Built as the site to worship the great Chinese thinker Confucius, the shrine known as Fuzi Miao in Chinese, has been the most bustling local cultural and commercial center since its establishment in 1034. Covering an area of 2.63 hectares with surrounding buildings in good harmony, it enjoys a typical architectural style from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Eating in this two-story venue is strange but fun. After ordering from a menu full of set combos, waiters bring in more than a dozen small dishes, each holding a different snack, until the table is heaving with porcelain pots.
The star of the plate-driven feast is Qinhuai Eight Treasures, a dining concept featuring eight pairs of iconic eats that originated along the Qinhuai River. The 16 nibbles – half are dry dishes, others wet – are coupled by the restaurant to achieve the best gastronomic effect.