Nanjing
Frans Vandenbosch 方腾波 28/10/2025
Our journey from Shanghai to Nanjing aboard a Chinese high speed train highlighted China’s remarkable efficiency. This busy connection features four separate tracks in parallel, with trains departing on average every ten minutes.
The entire trip was completed in one hour and thirty minutes. A first class ticket is available for 30 CNY (about 3.60 EUR). Business class offers an enhanced experience for 75 CNY (about 9 EUR). The current Fuxing Hao CR400 trains in China travel at an operational speed of 350 km/h with a maximum speed of 450 km/hour.
The newer CR450 trains have an operational speed of 400 km/h.
Supermaglev 600 km/ hour
After five years of rigorous testing, the nation’s groundbreaking 600 km/h superconducting maglev train has officially passed all trials. According to CCTV, this technological marvel is set to move from the testing phase to mass production, with commercial deployment expected before year’s end. The supermaglev represents a quantum leap in high-speed rail technology. To put this in perspective, it will cover 600 kilometres in just one hour. This is not science fiction; it is arriving sooner than you think.
Baijia Lake by night
Baijia Lake (百家湖) in Nanjing Jiangning district
Steven Li
Last Friday in Nanjing, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting my long-time friend, Steven Li. His hospitality began with his driver (in exclusive luxury sedans) collecting us from our hotel near the Baijia Lake (百家湖) and navigating the busy traffic of the city.
We subsequently dined at an exclusive restaurant, an establishment renowned for its refined ambience and culinary artistry. The meal itself was truly exceptional, with each course presenting a harmonious blend of flavours that delighted the palate. Our conversation was equally captivating, flowing effortlessly as he recounted his most recent journeys to some of the world’s most secluded and inaccessible regions. We found a profound mutual enthusiasm for exploring uncommon foreign cultures and engaging with their people. This shared passion, for understanding the distinct traditions and perspectives that define communities far from the conventional path, formed the cornerstone of a deeply stimulating and memorable evening.
Hu Fusun
While in Nanjing, I met with another long-time friend Professor Hu Fusun again. He is the grandson of geographer Hu Huanyong who discovered the groundbreaking Hu-line (the Heihe–Tengchong Line). His daughter Hu Guānxīng and Steven Li joined us for a once again marvellous dinner.
Mr. Hu published several books about his grandfather who was the former dean of the Department of Geography of what’s now the famous “Nanda”, the Nanjing University. In 1957 Hu Huanyong established and became director of the research office of population geography at ECNU, the first demographic research institution in China.
Read more: Hu Line: China’s forgotten frontier
An unforgettable evening at Fàn sīchú, a culinary sanctuary
In the Gulou district of Nanjing, we discovered a hidden gem that transcends the conventional idea of dining. This is Fàn sīchú (梵私厨), a private kitchen that offers an experience so intimate and exquisite it feels like an invitation to a secret world of art and flavour.
Calling this a meal would be an injustice. Every creation from Ms. Fàn 梵is a masterpiece, a breathtaking composition of colour, texture, and form designed to delight the eyes before the palate. It is a true demonstration of artistry on a plate, where each detail reflects a profound passion for the culinary craft.
The heart of this endeavour is Ms. Fàn and her sister. Their dedication is evident in every aspect; they devote their entire day to preparing a single, harmonious menu for the one large round table that defines the space. The resulting atmosphere is warm and convivial, feeling more like a private dinner party than a restaurant service. Each course is presented thoughtfully, one after the other, allowing guests to fully appreciate the journey of complex and deeply satisfying flavours.
This is more than a dinner; it is a performance, a meditation, and a celebration of beauty. In our view, this is an essential experience for anyone seeking unique gastronomic art. It is a perfect blend of sublime taste, visual spectacle, and heartfelt hospitality
Due to the exclusive nature of this single table experience, we strongly advise securing a reservation well in advance to enjoy this transformative culinary journey.
Fàn Sī Chú (梵私厨) Fan Private Kitchen
江苏省南京市鼓楼区上海路209号105室
Room 105, No. 209, Shanghai Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province
The day after all these culinary experiences, we have taken the direct flight from Nanjing, Jiangsu province to Taichung in Taiwan province.
