100 Cities in My Album: 4. Nanjing

Nanjing, anciently known as Jianye and Jinling, is a historic capital of six dynasties—a city frequently featured in textbooks where ancient charm coexists with cutting-edge culture. It's among China's first batch of nationally recognized historical and cultural cities, boasting 55 national-level cultural relic protection units and 114 provincial-level ones. 🗺️ Area: 6,587.04 km² 🌡️ Avg. Temperature: 15.4°C annually 🍜 Cuisine: Famous for duck dishes and black rice balls, Nanjing's flavors are delicious and widely loved. 💦 Water Systems: Qinhuai River, Chu River, Jinchuan River, Xuanwu Lake, Gucheng Lake, Shijiu Lake, Yangtze River, etc., covering 11.4% of the land area. ✈️ Transport: A major hub with convenient flights and high-speed rail. Non-local license plates face peak-hour restrictions on river-crossing routes. 🌳 Best Time to Visit: Stunning in spring blossoms and autumn foliage. A popular destination, expect crowds during holidays. ❗️ Top Attractions: - Qixia Mountain - Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (plum blossoms in spring) - Qinhuai River & Confucius Temple - Zhongshan Scenic Area - Xuanwu Lake - Nanjing Museum - Hongshan Zoo - Niushou Mountain - Jiming Temple - Pilu Temple Next on My List: - Yuhuatai - Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum - Grand Bao'en Temple - Presidential Palace - Donglu Mountain Guanyin Temple ⚠️ Tips: 1. Many attractions require advance booking, especially Nanjing Museum (7 days prior). 2. Avoid traffic jams—opt for metro or taxis over driving. 3. Visit indoor spots in hot weather; one trip can't cover all attractions. 4. Hongshan Zoo is vast—go early and consider shuttle rides to save energy. Why Visit Nanjing? For its delicious food, fun experiences, mountains, rivers, history, poetry, and warm hospitality—plus, it's home to Dúdú (the internet-famous gorilla)!