Nanjing: The Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties

Table of Contents

History, Culture & The Qinhuai River

Visitor Summary

  • Location: Nanjing (Capital of Jiangsu Province)

  • Key Highlights: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Laomendong Historic District, Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao).

  • Dining Experience: “Qinhuai Eight Delicacies” Welcome Banquet included. * Note: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum requires advance real-name reservation.

     

The Tour Pathway

Nanjing is a city where deep history meets vibrant local life.

  1. Arrival: Depart early for Nanjing (approx. 4.5 hours drive).

  2. Historic District: Explore Laomendong, a revitalized area that captures the look and feel of old southern Nanjing.

  3. The Mausoleum: Visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a National 5A scenic spot and the resting place of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

  4. Night View: Stroll through the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) commercial area along the Qinhuai River to see the lights and the “First Screen Wall of China”.

  5. Dining: Enjoy a special welcome dinner featuring famous local snacks.

General Introduction & History

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Zhongshan Ling) Located in the scenic Zhongshan area, this mausoleum is one of Nanjing’s most significant historical landmarks. It honors Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the pioneer of China’s democratic revolution.

  • Scale: The site covers over 80,000 square meters. Construction began in 1926 and was completed in 1929.

  • Status: It is a National Key Cultural Heritage site and a top-tier (5A) tourist attraction.

  • Key Features: Look for the “Purple Golden Tripod,” the “Bo’ai” (Universal Love) Archway, and the “Tianxia Wei Gong” (All Under Heaven Belongs to the People) Archway.

Laomendong Historic Quarter Located south of the Confucius Temple, this area relies on the ancient city wall to recreate the traditional architecture and lifestyle of old Nanjing.

  • Atmosphere: Walking through the lanes here feels like stepping back into the past. At night, the area is illuminated by lanterns, offering a quieter and more reflective experience compared to the bustling main riverfront.

Attractions & Fun Facts

1. The Qinhuai River & Confucius Temple

  • The Vibe: This area is China’s largest traditional ancient street market. It is famous for its “Qinhuai Lights,” historic Wuyi Alley, Wende Bridge, and the “First Screen Wall of China”.

  • Night View: The red lanterns reflecting on the river create a stunning visual that perfectly blends commercial energy with historical charm.

2. A Taste of Jinling

  • The “Eight Delicacies”: Your dinner is a cultural event featuring the “Qinhuai Eight Delicacies” and sixteen signature Jinling snacks.

  • Snack Recommendations: While exploring Laomendong, you can try local favorites at your own expense, such as Fermented Rice Dumplings (jiuniang tangyuan), Candied Taro, and Plum Blossom Cakes (meihuagao).

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