I heard about a park where there was a replica treasure ship. Zheng He was sailing as far as Africa and the Middle East in 1405 a long time before Christopher Columbus was even born. His ship was built in Nanjing and now, in the same place stands a replica of one of his supply ships.
We gave up waiting on Guangzhou Lu for the number 65 and got a taxi. £1.70 later we arrived on the banks of the Yangtze river and the ornate gates of the park. Paying £3 we entered the park and were amazed at the water channels, plants and willows all around.
Walking towards the river we spotted the ship for the first time and what a sight it was. Built in one of the channels, it’s grotesque smile lured us towards it. On board it was possible to walk into each end of the ship and experience the tilt of the floor, being built to a traditional design.
We shed our layers as the sun beat down, we wandered around the park marvelling at the lovely houses facing the park. We were surprised at the lack of Chinese in the park, the place was so peaceful and relaxing we wondered why more people don’t go there. It occurred to us that the Chinese, being very “careful” with money, are unwilling to cough up the £3 each for the entrance fee.
Since the local govt. got rid of the entrance fee for Sun Yat Sen’s Mausoleum and Xuanwu Lake hordes of Nanjingers has flocked there spoiling any peace and quiet that we used to enjoy there. Let’s hope that they don’t make this park free entry, it was so nice there, I want to have at least one place in Nanjing which is not overrun with Chinese!
Great Photos.