Old Meets New in Nanjing, China

13.07.2024 - 03:03 / travelpulse.com / TravelPulse Staff

Just an hour’s flight (or a 90-minute bullet train ride) northwest from Shanghai, China, and along the southeastern banks of the Yangtze River lies Nanjing, the capital of China’s Jiangsu province and home to 9.55 million residents.

Here, visitors will find a study in contrasts — scenic nature trails and sloping mountains rub shoulders with mega shopping malls, soaring skyscrapers and historic pagodas. And while Nanjing has traditionally been off the beaten path for Western visitors, it’s poised to make a splash in China’s tourism scene: Whether a client is interested in history, art, culture or technology, the city delivers a fully immersive experience paired with contemporary comforts.

Here’s how to make the most of a visit to Nanjing.

Although urbanites may find it easy to while away their time by exploring the modern delights of the city, taking some time to uncover Nanjing’s storied history and rich, cultural ties should also be a priority.

Although the city served as China’s capital throughout 10 dynasties (spanning a period of 1,800 years), today’s visitors may associate it with a more recent, darker chapter. The Nanjing Massacre, which took place over a period of six weeks between 1937 and 1938, involved the killing of nearly 300,000 residents by the Imperial Japanese Army. Although a sobering experience, no trip to Nanjing is complete without a stop to the Memorial Hall of the Victims. Its exhibits — which comprise photography, videography, written word, sculptures, artifacts and, most hauntingly, the remains of a mass grave site — are also an important reminder of the city’s resilience. The message “Remember history, but not with hatred,” greets museum-goers at the site, which has received some 60 million visitors since it was built in 1985.

History buffs will also enjoy learning about Nanjing’s political significance within the country. As one of China’s Four Ancient Capital Cities (alongside Beijing, Xi'an and Luoyang), Nanjing’s political roots run deep, and hints of China’s ancient past can be found around nearly every corner.

Recommend that visitors take some time to walk along Nanjing’s Old City Wall, a preserved fortress in the middle of the city that was built in 1368 by the Hongwu Emperor after the founding of the Ming Dynasty. Or, suggest they embark on a tour of the 600-year-old Presential Palace, a museum that was formerly the official residence for several government offices.

Active travelers looking to get their hearts pumping may also enjoy a visit to Zijin Mountain Scenic Area (at the foot of Purple Mountain), where they can make the trek up the attraction’s stately steps to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, which — in addition to providing beautiful birds-eye views —honors the founding