Mr. Sun Yasten's Mausoleum

Perhaps Nanjing's most famous landmark and a perennial favorite among tourists to Jiangsu, Zhongshan Ling is the grand tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (also known as Sun Zhongshan). Dr. Sun was the first president of the Republic of China and one of the leading organizers of the struggle to create a modern republic in China. The impressive memorial was built in the 1920's. Its architecture is accentuated by its splendid natural setting on the forested slopes of Zijin Mountain on the outskirts of Nanjing, its buildings made of white stone with dark blue roof tiles. These are the colors of the Republic of China and they make a beautiful contrast with the green forest surrounding the monument. Through the tripe archway at the entrance a long walkway leads through thick pine trees, with the grand staircase and tomb buildings in the distance. The memorial is desgned in a the shape of a long straight line, so as you walk under the canopy of arching pines, the main memorial slowly comes into full view. At the end of the walkway is a curved stone plaza and the gate to the grand staircase. This and all the other buildings of the monument were designed in a style which combined Western and Chinese elements. The planners thought this would reflect the personality of Dr. Sun himself, whose dreams for China were based not only on its own traditions, but the also ideas from the West. Above the gate is written "The World Belongs to the People," one of Dr. Sun's most famous political slogans. Beyond the entrance hall 392 white marble steps rise up to the main tomb chamber. From the base of the stairs the top platform is not visible, an allusion to Sun's belief that people should constantly strive to improve the country, not just aim for a single goal. Stone benches sit at the edges of the wide staircase, and the landings are decorated with classical bronze urns and perching bronze lions. From the top of the stairs the entire memorial spreads out in a grand panorama - the wide stairs and lower buildings in the middle of a sea of green trees, with the skyscrapers of modern Nanjing rising in the distance. The entrance to the main memorial hall is inscribed with "Democracy, actionalism, and People's Livelihood," Sun's three main political principles. Passing through the arched gates, a marble statue of the seated Sun Yat-sen, flanked by a silent honor guard, sits in the middle of the imposing, dimroom. The dark stone walls are inscribed with rows and rows of characters - Dr. Sun constitution and most famous ideas. In the dome above, is a mosaic of a blue and white sun, the emblem of Sun's Nationalist party. A pair of doors at the rear of the hall lead into the actual tomb chamber. A small domed room, it is completely lined in white marble with another blue sun insignia in the dome. The sarcophagus of Sun sits in the center, topped by a statue of the president lying in state, which visitors slowly circle in silence, to pay homage to China's first president and one of her most respected leaders. Several trails wind through the woods to another group of historic sights in the Ling-gu Valley, around a kilometer away. The Ling-gu valley is thickly forested, and its groves house temples, halls, and pagodas from several dynasties. The oldest buildings are from a Ming Dynasty temple, including a Ming Dynasty arched stone hall, one of China's largest. More recently, the Nationalist government used the area for tombs and memorials. Stone memorial archways guard some paths, and near the ancient temple rises a tall pagoda built to honor fallen soldiers. Other trails lead up through the woods to the quiet tomb memorials of leading politicians of the republic. Little visited, these tombs and the stone guardian lions that watch over them sit in quiet, sunlight glades.

Jiangxinzhou Islet

Located at Yangtze River of the southwest of Nanjing, it is called Meizi islet, covering an area of 15square kilometers. There are so many trees amd fruits on the island and the Grape Festival is held here every year. The main tourism spots are “the Lu’s hall of peasant’ delights” and “the Jiang’s crafts workshop”ect.

Yuhua Tai(Rainflower Terrace)

The Rain Flower Terrace East near Yuhua Road East, Ning Li River Highway, South title weft eight-way, Yuhuatai Square, the west by the Communist Youth League Road, North arrived in Yuhuatai East, West Road junction, Nanjing South Station. From the Lukou International Airport, the Shanghai-Nanjing expressway, more than 10 minutes by car, traffic is very convenient.

Presidential Palace

A Brief Introduction to the Liangjiang Governor-General Yamen and the Presidential Palace It has been 600 years since the Marquis of Guide’s Palace and the King of Han’s Palace were constructed in the early Ming Dynasty, on the site now occupied by the Presidential Palace. During the period of Qing Dynasty, the Liangjiang Governor-General Yamen was located here. In 1853, the Palace of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom was built here as the official residence of the Heavenly King, Hong Xiuquan. 　　Following the establishment of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yatsen took the oath of Provisional President in this compound on January 1, 1912 and it had been used as the office of the Nationalist Government after the April of 1927. During the years of the Anti-Japanese War, the Japanese army and Chinese puppet regime occupied the buildings here. After the Japan’s defeat, the Nationalist Government returned to Nanjing in 1946 and in 1948 the compound became the Presidential Palace.

Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty

The Ming Xiaoling is the tomb of the founder of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang. He rose from poverty to lead a great army which pushed the Mongols out of China in the 14th century. After victory, he established his capital at Nanjing. Something of a megalomaniac, he wanted a tomb complex grand enough to reflect his glory as the founder of a dynasty. Using feng-shui geomancy, his sages found the ideal location at the base of the Zijin Mountain in Nanjing. The tomb complex, one of the largest in China, stretches over several dozen acres. It is made up of memorial temples, pavilions, grand gateways, and long avenues lined with stone statues, all laid out in the shape of the dipper constellation. The complex lies amidst gardens and the woods of the mountain, a calm natural setting which heightens the calm, historic atmosphere of the ancient statues and buildings. The Ming Xiaoling Tomb in Nanjing is one of China's most important and impressive historical sites, and its art, architecture, and grand scale have been drawing visitors for centuries. It recently received the honor of being listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Perhaps the most famous section of the tomb is the long avenue of statues just past the massive entrance hall. Called a "Spirit Way" in traditional Chinese architecture, it was designed so the influence of the spirit of the buried emperor could still be felt in the world, and to provide a grand ceremonial approach to the tomb. Great plane trees arch over the stone flagged path, while a remarkable menagerie of Ming Dynasty stone animals line the path. They are arranged in pairs, one on each side of the path, facing each other. There are two pairs of each type of animal - one pair seated, and the other pair standing. The life size stone statues show eight types of animals, ranging from lions and the mythical ki-rin unicorn to more modest horses and camels. Each animal was chosen for its symbolism - camels represented peace and trade with Central Asia, elephants majesty, and the mythical animals were allegories of the emperor's justice and virtue. The walkway is especially beautiful in the autumn, when the leaves of the arching trees turn golden yellow, and the ancient gray statues are dotted with fallen leaves.

Xuanwu Lake Park

The Xuanwu Lake Park is situated at outside of the Xuanwu Gate, the ancient Nanjing City. Because it lies beside the beautiful Xuanwu Lake, it becomes one of the best known scenery in Nanjing City. With a circumference of 15 kilometers, the Xuanwu Lake sheltered by hills on three sides and surrounded by the city on another side. People called it "Sangbo" (Mulberry Lake) in the ancient times. In the period of the Southern and Northern Dynasties, legend said that a black dragon had rolled and flown into the clouds from the lake and so it was renamed "Xuanwu Lake". The Xuanwu Lake Park has picturesque scenery. Some little islets in the lake such as Liangzhou (Liang Islet), Lingzhou (Water Chestnut Islet), Cuizhou (Green Islet), Yingzhou (Cherry Islet) are link with the bank by bridges, each islet is distinctive. The pavilions and towers form delightful contrast with the mountains and lakes. The waves in the lake are glistering, bright, and colorful. The scenery is different in the four seasons. The trees in the park are unique. Because their heights are different, they are in different levels. Their color varies from season to season. Separated by the causeways and bridges, the lake looks like natural pictures when seen from one islet to another. Walking along the lake, you can see different scenes, which cannot be taken in all at once. Seen from the lake, the ten-mile-long causeway seems like a beautiful green screen, in which you can see the partly hidden and partly visible bridge. Like a green chain, the causeway links the Zhongshan (Bell Mountain) and Cuizhou (Green Islet) and presents innumerable picturesque scenes. The Xuanwu Lake Park is one of the biggest tourist zones in Nanjing City today. It not only has charming mountains and lakes but also abounds with rich legends. Therefore the saying goes, "If you tour Nanjing City without going to the Xuanwu Lake, it is as regretful as you tour Beijing City without going to the Summer Palace or tour Hangzhou without going to the West Lake".

