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.
This Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) era garden is one of the most famous Chinese gardens in South China. The elaborate walkways, bridges and halls preserve an opulence distinct to Ming- and Qing-era China. Peaceful pools center in unusual rockeries to be viewed from distinct pavilions. This garden's highlights vary with the seasons, so it is a year-round attraction. However in the fall the unusually bright yellows and oranges of the foliage will stand out in memory and photographs.
Established in 1987 and highlighting historical collections from Nanjing's 6000 years of history, the Nanjing Museum (Nanjing Bowuguan) exhibitions include excavations of the Nanjing shipyard and an amazing treasure boat used in one of Zheng He's voyages. Other exhibitions include artifacts dating to early homo erectus remains and maps from the Six Dynasties era (386-589 CE). General signage is in English but the exhibitions are only in Chinese. Multi-lingual guides can be arranged by calling in advance. An English guide generally costs CNY60.
Featuring more than 200 species in exhibits that range from tropical to polar, plenty of fun can be found at the Nanjing Aquarium. There are live demos, feedings and entertaining shows throughout the day. An underwater tunnel through the shark exhibit is one of the main draws. For a fee, visitors can even swim in some of the exhibits. Children enter at a discount.
Over 120 varieties of tree, including Chinese pines, cypresses, locust trees, walnuts and oaks, grace the slopes of the Qing Ling mountains in this national level forest park to the south of Xi'an. There are also lush groves of bamboo, waterfalls, caves and pools. Rare fauna includes giant pandas and golden hair monkeys. A popular attraction is Lou Guan Tai (The platform of Houses and Temples), where one of the great Taoist thinkers, Laozi, is said to have preached his philosophy.
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.
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.
Established in 1987 and highlighting historical collections from Nanjing's 6000 years of history, the Nanjing Museum (Nanjing Bowuguan) exhibitions include excavations of the Nanjing shipyard and an amazing treasure boat used in one of Zheng He's voyages. Other exhibitions include artifacts dating to early homo erectus remains and maps from the Six Dynasties era (386-589 CE). General signage is in English but the exhibitions are only in Chinese. Multi-lingual guides can be arranged by calling in advance. An English guide generally costs CNY60.
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.
The historical neighborhood surrounding the Confucius Temple might be the most photographed spot in Nanjing. Distinct Ming-style architecture has been preserved along the narrow alleys. The colorful contents of open-front shops spill out into the street. This is definitely a neighborhood for shopping and eating, just make sure you bargain for your goods before handing over your money. Fuzi Miao is also a legendary destination for Nanjing's culinary treats. Restaurants and street stalls offer the best of Nanjing, from hand-pulled noodles, duck blood soup and tofu pudding. Yellow-topped boats in front of the Confucius Temple take visitors up and down the river.
The specialty of the Nanjing Paleontology Museum is the reconstruction of dinosaur fossils found throughout China, including some rare creatures, such as the long-necked Mamenchisaurus. One of the museum's prized possessions includes the world's oldest fossilized flower. The museum is only open at the weekends, but once inside it is easy to get lost in the hours and exhibits as the size of the collection is fairly extensive.
Over 120 varieties of tree, including Chinese pines, cypresses, locust trees, walnuts and oaks, grace the slopes of the Qing Ling mountains in this national level forest park to the south of Xi'an. There are also lush groves of bamboo, waterfalls, caves and pools. Rare fauna includes giant pandas and golden hair monkeys. A popular attraction is Lou Guan Tai (The platform of Houses and Temples), where one of the great Taoist thinkers, Laozi, is said to have preached his philosophy.