Location & How to Get There

Laomen East Bian Ying sits in the heart of Nanjing’s Qintai District, just south of the city’s iconic Confucius Temple area. To reach this historic gem, take Nanjing Metro Line 3 to Laomen East Station (老门东站) or hop on a bus to Zhonghua Gate. If you’re staying near Xinjiekou or Hong Mountain, it’s an easy bike ride or 20-minute walk. The neighborhood feels tucked away, but it’s actually super accessible!

Natural Vibes & Hidden Corners

Wandering through Laomen East Bian Ying feels like stepping into old Nanjing. Cobblestone lanes wind between gray-brick houses draped in climbing vines, and tiny bridges arch over quiet canals. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the streets, while autumn paints the area in golden hues. Don’t miss the Qixia River nearby—rent a paddle boat for a peaceful glide under stone bridges. Even on busy days, side alleys offer shaded spots to escape the crowds.

History & Culture Everywhere

This place is a living museum! Laomen East Bian Ying was once a working-class neighborhood, but today it buzzes with traditional workshops. Watch craftsmen carve intricate wooden fans or mold colorful clay figurines at stalls lining Bian Ying Road. At night, Pearl Bridge hosts outdoor opera performances, where actors in silk costumes sing stories from Ming Dynasty tales. For a deep dive, visit the Nanjing City Wall Exhibition Hall nearby—it explains how these walls guarded the city for centuries.

Eat, Shop, Repeat

Foodies, get ready! Laomen East Bian Ying is packed with street food stalls serving steamed buns filled with pork and vegetables, sugar-coated hawthorn sticks, and spicy duck blood soup. For something fancy, try Jiangyou Resto, a courtyard restaurant with lanterns hanging overhead. Shopping here means hunting for souvenirs: hand-painted silk scarves, teapot sets, or calligraphy brushes dipped in ink. The Creative Market on weekends is perfect for scoring unique crafts.

Tips for an Epic Visit

  • Best time to go: Early morning (before crowds) or late evening (when lights glow).
  • Must-try: Order tangyuan (sweet rice balls) at Lianhe Tea House—they’re Instagram-famous!
  • Photo ops: The Qixia River at sunset, or the red-door alley near Yuhua Stone Street.
  • Avoid: Weekdays if you hate crowds—weekends are packed!

Explore Laomen East Bian Ying slowly. Sip tea in a bamboo chair, chat with vendors, and let the old-world charm sink in. It’s not just a sightseeing spot—it’s a time machine to Nanjing’s soul!