Things to Do in Nanjing

CaiYuanpei, a modern democratic revolutionary and educationist established the Nanjing Museum in 1933. It is the first large-size national museum in China and is a must see for history lovers. Exhibitions in the museum include:

• The two main buildings showcase historical and revolutionary cultural relics, paintings, calligraphies, and ancient books (some of them foreign).
• The Basic Hall displays historical items and is built in the Liao style of architecture. This is further divided into three exhibitions.
• The Five Thousand-year Civilization Panorama of the Lower Reaches of Yangtze River.
• The Very Fine Display of Chinese History, People and Culture of Jiangsu Archaeological Achievements Exhibition.
• The Art Exhibition Hall consists of sections such as the Bronze hall, Jade Article hall, Painting hall, Embroidery hall, Pottery hall and Porcelain hall.
• 30,000 calligraphy and painting masterpieces, including some from the Song and Yuan Dynasties, should be admired.

One of the most revered tourist attractions in Nanjing, the Sun Yatsen mausoleum pays homage to the founding father and the first President of the Republic of China. Situated on the Zhongshan (or Zijin) Mountain, the rolling hills offer a spectacular view, especially at sunset.

This extensive mausoleum houses a marble statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and a circular coffin chamber, the resting place of Sun's remains.

Directly facing the Northern bank of the Qinhuai River, thisConfucius temple (originally built in 1034) now sits quaintly amidst the souvenir shops and restaurants of the Fuji Miao Pedestrian Street.

The temple’s Ming and Qing architectural style is quite charming. Statues of Confucius and his followers line the central courtyard and coloured stones along the walls tell Confucian tales.

The temple area is incomplete without the river. Traditional buildings line the river bank and, during the night, lanterns are lit all along the sides- creating a picturesque scene.

Do try out the street food, encompassingeight of the most famous flavoursof Nanjing.

China’s largest modern history museum, this historical palace is a pure treat to history lovers. It used to be a prince dwelling and government office, home to national leaders like Dr.Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek. Main highlights include:

• Centre: Gallery of the former Nationalist Government and the Presidential Government.
• West: Sun Yat-Sen's Office Building and residence, the West Garden & Taiping Lake and General staff Head-quarters.
• East: The Executive Yuan Office Building, Tao and Lin Memorial Temple, Stables and the Exhibition of the Liangjiang Viceroy's official residence.

The beautifully maintained gardens and ponds add to the charm of the palace, which has roots going back to the Ming dynasty.

In December 1937, the Japanese army occupied Nanjing city and committed horrific acts of violence on its men, women and children. Built on the burial site of the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, a visit to this solemn memorial is immensely moving and eye-opening. This memorial also stands as a symbol of humanity and peace, against the atrocities that were laid upon the Chinese people and honours those whose lives were lost.

Divided into three parts:

• Outdoor Exhibit (composed of statues, relief carvings, a large wall listing the names of victims and memorial walkway).
• Skeletal Remains (a coffin-shaped structure, where some victims' skeletal remains, excavated from the "pit of ten thousand corpses", are displayed).
• Exhibition Hall (showcasing more than a 1000 historical photos, cultural relics and other documents).

Situated at the foot of Mt. Zhongshan, it is one of the most famous and protected lakes in Nanjing. The lake gained the name ‘Xuanwu’ because a black dragon was said to live in the lake.

The entry to the lake is the historic Xuanwu Gate, part of the Nanjing City wall. Once inside, you will see that the lake is divided into five inter-connected islands. Highlights include:

• Jogging/Walking
• Cycling
• Paddle boating
• Fishing
• Fireworks (during the Chinese New Year)
• Lake God Temple, Wenji Pavilion, Peony Garden and Bonsai Museum
• An extensive bird sanctuary.
• An entertainment band stand.
• A playground for children.

The park delightfully showcases a distinctive colour every season. It is truly a breather from city life.

You will truly experience imperial China when you visit the mausoleum of the Hongwu Emperor and his wife, the founder and first emperor of the Ming Dynasty of China. During his reign, the Hongwu emperor instituted military, administrative, and educational reforms that centeredpower on the emperor.

Highlights Include:

• The Main Tomb of the Emperor and his wife
• A walkway known as the ‘Spirit Way’, flanked on either side by stone animals. Each has an auspicious meaning and posture.
• Gates like the Big Golden Gate, Square Walls and the Lingxing (Lattice) Gate are partially destroyed but are still standing.
• Many stone tablets have important, elegant inscriptions engraved on them.

