With literally thousands of years of records, the Nanjing Museum is the place to come to swallow a bite-sized amount of historical information or gorge yourself on the expansive selection. Exhibits in Chinese and English span from neolithic times down to the Republican era. Maps, artwork, even a Han-era jade burial suit are among the exhibits. Travelers agree that the Nanjing Museum gives an appreciable overview to Chinese history, culture and art. Repeat visits always reveal something worthwhile.
The list of activities in the Wutaishan Recreation Park is so long, it is almost easier to think up amenities they do not have. More than a popular stadium, Wutaishan is the place to go in Nanjing for most sports and activities. From a driving range for golf fans to basketball courts and yoga classes, Wutaishan has something for everybody. Indoor tennis, an underground pool hall and informal dance classes can also be found here. If you feel cooped up or it is the first day after the rainy season, the gardens around Wutaishan make excellent walking as well. The Paulaner Brauhaus and Shishang Yunnan Restaurant are just two of the restaurants and cafes that take advantage of the area's outdoor beauty.
Visitors who have been to Beijing will be familiar with the stone animals that stand guard along the path to the tomb of Zhu Yuanzang. The original inspiration lies here in Zijin Shan at the tomb of the Ming Dynasty's first emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. The tomb covers nearly 1214 hectacres (3000 acres) and includes several notable structures, arranged to reflect the Ursa Major constellation, including the Archway for Dismounting, the Stele of Great Merits and the extravagant Walkway of Stone Animals. At the very back of the grounds lies Baocheng (Precious Hall) where the remains of the emperor are interred.
One of the best known landmarks in Nanjing, the Confucius Temple dates back to 1034 and the Song Dynasty. Venerating the great philosopher Confucius, whose teachings are no doubt the most influential in China, the temple became even more significant as Nanjing became the examination site for Confucian scholars taking the Imperial civil service exam at the nearby Examination Hall. As a symbolic center of Nanjing, the temple has also been the target of aggression as well as veneration and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, the latest after 1937, following the Japanese invasion. The current buildings are designed to fit the Ming-era architecture of the nearby district. Relics and artwork related to the great sage's life, including one of the largest Confucius statue in the world, plus figures of his eight disciples, are all on display.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen was the public face of the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty in 1911. The Zhongshan Ling- Dr. Sun Yat Sen is a reverential state monument on Zijin Shan that combines modern architecture with Ming Era imperial elements, including a many-tiered flight of steps, traditional decorative huabiao columns, and a blue-roofed symbolic sacrificial hall. An Italian marble rendering of Dr. Sun lays across his sarcophagus within the hall, the ceiling of which is painted with the Kuomingtang flag. The Three Principles of the People, democracy, nationalism and people's livelihood, the revolutionary movement's slogan are inscribed across the door.
When Zhu Yuanzhang founded the Ming Dynasty in 1368, he set about rebuilding a war-torn Nanjing in his personal image, one of safety and refinement. The walls surrounding the new city were integral to his image. Nanjing's city walls are distinct from the city walls in ancient capital cities such as Xi'an and Beijing in that they conform to an irregular landscape, rolling over hills and into valleys, for a total of 33 kilometers (20 miles), as opposed to maintaining the symbolic order of a square. It took 200,000 laborers 21 years to move the earth, make the bricks and build the wall. Today, two thirds of the original remain. Experts say that the bricks were mixed with glutinous rice and tung oil (a drying agent), which made them particularly strong, that is one of the reasons the ancient fortification remains standing today.
This is the Drum Tower (gu lou) that the district is named after. Originally built in 1382, the drum in the tower signaled the changing of the guard by marking the watch (a two hour period of time). Climbing to the top reveals the singular drum. At one time this was the tallest point in Nanjing. Now, it is a bit dwarfed by skyscrapers, but still has a worthwhile view. Within the building, which was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, there are old photographs of Nanjing and other interesting artifacts.
Within walking distance of Zhenghe Park in Baixia, this 916 seat theater holds traditional opera performances in grand comfort and style. The theater is home to the Jiangsu Performing Art Group and has a full calendar of events throughout the year.
Few universities can claim a legacy going back to 258 CE. At its establishment as the central higher learning institution of the kingdom, the curriculum was based mostly on Confucian teachings and methods of governance. Graduates of the school went on to serve as officials to the court. With such a long legacy, Nanjing University (colloquially called Nan Da - short for its Chinese name Nanjing Daxue) had many firsts for China, including the first academic art institute and the first co-educational facilities. The campus near Gulou along Hankou Road is a park-like spread of old and new buildings. With few cars allowed on campus, a visit makes for pleasant walking, especially in the spring as the cherries and plums bloom. There are a few museums on campus worth visiting, including the Art and Archeology Museum of Nanjing University, the Geoscience Museum and the History of Nanjing University Museum. The field and track facilities are open to the public.
Located behind the Presidential Palace, Xuyuan Garden is a verdant contrast to the modern Republican structure that served as the Nationalists' government offices. The garden's history goes back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was home to Prince Zhu Gaoxu. Later the garden served as the official home of the governor of Jiangsu. The Taiping Rebellion leader Hong Xiuquan made his home at the palace next to the garden while he was king of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom between 1851 and 1864. The lake within the garden holds a massive marble boat known as Buji Zhou, a curiosity with two compartments. The garden is celebrated as an example of classic southern architecture. More than that, it has played a historically significant role, with several powerful players, emperors and modern presidents known to stroll through its grounds as they made state decisions.
One of the most visited spots in Nanjing is the waterside of the Qin Huai River. A preserved historical district, the alleys and willow-covered walkways along the river have been a destination since Tang (618-906) times. During the city's heyday during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) the river front was full of pleasure houses for wealthy merchants. Some of Nanjing's best known spots dot the river, including the Confucius Temple and the Imperial Examination Hall Museum as well as well known eateries including the Kui Guang Ge Tea House and fun stops like the curious Ghost Valley Costume Shop. During the evenings the area around the Confucius Temple comes alive with neon lights and small food stands.
The commercial center of Nanjing is the intersection of Hanzhong Road and Zhongshan Road. This is Nanjing's shopping central, with big malls such as Golden Eagle, Deji Plaza and Jinling Shopping Center and more casual shopping at Fashion Lady to browse through. Xinjiekou is also the center of Nanjing's transport, with major bus lines and the subway intersecting here.