Yuejiang Tower Scenic Spot

The Yuejiang Tower Scenic Spot is located in the northwest of Nanjing and overlooks the Yangtze River on the north. There are in it over 30 historical remains including the Yuejiang Tower, Wanxian Pavilion, Ancient Barbettes, Dizang Temple, Five-Color Earth and Jinghai Temple. It’s a tourist resort enjoying nationwide renown for its integrating humane and natural landscape into one organic whole and a tourist scenic sport of AAAA class of the state. Being originally named the Lulong Hill, Mount Lion is 78m in height and 2 kilometers in circumference and is highly praised for its “Magnificent Appearance of a Lion”. It is therefore chosen as one of the “Forty-Eight Famous Scenic Spots of Nanjing”. It was Zhu Yuanzhang, Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty who changed the name of Lulong Hill into Mount Lion and ordered the Yujiang Tower to be built on its top. He himself wrote the “Ode to the Yuejiang Tower” and then ordered each of the civil officials to write an article bearing the same title. The one written by Song Lian, Grand Secretary in position, was appraised as the best and afterwards incorporated in the “Best Ancient Poses of China”. The tower, however, failed to be built due to various reasons.

Confucius Temple

Located in the Zhonghua Gate City Wall, Nanjing City, the Confucius Temple used to be a place to offer sacrifice to Confucius. It is a famous ancient relic in City of Nanjing. The Confucius Temple, built in the first year of Jingyou (1034A.D.) in Song Dynasty. It had been destroyed by the flames of wars for many times and been rebuilt for several times. It used to be the examination site - Gongyuan in Ming and Ch'ing Dynasties. In the end of Ch'ing Dynasty, it was the place where sacrifices were offered to Confucius. There are a few extant Song Dynasty architectures in the temple. When you stand in front of the temple, you can see a Lune pond in front of the gate. On the south bank of the pond, there is a screen wall piled with bricks, it is one of the three extant screen walls in Nanjing City. On the both sides of the temple are tablets, people used for worshiping Confucius wife and his students respectively. There are many ancient buildings in the temple, such as Great Achievement Hall, Virtue Hall, Blue Cloud Tower, and so on. Although the Confucius Temple is a place for study, still it is a recreation place. With many people comes and goes, it gets rid of the solemn atmosphere of studying. The temple renovated continuously, the Confucius Temple has become a cultural place where different entertainment takes place here. People converted Virtue Hall into a theater that can hold 800 audiences. Peal Fragrance Pavilion has been a place for performing the story—telling. There is a Bird and Flower Market nearby. Either the old or the young are used to frequenting here. Here you can smell the fragrance of flowers and hear the singing of birds. Many local flavors of Qinhuai are available near the temple. The foods are colorful and tasty, which have attracted many of the tourists. It considered as an important part of food culture in City of Nanjing. Besides, various handicrafts such as embroidery and "the four treasures of the study" are available in the Eastern and the Western Markets; it brings the thick cultural atmosphere for the temple. On the river are drifting antique drawing boats. The residential houses along the bank have a lingering charm of classic. All these represent the elegant demeanor of the ancient Confucius Temple and let us muse over things of the remote past. Jinling Lantern Fair, held in the Confucius Temple is on everyone's lip each year. When the Spring Festival comes, the temple becomes a sea of lanterns. The Lantern Festival is most charming. Different kinds of lanterns is for sale at the Confucius Temple, it is permeating with happiness of holiday. If you come to the streets and lanes, you will see many children singing songs and playing with flower lanterns. The Lotus Lantern, the Rabbit Lantern, and the Kongming Lantern are the most ordinary. Most of these lanterns come from the lantern market of the Confucius Temple. Sometimes the activity of guessing the lantern riddles are held. The lantern fair held in the Confucius Temple has a long history. The residents in Nanjing City always hold lantern fair in the first month of the lunar year each year. The date is between the 13th to the 18th. The trees in the temple are ornaments with colorful lights, which look very brilliant at night. Various lifelike and elegant models combined by colorful lanterns decorate the Confucius Temple and make it like a sea of lanterns. It fully displays the charm of folk art. Today the Confucius Temple is a favorite resort for the tourists. It is a place where you can enjoy the ancient Chinese culture and get to know the folkway of Nanjing City.

