Nanjing Travel Guide: Exploring China's Historic Former Capital

Nanjing is one of China's most historically significant cities, with a heritage shaped by ancient kingdoms, imperial dynasties, Confucian scholarship and modern political change. Located in Jiangsu Province on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, this former capital preserves an exceptional collection of historic landmarks, from the Ming City Wall and imperial mausoleums to the Confucius Temple and the historic Qinhuai River district.

Unlike destinations associated with just one dynasty or historical period, Nanjing offers a journey through several defining chapters of Chinese history. Its surviving city walls reveal the defensive ambitions of an imperial capital, its monumental tombs reflect traditional ideas of royal authority, and its historic streets preserve memories of education, commerce and everyday urban life.

The city also played an important role in modern Chinese history. Sites such as the Presidential Palace and the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders provide important perspectives on the political transformations and historical experiences of the twentieth century.

For travelers interested in Chinese history, architecture and cultural heritage, Nanjing offers much more than a collection of famous attractions. This guide explores the city's historical significance, the essential places to visit, the stories behind its landmarks and how to plan a rewarding Nanjing cultural itinerary.

1. Why Is Nanjing One of China's Most Important Historic Cities?

Nanjing's name, meaning "Southern Capital", reflects its long-standing political importance in Chinese history. Located near the Yangtze River in eastern China, it has served as the capital or political center of several important regimes and played a major role in the development of southern Chinese culture.

The city's historical importance extends across more than one thousand years of political and cultural change. During the Six Dynasties period, it was known as Jiankang and became an important center of southern Chinese civilization. In the fourteenth century, Nanjing became the founding capital of the Ming dynasty under the Hongwu Emperor. Much later, it became a major political center during the establishment of the Republic of China.

Each period left a different mark on the urban landscape:

• Six Dynasties period: Jiankang developed into a major political, cultural and Buddhist center in southern China.
• Ming dynasty: Nanjing became the founding capital of the Ming dynasty, leaving an exceptional legacy of imperial architecture, city walls and monumental construction.
• Qing dynasty and late imperial period: Traditional neighborhoods, religious institutions, educational traditions and commercial activity continued to shape the city.
• Modern China: Nanjing became a significant setting for political transformation and important events in twentieth-century Chinese history.

How Geography Shaped Nanjing's History

Nanjing's location on the lower Yangtze River helped establish its importance as a political, commercial and transportation center. The river connected the city with other parts of eastern and central China, while nearby hills, waterways and natural terrain influenced its defensive development.

This geographical relationship is particularly visible in the Ming City Wall, whose layout follows the contours of the landscape rather than forming a simple rectangular boundary.

Today, Nanjing combines this historic environment with modern universities, museums, commercial districts and residential neighborhoods. Its past remains visible within the everyday life of a contemporary Chinese city.

What Makes Nanjing Different from Other Historic Cities in China?

Nanjing is particularly valuable for cultural travelers because its heritage spans several distinct periods. Visitors can explore ancient southern capitals, Ming imperial construction, Confucian educational traditions and modern historical memorials within the same city.

Rather than focusing on a single dynasty, a visit to Nanjing reveals how China's political and cultural identity developed over time.

2. Nanjing City Wall: Exploring the Defensive Architecture of a Ming Capital

The Nanjing City Wall is one of the city's most important historical landmarks and one of the most distinctive surviving examples of Ming-era urban fortification in China.

Construction began in 1366 under Zhu Yuanzhang, the future Hongwu Emperor and founder of the Ming dynasty. The major construction project continued until 1393, creating an extensive defensive system for the newly established imperial capital.

Unlike the regular rectangular layouts associated with some other Chinese capitals, Nanjing's Ming City Wall followed the city's natural terrain. Its design incorporated hills, waterways and existing geographical features, resulting in a complex defensive system adapted to the surrounding landscape.

What Makes Nanjing's Ming City Wall Unique?

Its Remarkable Scale

The original Ming capital wall extended for more than 35 kilometres. Although substantial portions have disappeared over the centuries, surviving sections still demonstrate the scale and ambition of the original construction project.

