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Introduction to Nanjing, China

Introduction to Nanjing, China

Nanjing, referred to as “Ning“, was known as Jinling and Jiankang in ancient times. It is the capital of Jiangsu Province, a sub-provincial city, and the core city of the Nanjing metropolitan area.

The city has 11 districts under its jurisdiction, with a total area of ​​6,587 square kilometers. In 2017, the built-up area was 1,398.69 square kilometers, with a resident population of 8.335 million, an urban population of 6.8589 million, and an urbanization rate of 82.3%. It is the only super large area in the Yangtze River Delta and East China. City.

Nanjing is located in the eastern part of China, the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and the coastal waters. It is the headquarters of the Eastern China Theater Command, the international shipping and logistics center of the Yangtze River, an important national gateway city that radiates the Yangtze River Delta and drives the development of the central and western regions, and is also the eastern coastal economic belt and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. An important node city at the intersection of strategies.

Nanjing is one of the first national historical and cultural cities and an important birthplace of Chinese civilization. It has long been the political, economic and cultural center of southern China. It has blessed China’s Zhengshuo several times in history, and has a special status and value in Chinese history.

There were ancient human activities in Nanjing as early as 1 million to 1.2 million years ago. Nanjing ape-man lived in Tangshan 350,000 to 600,000 years ago. It has a civilization history of more than 7,000 years, a history of building a city for nearly 2,600 years, and a history of building a capital for nearly 500 years. It is known as “the ancient capital of six dynasties” and “the capital of ten dynasties”.

Nanjing History and Culture

1. Language

Nanjing Mandarin is spoken in most areas of Nanjing, and Wu dialect is spoken in most of Gaochun District and the southern part of Lishui District.

Nanjing dialect has been the official language of China for a long time in history. Jinling Yayan has been established as the standard pronunciation of Chinese Chinese as the orthodox inheritance of Yayan in the ancient Central Plains, and has far-reaching influence on the form of Chinese language up to today, and the culture of the Han people since the Six Dynasties. The Chinese official standard language in all dynasties before the middle of the Qing Dynasty was based on Nanjing Mandarin.

The Chinese language taught and used by neighboring countries such as Japan, North Korea and Vietnam is also Nanjing Mandarin. Western missionaries who came to China in the Ming and Qing Dynasties used the Nanjing Mandarin as the standard Chinese dialect. For a long time, Nanjing dialect has been respected for its elegant, fluent, rhythmic, and unique characteristics.

2. Religion

There are five major religions in Nanjing: Taoism, Catholicism, Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. Nanjing Taoism has a long history and occupies an important position in the history of Chinese Taoism.

Nanjing is one of the earliest areas in China to spread Buddhist culture. It has been the center of Buddhist culture in China since ancient times, and it is also the center of dissemination and research of Buddhist culture in modern China. It is the publishing center of Chinese woodcut Buddhist scriptures worldwide.

As one of the national centers of Christianity in China, Nanjing has two theological schools, Jinling Theological Seminary and Jiangsu Theological Seminary. The Christian social service organization Amity Foundation and the world’s largest Bible printing company Amity Printing Company are all located in Nanjing.

The history of Catholicism in Nanjing begins with Matteo Ricci more than 400 years ago. Shigu Road Catholic Church is the cathedral of the Catholic Nanjing Diocese. The Nanjing Diocese has a vast area with Nanjing as the center. Nanjing is the birthplace of the “Renaissance” of the Hui nationality, which has an important influence on the development of the Hui nationality in China. Most of the Hui nationality in Nanjing belong to the Gedimu school.

3. Diet

The food of Nanjing is famous for Jinling Cuisine, which refers to the cuisine centered on Nanjing and extends to Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, and is one of the four representative dishes of Su Cuisine.

Jinling cuisine originated in the pre-Qin period, and became famous in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. It became a genre in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and reached its peak during the Republic of China. During the Republic of China, Jinling cuisine enjoyed a high reputation. Noble families are all proud of the “Jingsu Feast”.

The raw materials of Jinling cuisine are mostly aquatic products, focusing on freshness, fine knife skills, and good use of cooking methods such as stewing, braising, roasting, and simmering. The taste is mild, fresh and crisp. The dishes are exquisite and elegant. Pay attention to knife work, good at fire power, rich in changing techniques and tastes suitable for both north and south. Pay attention to seven tastes and seven flavors, fresh, rotten, crisp, tender, crisp, thick, fat, sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty, fragrant, and smelly.

Mainly salty, suitable for salty and sweet, sour but not astringent, bitter but fragrant, spicy but not strong, crisp but not raw, thick and mellow, fat but not greasy, light but not thin, representing the precious, elegant, gorgeous, Atmospheric ancient capital style.

4. Folklore

The main folk activities in Nanjing include Lantern Festival, Qingming Outing, Qinhuai Tour on Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Chongyang Climbing Gathering, Laba Festival porridge tasting, and welcoming the God of Wealth in small years.

Five, calligraphy and painting

Nanjing is the center of Chinese painting and calligraphy. During the Six Dynasties, there were calligraphy and painting masters such as Wang Xizhi and Gu Kaizhi. In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Nanjing once produced eight Jinling schools and nine Jinling sons, and formed the Jinling School of Painting.

