Top Reasons to Plan a Trip to Nanjing, China

Top Reasons to Plan a Trip to Nanjing, China
Today, Nanjing's historical sites seamlessly meld with modern architecture, sophisticated cultural attractions, and a cosmopolitan vibe, offering travelers a perspective on China beyond the traditional tourist route. Autumn is the most desirable period to visit this eastern city as temperatures cool, comfortably averaging 63–73˚F / 17–23˚C, leaves begin to change color, and cultural festivals are abound. There is no better time to plan a trip to China than the present, and a few of the not-to-be-missed attractions and events in Nanjing to incorporate into upcoming travel itineraries include:

Qinhuai Scenic Area and the Confucius Temple

The Qinhuai River, known as the “Mother River” of Nanjing, is the focal point of the city's cultural center and home to its Confucius Temple. On the temple grounds, visitors can explore the Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall, Dacheng Hall, which features the largest figure of Confucius in China and a collection of 38 panels made with jade, gold, and silver that detail his life, and the former residences of Wang Xie and Li Xiangjun, which provide a look into the lives of several of Nanjing's significant historical figures. While in the scenic area, visitors can take a leisurely river cruise, admiring the sights while enjoying tea and local snacks. On September 28, 2016, Nanjing will commemorate 2,567 years since Confucius' birth, followed by Confucius Culture Week featuring parades, performances, and cultural exhibitions.

Nanjing Niushoushan Cultural Park

Nanjing Niushoushan Cultural Park, which recently opened in late 2015, was established to collectively exhibit and preserve the cultural treasures of Niushou Mountain – a centuries-old sacred Buddhist site in southern Nanjing. The park consists of an opulent and meticulously detailed Buddhist palace built into the side of the mountain which spans six floors underground; the Pagoda of Hongjue Temple; and the Tang-style Usnisa Pagoda nestled in the trees. Also located in the park is Usnisa Temple, a hillside monastery complex made up of two sections - a southern district with monks' living and dining quarters and a northern district for prayer and worship. The temple has seven distinct halls, including a meditation hall for up to 300 people.

Grand Bao'en Temple

This newly opened archeological site and museum on the south bank of the Qinhuai River exhibits the history of the Grand Bao'en Temple (also known as the Porcelain Tower), a Ming Dynasty era pagoda that was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval Age. The temple's re-construction was funded by Chinese businessman Wang Jianlin with what is reported to be the largest single personal donation ever made in China.

Rain Flower Stone Festival

September

Colorful rain flower stones, also known as Yuhua stones or pebbles, are created from sediment, quartz, and other silicates in Nanjing's Yangtze River. Legend says that, during the Liang Dynasty, a monk named Yunguang moved God so deeply with his words that he was rewarded with thousands of colorful flowers that rained down from the sky. When they touched the ground, they turned into Yuhua stones. In celebration, the Rain Flower Stone Festival is held annually in the Yuhuatai Scenic Area, throughout the month of September with activities including a rain flower stone exhibition, tours to pick rain flower stones, and arts and cultural performances.

Gaochun County Hairy Crab Festival

September – November

Hairy crabs are a delicacy in many Asian countries, known for their vibrant orange roe and rich, buttery texture. In China, mid-September is known as the best time for female hairy crabs, while males peak in mid-October. During the Hairy Crab Festival the furry-clawed crustaceans are sold in stalls and by vendors throughout Gaochun County in southern Nanjing. The crabs are sourced from nearby Gucheng Lake, one of the country's top breeding grounds.

Autumn Leaves on Qixia Mountain

October

Qixia Mountain lies approximately 14 miles northeast of Nanjing's city center and is the most beautiful spot in the area to view autumn leaves. The landscape is known for its flame-colored maple trees, lush forests, and crystal clear springs. There are plenty of cultural relics and scenic spots to explore including the Qixia Temple, Sarira Pagoda, Thousand Buddhas Cliff, and Mirror Lake.

Nanjing, which translates to “Southern Capital,” is the capital of Jiangsu province in eastern China, situated in the Yangtze River Delta area 190 miles northwest of Shanghai. Recognized as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, Nanjing has served as the capital city of 10 Chinese dynasties and regimes for a total of more than 1,800 years. A sophisticated metropolis and a modern center of history, education, and culture, Nanjing is home to some of the country's most significant historical attractions such as the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, The Presidential Palace, and a City Wall, which dates back more than 600 years. Popular attractions also include China's oldest public library and one of the country's first museums, the Nanjing Museum.

Nanjing is accessible by Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) with daily non-stop flights from North America. Three train stations – Nanjing Railway Station, Nanjing South Railway Station, and Nanjing West Railway Station – connect Nanjing to all of China's major cities, including Beijing, which is a 3.5-hour ride via bullet train. Travelers coming from Shanghai can reach Nanjing in approximately 90 minutes by bullet train or three hours by car.

For more information on Nanjing please visit www.cityofnanjing.com.