Nanjing
Nanjing
Capital of ten dynasties, full of splendid cultures
Nanjing, also known as Jinling in ancient times, is one of the four ancient capital cities in China, as well as a vital origin of classical Chinese culture with a history of over 7,000 years. It was chosen as the capital for more than 10 dynasties such as Eastern Wu and Eastern Jin, and has also long been the political and cultural centre of Southern China. Today’s Nanjing is the capital city of Jiangsu Province, as an important transportation hub and a base for technology, research and education. Nanjing is also a place that emphasizes cultural education, is famously known as the most important cultural centre of Southeastern China. Throughout history, there have been over half of the top scholars in China originating from the Jiangnan Examination Hall in Nanjing.
Historical Attractions
Historical Attractions
Nanjing Imperial Examination Museum
142 metres above sea level, this mountainous range is divided into nine sections, and you’re given an opportunity to behold the breathtaking view of the city panorama from the viewing deck perched on the 3rd section. The magnificently misty sceneries here are highly sought-after by nature’s lovers including prominent persons such as Liu Bang, Su Dongpo, Qianlong Emperor, Mao Zedong, Chiang Kai-shek to name among the hikers.
Niushou Mountain Scenic Zone
Niushou Mountain Scenic Area is one of the four most famous scenic spots in Nanjing. It is named “Niushou” (which means Ox Horns), as two mountains in the east and west resemble the two horns of an ox. It has beautiful mountainous views and also preserves numerous historical relics such as a castle where Yue Fei (a Song Dynasty hero who fought against the Jurchen invaders), the Cultural Park of Zheng He, and so on.
Confucius Temple by Qinhuai River
There are numerous historic heritages along the riverbank of Qinhuai River such as Zhanyuan Garden, the Confucius Temple, Egret Islet etc., dotted by local food delicacies. The Confucius Temple by Qinhuai River is one of the four significant temples that worship Confucius the ancient scholar cum philosopher in China.
Trending Attractions
Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts
Its design covers four international level art centres with four shining water lotus, including Music room, Opera room, Drama room and variety showrooms. Its function is not only to promote cultural activities but also to offer education services. It would be the best way to view the art centre from high in the sky.
Yaxi, the International Slow Living City
Yaxi, located in Gaochun district of Southern Nanjing, is a resort with the combined elements of ecological sightseeing, farming participation, sea flower viewing and experience of slow-paced lifestyle, which was awarded as the “International Slow Living City” in the year 2010. This area is not facilitated with big malls nor with the usage of billboards, visitors can enjoy a slow and relaxed life here.
1865 Creative Park
Li Hongzhang, a high-ranking official of the late Qing Dynasty, built the arsenal then which has now been converted into this creative Park gathering all kinds of creative designs, Internet Technologies and Cultural Exhibitions. Besides, this park is also one of the rare places in China to combine the buildings of the late Qing, the Republic of China and the New China in a place. Therefore, it is a popular destination for film production.
Food & Beverage
Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup
In Nanjing, duck is the king of all its food varieties. Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup is one of the most famous traditional cuisines here, which is cooked with the blending of duck blood, duck guts, duck liver and also rice noodles. Its bland flavour, fresh and aromatic taste is suitable for people from both Northern and Aouthern China.
Salted Duck
Salted Duck is a traditional pot-stewed dish. The tender white duck meat has some fat but is not greasy, and in presentation, the dish is fragrant and often crispy. Salty Duck can be prepared all year round, however, it would be the best time to make it in August when the duck has the sweet-scented of osmanthus.
The Meiling Porridge
The porridge was invented during the era of the Republic of China, with ingredients of fine rice, soybean milk, lily, and Chinese yam, and is cooked with mild fire and delicate care. It is nutritious and plain but tasty and delicious. It was said that Song Meiling had a great appetite after drunk this soup and ever after fell in love with it, which therefore gave this soup its name.
Arts & Crafts
Historical Attractions
Nanjing Yunjin Brocade
Nanjing Yunjin is an exquisite kind of silk brocade from Nanjing. Yunjin, meaning beautiful as clouds at sunset, is a more than 1500-year-old craft incorporating fine materials such as silk, gold and peacock feather yarn. These embroideries can only produce roughly 5cm a day, hence it is exquisitely precious, touted as “an inch of embroidery for an inch of gold”. This art of embroidery was enlisted by UNESCO as one of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” since 2009.