In the 1930s, famous painters such as Lu Fengzi, Xu Beihong, Zhang Daqian, Yan Wenliang, Lu Sibai, Chen Zhifo, Gao Jianfu, Pan Yuliang, Pang Xunqin gathered in Nanjing to form the New Jinling School of Painting. Sanji”.

There are 12 well-known Nanjing painters and calligraphers in the modern painting and calligraphy circle, known as the Jinling Twelve. In the middle and late 20th century, there were also four Jinling heroes of the “New Jinling Flower and Bird School” – Li Weiqing, Zhao Lianghan, Han Shaoying, and Zhang Zhengyin.

6. Quyi

The local operas in Nanjing include Nanjing Baiju, Nanjing Vernacular, Nanjing Pinghua, Gaochun Yangqiang Mulian Opera, and Hongshan Opera.

7. Folk songs

“Jasmine Flower” is a famous folk song in Nanjing. It originated from “Flower Tune”, which has been sung by Nanjing Liuhe folks for hundreds of years. It has a high reputation at home and abroad and is widely praised in the world. It is one of the representative elements of Chinese culture. Because of its special status, known as “China’s second national anthem”.

In addition, there are Gaochun folk songs “Picking Red Lingling” and “Planting Seedlings in May”, Liuhe folk songs “Leaving Zuo Wind and Play Music” and so on.

8. Process

There are many kinds of handicrafts in Nanjing, the most famous ones are Nanjing Yunjin, Jinling gold foil, Nanjing velvet flower, carved velvet, Nanjing antique ivory carving, Jinling folding fan, Nanjing wood carving, Nanjing paper-cut, Jinling bamboo carving and so on.

As of the end of 2018, Nanjing has 4 world intangible cultural heritage projects (Guqin art, Nanjing Yunjin weaving, Chinese woodblock printing skills, Chinese paper cutting), 11 national intangible cultural heritage projects, 64 Jiangsu Province and 70 Nanjing projects The city’s intangible cultural heritage project has high artistic value and symbolizes the most developed handicraft manufacturing industry in Nanjing’s history.

9. Famous People

1. Ancient characters

(1) Champion: Lu Ying, Ye Zuqia, Yu Li, Wu Qian, Zhang Xiaoxiang, Huang Guan, Jiao Hong, Zhu Zhifan, Zhou Xuan, Yuan Shi, Wen Zhi, Yin Feng, Dong Yongsui, Hu Renyu, Huang Siyong, Lin Benzhi , Ren Changhua (China’s first Hui nationality third flower), Fu Shanxiang (China’s only female champion).

(2) Emperors: Sun Liang, Sun Xiu, Sun Hao, Sima Yan, Sima Yue, Sima Dan, Sima Pi, Sima Yi, Sima Yu, Sima Yao, Sima Dezong, Sima Dewen, Liu Shao, Liu Jun, Liu Ziye , Liu Yu, Liu Yu, Liu Zhun, Xiao Jun, Xiao Baojuan, Xiao Baorong, Xiao Yan, Xiao Gang, Xiao Yi, Chen Bozong, Chen Qian, Chen Xu, Li Yu, Zhu Di, Zhu Yunwen.

(3) Culture: Bao Zhi, Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, Wang Changling, Xu Xi, Juran, Jin Cong, Gu Qiyuan, Yu Yu, Shen Fuzong, Liu Zhi, Cao Xueqin, Qin Dashi, Deng Tingzhen.

(4) Science: Zu Chongzhi, Tao Hongjing, Wang Zhenyi.

2. Modern characters

(1) Culture: Shi Liangcai, Lin Sanzhi, Tang Guizhang, Hu Xiaoshi, Guo Bingwen, Gan Tao, Chen Yuguang, Yu Guangzhong, Feng Lihuan, Wu Jinglian, Li Yining, Ye Zhaoyan, Chen Weiya, Wang Shuo.

(2) Science: Zhang Jianzhai, Zhang Dongliang, Yu Dafu, Zhou Ren, Gao Yisheng, Li Guoding, Yang Liming, Zhang Pang, Ye Zhizheng, Gu Zhiwei, Wu Liangyong, Zhao Renkai, Jiang Xikui, Hu Hesheng, Ding Henggao, Liu Yongtan, Sun Zhongxiu.

(3) Sports: Luan Jujie, Xu Rong, Hu Xinggang, Yang Yang, Zhao Ruirui, Xiao Qin, Hui Ruoqi, Wu Lei.

