Nanjing

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is a city where you can walk along 14th-century Ming Dynasty walls, relax by the calm Xuanwu Lake, and pay respects at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. As you explore Nanjing, you'll encounter ancient temples, informative museums, and historical sites that tell the story of China's past. The city's vibrant food scene and contemporary areas like the 1912 district show how Nanjing continues to grow and change.

Exploring Nanjing's Ancient City Walls

The Ming Dynasty city walls of Nanjing, built in the 14th century, stretch for over 33 kilometers around the old city. You can walk along sections of the wall for views of Nanjing from above. The Zhonghua Gate, also known as the Gate of China, is the largest of the wall's 13 original gates. Its complex structure includes 27 vaults that once housed up to 3,000 soldiers. These walls have endured centuries of warfare and natural disasters, demonstrating the advanced engineering skills of ancient Chinese architects.

Discovering the Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace in central Nanjing occupies a 90,000-square-meter compound that includes buildings from the Ming Dynasty and the early 20th century. You can visit the office where Chiang Kai-shek worked and walk through gardens with old trees and carp ponds. As you explore the rooms and corridors, you'll notice a combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles, indicative of the cultural shifts during the early 20th century.

Ascending Purple Mountain

On the eastern outskirts of Nanjing, Purple Mountain is home to several important historical sites. At the top of the mountain, you'll find the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the resting place of the founding father of modern China. A long stairway leads to the tomb, offering views of the surrounding forest. Nearby is the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the tomb of the Ming Dynasty's founding emperor. The mountain also houses the Purple Mountain Observatory, China's oldest modern astronomical research institution.

Sampling Nanjing's Culinary Delights

Nanjing's food scene is shaped by its history as a capital city and its location near the Yangtze River. Try the famous Nanjing salted duck, prepared using a special brining technique that results in tender, flavorful meat. Other local specialties include duck blood and vermicelli soup, and tangbao, small soup dumplings filled with pork and broth. For street food, head to the Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) area, where vendors sell various snacks and sweets. Many of these dishes have been enjoyed in Nanjing for centuries, with recipes passed down through generations.

Navigating Nanjing's Transportation System

Getting around Nanjing is convenient thanks to its extensive metro system. With 10 lines and over 170 stations, the metro connects most major attractions and districts. For longer journeys, Nanjing is a key stop on China's high-speed rail network. Trains to Shanghai take just over an hour, while Beijing is about four hours away. Within the city, buses and taxis are plentiful, and bike-sharing services provide an option for short trips. The city's transportation infrastructure continues to expand, with new metro lines and improved bus routes planned for the future.

Experiencing Modern Nanjing in the 1912 District

The 1912 district, named after the year the Republic of China was founded, represents Nanjing's modern side. This pedestrian-friendly area contains restaurants, bars, and shops in renovated Republican-era buildings. It's a popular spot for nightlife, with many venues featuring live music. During the day, you can browse boutiques selling local crafts and designer goods, or relax in one of the district's many cafes. The 1912 district exemplifies how Nanjing maintains its architectural heritage while adapting to contemporary urban life.