Nanjing features an interesting range of activities suitable for children of all ages, including some that will appeal to the entire family. There’s a zoo boasting an extensive collection of native and exotic animals, an underwater world park with numerous fascinating exhibits and also some interesting after-dark attractions including outdoor cultural shows and boat rides in the night market area.
Boat Ride at the Night Market
The Night Market at Fu Zi Miao is a colourful spectacle and one that children won’t want to miss, particularly as there’s a boat ride that will take the family from the market on down the river. This is the perfect way to see the area buildings from a different perspective, and to see the market vendors and local artists, such as painters and photographers, at work. The market itself is well worth a visit, and the kids are likely to find a souvenir here that will help them remember their visit to Nanjing.
This fascinating performance showcases the culture of the Ming Dynasty, and appeals to audiences of all ages. The stage settings are integrated into the traditional architecture of the garden structures, and the garden scenery and coloured lanterns make for a magical setting for the performances. This is undoubtedly Nanjing’s loveliest garden and is best seen at night.
Nanjing was one of China’s four ancient capitals, and it has always been an important cultural centre. Intellectuals from around the country gathered here and established institutions of higher education. During the Tang and Song dynasties, the city attracted poets and other literary figures. More recently, in the Ming and Qing dynasties, Nanjing served as a melting pot of ideas. Many of the institutions and monuments to culture are open to visitors today.
South of the centre of Nanjing, at the edge of the Qinhuai River, a temple to Confucius was built during the Song Dynasty. For years a place of worship and the offering of sacrifices, it is now also an important cultural attraction. In the temple itself and the area’s reconstructed streets and courtyards, both Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural styles are evident. Visitors today will find refreshments and light meals available in the small ‘snacks street,’ ancient residences in Wuyi Lane and a more recently-installed interior courtyard of oriental art.
The Chang Qin Martial Arts Institute was the first specialised centre for the martial arts established in Nanjing and has a reputation for being the finest. It’s possible to take lessons as well as to observe demonstrations and to view their exhibits on the various martial arts forms practiced in the region and throughout China.
Museum of the Taiping Uprising
Called the Taiping Tianguo Lishi Bowuguan in Mandarin, the building housing this museum was originally part of the 14th century palace complex belonging to Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Ming Dynasty ruler. Later, in the mid-19th century, when Nanjing was chosen to be the capital of the Heavenly Taiping Kingdom, the military leader resided here. The current museum was opened in this building in 1958, and chronicles the events of the peasant rebellion known as the Taiping Uprising of the 1850s.
The museum was established in 1933, but due to WWII, only one of the halls, the human culture hall, was completed at that time. Once construction commenced after the war, additional halls were added, including the bronze ware hall, calligraphy hall, embroidery hall, folklore hall, jade hall, lacquer ware hall, modern arts hall, painting hall, pottery hall and treasure hall. In all, the museum’s collection exceeds 420,000 pieces, of which at least 2000 are considered rare. The periods represented include the Paleolithic Era, West Zhou Dynasty, the Spring and Autumn Period, the Song Dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty.Phone: +86 25 8480 2119.
Hanfu Food Square, located near Presidential Hall, and Hunan Lu, found in the north-western section of the city are two other famous food districts that draw locals and visitors as well. Shiziqiao Food Street is a one kilometre section of Hunan Lu that’s a pedestrianised area loaded with Chinese and international eateries. In addition to local cuisine, the street boasts menus from India, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Europe. This is a busy area, popular with locals, and the setting for an annual food festival that attracts large numbers of tourists.
If you walk in an easterly direction from Xinjiekou Crossing, you’ll come to Taiping Nanlu, which is a shopping avenue that runs north and south. It is home to shops that offer goods ranging from gold and jade jewellery to home appliances and designer clothing.
An antiques market has been set up near Chaotian Gong, a palace dating from the Ming Dynasty. The palace was established as a school where the children of noble families were educated in court etiquette. One of the buildings now houses the antiques market, which acts a meeting place for many collectors of Chinese antiques, some of whom also offer their treasures for sale. This can be a fascinating place to search for something memorable to take home with you, as long as you remember that there are many fakes that look just like the real thing.
There’s plenty to do outdoors in the Nanjing area, including hiking on Purple Mountain, located within the city, and golfing at one of the excellent international-standard courses in the area. There are several parks and lakes to choose from, where swimming, boating and tai chi are some of the more popular activities.
Boating on Mochou Lake
Mochou Lake is bordered by a park that features restaurants and shady tree-lined areas that are suitable for picnics. In addition to eating, locals come here to play outdoor games, spin traditional, locally-crafted tops and fly kites. Boating on the lake is popular and one of the main reasons for large crowds during the summer. It’s also the site of annual dragon boat races.
The city boasts a number of golf clubs that meet international standards, and that welcome visitors. The Nanjing Zhongshan International Golf Club is an 18-hole facility combined with a five-star hotel and international conference centre. The Nanjing Sun Island Golf and Country Club has a recently-opened 18-hole course, with a total of 54 holes of golf to be opened in the near term. This course is set on pine-covered hills near the new international airport.
Hiking
Zhong Mountain and the area around Xuanwu Lake are popular with local hikers. Additionally, Purple Mountain attracts many hikers as well. Known as the ‘lung of Nanjing,’ this heavily-forested park within the city limits provides cool, refreshing relief from the hot and polluted air of the city centre. You’ll find hiking trails criss-crossing the mountain and lots of tourist attractions on the mountain’s south side. Many of the attractions are worth a visit even if you’re not here for a hike.
Open just a few years ago, the Nanjing Sports Park is one of the largest sports complexes in Asia. In addition to the excellent facilities, there’s a 60,000 seat stadium and an 11,000 seat indoor arena. Visitors are welcome at this venue, where everything is Olympic-sized, including the aquatic centre, the tennis centre, and the baseball, basketball and hockey areas.
Great location in central Nanjing. Close to main shopping area. Only a block from Confucious temple. Good location for restaruants. Good room. Had a nice pool and gym area. Good value for good accomad...
