Nanjing Travel Guide

Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province and one of China's great ancient capitals, spread along the lower Yangtze. Hills and lakes dot its surroundings, and tree-lined avenues run through the city. Several dynasties, beginning with the Six Dynasties, made their capital here, and the city gathers sights drawn from its long history.

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, spread at the foot of Purple Mountain, is the tomb of the first Ming emperor. It is inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the imperial tombs of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Midway up the same hillside stands a separate memorial complex; a flight of white stone steps climbs to its hall, from which you can look out over the city.

The Nanjing city wall, which once enclosed the city, was built in the Ming dynasty and is among the largest urban walls surviving in the world. At the Zhonghua Gate you can climb onto the wall and see the masonry skill of that era up close. As a city facing the Yangtze, the streets along its river and canals are also worth seeing.

The area around the Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River lights up at night, when lanterns reflect on the water and pleasure boats run. Duck dishes — salted duck and duck-blood vermicelli soup — are the tastes of Nanjing. High-speed rail links the city with Shanghai and Beijing, making it an ancient capital to enjoy for both its walks and its food.