Take a Virtual Visit to Nanjing, China’s Bucket-List Destination

By Esme Benjamin

If you’re daydreaming about international travel lately, we’ve got an addition for your post-pandemic bucket list: Nanjing, one of four great ancient capitals of China and birthplace of the Ming dynasty. Blending ancient Chinese tradition with modern culture, Nanjing is the kind of city where you can visit a teahouse hidden inside the city wall, wander the tranquil botanical gardens of Xuanwu Lake Park Park, then step back in time at one of many historical sites. 

This old-meets-new, peaceful-meets-bustling melting pot of experiences makes Nanjing one of China’s most appealing tourism destinations. 

While international travel restrictions remain in place, a new six-part YouTube series about Nanjing dubbed the “Study Abroad Program” will help you visit virtually. Read on for an overview of what you’ll learn and whet your appetite for a real trip to Nanjing in the not-so-distant future.

You might recognize the Grand Bao’en Temple as the image printed on Chinese takeout containers all over the world. After being destroyed in the 19th century, the iconic structure was restored to its former glory, and now contains a museum exploring the landmark’s historical and cultural significance. The site is one of the best examples of the melodious mix of Nanjing’s ancient and modern architecture and a must-add for your itinerary.

Known as the “mother river” of Nanjing, the Qinhuai River winds its way past many of the city’s top cultural attractions, from historic buildings to clusters of the best restaurants serving up regional specialities like Nanjing salted duck and crab soup dumplings. Take a river cruise and soak up the sights over tea and local snacks as a musician plays the guqin – a seven-string traditional instrument.

One unmissable highlight of the Qinhuai River Scenic Area is the Confucius Temple. Constructed in 1034 in reverence to the great philosopher, the temple was destroyed during WWII before being reconstructed during the ‘80s. Inside you’ll find China’s largest painting of Confucius flanked by opulent panels depicting his life, made from gold, silver and jade.

Nanjing’s Purple Mountain (named for the lilac clouds that envelope its peaks at dusk and dawn) is one of the city’s most majestic nature attractions. Besides offering peaceful respite from the buzzy city, Purple Mountain is also home to many historic sites, including the mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang - a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled amid the most beautiful foliage (visit during fall for the most striking views) and “guarded” by oversized stone animals and warriors.

Between 1368 and 1421, Nanjing was the capital of the Ming dynasty. To protect the city, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered the construction of a 22-mile wall, 15.5 miles of which is still preserved today. No visit to Nanjing would be complete without viewing the city from the top of the wall, then making your way to Lao Cui – a traditional-style teahouse lined with books, built into the City Wall.