents On Tour's exploration of Nanjing, China. His journey begins with finding the cheapest hotel that accepts foreigners, which turns out to be an experience in itself. He navigates a unique street dedicated to cats, complete with a cat's butt statue, adding a touch of quirky charm to his adventure.

He then delves into the city's rich history, visiting a museum dedicated to the Taiping Rebellion. This section provides a detailed account of Hong Xiuquan, the rebellion's leader who claimed to be Jesus' brother, and the significant impact of the rebellion on Chinese history. The scale of the conflict and the leader's fascinating backstory are highlighted, offering a unique historical perspective.

Two Cents On Tour's exploration extends to the Nanjing Eye, a pedestrian bridge offering breathtaking views of the city's skyline. The vlog captures the beauty of the bridge and the surrounding cityscape, providing a visual treat for viewers. The journey to the bridge involves navigating the city's public transport and streets, adding a layer of authenticity to the experience.

The vlog concludes with Two Cents On Tour's culinary adventure, where he samples Nanjing's famous salted duck. He shares his personal insights and experiences, adding a touch of humor and authenticity to his review. The overall experience is presented as a blend of historical exploration, urban exploration, and culinary discovery, making it a captivating travelogue.

The unique details, personal insights, and emotional moments captured throughout the vlog make it stand out. The surprising discoveries, local interactions, and authentic experiences add depth and richness to the narrative. The vivid language and storytelling elements create an engaging narrative, inviting viewers to experience Nanjing through Two Cents On Tour's eyes.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the hotel like?
A: Pretty basic, but the cheapest I could find that would take foreigners. It had a bed, a seat, a dresser, a work area, a kettle, a bathroom, and even a travel toothbrush because I forgot mine!
Q: What was the Taiping Rebellion museum like?
A: It was way more crowded than I expected! It's not just a museum, but also beautiful gardens, a prime spot for photos.
Q: How did you get around Nanjing?
A: I used the subway and also rented a bike. Many subway stations have a lot of stairs, so be prepared for that!
Q: What was the Nanjing Eye like?
A: It's a pedestrian bridge, not a Ferris wheel like in other cities. It has great views, but the lights weren't on the day I went because it was only Thursday.
Q: What did you eat in Nanjing?
A: I tried the famous salted duck. It was good, but very salty! I also had duck blood noodles, which I liked less.

Nanjing Exploration: History, Food & Unique Culture

Nanjing is… well, it’s a lot. My first day here was a mix of chaos, history, and way too much duck. I checked into the cheapest hotel I could find (which was an adventure in itself), wandered a street dedicated entirely to cats (yes, there’s a cat’s butt statue), and tried the city’s famous salted...

Nanjing Exploration: Taiping Rebellion & Nanjing Eye Bridge

Two Cents On Tour's Nanjing adventure begins with a chaotic yet captivating first day. He navigates the city's cheapest hotel, encounters a unique cat-themed street, and indulges in Nanjing's renowned salted duck. The journey takes him through significant historical sites, exploring the impact of the Taiping Rebellion and Hong Xiuquan. From breathtaking sunset views from the Nanjing Eye Bridge to unexpected challenges, this vlog offers a vibrant and authentic glimpse into Nanjing's multifaceted charm.

Attractions in this video: Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Museum, Nanjing Eye Bridge