Ling Gu Monastery

Ling Gu Monastery is located on the Dulong Mound, outside the Zhongshan Gate in Nanjing City. It used to be one of the three famous temples in the Ming Dynasty (1386 ~ 1644A.D.). While stepping into the gate of Ling Gu Monastery, you will find old pines reaching into the skies on either side of the road. It is "Ancient Pines in Ling Gu Monastery", which is one of 40 scenic spots in Nanjing City. There are many wonderful sights in the temple, such as Wangongchi (Ten Thousand Labors Pond), Bagongdeshui (Water Having Eight Virtues), Wuliangdian (the Beamless Hall), Meihuawu (Sunken Flowerbed of Plum), Baogong Pagoda and so on. Wangongchi got its name because 10,000 workers dug it. Bagongdeshui is famous for its water, which has eight advantages. The most well known building in the temple is Wuliangdian (the Beamless Hall), which is the only extant ancient building in Ling Gu Monastery. In the hall enshrines Buddha of the Infinite Life. The building is unique because there is neither beams or pillars in the hall. Hence, the hall is call Wuliangdian (the Beamless Hall). The hall is in the shape of rectangle, in front of it is a spacious balcony. The hall is very imposing and grand. The outside of the hall is an imitation of wooden structure. Under the roof are outstretched corbel brackets. In the front of the hall are antique doors and windows. In the Ling Gu Monastery, there are simple halls and old trees reaching into the skies. Birds are singing in the woods, which brings liveliness to the quiet temple. The scenery in each season is unique. Especially in autumn, the whole mound is cover with the red leaves of maples, which looks like red flames. The perfume of the sweet-osmanthus is floating here and there. Behind the Beamless Hall is Songfengge (Pavilion of Wind Passing Pines). Standing in the pavilion, you can look as far as your eyes can see. Behind the pavilion is a road lead to the 9-storied Linggu Pagoda. The pagoda initially named "Monument of Sacrificed Guomingdang Generals and Soldiers". On each story of the pagoda is carved with characters. Visitors often climb the monument and enjoy the scenery here. Many old veterans who took part in the battles with Guomingdang in the past and later migrated to Taiwan; Singapore or western countries often come here to pay a visit to their former friends.

Zhan Yuan Garden

The Zhan Yuan Garden (Zhan Garden) is located on No. 128 Zhan Yuan Road, beside Fu Zi Temple of Nanjing. It is a nice mini garden of South China. Qian Long of Qing Dynasty liked it very much. The Zhan Yuan Garden was built in Yuan Dynasty and is more than 600 years old. It was the house of King Wu Wang during the last few years of Yuan Dynasty. In early Ming Dynasty, King Zhu Yuan Zhang gave the garden to the great general Xu Da as an award, so it was call Xu Fu. During the uprising of Tai Ping Tian Guo, it was destroyed. But in the middle times of Qing Dynasty, it had been rebuilt. Among the gardens of South China, the Zhan Yuan Garden is a little mini. The whole area of the garden is 8 mu, among the 8, there're 3.7 mu of rockery. There're 18 different scenes in the garden: long bamboo, green woods, garden hills and water, strange stones and so on. All the beautiful scenes make the garden to be the top among the South China gardens. Each part of the garden were carefully designed and landed in order. Though the rockery, the pool, the constructions, the path, the flowers and trees look pretty different, when they're put together, you can find the beauty of their complex in the garden. The rockery and pool in the south and north of the garden look really different. The southern rockery are grand and the northern one are exquisite. The main constructions of the garden are: the Yu Lan Garden, the Hai Tang Yuan, the Hua Lan Hall and the Jing Miao Hall. The Jing Miao Hall is very special, for it is a hall with tow room beside the pool. In the hall, there're exquisite ancient chairs and desks, paintings and calligraphy on the wall. From the north of the hall, you can see the north views of the garden; from the south, you can see the south views of the garden. In fact, whatever south or north, you would feel yourself traveling in a painting. It is not surprise king Qian Long would like the garden and wrote the two characters Zhan Yuan personally. You can see the horizontal inscribed board on the gate. When Qian Long went back to Beijing, he asked people to built garden called Ru Yuan Garden looked just like the Zhan Yuan Garden. So, he could enjoy the South China garden whenever he wanted. For the uprising of Tai Ping Tian Guo once settled its capital in Nangjing, its Eastern King Yang Xiuqing lived in Zhan Yuan Garden. In 1958, the garden was rebuilt as the Museum of Tai Ping Tian Guo. In the garden, you'll see more than 400 valuable historic relics of Tai Ping Tian Guo. Beautiful views and valuable relics made the garden an attraction spot.