Six-dynasty Ancient Capital Nanjing
Nanjing boasts major tourist attractions such as Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, solemn and respectful, housing the tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen; Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area, a fusion of historic sites, gardens, and riverboats, especially enchanting at night; Nanjing Museum, exhibiting a wealth of historical and cultural artifacts; Zhongshan Scenic Area, where natural beauty intertwines with cultural landscapes; and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the historic tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Each of these sites showcases Nanjing's profound historical and cultural heritage.
Nanjing’s Main History
With a human history of 500,000 years, Nanjing has been a city for nearly 2,500 years and served as a capital for 450 years. It is known as the “Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties” and “Metropolis of Ten Regimes,” and is one of the first National Famous Historical and Cultural Cities of China.
Nanjing’s Latitude & Longitude
City centre (Xinjiekou): 32°02′38″ N, 118°46′43″ E.
Nanjing’s Total Area
6,587.04 km².
Nanjing’s Permanent Resident Population
≈ 9.547 million (end-2023).
Number & Names of Nanjing Airports
2 airports: Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) — the primary civil airport, and Nanjing Ma’an International Airport
Number & Names of Nanjing’s Main Railway Stations
5 principal stations: Nanjing Railway Station, Nanjing South, Nanjing West, Jiangning, and Nanjing North (opening 2025).
When Nanjing Opened Its Metro & How Many Lines Exist
First metro line opened 3 September 2005; as of June 2025 the network comprises 13 operating lines.
Nanjing’s Geographic Position in China
South-west Jiangsu Province, on the south bank of the lower Yangtze River; the north-western wing of the Yangtze River Delta, about 300 km west of Shanghai and a key north-south & east-west transport hub.
Nanjing’s Geographic Features
Known as “a city coiled by dragons and crouched by tigers,” Nanjing is 64.5 % low hills and ridges and 35.5 % plains and waterways. The Yangtze River flows along its northern edge, and the Qinhuai River winds through the southern city.
Nanjing’s Climate Characteristics
North-subtropical humid monsoon climate: four distinct seasons; annual mean temperature 15.4 °C; annual precipitation ≈ 1,106 mm. A pronounced plum-rain period occurs in early summer; spring and autumn are short but pleasant.
Months of Nanjing’s Four Seasons
Spring: March–May
Summer: June–August
Autumn: September–November
Winter: December–February
Nanjing’s Annual Average Temperature
≈ 15.4 °C.
Nanjing’s Annual Average Precipitation
≈ 1,106 mm.
Best Times to Visit Nanjing
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are moderate and flowers or foliage are at their best.
Nanjing’s Peak Tourist Seasons
Mid-April–late May and late September–late October (National Day “Golden Week” is the busiest).
Major Tourist Attractions
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Confucius Temple–Qinhuai River Scenic Belt, Nanjing Museum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Xuanwu Lake, Laomendong Historic District.
Main Shopping Streets & Locations
Xinjiekou Pedestrian Street (intersection of Zhongshan Road & Hanzhong Road, straddling Qinhuai and Xuanwu Districts) and Hunan Road Commercial Street (Gulou District).
Signature Nanjing Snacks
Salted Duck, Duck-blood & Vermicelli Soup, Jiming Tangbao (steamed soup dumplings), Beef Guotie (pan-fried dumplings), Red-bean Yuanxiao (sweet dumplings), Tangyumiao (taro & osmanthus dessert).
Qinhuai River
The mother river of Nanjing, flowing through the main city of Nanjing and emptying into the Yangtze River. The scenery along the two banks is charming, and the lights are dazzling at night. Taking a pleasure boat tour allows you to experience the prosperity and charm of the ancient capital. There are also many historical and cultural relics along the river, such as the Confucius Temple, making it a must-see attraction in Nanjing.
Confucius Temple
Located along the Qinhuai River, it is a temple dedicated to the worship and sacrifice of Confucius and is also a cultural hub in ancient China. The surrounding ancient architectural complex is grand, including the Temple of Confucius, the Imperial College, and the Examination Hall, collectively known as a famous scenic spot along the Qinhuai River and a cultural landmark of Nanjing.
Zhongshan Scenic Area
It includes core scenic spots such as the Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and the Linggu Temple. The Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is solemn and dignified, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum has a long history, and the Linggu Temple is surrounded by ancient trees. The entire scenic area combines natural and cultural landscapes, making it an important tourist destination in Nanjing.
Xuanwu Lake
A famous royal garden lake in Nanjing, with beautiful lake and mountain scenery. The five islands in the lake each have their own characteristics, and the road around the lake is a great place for walking and cycling. With lotus viewing in autumn and snow scenery in winter, there are beautiful scenes in every season.
Presidential Palace
One of the largest and most intact architectural complexes remaining from modern Chinese history. It was once the political and military center of multiple dynasties and has witnessed the historical changes of Nanjing. Now it serves as the Museum of Modern Chinese History, displaying a rich collection of historical artifacts and materials.
Qixia Mountain
Known as the "most beautiful mountain in Jinling," it is a great place to view autumn leaves. There are many historical sites on the mountain, with Qixia Temple being particularly famous. In late autumn, the mountains are covered with fiery red leaves, and the layered forests are dyed in beautiful colors.
Yuejiang Tower
Located on the top of Lion Hill in the northwest of Nanjing City, it is one of the top ten cultural towers in China. From the top of the tower, the beautiful scenery of the Yangtze River can be seen. The tower displays a rich collection of historical and cultural materials, making it an important window to understand the history and culture of Nanjing.
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