Nanjing Things to Do Tips by SLLiew

Nanjing Bridge

This is a famous landmark, the Nanjing Bridge crossing the mighty Yang Tze river. It was the first bridge over the Yang Tze and was built by the Chinese after the Russian suddenly abandon their economic development when both Communist parties went their separate ways. Apparently, the construction of the bridge is too low for many ship to sail pass under.

Anyway, we were caught in the traffic crawl on the way back. There was nothing much on the other of the river and one side is Nanjing.

Perhaps, it is just OK to view the bridge from Nanjing downtown side but I had to cross the bridge.

Memorial to Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre Review

There are many eerie photos of the thousands that were massacred by the Japanese soldiers during World War II known as the "Rape of Nanking". At that time, Nanjing was the capital of China. Only a few living survivors and their descendants are accorded special treatment and status by PRC.

As mentioned, I arrived too late to enter the memorial and took a photo from outside. So be early and reach there before 4pm to have enough time to tour.

Nanjing Ming Tombs Ming Tomb Review

Nanjing was made the capital of Ming Dynasty after the overthrow of the Mongols. Later, the capital was moved to Beijing. Hence the early Ming emperors were buried in Nanjing while later were buried in Beijing Ming Tombs.

The Nanjing Ming Tombs are smaller that the later Beijing Tombs. But I am just impressed by the animal statues leading to the tombs. The actual tombs have not been found and so it will be exciting when they are actually located.

President's Palace

This another major tourist destination of Nanjing.

This is the administrative residence of the Chinese rebel Hong Xiuquan, who led a Christian army called the Taiping Rebellion against the Manchu Qing dynasty and temporarily control Southern China up to Nanjing.

This is also the adminstrative residence of Koumintang President Chiang Kai Shek who made Nanjing the capital before moving to Chongqing when the Japanese invaded.

The whole palace can be toured in an hour will lead to better understanding of the historical events of China in the 20th century.

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Dr Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum Review

There is a similar memorial in Guangzhou and in Taipei but this is the where Dr. Sun is entombed. An excellent walk up a series of steps. If you cannot walk, there is an adjourning road to take you to the top.

There are words of wisdom of Dr. Sun encrypted and a statue to be photographed. You can see his tomb but no photography is allowed as an act of respect.

You may be interested to know that Dr. Sun is a Christian doctor and was even staying in Penang for awhile to raise funds from overseas Chinese to fight the Japanese invading army in China during World War II.

Dr. Sun Yat Sen was respected by both the Communist Party and the Koumintang Party which had a civil war leading to the Communist Party taking over mainland China and the Koumintang government retreating into Taiwan.

So there is a lot of history of modern China at this memorial and in Nanjing.