Nanjing
Nanjing is a sub-province of The People’s Republic China and is located in the Yangtze River Delta. This city covers an area of over two thousand square miles and has a population of over five million people. This city was one of the earliest cities established in the southern region of China by Lord of the State of Wu, Fu Chai.
During the Ming Dynasty, the emperor Zhu Yuanzhang made Nanjing the capital of China. He then proceeded to construct the longest wall of its time. It took the work of over two hundred thousand laborers and the better part of two decades to complete. This city would remain the capital until 1422, when the emperor relocated the capital to Beijing. Two hundred and fifty years after the capital was relocated to Beijing, Nanjing would once again become the capital.
In 1644, Li Zicheng’s rebels invaded Beijing and the emperor Zhu Youjian commited suicide. Prince Zhu Yousong was then moved to Nanjing for his safety and placed upon the throne as the Hongguang Emperor. But his rule would be both short and unsuccessful. Manchu troops sacked Jiangnan and the Hongguang Emperor fled his throne. Manchu troops then approached the city of Nanjing and the city was promptly surrendered to them. The next important event in the history of Nanjing was the invasion of the city by British troops during the First Opium War. This invasion was halted by the Treaty of Nanking. Another milestone in the history of the city occurred during the Xinhai Revolution when the city as once again selected as the capital. This would be fleeting as the Qing Dynasty still had control over the northern provinces. Yuan Shikai replaced Dr. Sun Yat-sen and demanded the capital be once again moved to Beijing.
One of the most prominent attractions in Nanjing is the Nanjing Confucius Temple. This temple was constructed in 1034 during the Song Dynasty. It was established as a place to consecrate the name of Confucius. Over the years the temple was damaged several times and subsequently rebuilt. It received its greatest damage in 1937 when it was burned nearly to the ground by invading Japanese forces. During the 1980s the local government rebuilt it. To the front of the temple is the Qin Huai River. Inside the temple are several key features. One is the statue of Confucius. The other one is a collection of thirty-eight panels composed of gold, silver and jade. These panels chronicle the life of Confucius. Also located here is are eight marble statues of Confucius’ disciples. Around the outside of the temple are restaurants, cafes and tourist shops.
The biggest imperial tomb in China is the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. This mausoleum is situated at the southern portion of Zhongshan Mountain. It was built in 1381 and construction was completed in 1431. This museum is divided into two sections. One part is the main body of the mausoleum and the other part is the Sacred Way part. At the entrance is the Dismounting Archway and the Tablet Pavilion. This site is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Another mausoleum in Nanjing is Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum. It covers an area of over two hundred and forty thousand feet and is situated in the Zhong Mountain Scenic Area. This mausoleum was erected in 1929. Key features of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum include the Memorial Archway, Sacrificial Hall, Zhengqi Pavilion, Waxwork Home of Democratic Revolution, the Sun Yat-sen Museum and the Open-air Music Hall.
A must see site to see while visiting Nanjing is the Linggu Temple. This temple is located just east of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum. It was built during the Liang Dynasty. Over the years this temple has been called by a variety of different name. Its current name was given to it by the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang. Inside the temple is the Xuanzang Memorial Hall. This hall was built in honor of Xuanzang, who was a monk who lived during the Tang Dynasty. Other key features of the temple include Linggu Pagoda, Songfeng Pavilion and Non-beam Hall.
Nanjing Museum is a museum that covers almost thirteen hectares and is located in the Zhongshan Gate. Nanjing Museum was establised in 1933 and contains over two thousand items of a cultural and national interest. Inside this museum you will see paintings, porcelain items and historic relics.
Zijinshan Observatory, also known as the Purple Mountain Observatory, is situated in the Zhong Mountain Scenic Area. This observatory was constructed in 1934 and is one of the most famous observatories in all of China. It contains a sixty centimeter reflecting telescope and a twenty centimeter refracting telescope. Also located here are ancient astronomical instruments which include Armillary Sphere, Simplified Armillary Sphere, Celestial Globe and the Gnomon of the Ming Dynasty. The Nanjing Astronomy and History Museum is also located here. The museum contains three exhibition halls.
Other attractions in the city include Mochou Lake, Mount Qixia, The Memorial Hall to the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre, Xuanwu Lake, Xuyuan Garden, Yangtze River Bridge, Zhanyuan Garden and Zhonghua Gate. This city is also filled with many gardens, restaurants and hotels. There is a little bit of everything here for the curious tourist.
