About Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province and the second largest
city in eastern China (after Shanghai), with a total population of
8.16 million and an urban population of 6.55 million in 2013. The
city whose name means ‘‘Southern Capital’’ has a prominent place in
Chinese history and culture, having served as the capitals of
various Chinese dynasties, kingdoms and republican governments
dating from the 3rd century CE to 1949. Nanjing is one of the most
beautiful cities of mainland China with lush green parks, natural
scenic lakes, small mountains, historical buildings and monuments,
relics and much more, which attracts thousands of tourists every
year.
Here are some travel spots in the city of Nanjing.
Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum (中山陵)
Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum (中山陵) (Figure 1) is situated at the foot of
the second peak of Mount Zijin (Purple Mountain) in Nanjing, China.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen is considered to be the “Father of Modern China” who
fought against the imperial Qing government and ended the monarchy
and established the Republic of China after the 1911 revolution.
With deep historical significance, magnificent architecture and
beautiful scenery, Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is classified as a AAAAA
scenic area by the China National Tourism Administration.
Figure 1: Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum (中山陵)
The Nanjing Presidential Palace (南京总统府)
The Nanjing Presidential Palace (南京总统府) (Figure 2) has more than 600
years history. It is not only the Headquarters of the Nationalist
Government, but also the Palace of the Heavenly King and Office of
the Viceroy of Two Lower Yangtze Provinces. The Presidential Palace
is divided into three regions. The central region is mainly the
presidential palace of the Nationalist Government and its affiliated
institutions. The Western District is Sun Yat-sen’s temporary
presidential office, the Secretariat and the West Garden, as well as
the Staff Headquarters. The Eastern District is mainly the former
site of the Administrative office, Stable and East Garden.
Figure 2: The Nanjing Presidential Palace (南京总统府)
Yuhuatai (雨花台)
Yuhuatai (雨花台) (Figure 3) is located in the south of Zhonghuamen,
Nanjing. It is a patriotism education demonstration base. The whole
scene is divided into six blocks: Martyrs' Cemetery District, Scenic
Spots and Historic District, Yuhuashi Cultural District, Yuhuacha
Culture Zone, Recreational Activity Zone and Ecological Forest Zone.
In the Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall and the Martyrs' Deeds
Exhibition Hall, many books, manuscripts, clothes and writing tools
of the soldiers were displayed. The lush park is not only a tourist
attraction, but also a place for Nanjing citizens to entertain.
Figure 3: Yuhuatai (雨花台)
Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖)
Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖) (Figure 4) is located in Xuanwu District in the
central-northeast part of Nanjing in Jiangsu, China. It is near the
Nanjing Railway Station and Ji Ming Temple. Five islands within the
lake are interconnected by arched bridges. A visit to the lake and
its park can include up to a five-hour walk. Within the park are
temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, teahouses, restaurants,
entertainment venues, a small zoo, and other attractions. Its main
entrance is the Xuanwu Gate.
Figure 4: Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖)
Qinhuai River (秦淮河)
The Qinhuai River (秦淮河) (Figure 5) is a tributary river of Yangtze
River which runs through central Nanjing. It's also the birthplace
of the traditional Nanjing culture. As such, it's called "Nanjing's
mother river". It is the "life blood" of the city. The Qinhuai River
is divided into inner and outer rivers. Today, the scenic belt along
the Qinhuai River develops with the Confucius Temple at the center
and the river serving as a bond. The belt featuring attractions like
Zhanyuan Garden, the Confucius Temple, China Gate as well as the
sailing boats.
Figure 5: Qinhuai River (秦淮河)