Nanjing ： History, Heritage & Natural Beauty

By Christy Choi

Nanjing is a perfect destination to experience China's rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, especially if your time is limited.

As the ancient capital of 10 dynasties, and the only one of China's 'Four Great Ancient Capitals' situated along the mighty Yangtze River, Nanjing offers a unique blend of historical significance and scenic splendor.

The city harmoniously combines mountains, rivers, lakes, and plains, embodying the principles of good feng shui. This natural bounty provided both defense and prosperity for the dynasties that ruled here, and for centuries Nanjing was a hub of economic, political, and cultural activity, shaping China's history in profound ways.

As a result, the city is home to numerous heritage sites, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, and ancient city walls; breathtaking landscapes, such as Purple Mountain and Xuanwu Lake; as well as boasting intangible cultural heritage, such as Yunjin brocade and traditional arts like paper cutting and velvet flower-making.

With its unique blend of past and present, Nanjing is a city that truly captures the essence of the nation. Here are just a few of the highlights.

Nanjing City Wall

Image via WikiCommons

A remarkable and imposing structure, Nanjing City Wall is the longest city wall in the world. Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), it still stretches for 25 kilometers today.

Image by Christy Choi/That's

Climbing up the wall, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of Xuanwu Lake and Zijin Mountain. The surrounding landscape, with its harmonious blend of mountains, lakes, forests and urban areas encompasses centuries of history.

Ming Xiaoling Tomb