The magnificent scale and beauty of the mausoleum has made it a UNESCO world cultural heritage site.

Nanjing is one of the few cities in China to have a surviving ancient wall. Located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, this masterpiece of Chinese architecture was built by the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming dynasty. Taking 21 years to finish, the Emperor ordered 20 states in 5 provinces to make bricks for the wall. Each brick weighed about 10 kilograms and were inscribed with the names of officials who were responsible for its quality. About 350 million bricks were used to build the wall.

Today, numerous gates serve as impressive check points at different parts of the wall. One should end their tour of the wall at Taicheng where a breathtaking view of the river awaits you.

This impressive road-rail bridge is a source of great Chinese national pride. Built in the 1960s, it is the first bridge solely designed by using Chinese expertise, connecting the two banks of the Yangtze River within a distance of several minutes.

One can appreciate the sound architecture, the views of the river and nearby Daqiao Park and the museum explaining the history of the bridge. During the night, the bridge is prettily lit.

Originally called Jiangshan Mountain, it was renamed to the ‘Purple Mountain’ in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, owing to its purple shale rocks. Highlights include:

• At the Centre, the national monument, the Sun Yatsen Mausoleum.
• To the south of the mountain are Zixia Cave, Yiren Spring, Nanjing Underworld Aquarium and Zijin Mountain Observatory.
• To the west of the mountain stand the Meihuashan Mountain, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the tomb of Liao Zhongkai, a famous politician of the Republic of China.
• To the east of the mountain is Linggu Park.
• To the north of the mountain stand the Tomb of Xu Da and Chang Yuchun (generals of the Ming Dynasty).

Apart from being dotted by historic and cultural attractions, the mountain has extensive botanical gardens and is a great place for hiking and photography. Purple Mountain is a perfect day plan.

The Jiming Temple is an active Buddhist temple that overlooks the City Wall and Xuanwu Lake. One of the oldest temples in the city, it was established in 300AD during the Eastern Jin dynasty. Destroyed almost several decades ago, it was rebuilt in 1981.Consists of four major parts:

• Guanyin Hall
• Huomeng Building
• The Medicine Buddha Pagoda, where you can have a view of the city.
• The Rouge Well, it is said that the emperor of the Southern Tang dynasty and his concubine hid in the well to escape enemies. Stains of rouge were left on the well and, hence, the name. 

During the spring, the temple trees are alive with cherry blossoms. The general feeling one gets in this temple is a wondrous mix of legend, tranquility and prayer.

Your Nanjing experienceis incomplete without seeing the Qinhuai River. The largest river in the city, its banks bustle with markets and street vendors. It is divided into two parts:

• The Inner river runs through the heart of the city.
• The Outer river was once a city moat of ancient Nanjing.

Viewing the river scenery from onboard a lantern boat is definitely the best option. Absorb the atmosphere and history while tea and Chinese delicacies are served on the boat, as traditional Chinese music is played. The river’s beauty is enhanced during nightfall when lamps are lit on all the boats and ships, big and small.

A fine work of military construction, this gate is part of a defensive complex that has made it the world’s most complicated castle.

Built in the Ming dynasty, this gate was built on the South wall. It consists of 27 tunnels, built to store large quantities of food, weapons and to hold approximately 3000 soldiers. Wide and steep ramps on the east and west side allow people carry materials upward.

The entire structure was built with massive bricks mortared together with special cement made from lime, sticky rice juice and tung oil. Such is the detail and precision that went into creating this massive structure.

Desire a relaxing get away from the city? Pearl Spring offers that peace and other attractions in its 3,700 acre resort.

Supposed to bring luck, throw pennies into the Pearl Spring. Camping and barbequing, golfing, rides at the amusement parks, visiting the various zoos and gardens are also galore. One will also see the very impressive replica of the Great Wall, known as the ‘Great Wall of Nanjing.’

Art lovers will enjoy the Sifang Art Collective while fishing enthusiasts will love the Silver Waterfall.

The Tangshan Regalia - Hot Spring & Spa is located just a few minutes from must see attractions such as the YangShan Scenic Area, Tangshan Mountain, Ape Caves and Tangshan Qifang where one can see the production of traditional Chinese foods.

It offers the best Thai spa and hot spring services, for hotel guests as wells people who want to stop by for a relaxing dip. Other activities the hotel provides include fruit picking, shrimp fishing and mountaineering.

The hotel is known for its abundant hospitality and courteous staff.