The provincial capital of Jiangsu, Nanjing, has served as the country's capital for six dynasties and has long occupied a prominent place in Chinese history and culture. The overwhelming neon lights along Qinhuai River, the abundance of greenery in Zhongshan Mountain Tourist Resort and the remnant architecture from the time of the fledgling republic are all facets of the richness of various stages in Nanjing's development.
Dr Sun Yat Sen was one of the pioneers at the forefront in the struggle to transform China from a dynastic feudal state to a republic for the people. He continues to be celebrated and the plan of his mausoleum is in a shape of an alarm bell, signifying the “perpetual ringing of the alarm bell to arouse people”. Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum is a classic building in architecture of the first days of the Republic of China.
Address: 1, Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum
2. Qixia Mountain
Qixia Mountain is located in northeastern Nanjing, 22 kilometres from downtown. A notable scenic spot, the Qixia temple has a carved Buddhist rock from the Southern Dynasty and dagoba (built in the manner of a solid hemispherical dome enshrining religious relics or the remains of kings) from the Sui Dynasty. The maple trees on the mountain are fiery red in the autumn, a fascinating treat for anyone daring the high climb to the mountain top.
3. Tangshan Mountain Tourist Resort
The Tangshan Mountain Tourist Resort is a relaxing paradise featuring springs, caves, lakes and temples. If there, do visit the famous Tangshan hot spring.
4. Hunan Road Business Street
Whether it is daytime or night, this is always one of the most prosperous and popular business streets in Nanjing and it is frequented by the young and trendy. The Shizi Qiao is where both the popular snack selling booths and restaurants and cafés gather.
5. 1912 Leisure And Entertainment Area
The 1912 leisure and entertainment area is the complex adjacent to the presidential palace used during Republican era. It is representing a special historical period of Nanjing and it symbolises the city’s cultural taste and profound history. Today it is the location for assorted bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants.
Nanjing is the geographical and cultural junction where the southern and northern cuisines meet and integrate into each other. The locals embrace all the traditional genres of dishes and love all the distinctive and authentic snacks as well. The eight distinguished dishes of Qinhuai River will challenge even the pickiest gourmet.
1. Zi Jin Restaurant
You will find Zi Jin Restaurant at the five-star Grand Metro Park Hotel on the top floor. They serve authentic Chinese cuisine in a luxury environment with a great view over the city.
Address: 319, Zhongshan East Road, Baixia
2. Jinling Hotel Plum Blossom Hall
Jinling Hotel is one of the oldest five-star hotels in Nanjing. The Plum Blossom Hall is named after the beautiful flower symbolizing the cultural and historic image of Nanjing and the decoration here adds plum blossom patterns to every detail. It serves a variety of dishes mainly featuring the Huaiyang dishes. The seafood consommé with pastry and boiled salted duck are the dishes to try.
Address: 2, Hanzhong Road, Baixia
3. Wangqin Restaurant
This is popular with both the locals and international tourists. Its location on the bank of the Qinhuai River, next to the Fuzimiao Temple provides great views while dining. There are also many traditional and cultural performances including zither playing, storytelling and ballad singing in Suzhou dialect. Shredded dried bean in chicken soup is a favourite order.
Address: 1, Gongyuan West Street, Qinhuai
4. Bella Napoli
For those craving European fare, Bella Napoli is your pick. Well renowned for its authentic Italian favourites like tiramisu, pizzas and Spaghetti Bolognese.
Shopping in Nanjing is easy and hassle-free. The commercial districts are divided into specialised zones according to what is on sale there. The Xinjiekou - literally new street corner - Business Centre is a good first stop with all that a modern shopper could reasonably wish for, with mall after mall to test the stamina of even the most determined bargain hunters.
1. Hunan Road & shanxi Road Business Street
The two roads are close to each other, enclosing the second largest shopping place in Nanjing. The Hunanlu Road is the place where pedestrians can shop at all kind of stores including many exclusive clothes stores. The Shiziqiao (the lion bridge) is a popular street to sample local and exotic snacks.
2. Commodity Wholesale Market
The two markets are like Beijing’s Xiushui Street, where you can make bargains on clothes, bags, shoes and groceries.
Address: 8, Jianning Road, Xiaguan
3. The Zhujing Technology Road
Assorted electronic products like computers, cell phones, mp3-players and other IT products are available here. There are also many service shops to repair laptops of almost any brand.
Address: Technology Street, Zhujiang Road
4. Cultural Route
Ninghai Road, near Nanjing University, is the place to pick up CD´s or DVD´s. Many Chinese and foreign college students like to hang out here getting the latest movies or albums. There are also some street markets selling back-issues of foreign magazines and second-hand books.
You will notice that there is no shortage of accommodation options in Nanjing. The city provides wide selections from budget hotels to luxury five star hotels. Hotels around Qinghuai River District, are very popular, three other places to stay are; city centre (around Xinjiekou Square), the Xuanwu District and Tangshan Town. You will definitely find a hotel that will suit your budget and taste.
1. Grand Metro Park Hotel Nanjing
The location of the hotel is extremely convenient for tourists. It is only a half- an- hour ride from the Lukou Airport and only 10 minutes ride from downtown. 200m away from the hotel stands the ancient city wall, the Zhongshan Gate section, built during the Ming Dynasty. Inside the hotel you will find health club, swimming pool, beauty salon, restaurants and bars.
Address: 319, Zhongshan East Road, Xuanwu
2. Crown Plaza Hotel Nanjing
The hotel is located in downtown Nanjing, surrounded by commercial areas, making it rather convenient for tourists to walk a few miles to shop or dine. It has a reputation of having the fastest check-in and check-out process in town.
Address: 89, Hanzhong Road, Baixia
3. Nanjing Xuanwu Hotel
This is one of the most popular hotels in Nanjing and it has hosted a lot of celebrities in the entertainment industry. It is near the beautiful scenic spot Xuanwu Lake Park and only a couple of minutes walk to the metro station.
Address: 193, Zhongyang Road
4. Jinling Hotel
Jinling is one of the most famous and historic hotels in Nanjing. It has housed various visiting heads of different states. The location downtown, in Xinjiekou, makes it a convenient base.
Address: 2 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing Gulou
5. Nanjing New Era Hotel
The hotel is adjacent to the Zhujiang Road Metro Station. The surroundings are quiet and pleasant. This international four-star hotel offers facilities like restaurants, beauty salon and gym.
Nanjing Lukou International Airport is located in the southeastern corner and 35.8 km from Nanjing city. The Airport Express leaves every 30 minutes between 6:00 and 20:30 at the Zhonghuamen long-distance passenger depot which is next to the Zhonghuamen metro station. To get there by metro, get off at Zhonghuamen metro station or take bus services 2, 38, 16, 39, 49, 111 or 116 to Xijie Street stop or Runtai market stop.
2. Public Transport
Nanjing metro is not only environmentally friendly, but also convenient. The tickets are sold in the metro stations. The daily operating hours are from 05:40 to 23:10.
The public bus system is extensive but may be a little difficult for those who do not speak Chinese. Most buses run between 06:30 and 21:00.
