Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province which is among the most developed areas in China. There are more than 40 universities within the city of Nanjing. Nanjing had served as ancient metropolis of six dynasties with several thousand-year-long history; it is indeed one of the four major ancient capitals in China. Nanjing is located on downstream of the Yangzi River which forms the most active economic zone of China. The unique combination of modernity and ancient civilization makes Nanjing among the most attractive cities in China as well as in the world.

The areas of the city along the Qinhuai River's banks were traditionally the most thriving (once known as the name "Ten Mile Qinhuaihe River"), and so visitors will find a number of points of historical interest here, such as the Confucius Temple, where the great philosopher is worshipped. The Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, the Holy land of Chinese people, is deep historical and magnificent; the Yangtze River Bridge is the bridge built to span the Yangtze River; the Xuanwu Lake is beautiful with its water and colorful mountains; the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, is the biggest of all the Ming tombs; the Nanjing City Wall, constructed during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, still remains the longest city wall in China. Visitors to Nanjing will be impressed by the city's well-preserved traditional architecture and historical sights. You are fairly welcomed to visit Nanjing by this opportunity.

Ten Mile Qinhuaihe River

    Qinhuaihe River is an important branch of lower reache of the Yangtze River. It is regarded as "Mother River" by Nanjing people for its traversing the interior of Nanjing city. The river is separated into two branches are called respectively internal Qinhuaihe River and external Qinhuaihe River. The internal Qinhuaihe River with a title of "Ten Mile Qinhuaihe River" is the cream of the Qinhuai Scenic Zone. The Confucius Temple zone is by far the most prosperous, and the idioms, such as "Bring the painted dragon to life by putting in pupils of its eyes" and "A friendship formed in Childhood" originated here. The Qinhuai gaily-painted pleasure boat is formed with the northern vehicle and the southern boat. The Literature, "Qinhuaihe River in flourishing and bustle" written by Yu Boping, Zhu ZIqing, is the real record of Qinhuaihe Area of the time. 

　

The Confucius Temple

    The Confucius Temple is located at the two sides of Qinhuai River, mainly includes three building complexes: Confucius Temple, Studying Hall, Gongyuan. It became study hall in Southern Song Dynasty, then was changed into examination hall in Ming Dynasty, and formed a central place with restaurants and tea housed. Nowadays, the Confucius Temple is one of the 40 best tour spots of China.

　

Purple Mountain

    Purple Mountain is known as the "lung of Nanjing" and for good reason. This  massive, forested park area situated within Nanjing boasts fresh and cool air compared to the muggy, polluted city center. There are loads of tourist attractions within Purple Mountain. Each of these destinations may be considered a go-to destination on its own. It is not possible to visit every last site on Purple Mountain in one day or even in a couple of days. Most of the main tourist attractions are on the south side of the mountain. Hiking trails crisscross the mountain in every direction.

　

The Mausoleum of Dr.Sun Yat-sen

    The Mausoleum of Dr.Sun Yat-sen is situated on the southern slope of the Purple Mountain in the eastern suburb of of Nanjing. The remains of Dr. Sun, who was a pioneer of Chinese democratic revolution was buried here on June 1, 1929. The mausoleum, shaped like an alarm bell, is built at the foot of the mountain. A feeling of respect may be aroused when climbing by the steps.

　

Xuanwu Lake

    Located at the bottom of Purple Mountain, it covers 368 hectares of water area, and consists five islets, each owns different charm. It is the earliest and biggest comprehensive park of the city.

　

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

    Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the tomb of the first Emperor of Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang and his queen. Now only remains part of leading area, Dajinmen and stele tower area, sacred way and burial area, but is still magnificent, and listed in the World Heritance Record. The south of the burial area is Meihua Hill, where the tomb of Sun Quan located.

　

Nanjing City Wall

    Nanjing City Wall, constructed during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties between 1365 and 1386, originally stretched over 30km which made it the longest city wall in the world. Now, with about two thirds of the wall still intact it still remains the longest city wall in China. It reaches all the way from the North end of Xuanwu Lake to the south-west corner of Purple Mountain. It snakes along the edge of Qinhuai River and heads back north all the way up to Yuejiang Tower.

Nanjing Specialties 

Yu Hua Pebbles

The colorful fine-grained pebbles formed in the Yuhuatai area at Nanjing are "worth a hundred taels of gold " as an ancient saying goes.Yuhua pebbles, souvenirs for tourism, are peculiar to Nanjing. Yuhua pebbles, solid quality, are precious stones made of a combination of quartz, marrow jade and opal. Learned people are inclined to put Yu Hua pebbles into water basin and then place it on their tables.    
     

Nanjing Yun (Cloud) Brocade

   

One of China's three famous brocades, it was used exclusively by the imperial houses or as ifts bestowed by the emperors on princes or senior officials. Today it is still woven by hand with tradiotional knowhow. The Nanjing "Yunjin" Silk Brocade is one of the three brocades well-known in China and abroad.Its elegant and refined design with beautiful colors reminiscent of clouds in the sky.So it's named "Yunjin"(cloud brocade or cloud silk).

 

Salted Nanjing duck

As a special local product of great reputation, the salted Nanjing duck has a long history of more than one thousand years. With white skin, fat but not greasy meat and good taste, it is appetizing, crisp and delicate, which forms its characteristics. The salted ducks of the best color and taste appear around the Mid-autumn Festival, when the osmanthus bloom luxuriantly. Thus the duck wins a good name of 'osmanthus duck'. The Baimen Recipes says, 'Every August in Jinling, the salted duck is the most popular food, because everyone can smell the fragrance of osmanthus in its meat'. 

 

 

Some usefull links:

• Nanjing maps
• Wikipedia
• Wikitravel
• Nanjing Tour information