The mausoleum of China’s great revolutionary, Dr Sun Yat-sen, is located at the southern edge of Purple Mountain, and was completed in 1929. The overall shape, as seen from the air, is that of a bell. The main building comprises the archway, tomb road, mausoleum gate, tablet pavilion, sacrifice hall and tomb room. A massive granite archway, carved with golden characters symbolizing ‘universal love,’ marks the entrance. In the tomb chamber stands a 4.6m Italian granite statue of Dr Sun Yat-sen.
Drum Tower
During the Ming Dynasty, from 1368-1644, the drum tower was the centre point of the city. The tower was built in 1382, and today is found to the west of the People’s Square. It houses art exhibitions of works ranging from calligraphy to paintings, and draws large numbers of visitors throughout the year. The original centre point of the city is now occupied by the Xinjiekou Hotel, approximately two kilometres south of the drum tower.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The tomb of Ming Dynasty Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang is one of the largest mausoleums in China. Construction began in 1383, and there are two distinct sections surrounded by a 45km wall of made of stone. The front part extends from the entrance, known as the ‘place of jumping off the horse’ as far as the rectangular city of Sifangcheng. Carved stone animals guard the tomb, which is fronted by a pair of ornamental columns and statues of generals and ministers that were placed here to accompany the emperor on his way to the afterlife. The rear section of the mausoleum comprises a portal, a stele bearing four Chinese characters, Xiaoling Hall and Bao City. The burial place of Emperor Zhu and his queen is found just behind Bao City.The mausoleum’s red portal is situated at the north, facing to the south, the most auspicious direction for the Chinese.
Purple Mountain Observatory
Located at the top of Purple Mountain, the observatory boasts views that take in the lakes below and the Nanjing countryside. Built in 1934, it is now one of the leading centres of astronomical research in China. In addition to the most modern instrumentation, the observatory exhibits its early astronomical instruments, invented by the Chinese centuries ago. Unfortunately, many of the original pieces were destroyed in 1937, during the Japanese invasion. The climb to the top is relatively long, but the serenity and freshness of the air make it worthwhile.
Linggu si, as this temple is known in Chinese, is found to the east of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Dating from the 6th century, it originally occupied the site that now houses the Tomb of the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The temple was relocated to its current site in the late 14th century. The highlight here is the wuliang dian, a hall that was constructed without the use of beams. Interlocking bricks support the roof made of ceramic tile. There are five arches in all, with the central and largest being 14m high and 11m wide.
Zhonghua Gate
This gate, found on the south wall of Nanjing’s ancient city wall, is the best preserved of all the gates. There’s a legend regarding a treasure pot being buried during the construction of the gate, so it’s also known as the 'treasure-collecting gate.’ The gate measures 128m in depth and 118.5m in width and was constructed of bricks and massive rectangular granite stones, with three defence posts and four successive, linked arches. Built into this gate was a special cave area where soldiers could wait out of sight of the enemy. In all there are 27 caves, each able to hide at least 100 soldiers.
Take a stroll in Nanjing’s best garden. Zhanyuan Garden is considered Nanjing’s best, and is a popular place for locals to take a stroll. The Confucius Temple is a good starting point for a walk to this garden that has been around since the mid-14th century, when the Ming Dynasty began. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang built and dedicated the garden to his loyal general Xuda. After suffering damage in the mid-19th century, it was restored by the government. The western sector of the garden features corridors, lobbies and pavilions. Its main structure is the Jingmiao Hall, which is encircled by water. Rockeries are found throughout and are fundamental to the overall design. The Museum of the History of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom is located within the garden. Collections on display include weapons, imperial robes and seals and other relics from the period.
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...
