Nanjing Travel Guide: A City of Capitals
Nanjing (南京) served as China’s capital for six dynasties and the Republic of China. The city wears its history on its sleeve — remnants of the Ming dynasty walls still ring the center, and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial ensures visitors never forget the 20th century’s darkest chapter. It’s less chaotic than Beijing and less international than Shanghai, with a character all its own.
Must-see: The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵) — 392 steps up Purple Mountain, with a view that justifies the climb. Confucius Temple (夫子庙) area — a restored Ming dynasty quarter with temples, shops, and the Qinhuai River. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum — the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming dynasty. Nanjing City Wall — the longest city wall in the world, 35km intact, great for cycling. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre — harrowing but essential, one of the most important museums in China.
Food: Nanjing salted duck (盐水鸭) is the signature dish — cured, poached, served cold. Duck blood soup (鸭血粉丝汤) is the local comfort food. Eat at the food stalls near Confucius Temple.