As the last open-air market in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, Xishanqiao still retains the tone of the 1970s and 1980s - down-to-earth, old-fashioned and lively. The name Xishanqiao can be traced back to the Southern Tang Dynasty. At that time, because the local Xinlin Bridge had long been in disrepair, monks from Niushou Mountain raised funds to build two new bridges, one to the east and one to the west, making life easier for local residents. To commemorate their good deeds, the people named these two bridges Dongshanqiao and Xishanqiao, a tradition that has been followed ever since.
Today, Xishanqiao Morning Market still retains the lively and bustling atmosphere of the past. In the early morning, the market is full of activity and vitality. The fresh vegetables and fruits are colorful and abundant, and the prices are the lowest in all of Nanjing, tempting people to stop and pick. In addition to the rich agricultural products, Xishanqiao Morning Market also collects many authentic Nanjing delicacies. Nanjing roasted duck, Nanjing pan-fried dumplings, multi-grain pancakes, steamed milk, crispy young chicken, pan-fried buns, Qingke roasted cakes, Qingke pancakes, sesame cakes and more, each emitting an enticing aroma, each bite full of happiness.
For those accustomed to urban life, rushing to the "morning peak" in Xishanqiao Old Street is like riding a time machine back to the last century. But once people enter this old-fashioned world, they will be infected by the calls and haggling, dazzled by the colorful fruits and vegetables, and delighted by the rustic delicacies. Then they will blend into this place as seamlessly as if they were born here.