Nanjing (known in the past as Jingling), lying on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, is a bustling modern metropolis with an ancient history. The current capital of prosperous Jiangsu province, the city was used as capital of China by ten separate dynasties. Nanjing affords visitors alternating glimpses into both China's future and past.

The Rain Flower Terrace

Rain Flower Terrace, located in the south of the city, is a recreational area boasting a variety of attractions, such as: revolutionary martyr memorials, historical relics, amusement activities, beautiful scenery, and cultural areas devoted to the local tea.

The name “Rain Flower Terrace�derives from local lore. It's said the legendary Buddhist monk Yunguang once preached so eloquently here that flowers rained down from the sky.

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge opened to traffic in October of 1968. Designed and built without foreign assistance or materials, the bridge stands as a magnificent testament to Chinese engineering. The lower railway level spans 6772 meters while the upper highway level spans 4589 meters; each arch spans 160 meters.

Sun Yatsen Mausoleum

Located atop Zijin Mountain is the Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, final resting place of the man Communist and Nationalist parties agree on as the father of modern China. The mausoleum complex was designed in the shape of a giant bell, and covers an area of 80,000 square meters. Visitors climb an enormous stairway with 339 steps before reaching the main hall where they can pay their respects. The hall contains a marble statue of Dr. Sun along with six reliefs portraying his revolutionary deeds.

Linggu Temple

A Buddhist temple 2 kilometers to the east of Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, the Linggu temple complex boasts the ingenious Wuliang Hall, 22 meters high and constructed without an inch of wood. No pillars, beams; the structure is built of solid brick from base to roof.

Qinhuai River Scenic Belt

The Qinhuai River, a tributary of the Yangtze River about 100 kilometers in length, runs through Nanjing. The areas of the city along its banks were traditionally the most thriving (once known by the name “Pearl Shade for Ten Miles�, and so visitors will find a number of points of historical interest here, such as the Confucius Temple, where the great philosopher is worshipped.

Other attractions include the Exhibition Hall of the History of Jiangnan Examination School. Built on the ruins of the Jiangnan Examination School established during the Southern Song dynasty, the exhibition hall is the only museum in China devoted to presenting the ancient imperial examination system to the public.

Another not-to-be-missed attraction is Black Garment Alley on the southern bank of the Yangtze near Wende Bridge. Originally a military station during the Three Kingdoms Period, it became the residence of two families during the Jin dynasty. Now it is a traditional handicraft market. (Text by Han Yueling Photo source:www.njtv.com.cn)