Nanjing Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Nanjing

Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu province, is situated in the southwestern corner of the region in East China. Located within the Yangtze River Delta, the city encompasses eleven administrative districts over an area of 6,600 square kilometers and was home to more than 9.4 million people in 2021. Functioning as a sub-provincial city with economic autonomy, Nanjing is an established hub for transportation, politics, commerce, and tourism, housing one of the world's most prominent inland ports.

With a rich background spanning thousands of years, Nanjing is celebrated as one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals. Early human activity in the region traces back to the Neolithic period, followed by ancient settlements along the Qinhuai River. Known by various historical names—including Jinling, Moling, Jiankang, and Jiangning—the city officially received the name Nanjing, meaning "Southern Capital," in 1368 during the Ming dynasty. Across different eras, it operated as the capital for numerous states and ruling powers, including Eastern Wu, the Southern Dynasties, the Southern Tang, the Ming dynasty, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and the Republic of China.

The local landscape offers a blend of historic architecture, natural waterways, and scenic terrain. Notable heritage attractions inside the city include the Presidential Palace, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Travelers can also observe historic features such as the ancient City Wall, Stone City, the Drum Tower, Ming Palace, Chaotian Palace, and the Porcelain Tower. Scenic natural and cultural sites are scattered across the region, highlighted by Purple Mountain, Xuanwu Lake, the Qinhuai River area, and Fuzimiao.

In addition to its historic monuments, Nanjing serves as a premier center for arts, literature, and academic inquiry. Major cultural destinations include the Nanjing Museum, the Jiangsu Art Museum, and the Nanjing Library. The city is home to 68 higher learning institutions, including Nanjing University, and maintains a high ratio of college students relative to its population. It also ranks among the world's leading centers for scientific research output, particularly within the physical, chemical, earth, and environmental sciences.