Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is one of China’s most historically significant cities. Known as the “Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties,” Nanjing has served as China’s capital during several crucial periods of Chinese history and has witnessed some of the nation’s most important events. Located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, about 300 kilometers west of Shanghai, Nanjing combines imperial grandeur with natural beauty and a modern cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city’s rich historical heritage, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Confucius Temple, and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, makes it an essential destination for any traveler seeking to understand the depth and complexity of Chinese civilization.
The Historical Significance of Nanjing: Capital of Six Dynasties
Nanjing’s history as a capital city spans over 1,800 years, making it one of China’s four great ancient capitals alongside Beijing, Xi’an, and Luoyang. The city first became a capital during the Three Kingdoms period when Sun Quan established the Wu Kingdom here in 229 AD. Over the following centuries, Nanjing served as the capital of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and the Southern Dynasties of Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen, giving rise to its enduring nickname. The Ming Dynasty founder, Zhu Yuanzhang, made Nanjing his capital in 1368, building the magnificent Ming Palace and the city’s massive defensive walls. The Ming Dynasty city wall of Nanjing, stretching over 35 kilometers, is the longest city wall ever built in China and remains remarkably well-preserved. The Republic of China made Nanjing its capital from 1927 to 1937 and again after World War II, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful buildings in a blend of traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles. The city’s modern history includes the tragic Nanjing Massacre of 1937-1938, when Japanese forces occupied the city and committed widespread atrocities. The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall stands as a somber reminder of this dark chapter and serves as an important educational site for peace. Understanding this layered history is essential for appreciating Nanjing’s character, as the city has risen from tragedy multiple times to reclaim its position as one of China’s most important cultural centers.
Also worth reading:
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Purple Mountain
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the burial site of the Hongwu Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, and is one of the most impressive imperial tombs in China. Located at the southern foot of Purple Mountain, the mausoleum complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that took over 20 years to complete. The approach to the mausoleum is a ceremonial journey that begins with the Great Golden Gate and follows the Sacred Way, a winding path lined with massive stone statues of animals including elephants, camels, lions, and mythical creatures. These statues, each carved from single blocks of stone, have stood guard over the tomb for over 600 years. The path continues through the Tablet Pavilion, housing a巨大 stone tortoise supporting a stele inscribed with the emperor’s achievements. The final approach leads to the Soul Tower, a magnificent structure that now serves as the entrance to the underground tomb chamber, which has never been excavated and remains sealed. The mausoleum is set within the lush forests of Purple Mountain, which offers many other attractions worth exploring. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, located nearby on Purple Mountain, honors Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China. The mausoleum features a beautiful blue-tiled roof and offers stunning views of Nanjing from its summit. The Linggu Temple, also on Purple Mountain, is a beautiful Buddhist temple complex that includes a beamless hall built entirely of brick, an architectural marvel of the Ming Dynasty. Allow a full day to explore the mausoleums and Purple Mountain’s other attractions.
The Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River Area
The Confucius Temple, or Fuzi Miao, is the cultural heart of Nanjing. This temple complex, originally built in 1034, is dedicated to Confucius and served as the center of imperial examination activities in southern China. The surrounding area, stretching along the Qinhuai River, is one of the most atmospheric places in Nanjing. Traditional Ming and Qing dynasty buildings line the riverbanks, housing shops, restaurants, teahouses, and museums. The area is particularly magical in the evening when red lanterns reflect on the water and the buildings are illuminated. Take a boat ride on the Qinhuai River for a romantic perspective on this historic district. The Imperial Examination Museum, located within the temple complex, offers fascinating insights into China’s ancient civil service examination system, which was used to select government officials for over 1,300 years. You’ll see recreated examination cells where candidates spent days writing essays under intense pressure. The surrounding streets are filled with food stalls and restaurants serving Nanjing’s famous snacks. You must try duck blood and vermicelli soup, a local specialty, and the Nanjing salted duck, which is considered among the best in China. The area also features several excellent museums, including the Nanjing Museum, which houses over 400,000 artifacts covering Nanjing’s entire history. The Wuyi Lane, a narrow alley near the temple, is famous from Tang Dynasty poetry and offers a glimpse of traditional Nanjing life. The Confucius Temple area is one of the busiest tourist districts in Nanjing, especially during holidays, but its energy and atmosphere are part of its appeal.
Nanjing’s Wartime History: The Memorial Hall and Peace Museum
The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders is one of China’s most important museums and a site that every visitor to Nanjing should experience. The museum, built on the site of a mass grave, documents the atrocities committed by Japanese forces during the six-week occupation of Nanjing from December 1937 to January 1938. The exhibits include photographs, artifacts, survivor testimonies, and personal accounts that collectively bear witness to one of the darkest chapters of 20th-century history. The museum’s architecture is powerful and symbolic, with the main exhibition hall built underground to represent the “burial” of the victims. The square outside features sculptures and statues that convey the suffering of the victims, including the famous “Knock the Door of Peace” statue. The Hall of Sorrow contains the names of known victims inscribed on walls that stretch to the ceiling. While the subject matter is deeply disturbing, the museum’s message is ultimately one of peace and reconciliation. The final section of the museum focuses on efforts to document the massacre and the importance of remembering history to prevent future atrocities. Visiting the memorial is an emotionally intense experience, but it is essential for understanding the trauma that shaped modern Chinese history. Allow at least two to three hours for a thorough visit, and consider visiting early in the day when the crowds are smaller.
