Visit Nanjing
Visit Nanjing: The Presidential Palace.
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 make the cut. Few people, it seems, find a place for under the radar Nanjing, despite its vast array of unique charms.
Views across the city from Zifeng Tower.
This is a strange one for me, because Nanjing is one of China’s most historic cities. A place that 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 atop Purple Mountain.
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
Nanjing is also the site of an unthinkable massacre, one that is today considered the single worst atrocity carried out against the Chinese people.
Visit Nanjing: The Massacre Memorial Museum.
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.
Yangtze River Bridge.
