Nanjing Presidential Palace: Where Sun Yat-sen Shaped Modern China

#summervacay Nanjing Presidential Palace (南京总统府) Location: 292 Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing Historical Status: China’s political nerve center for over 600 years – from Ming/Qing dynasties to the Republic of China (ROC). Key Historical Chapters Era Significance Ming Dynasty Prince Zhu Quan’s Han Palace (14th c.) Qing Dynasty Liangjiang Viceroy’s Office (governed 6 provinces) Taiping Rebellion Heavenly Kingdom Palace (1853–1864): Seat of rebel leader Hong Xiuquan Republic of China ROC’s first presidential office (1912): Sun Yat-sen inaugurated here. Later used by Chiang Kai-shek until 1949. Modern China CPC Jiangsu Committee (1949–present) Architectural Highlights East Garden: Traditional Jiangnan-style courtyards with moon gates, rockeries & lotus ponds. Stone Boat: Western-inspired marble vessel symbolizing "steadfast governance." Central Axis: Great Hall (大堂): Sun Yat-sen’s 1912 inauguration site; Qing dragon ceiling preserved. Presidential Office (子超楼): Chiang Kai-shek’s Art Deco-style workplace (1936). West Wing: Taiping Rebellion Museum: Gold-dragon throne replicas & rebel military maps. ROC Secretariat: Original treaty-signing desks and teletype machines. Must-See Exhibits Sun Yat-sen’s Provisional President Office: Wooden desk with inkstone & ROC flag. Chiang’s Escape Tunnel: Hidden passage beneath his residence (now sealed). Propaganda Poster Gallery: 1950s–70s artworks depicting revolutionary ideals. "Five Nations" Clock Tower: Gift from Britain marking ROC’s international recognition. Visitor Experience Historic Reenactments: ROC flag-raising ceremony daily at 9 AM (main square). Secret Garden: Find Hong Xiuquan’s private library in the bamboo grove. Photo Ops: Pose at the iconic blue door – backdrop for Sun Yat-sen’s historic portrait. Practical Information Category Details Hours 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Apr–Oct); 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Nov–Mar); Closed Mondays Admission ¥40 (¥20 students); audio guide ¥30 (EN/JP/KR) Booking Mandatory via WeChat (南京总统府) or official site Transport Metro Line 2/3: Daxinggong Station (Exit 4), 3-min walk. Time Needed 2.5–3 hours (complex spans 90,000 m²) Best Time Weekday mornings; avoid Oct 1–7 (National Day crowds). Why Visit? "Walk from Qing dynasty corridors to Art Deco offices – where ink brushes met typewriters, and revolutions were born." UNESCO Tentative List: Recognized as a site of "outstanding universal value." Cultural Layers: One building houses three dynastic seals carved into pillars (Qing, Taiping, ROC). Nearby Pairings 1912 Nightlife District (adjacent): Republic-era buildings turned cafes/bars. Meiyuan New Village (10-min walk): Chiang Kai-shek’s former residence.