Nanjing
南京“The Southern Capital”
Nanjing served as the capital of six dynasties and the Republic of China. Its history is both glorious and tragic — from the Ming Dynasty's grandeur to the painful memory of the 1937 massacre. Understanding Nanjing means understanding modern China's soul.
Nanjing served as the capital of six dynasties and the Republic of China. Its history is both glorious and tragic — from the Ming Dynasty's grandeur to the painful memory of the 1937 massacre. Understanding Nanjing means understanding modern China's soul.
Cultural Spots in Nanjing
Insider knowledge, must-do experiences, and the stories behind each place.
About This Place
The Confucius Temple area along the Qinhuai River has been Nanjing's cultural and commercial heart for 1,500 years. The river was famous for its pleasure boats and courtesans during the Ming and Qing dynasties — immortalized in countless poems and paintings. The Jiangnan Examination Hall nearby is the world's largest imperial examination complex.
Visit at night when the lanterns are lit and the river glows. Take a wooden boat ride on the Qinhuai River. The Jiangnan Examination Hall (Jiangnan Gongyuan) nearby is the world's largest imperial examination complex — a fascinating window into China's meritocracy system. The Lantern Festival here is spectacular.
Take a lantern boat ride on the Qinhuai River at night. Visit the Jiangnan Examination Hall to understand China's 1,300-year civil service exam system. Try Nanjing's famous duck blood soup at a riverside restaurant.
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