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Cyril Ip

The capital of imperial China between the sixth and 15th centuries, Nanjing today is a centre for innovation that has held onto its history.
The eastern city – whose name, meaning “southern capital”, was introduced in 1403 during the Ming dynasty – has a comprehensive metro network that makes it easy for tourists to get around.
The city offers a wide range of accommodation options, from inexpensive hostels to upmarket chain hotels.
A flight to Nanjing from Hong Kong takes 2½ hours, and the city is an hour from Shanghai by the fastest train.
Here are five major landmarks that span Nanjing’s past, present and future and should be on any visitor’s itinerary.
1. Niushoushan

Literally “ox head mountain”, southern Nanjing’s Niushoushan derives its name from its twin peaks, resembling the horns of an ox. A “cultural tourism zone” – China’s usual term for large-scale developments at historical sites – was built on the site of a Tang dynasty Buddhist temple destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion against the Qing dynasty in the 1850s.
The park artfully fuses nature with tradition and technology. The west peak is home to the ancient-looking Usnisa Pagoda offering panoramic views of the forest, while the Usnisa Palace, a state-of-the-art spherical structure, is the furthest from what one would picture as a shrine.

Stretching six floors underground, the centre of the spiky palace features a nine-metre (29.5ft) rotating statue of a reclining Buddha. It also contains the gold-plated Ten Thousand Buddhas Corridor, which leads to the breathtaking Great Usnisa Hall, where visitors worship at its 1.8 metre tall stupa.
Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm; tickets: 145 yuan (US$19.90)
2. Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders

The memorial hall is erected on the site of the mass murder at Jiangdongmen or Jiangdong Gate, near a “pit of 10 thousand corpses” – a title given to the sites where thousands of bodies were buried following massacres by the Imperial Japanese Army.
The museum is a solemn tribute to the 300,000 lives lost during Japan’s six-week massacre, starting on December 13, 1937, in the city then known as Nanking.
It houses numerous exhibits, including photographs, documents and personal accounts, that detail the atrocities committed against the civilian population, which included mass killings, widespread rape and the destruction of the city.
The site is a poignant reminder of one of the worst wartime atrocities in history, and visitors should be emotionally prepared and dress appropriately when visiting.
Opening hours: 8.30am to 5pm; entry is free, but advance booking via WeChat is required
3. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

For a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of past emperors, visit the final resting place of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor or the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and his wife, Empress Ma.
Construction began in 1381 and continued for over two decades, making it one of the largest and most important imperial mausoleums in China. Located at the foot of the scenic Purple Mountain, the complex features a long “sacred way” lined with impressive stone statues of animals and officials, leading to the main tomb area.

The architectural style brings together traditional Chinese and Mongol elements, and shows the cultural influences of the Ming dynasty.
Opening hours: 6.30am to 6.30pm; tickets: 70 yuan
4. Fuzimiao

Fuzimiao or “Confucian Temple” is a serene oasis in the jam-packed shopping streets of the Qinhuai River district, and is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher. Its architectural style is typical of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors may pay their respects at the Hall of Prayer and Sacrifice.
Constructed over a century ago, the place of worship has been damaged on many occasions, and was burned to the ground during the Japanese invasion in 1937. Much of the current structure was built or renovated three decades ago.
It is also the former site of the Imperial University, and was used as a barracks for Kuomintang troops. Access to the area is free of charge, but entry to some buildings, including the Dacheng Hall, may require a ticket (20 yuan).
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm every day; free admission except for some halls
5. Xinjiekou

Xinjiekou, literally “new crossroads”, has been Nanjing’s central business district since the 1920s. It stands in stark contrast to the city’s historical landmarks and has a kaleidoscope of shops, restaurants, and street vendors.
The shops range from high-end department stores and outlets of international brands to local boutiques. Restaurants there serve a wide range of food, from local delicacies such as salted duck and duck blood soup to international cuisine.
The district hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, and visitors are likely to come across a dozen buskers during a stroll.




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Niushoushan’s domed Usnisa Palace in Nanjing, China, houses a sacred Buddhist relic. Photo: Instagram @fabionodariphoto

The nine-metre reclining Buddha on the ground floor of the Usnisa Palace, in Nanjing, eastern China, one of the must-see landmarks for visitors to the city. Photo: Cyril Ip

Niushoushan Cultural Tourism Zone was built on the site of a Tang dynasty Buddhist temple that was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in the 1850s. Photo: Instagram/@fabionodariphoto

The Great Usnisa Hall features a 1.8-metre tall stupa. Photo: Instagram/@fabionodariphoto

The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders remembers the 300,000 lives lost during Japan’s six-week massacre in 1937. Photo: Xiaohongshu/@mimming2020

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of past emperors. Photo: Xiaohongshu/ @120716137

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the final resting place of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, and his wife, Empress Ma. Photo: Xiaohongshu/@108358147

Fuzimiao is a serene oasis dedicated to the philosopher Confucius. Photo: Xiaohongshu/@865946553

Xinjiekou’s shops range from high-end department stores and international brands to local boutiques and street vendors. Photo: Xiaohongshu/@804285309

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Travel & Leisure

From a museum remembering the Nanjing massacre to a Confucian temple and the colourful Usnisa Palace, 5 must-see sites for visitors


From a museum remembering the Nanjing massacre to a Confucian temple and the colourful Usnisa Palace, 5 must-see sites for visitors.