Its Relationship with the Landscape

The wall follows the contours of Nanjing's terrain, connecting defensive architecture with natural features. Hills and waterways formed part of the wider defensive environment, making the wall an important example of how historical Chinese urban planning responded to geography.

Its Construction and Defensive Design

The fortification system incorporated massive masonry structures, gates, defensive openings and associated military infrastructure. The surviving brickwork provides insight into the construction techniques and organizational resources required to build an imperial capital.

Its Influence on the City's Development

The wall was more than a military boundary. Its gates and surrounding defensive structures influenced how people entered, moved through and understood the city. It also helped establish the spatial framework of historic Nanjing.

Where Should You Explore the Nanjing City Wall?

The area around Zhonghua Gate is particularly interesting for visitors who want to understand the relationship between the city wall and its defensive gates. Zhonghua Gate is one of the most significant surviving gates in the Ming-era fortification system.

Other accessible wall sections provide different perspectives over the city and surrounding landscape. Choose an area according to your itinerary and the amount of walking you want to do.

A visit to the Nanjing City Wall Museum can add valuable context by explaining the wall's construction, military function, historical development and conservation.

For travelers interested in Chinese architecture and the history of imperial cities, the Nanjing City Wall offers an excellent introduction to the relationship between political power, defensive design and urban geography.

3. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: The Founding Emperor's Imperial Legacy

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, located at the southern foot of Zhongshan Mountain, is one of the most important imperial burial sites in China. It is the resting place of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor and founder of the Ming dynasty, and Empress Ma.

Construction began in 1381, and the mausoleum complex developed over several decades. Its design established an important model for later imperial tombs and remains a major example of Ming dynasty funerary architecture.

In 2003, Ming Xiaoling was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The Sacred Way: A Ceremonial Route into the Imperial Past

One of the most recognizable features of Ming Xiaoling is its Sacred Way, a ceremonial pathway lined with stone sculptures.

Stone animals and human figures stand along the route, forming part of the traditional landscape surrounding the imperial burial site. Their scale, posture and placement create a formal approach to the mausoleum and reflect the ceremonial importance of an emperor's final resting place.

As you walk along the Sacred Way, notice how the sculptures are arranged in sequence and how the pathway gradually leads visitors deeper into the monumental complex.

What Should You Look for at Ming Xiaoling?

• The stone sculptures: Observe the animals and figures along the Sacred Way, including their scale, posture and ceremonial arrangement.
• The architectural sequence: Gates, walls and surviving structures form a carefully organized route through the imperial landscape.
• The natural setting: The surrounding hills and vegetation connect the mausoleum with the wider Zhongshan Mountain environment.
• The influence on later tombs: Ming Xiaoling established a model that influenced the design of subsequent Ming and Qing imperial mausoleums.

Why Is Ming Xiaoling Important in Chinese History?

Ming Xiaoling offers an opportunity to understand how imperial rulers expressed political legitimacy, status and memory through monumental architecture.

Its importance lies not only in the burial site itself but also in the relationship between the tomb, ceremonial route, sculptures and surrounding landscape. These elements were designed as an integrated environment representing the authority and legacy of the Ming founder.

The mausoleum area is extensive, so comfortable walking shoes and sufficient exploration time are recommended. Check current visitor information and access arrangements before departure.

4. Zhongshan Mountain: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Birth of Modern China

Nanjing's historical story extends beyond imperial China. At Zhongshan Mountain, visitors can explore important landmarks associated with modern Chinese history, alongside wooded landscapes and historic cultural sites.

The area's most prominent modern historical landmark is the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, dedicated to Sun Yat-sen, a key figure in the political movement that brought the Qing dynasty to an end and helped establish the Republic of China.

The mausoleum occupies an elevated position on the mountain. Its monumental central staircase leads toward the main memorial buildings, creating a formal approach that reflects the importance of the person being commemorated.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: Architecture and National Memory

The design combines traditional Chinese architectural references with the monumental character of modern memorial architecture.

The long staircase, symmetrical layout and elevated position create a strong sense of ceremony. The approach encourages visitors to move gradually upward, while the surrounding trees and open spaces establish a relationship between the architecture and the natural landscape.

