Nanjing

Nanjing, China

The Yangtze River flows through the capital of Jiangsu province which was once the seat of government of six ancient dynasties. The flaking Ming walls, the grim Ming tomb, the grand Presidential Palace and the imposing Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum are all living history. A walk around in the Confucius Temple area, Wuyixiang and Laodongmen provides a snapshot of what the city was like in the old days.

Nanjing is a hectic modern city, but also one steeped in history with many stories to tell.

Getting around

• Confucius Temple – Qinhuai River Belt

  With its numerous historical sites and eye-pleasing vistas along the way, the most bustling cultural and commercial center of Nanjing makes for the most rewarding walk.

• Zhongshan Scenic Area

  It features over 200 historic and natural attractions surrounding Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, including one World Cultural Heritage site. Green hills, placid lakes and ancient architecture integrate seamlessly with each other, making the area a choice destination for day-trippers.

• Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

  It was built in remembrance of the 300,000 Chinese men, women and children killed by the Japanese troops that captured the former Chinese capital during World War II. It enshrines the unforgivable sadness and frustrated rage of the Chinese people. It's the only place where the government holds an annual ceremony to honor the victims during the weeks-long atrocities.

• Presidential Palace

  The 600-year-old complex once housed the offices of the provincial governors of the Qing dynasty, the residence of the Heavenly King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the office building of the first president of the Republic of China. It contains classic Chinese gardens and Chinese buildings with western influences.

• Xuanwu Lake Park

  The former imperial playground is now the largest urban park in the southern part of China. Five islands are dotted around on a sprawling lake, all of which are connected by graceful bridges and walking paths.

  
  
  
• Snacks

  For foodies, Dashibei Street in the Confucius Temple area and Shiziqiao on Hunan Road are worth a dedicated trip. Duck blood noodles, Shizitou meat balls, chicken soup wrapped in steamed buns and fish stewed with pickled vegetables are Nanjing's signature culinary creations.