Think of China’s premier, must-see cities and for the most part it’s Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai that roll off the tongue. For the more discerning Chinese traveller, cities like Chengdu, Xian and Hangzhou might get thrown into the mix. Few people it seems find a place for under the radar Nanjing, despite its vast array of unique charms.

It’s amazing really, because this is one of China’s major historical hotspots. After all, this was once the country’s ancient capital and home to Ming Dynasty emperors. Moreover, this is where China’s First Republic President Dr. Sun Yat-sen held office and where he now rests in a staggering mausoleum on Purple Mountain. 

Nanjing is also the site of an unthinkable massacre, one that is today considered the single worst atrocity carried out against the Chinese people.

Add to that China’s most beautiful bookstore, the world’s 14th tallest building, a Guinness Book of Records approved river bridge, and no wonder I was excited to finally tick Nanjing off the Leighton Travels bucket list. To find out exactly what I did with my precious five days here, have a leaf through my travel articles on:

1912 Bar District

Jumeirah Nanjing Hotel

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Librairie Avant-Garde

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

Youth Olympic Sports Park

Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum

The Presidential Palace

Yangtze River Bridge

Zifeng Tower

Check out Leighton Travels on Instagram!

Read the Leighton Travels interview on Ericotrips.

Take a look at my Q&A on Andy’s World Journeys.