Rather than viewing the complex only as a memorial to an individual, consider how it reflects the political and cultural aspirations of early twentieth-century China.

Other Historical Sites on Zhongshan Mountain

The wider Zhongshan Mountain area includes several important attractions, including:

• Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: The UNESCO-listed imperial tomb of the Hongwu Emperor.
• Linggu Scenic Area: A historic area associated with religious heritage, memorial architecture and wooded landscapes.
• Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: One of China's most recognizable modern memorial complexes.

These sites represent different historical periods, making Zhongshan Mountain especially valuable for understanding how the same landscape has been used for imperial burial, religious activity, public commemoration and heritage preservation.

How to Plan Your Zhongshan Mountain Visit

Zhongshan Mountain covers a substantial area. Rather than attempting to visit every attraction in a short period, select a manageable route based on your interests.

Check current visitor information for Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and other attractions, including access arrangements and reservation requirements. Allow time to appreciate both the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

5. Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River: Nanjing's Historic Cultural District

The Confucius Temple area, known in Chinese as Fuzimiao, and the nearby Qinhuai River form one of Nanjing's best-known historic districts. The area brings together traditional architecture, educational heritage, historic waterways, local food and everyday urban activity.

The Confucius Temple was first established in 1034 during the Song dynasty. Over the centuries, the complex experienced damage, rebuilding and restoration, reflecting the changing history of the city.

Confucius Temple: The Heritage of Classical Learning

Confucius temples were established to honor Confucius and preserve traditions associated with his teachings. In Nanjing, the temple became part of a wider educational environment connected with classical learning and the imperial examination tradition.

The complex includes traditional halls, courtyards and ceremonial spaces. These architectural elements provide insight into how education, scholarship and public culture were represented in traditional Chinese society.

Look at the relationship between the main halls, courtyards and surrounding streets. The temple is not simply a religious or commemorative building; it reflects the historical importance of education and classical scholarship.

Qinhuai River: Waterways and Historic Urban Life

The nearby Qinhuai River adds another dimension to the district. Waterways have long influenced settlement, commerce and everyday life in Chinese cities, and the Qinhuai River is closely associated with Nanjing's urban and cultural history.

Along the river, historic streets, bridges, traditional-style buildings and commercial activity create a distinctive cityscape. The area is particularly lively in the evening, when the waterfront and surrounding streets take on a different atmosphere.

Beyond the illuminated buildings and shopping streets, notice how the river, bridges, temple complex and historic street network fit together. These relationships help explain the district's development as an important center of urban life.

What to Experience Around Fuzimiao

• Explore the Confucius Temple and its traditional architectural spaces.
• Walk along the Qinhuai River and observe the historic waterfront.
• Discover local snacks and Nanjing specialties in the surrounding streets.
• Explore the district in the evening to experience its illuminated streetscape.
• Look beyond the commercial areas to understand the district's educational and cultural history.

For travelers interested in traditional Chinese culture, the district offers a natural connection to the wider history of Confucian education and temple architecture.

6. Presidential Palace: A Window into Modern Chinese Political History

The Presidential Palace in Nanjing is one of the city's most important historical sites for understanding the transition from imperial rule to modern political institutions.

The complex has a long and layered history. Different buildings and areas served administrative and political functions during different periods, including the Qing dynasty, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the Republic of China.

Today, the site functions as a museum, allowing visitors to explore these historical transformations through preserved buildings, exhibitions and administrative spaces.

Why Is the Presidential Palace Historically Important?

A changing political landscape: The site's successive uses reflect major transformations in Chinese political history. It illustrates how existing administrative spaces were adapted as governments and institutions changed.

Architecture and administration: Courtyards, halls, offices and gardens provide clues to how political authority was organized and represented during different periods.

The history of modern China: The complex offers an opportunity to examine the late imperial period, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the early Republic of China within one historical setting.

How to Explore the Presidential Palace

Rather than rushing from building to building, use the exhibitions to understand the historical sequence. Consider who occupied the site during different periods, how the complex was used and what its changes reveal about Nanjing's political development.

