Nanjing Sightseeing
Nanjing Sightseeing

Nanjing: The Charming Ancient Capital

A City of Love and Tolerance Along the Yangtze River

Also known as Jinling, Nanjing sits along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, about 300 kilometers from where the river meets the East China Sea. As the capital of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing governs 11 districts and covers an area of approximately 6,587 square kilometers. By the end of 2024, its permanent population had reached around 9.58 million.

With a rich and complex history, Nanjing has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties and countless moments of change. Yet, through it all, the city has remained open-minded and welcoming. Often called the "City of Love and Compassion," Nanjing radiates charm and vitality. Its unique blend of deep-rooted history, resilient spirit, and modern flair continues to captivate travelers from around the world.

Nanjing: Capital of Six Dynasties, Heart of Ten Reigns

Over 3,100 years ago, the ancient city of Changgan was built, marking the beginning of Nanjing’s long and storied urban history. Since then, this remarkable city has stood at the heart of Chinese civilization, serving as the capital for ten different regimes across the centuries.

From the ambitious rise of Eastern Wu, to the poetic elegance of the Southern Tang, and the golden age of the Ming dynasty, Nanjing has been home to dynasties such as Eastern Wu, Eastern Jin, Song, Qi, Liang, Chen, Southern Tang, Ming, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and the Republic of China. Recognized as one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, Nanjing has witnessed the passage of time through countless springs and autumns.

Wander through Nanjing and you’ll find echoes of its thousand-year legacy at every turn—where each dynasty left behind a dream, and every stone tells a story of Jinling's timeless charm.

Nanjing basic information
Nicknames
Jinling, Jiankang
Climate
Subtropical monsoon climate – hot, humid summers and mild, damp winters
City Tree & Flower
City Tree: Cedar,City Flower: Plum blossom
Location
Nanjing is located in eastern China, in the central part of the lower Yangtze River region. Its geographical coordinates range from 31°14′ to 32°37′ N latitude and 118°22′ to 119°14′ E longitude. The city lies about 300 kilometers (186 miles) west of Shanghai.
Nanjing shares its eastern border with Zhenjiang (Jiangsu Province), its western border with Ma'anshan and Wuhu (Anhui Province), its southern border with Xuancheng (Anhui Province), and its northern border with Yangzhou and Huai'an (Jiangsu Province).
Strategically positioned, Nanjing is a major hub in eastern China. It plays a key role as a core city in the Yangtze River Delta, a vital gateway linking eastern and central-western China, and a key junction along the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also an important city within the Yangtze River Economic Belt and a megacity driving regional growth across the broader Yangtze Delta region.
Population
Approximately 9.58 million(as of the end of 2024)
Area
6,587 square kilometer
Languages
Mandarin Chinese and Nanjing dialect
A Capital of Six Dynasties and a Metropolis of Ten Dynasties
●Eastern Wu (229–280): In 229 AD, Sun Quan, ruler of Eastern Wu, chose Nanjing—then called Jianye—as his capital. This marked the beginning of Nanjing’s long and storied history as a political center.
●Eastern Jin (317–420): As northern China plunged into turmoil, Sima Rui established the Eastern Jin dynasty and made Nanjing—then known as Jiankang—his capital. The city became a beacon of southern Chinese culture, philosophy, and governance.
●Southern Dynasties (420–589): Nanjing remained the capital during the successive reigns of the Liu Song, Southern Qi, Liang, and Chen dynasties. Over these three centuries, the city blossomed into a cultural powerhouse, with literature and the arts reaching new heights.
This era of six dynasties brought Nanjing its first golden age, with flourishing creativity that influenced all of China.
●Southern Tang (937–975): During the fragmented Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Li Bian established the Southern Tang in the Jiangnan region, with Nanjing again serving as the capital.
●Ming Dynasty (1368–1421): Centuries later, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, declared Nanjing the capital of his new empire, ushering in a second period of brilliance for the city. This lasted until Emperor Yongle moved the capital north to Beijing.
●Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1853–1864): One of the most significant uprisings in Chinese history—the Taiping Rebellion, led by Hong Xiuquan—made Nanjing its stronghold. In 1853, the Taiping army renamed the city Tianjing (“Heavenly Capital”) and ruled from there until the movement was suppressed.
Republic of China (1912–1949): In 1912, Sun Yat-sen, serving as provisional president, declared the founding of the Republic of China in Nanjing, once again making the city the national capital. Later, Sun Yat-sen was laid to rest in Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Zhongshan Ling), cementing Nanjing’s place in modern Chinese history.