Nanjing’s Culinary Traditions: Salted Duck and More
Nanjing’s cuisine is a distinct branch of Jiangsu culinary tradition, known for its refined flavors and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The city’s most famous dish is Nanjing salted duck, a delicacy that has been prepared here for over a thousand years. Unlike Peking duck, which is roasted, Nanjing salted duck is cured with salt and spices, then boiled or steamed, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a delicate salty taste. The best places to try it are the old-established restaurants near the Confucius Temple area. Another signature dish is duck blood and vermicelli soup, a hearty broth made with duck blood cubes, vermicelli noodles, tofu puffs, and duck offal, seasoned with pepper and cilantro. This humble street food is a beloved Nanjing comfort food. “Jinling” braised eggplant, named after Nanjing’s ancient name, is a rich, savory dish that showcases the city’s skill with vegetable preparations. Nanjing’s location on the Yangtze River means that fresh fish and seafood feature prominently in the local diet. The “squirrel-shaped mandarin fish,” while also famous in Suzhou, is prepared differently in Nanjing with a distinctive sauce. For dessert, try the osmanthus cake, a sweet rice cake flavored with osmanthus flowers that grow abundantly in the region. The city’s snack streets, particularly near the Confucius Temple and in the Laomendong area, offer a wide variety of local specialties. Nanjing is also famous for its tea culture, and the Yuhua tea, grown on nearby Yuhuatai, is a green tea with a distinctive nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with local pastries.
Modern Nanjing and the Yangtze River
While Nanjing is steeped in history, it is also a thoroughly modern city with a vibrant contemporary culture. The Nanjing Olympic Sports Center, built for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, is a stunning example of modern architecture and hosts concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions. The Nanjing 1912 District, named after the founding year of the Republic of China, is a trendy entertainment area featuring bars, restaurants, and nightclubs housed in beautifully restored Republican-era buildings. The area comes alive at night and is popular with both locals and visitors. The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge is an iconic structure that deserves special mention. Built between 1960 and 1968, this double-decker bridge was the first bridge to span the Yangtze River in Nanjing and was hailed as a triumph of Chinese engineering. The bridge carries both road traffic on the upper deck and railway traffic on the lower deck. You can walk across the pedestrian paths on the upper deck for impressive views of the Yangtze River. The bridge’s construction was a point of national pride, as it was built without foreign assistance during a period of international isolation. The bridge museum at the southern end tells the story of its construction. For a different perspective on the city, take a Yangtze River cruise, which offers views of the modern skyline, the bridge, and the river’s massive ship traffic. The cruise is particularly enjoyable in the evening when Nanjing’s lights reflect on the water.
Practical Tips for Visiting Nanjing
Nanjing is well-connected to major Chinese cities by high-speed rail, with trains from Shanghai taking just over an hour and from Beijing taking about three and a half hours. Nanjing Lukou International Airport serves domestic and international flights, with connections throughout Asia. The Nanjing Metro is extensive, affordable, and easy to use, with English signage available at all stations. The best time to visit Nanjing is spring, from March to May, when the city’s many trees and gardens are in bloom. Autumn, from September to November, is also excellent, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Summer is hot and humid, while winter can be cold and damp. Nanjing’s climate is more seasonal than Shanghai’s, so pack accordingly. The local currency is the Chinese yuan, and mobile payment is widely accepted. English is spoken at major tourist sites and hotels but is not common elsewhere, so a translation app is useful. Nanjing is a large city, and the main attractions are spread out, so plan your itinerary carefully. Purple Mountain and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum can be visited together in one day, while the Confucius Temple area and the city center make up another day. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre deserves a half-day visit. Nanjing is generally a safe city, but exercise normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas. The city’s walkable historic districts, excellent museums, and world-class dining make it a rewarding destination that offers a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture.
Conclusion: Nanjing’s Enduring Spirit
Nanjing is a city of profound contrasts and deep significance. Its history encompasses some of China’s greatest achievements and its darkest tragedies. The city’s imperial monuments speak to the grandeur of China’s dynastic past, while its modern districts showcase the country’s dynamic present. The scars of war are preserved as memorials, not for bitterness, but as lessons for future generations. What makes Nanjing special is not any single attraction but the cumulative weight of its story. Walking the ancient city wall, paying respects at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, floating on the Qinhuai River at night, and standing in silence at the Memorial Hall creates a complex emotional experience that lingers long after you leave. For international travelers, Nanjing offers an essential chapter in understanding China’s long and complex history. It is a city that has fallen and risen multiple times, each time emerging stronger and more resilient. In its parks and teahouses, its museums and monuments, Nanjing tells a story that every traveler should take the time to hear. Give this remarkable city at least three to four days, and you will be rewarded with insights and experiences that deepen your understanding of China in ways that few other destinations can match.
