Things to Visit in Nanjing

Here are some of the sights we hope to catch while we are in Nanjing:

Dr Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum
The final resting place of Dr Sun Yat-Sen, the father of modern China. The mausoleum is situated on the slope of Mount Zijin and stretches over 80,000 square metres in the shape of a bell. Every year, many people climb a seemingly endless stone stairway to visit his tomb, pay their respects, and learn how Sun lived his life. The mausoleum stretches from the gateway and the main entrance through to a tablet pavilion, memorial hall and the tomb vault, with 392 steps and 10 platforms in between. In the vault lies a reclining marble statue of Dr Sun, where he is buried 5 metres underneath.

Nanjing Confucius Temple
Built in the Song Dynasty. It is the ritual place for worshipping and offering sacrifices to Confucius. It is a major scenic spot on the Qinhuai River and an ideal place for tourists to understand traditional Chinese culture as well as to enjoy shopping. The temple is adjacent to the Palace of Learning and the Imperial Examination Yard and typifies the traditional architecture in the Ming and Qing styles.


Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty
Named the Tomb of Filial Piety, it was built 600 years ago to house the remains of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. It is one of the largest ancient tombs in China and includes the Dismounting Horse Archway, Spiritual Gate, Tablet Hall, Xiaoling Hall and the Square City.


Yuejianglao
This 7-storey building, meaning Enjoying The River Tower, is the main sight-seeing spot in the Shizishan scenic area and has its origins from the Ming Dynasty. Ascending the tower, one can enjoy views of the Yangtze River extending away to its north, and the scenery of Nanjing to its south.

City Wall
This imposing city wall stands as high as a 5-storey building, and 13 of its current gates still exist from the Ming Dynasty era. Amongst these, Zhonghua (China) Gate is the largest and contains four layers, with a defence system between each layer. From an observation platform, soldiers and now visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city landscape.