traveling to nanjing feb 8-15. what other cities are close by and what can i see there?

You can go to the nearby Yangzhou. If by train, it takes about one hour to reach the city. Or, you can take a coach to Yangzhou from North Bus Station, South Bus Station or East Bus Station (about 70 minutes). You can see the Slender West Lake, Ge Garden, He Garden, etc. Have fun! :)

tx so much for your speedy reply.

how about hangzhou and chouzhow? anything to see there and how to i get there? i am most interested in nature and temples.

In Hangzhou, you may go to see West Lake, Qiantang River, Thousand Islets Lake, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, etc. You can go to the city by taking a bullet train from the main railway station or south railway station (1.5-3.5 hours).

In Suzhou (I think you mean by chouzhow), you can visit Humble Administrator's Garden, Zhouzhuang Water Town, Luzhi Town, and Tiger Hill. You may take a bullet train to Suzhou from the main railway station or South Railway Station (1 to 1.5 hours).

Also, you can go to visit Shanghai. There are many things to see: The Bund, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and Zhujiajiao Water Town. You can get there by bullet train (1.5-2.5 hours).

many many thanks!