The Presidential Palace is particularly valuable for travelers who want to balance Nanjing's imperial heritage with its modern history.

7. Nanjing Museums: Understanding the City Beyond Its Monuments

Nanjing's historical landmarks become easier to understand when combined with museum visits. The city's museums cover archaeology, art, local history and the development of modern China, providing context for the monuments and neighborhoods found throughout the city.

Nanjing Museum

Nanjing Museum is one of the major cultural institutions in Jiangsu Province. Its collections and exhibitions cover different aspects of Chinese history, art and material culture.

For travelers who want to understand Nanjing within a wider national context, the museum provides useful background before or after exploring the city's historic landmarks.

Nanjing Six Dynasties Museum

The Nanjing Six Dynasties Museum focuses on the history and culture of the Six Dynasties period, when Jiankang, present-day Nanjing, served as an important southern capital.

This period played a significant role in the development of southern Chinese culture, literature, religion and urban civilization. A museum visit can help visitors understand why Nanjing became such an important historical center long before the Ming dynasty.

Nanjing City Wall Museum

The Nanjing City Wall Museum helps visitors understand the construction, defensive function and historical development of the Ming-era fortifications.

A museum visit can make a walk along the surviving wall sections more meaningful by explaining how the fortification formed part of a larger urban and military system.

Which Museums Should You Prioritize?

• For general Chinese history: Prioritize Nanjing Museum.
• For ancient southern Chinese civilization: Explore Nanjing Six Dynasties Museum.
• For Ming architecture and military history: Combine the City Wall Museum with a visit to the surviving fortifications.

For travelers with limited time, one carefully selected museum can provide more value than attempting to visit every institution in the city. Always check current opening hours and visitor arrangements before planning your day.

8. The Yangtze River: How Geography Shaped Nanjing

Nanjing's history is closely connected with the Yangtze River, one of China's most important geographical and transportation corridors.

The river influenced the movement of people and goods, the development of trade networks and the city's relationship with surrounding regions. Its position helped make Nanjing an important political and commercial center during different periods of Chinese history.

Geography and Urban Defense

Rivers and hills influenced how Nanjing developed and defended itself. The Ming City Wall demonstrates how historical urban planning could respond to natural terrain rather than following a simple geometric layout.

The relationship between the wall, nearby hills and waterways is an important part of understanding the city's historical defensive system.

Trade and Urban Development

The Yangtze supported the movement of goods and people between Nanjing and other parts of China. Together with regional waterways and overland routes, it helped connect the city with wider commercial networks.

The river's importance continued as transportation systems, bridges and modern urban infrastructure developed.

Understanding Nanjing Through Its Landscape

Visitors can appreciate Nanjing more fully by considering the relationship between the Yangtze River, the historic city wall, surrounding hills and major cultural sites.

This geographical perspective also explains why Nanjing's heritage is distributed across different parts of the city rather than concentrated in a single historic district.

For travelers interested in the wider history of China's waterways, exploring the country's historic canal networks can provide another perspective on how transportation shaped Chinese cities and regional connections.

9. Nanjing Food Guide: Discovering Jiangsu Cuisine and Local Specialties

History is not experienced only through buildings and museums. Food provides another way to understand Nanjing's regional identity and everyday culture.

Nanjing belongs to the Jiangsu culinary tradition, known for its attention to ingredient quality, texture, preparation and presentation. Local food culture has developed through the interaction of regional agriculture, urban life, commerce and changing tastes.

Nanjing Salted Duck

Nanjing salted duck is one of the city's best-known specialties. Prepared through a traditional salting and seasoning process, it is closely associated with local food culture and is a useful starting point for exploring Nanjing cuisine.

It can be found in local restaurants and specialist shops, with different establishments offering their own preparations.

Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup

Duck blood and vermicelli soup is another well-known Nanjing dish. This local soup is widely associated with everyday dining and offers a different experience from the elaborate dishes often served in formal restaurants.

Street Food Around the Qinhuai River

The area around Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River offers opportunities to sample local snacks and traditional dishes. It is a convenient place to combine sightseeing with an introduction to Nanjing's food culture.

