Nanjing Introduction

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is situated in the golden Yangtze River Delta. The city plays an important role in the economy, transportation and education of the east part of China, and is said to be the second largest commercial port in the East China following Shanghai. With its majestic landscapes and epic history and cultures, it has become a hotspot for tourists who always fall in love with the city.

Nanjing occupies an area of about 6.6 thousand sq km. (1.6 million acres), with a opulation of more than 6 million. Known as one of China's 'Three Stoves' (the others are Chongqing and Wuhan, Nanjing's temperatures in summer can reach a high of over 40 Celsius degree (104 F. degree) while the coldest days in winter can drop to less than minus 10 Celsius degree (14 F. degree). It still has a regular rainy season from June to July every year. So the spring and autumn are the more favorable times to visit weather-wisely and autumn is especially scenic when the maple leaves turn bright red.
Nanjing History

Attractions
Visitors to Nanjing will be delighted by the majestic scenery intertwined with many cultural antiquities. To the east is Mt. Zhongshan, also called Zijin (Purple Golden) Shan Scenic Area. The Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen and in accordance with his last wishes, the later built Zijinshan Observatory are all located here. Besides, an imperial mausoleum - Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the attractive Linggu Temple were also built in the surrounding area. To the west of the mountain is the enthralling Mt. Qixia, the crimson autumn maple leaves of which always dazzle the eyes of visitors. The great Yangtze River traverses the northern part of the city and the spectacular scenery is best viewed from the Yangtze River Bridge. For travelers interested in the thousands of years' history of the city, the Nanjing Museum features a large collection of relics and is worth a visit. There are also two ancient enticing lakes and classic gardens in the city that are renowned in the eastern part of China - Zhanyuan Garden & Xuyuan Garden.

Nanjing is also appealing to travelers for the blend of modern and classical offerings. One unique bustling area in Nanjing that you should not miss is Qin Huai River , which is lined with teahouses and restaurants hung with bright lanterns. This place, which was the most prosperous area in Nanjing, was always filled with songs and dances and romantic stories. The river also cultivated some well-known talented and patriotic heroines at the turning point of the former dynasties. It is still easy to engender a romantic and recalling feeling when boating leisurely on the river. The well-trodden Confucius Temple is located beside the river. A very busy commercial pedestrian street runs in from of the temple and the stores offer local souvenirs, fashions and snacks. The most famous handicrafts in Nanjing are Yunjin Brocade and Yuhua Stone. Yunjin Brocade may be purchased at the Nanjing Brocade Research Institute (86-25-886518580; 86611377) and Yuhua Stone may be found in the stores by the temple as well as at the Nanjing Museum.

Other attractions: Zhonghua Gate, Mochou Lake, Xuanwu Lake

Shopping
For shopping in Nanjing, Hunan Road and Xinjiekou are two popular commercial centers. In addition, 1912 Street, featuring famous old buildings, fashionable pubs and snack restaurants, has become a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike.