Capture the Magic of Nanjing with These Must-Visit Scenic Wonders
Welcome to Nanjing — where history that stretches 2,500 years whispers gently down alleys of the Ming, cherry blossoms wrap skylines of the future, and every alley contains a secret. Ready to swap guidebooks for goosebumps? Explore the cultural heartbeat of China with us!
Ming City Wall
Ancient Ming City Wall of Nanjing snakes through the central city area and is one of the globe’s better-preserved ancient fortifications. Ascend at the Jiefangmen Gate and walk the broad rooftop of the wall for bird’s-eye city-collision-with-ancient views. Observe 350-million hand-engraved bricks—each of them being a piece of Nanjing history.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum
At the base of Purple Mountain is this monumental mausoleum in memory of the Father of Modern China. You will have to climb hundreds of steps to get to its grandiose white pagoda and you will be rewarded by the spectacular views of Nanjing upon your arrival. Perfect symmetry in the construction enables sensational photo shots at every level.
Purple Mountain (Zijin Mountain)
One of the favorite weekend destinations, Purple Mountain is filled with temples, memorials and beautiful paths. Go in the spring when the plum blossoms are at their peak and don’t miss hiking the stone steps up the pagoda of the highest in China, the Linggu Temple, with panoramic tree-covered views.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in hills covered in forest. Walk the Sacred Way between imperial stone animals and camphor trees, between towering Ming-era gates, halls. Photography spots are the entire full-color landscape in the autumn of the year and the ornate animal shapes that are spaced along the Spirit Way.
Qinhuai River Night Opera
It comes alive in the evening when lanterns are lit. Take an ebony-verified boat through by the red-lighted teahouses of Wuyi Alley where Kunqu opera singers sing all night. Getting the signature photo: Be at the Wende Bridge at 8:15 PM—coordinate to the minute in order to position the moon centered in the arch, reflected below.
Confucius Temple and Fuzimiao District
Also known as Fuzimiao, the riverside quarter nightlife contains the venerable Confucius Temple, no less lively at night, however. Its lanes are lined with old buildings, night stalls that cook up snacks, and local shops—be sure of the photo of the temple by river reflections, either at sunset.
Presidential Palace
Travel through the history of the modern China at the Presidential Palace. Climb through tree-lined courtyards, museum-standard exhibition galleries, and beauty-spot pavilions that document the history of Chinese political history. Photogenically attractive old buildings with pleasant gardens are a powerful photography location.
Xuanwu Lake Park
Wander thru or horse-draw thru lake-side passageways lined by pavilions, gardens, and five landscape islands. Mornings are local and serene, the lotus of the park, the ancient city wall backdrop are stunning in every season. Horse-draw across one of the lakeside bridges at sunset for bird-eye views of the city.
Jiming Temple
It is an ancient hilltop temple, which is swarmed by the city in spring with all the cherry blossom. Take pictures of pink-flowered petals that surround lines of lantern-lit corridors, the gold-roofed pagoda of the temple or of city skylines. The cherry blossom avenue, adjacent to old city wall, is best to take views.
Lao Men Dong Historical and Cultural Area
Delve into the ancient Nanjing beauty through a stroll upon the cobbled alleys in Lao Men Dong. Old historic buildings are refurbished; there are shops where crafts are sold, tea houses, as well as art galleries. Keep an eye on colorful murals and old-style shopfronts deserved to be called photographic heaven.
Wutong Avenue
A photographer favorite, Plane Tree Avenue (Wutong Avenue) transforms into a tunnel of gold during the fall if the trees change. It would be a shame to miss the turn at Ming Xiaoling Gate or even the overpass to unable to capture the traditional photo--its early morning light seems extra flattering.
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge
This massive two-level bridge does not only transport the cars and trains, but also the symbol of the post 1949 China. It contains a sweeping walkway, panoramic Yangtze views, as well as the Nanjing cityscape. Pictures of the sunset or the moment of twilight here frame river majesty, as well as the new side of Nanjing.