Choose establishments with clear menus and suitable food-handling practices, particularly if you have dietary requirements.

Food as Part of a Cultural Journey

Rather than treating food as a separate checklist, include local dining as part of your wider exploration of Nanjing. A visit to a historic district followed by a regional meal can help connect the city's built heritage with everyday culture.

To explore the diversity of Chinese regional food, read Sunda Travel's Guide to Chinese Regional Cuisines.

For practical advice on ordering dishes and understanding dining customs, see our Guide to Chinese Dining Culture.

10. Nanjing's Modern History: Remembering the Nanjing Massacre

No comprehensive cultural guide to Nanjing is complete without acknowledging the Nanjing Massacre of 1937, one of the most painful chapters in modern Chinese history.

Following the capture of Nanjing by Japanese forces in December 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War, large numbers of Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were killed. Widespread sexual violence, looting and destruction also occurred.

The tragedy remains central to Nanjing's historical memory and is an important part of understanding the city's identity in modern China.

Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders

The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders preserves historical documents, photographs, artifacts and personal accounts connected with the tragedy.

Its exhibitions provide historical context and document the experiences of victims, survivors and witnesses. The memorial serves as a place of remembrance, historical education and reflection.

Visiting with Respect

This is not an ordinary sightseeing attraction. It is a memorial space dedicated to historical remembrance and education.

Visitors should allow sufficient time to read the exhibitions and approach the site with care. Follow visitor guidance, respect photography restrictions and maintain the appropriate atmosphere throughout the visit.

Why This History Belongs in a Nanjing Travel Guide

Nanjing's identity cannot be understood through its imperial past alone. The city's modern history has profoundly shaped its place in China and the collective memory of its people.

Including this chapter provides a more complete understanding of Nanjing and recognizes that cultural heritage includes both achievements and painful historical experiences.

11. How Many Days Should You Spend in Nanjing?

The ideal length of a Nanjing visit depends on your interests, travel pace and the number of historical sites you want to explore. For most cultural travelers, two to three days provide a more balanced introduction than a rushed one-day visit.

One Day in Nanjing: A Focused Introduction

If you have only one day, choose a small number of attractions that are convenient to combine.

One option is to explore the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River district, allowing time for the temple, historic streets and local food. Another is to focus on the Ming City Wall and a nearby historical attraction.

Trying to include the mausoleum area, several museums and modern historical sites in a single day may leave too little time to understand each place.

Two Days in Nanjing: Imperial History and Urban Culture

Two days allow you to explore Nanjing's imperial and cultural heritage more comfortably.

• Day 1: Explore Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and selected attractions around Zhongshan Mountain.
• Day 2: Visit the Ming City Wall, explore the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River district, and include a museum according to your interests.

This arrangement provides a balance between monumental architecture, historic streets, landscape and cultural interpretation. Adjust the sequence according to current opening arrangements and transport connections.

Three Days in Nanjing: A Deeper Historical Journey

Three days provide more flexibility for exploring the Presidential Palace, museums and modern historical sites.

• Day 1: Discover the Ming City Wall and the historic urban landscape.
• Day 2: Explore Zhongshan Mountain, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
• Day 3: Visit the Presidential Palace, selected museums, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and the Qinhuai River district, depending on your interests and available time.

This is a suggested framework rather than a fixed schedule. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders deserves a dedicated visit and should not be treated as a quick stop between other attractions.

How to Choose Your Nanjing Itinerary

• Imperial history: Prioritize the Ming City Wall and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.
• Traditional culture: Explore the Confucius Temple, Qinhuai River and Nanjing Six Dynasties Museum.
• Modern Chinese history: Include the Presidential Palace and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
• Architecture and landscape: Combine the city wall with Zhongshan Mountain and its historic sites.

For broader route inspiration, explore Sunda Travel's China Travel Itinerary and China Travel Guide.

12. Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Nanjing

Group Attractions by Geographical Area

Nanjing's historical attractions are spread across different parts of the city. Grouping nearby sites together can reduce unnecessary travel and leave more time for exploring.

