Nanjing, the capital city of China’s Jiangsu province and located along the Yangtze River Delta, was once the capital of the medieval Ming dynasty and has preserved its over 1,800 years of history to this day, making it one of China’s great cultural capitals.
But if you’ll only be visiting for a few days, there are a few experiences that you shouldn’t miss out on, including the many culinary delights.
The Food
Any trip to Nanjing, no matter how short, wouldn’t be complete without some incredible food. Nanjing cuisine is considered an offshoot of one of China’s four main cuisines, Huaiyang, and often showcases the region’s locally grown produce and abundant seafood.
The city’s also considered the birthplace of Peking Duck, but it also prepares a local favorite: Nanjing salted duck, which is served cold after being cooked in brine.
Nanjing is famous as the birthplace of Peking Duck, but it's local favorite is salted duck. (Photo Credit: Jiyi / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
The region’s many lakes and close connection to the river delta ensures that travelers will get a flavor of seafood, from fish to crustaceans. A local delicacy is hairy crab, which are so important that Nanjing holds its own festival dedicated to them in autumn.
Temples & Culture
Nanjing is known for its cultural and political importance, as the medieval center of Chinese civilization during part of the Ming dynasty. Today, travelers can check out numerous Buddhist temples within the city and walk along Stone City, an ancient remnant of the city’s original fortifications, at a local park.
Yet one must-visit is the Niushoushan Cultural Tourism Zone. Located atop the scenic mountain bearing the same name, it’s the birthplace of Niutou Chan Buddhism and holds both a nine-tier pagoda and Buddhist temple along with two tombs and other historical monuments, connected by more modern pathways and features.
Statues of animals line the path towards the UNESCO-designated emperor's tomb in Nanjing. (Photo Credit: Wirestock / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Nanjing is also home to one UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, located in the massive Zhongshan Mountain National Park, where fourteen other important sites, such as Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s mausoleum is also located. The tomb is a beautiful respite from the city any time of year.
Curious to learn more about Nanjing? Visit the city's tourism website to explore this storied city.
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