For example, Zhongshan Mountain contains several major historical attractions, while the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River district can be explored together.

Allow Enough Time for Walking

The city wall, mausoleum complex and historic districts all involve walking. Comfortable footwear is essential, particularly if you plan to visit several attractions in one day.

Check Opening Hours and Reservation Arrangements

Museums, memorial sites and major attractions may have different operating hours, reservation systems or visitor access requirements. Confirm current arrangements through official sources before your visit.

Prepare for Seasonal Weather

Summers in Nanjing can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold. Spring and autumn are often comfortable for outdoor sightseeing, although actual conditions vary. Bring suitable clothing and plan breaks during longer walking days.

Respect Historical Memorial Spaces

Follow visitor guidance and photography restrictions at sites dedicated to historical tragedies and remembrance. These places require a more thoughtful approach than ordinary sightseeing attractions.

Explore Beyond the Famous Landmarks

Local museums, historic streets and smaller cultural sites can reveal aspects of Nanjing that are less visible on a short sightseeing tour. Allow time to explore the city at a comfortable pace.

Balance History with Everyday Life

A visit to a museum or ancient wall can be complemented by a local meal, a walk along the Qinhuai River or time in one of the city's parks. These everyday experiences help connect the city's historical heritage with contemporary urban life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nanjing

Why Is Nanjing Known as a Former Capital of China?

Nanjing served as the capital or political center of several important Chinese regimes across different historical periods. Its roles during the Six Dynasties, the early Ming dynasty and the Republic of China contributed to its reputation as one of China's most historically significant cities.

What Are the Most Important Historical Sites in Nanjing?

Major historical attractions include the Ming City Wall, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River district, Presidential Palace, Nanjing Museum and the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.

Is Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum was inscribed in 2003 as part of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties World Heritage property.

What Is Nanjing City Wall Famous For?

The Ming-era Nanjing City Wall is known for its remarkable scale, distinctive layout and relationship with the surrounding terrain. Construction began in 1366 and continued until 1393. Its surviving sections remain an important part of the city's historic urban landscape.

What Can I See Around the Qinhuai River?

The Qinhuai River district includes the Confucius Temple area, historic streets, traditional-style buildings, local food businesses and a lively waterfront environment. It is an excellent place to explore Nanjing's cultural heritage and everyday food culture.

How Many Days Are Enough for Nanjing?

One day can provide a brief introduction to Nanjing, but two days offer more time to explore its imperial heritage, historic districts and museums. Three days allow a deeper experience that can include the Presidential Palace and important modern historical sites.

Is Nanjing Suitable for Travelers Interested in Chinese Culture?

Yes. Nanjing is particularly rewarding for travelers interested in Chinese history, architecture, Confucian heritage, imperial tombs and modern historical sites. Its diverse attractions make it suitable for both short visits and in-depth cultural itineraries.

Can Nanjing Be Combined with Other Destinations in China?

Yes. Nanjing can be included in a wider eastern China journey, depending on your starting point, available time and transport connections. A personalized itinerary can combine historical cities, museums, cultural sites and regional food experiences.

Discover Nanjing's History with Sunda Travel

Nanjing is a city where China's history can be explored through architecture, landscape and collective memory. Its Ming City Wall reveals the ambitions of an imperial capital, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum preserves the ceremonial world of the founding Ming emperor, and the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River district connect scholarship with everyday urban life.

The Presidential Palace and the city's modern historical memorials add further depth, reminding visitors that Nanjing's identity has been shaped by both historical achievements and profound tragedy.

For travelers who want to understand China through its historic cities, Nanjing offers far more than a collection of famous attractions. It provides an opportunity to follow the changing relationship between geography, political power, culture and the people who lived through these periods.

Begin exploring with Sunda Travel's China Travel Guide, discover cultural ideas through our Travel Experiences, or explore Tailor-Made China Tours to discuss a journey shaped around your interests.

Travel deeper. Discover the many chapters of China's former capital.

Travel note: Attraction opening hours, reservation arrangements, access conditions and local transport may change. Confirm current information through official sources before your visit.