(4) Performing arts: Hai Qing, Mei Ting, Ni Ni, Yang Zishan, Yan Yidan, Zu Feng, Xiong Dailin, Pu Shu, Jiang Zixin, Chen Bige, Dai Feifei, Tao Zeru, Gao Haining, Feng Xianzhen, Wu Wenjing, Junjun, Wang Bozhao, Ma Junqin, Zhou Zhou.

fun places in nanjing

1. Tourist Attractions

1. Historical and nostalgic tour

Taicheng City, Jiming Temple, Xuanwu Lake, Baima Park, Gulin Park, Qingliang Mountain, Stone City, Mochou Lake, Chaotian Temple, Qixia Mountain, Southern Tang Erling, Liuhe Confucian Temple, Chuning Mausoleum, Anning Mausoleum, Ying Mausoleum, Wan’an Mausoleum, Yongning Mausoleum, Linhai King Tomb, Xianning Mausoleum, Yongning Mausoleum Stone Carvings, Xiao Hong Tomb Carvings, Zhangku Village Tomb Carvings, Wulongtan, Gaochun Old Street, Yaoxu Old Street, Yangliu Village Ancient Buildings, She Village Ming and Qing dynasties buildings, Qiqiao ancient villages, etc.

2. Daming Site Tour

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Ming City Wall, Ming Forbidden City, Xuanwu Lake, Drum Tower, Yuejiang Tower, Zhonghua Gate, Tiansheng Bridge, Rouge River, Qingliang Gate, Ghost Face City, Yifeng Gate, Shence Gate, Taicheng City, Wumiao Gate, Pipa Lake, Qian Lake, Zhongshan Gate, Wuchaomen Park, Donghua Gate, Xi’an Gate, Yangshan Stele, Jinghai Temple, Tianfei Palace, Longjiang Treasure Shipyard, Tomb of King Zongni, Tomb of Zheng He, Tomb of Hongbao, Ming Culture Village , Nanjing Zhenghe Treasure Ship Site Park, Yongshou Tower, etc.

3. The architectural tour of the Republic of China

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Yihe Road Gongguan District, Meiling Palace, Bandstand, Zhongshan Wharf, Pukou Railway Station, Xiaguan Railway Station, Former National Government Site, Drum Tower Hospital, Central Hotel, Yixian Bridge, Second History of China Archives, former site of Central University, former site of Jinling University, former site of Jinling Women’s College, former site of Inspirational Society, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Jiangnan Naval Academy, Chiang Kai-shek Tangshan Hot Spring Villa, Meiyuan New Village, Nanjing 1912, Cangjing Building, former site of Wang Jingwei Mansion, former residence of Marshall , Nanjing East China Hotel, Fuchang Hotel, etc.

4. Religious and cultural tour

Dabaoen Temple, Jiming Temple, Qixia Temple, Linggu Temple, Pilu Temple, Foding Temple, Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Area, Xuanzang Temple, Dingshan Temple, Dinglin Temple, Jianchu Temple, Jiufeng Temple, Jinling Sutra Engraving Office , Jinsu Temple, Hongjue Temple, Wuxiang Temple, Baosheng Temple, Zhenru Temple, Jingjue Temple, Huiji Temple, Lingyan Temple, Seven Buddha Temple, Tianjie Temple, Waguan Temple, Gaozuo Temple, Tusita Temple, Bliss Temple, Qingliang Temple, Gulin Temple, Xianglin Temple, Tianlong Temple, Daxian Temple, Guanwang Temple, Jade Palace, Sanyuan Temple, Dongxuan Temple, Jizo Temple, Tianhou Temple, Guangzhai Temple, Changlu Temple, Taishan Temple , Longquan Temple, Jiufeng Temple, Fengyou Temple, Mingyin Temple, Donglu Guanyin Temple, Hushu Mosque, etc.

5. Qinhuai Customs Tour

Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt, Confucius Temple, Laomen East, Jiangnan Gongyuan, Wuyi Lane, Zhanyuan, Yuyuan, Laomenxi, Wangxie Ancient Residence, Dongshuiguan, Taoyedu, Bailuzhou Park, Appreciation Pavilion , the former residence of Qin Dashi, the former residence of Li Xiangjun, the former residence of Wu Jingzi, the former residence of Shen Wansan, the former residence of Hoop bucket, the Changgan Bridge, the former residence of Ganxi, the former residence of Dabao’en Temple, etc.

6. Natural science and technology tour

Zhongshan Botanical Garden, Nanjing Underwater World, Hongshan Forest Zoo, Nanjing Homo erectus Fossil Site Park, Nanjing Paleontology Museum, Nanjing Geological Museum, China Arctic Pavilion Meteorological Museum, Purple Mountain Observatory, Nanjing National Defense Park, Jiangsu Radio and Television Tower, Nanjing Science and Technology Museum, Nanjing Turtle and Turtle Museum, Nanjing Earthquake Science Museum, Nanjing Yuhua Stone Museum, China Gold Foil Art Museum, etc.

7. Cultural excursion

Nanjing Museum, Nanjing Municipal Museum, Chinese Imperial Examination Museum, Museum of Modern Chinese History, Six Dynasties Museum, Nanjing Library, Jiangsu Provincial Art Museum, Jinling Library, Nanjing Yunjin Museum, Mingcheng Wall History Museum, Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum, Nanjing City Planning and Construction Exhibition Museum, Nanjing Folk Museum, Nanjing Jiangning Museum, Jiangning Weaving Museum, Ming Xiaoling Museum, Nanjing Educated Youth Memorial Hall, Qiuyu Mountain Cultural Celebrity Memorial Hall, Gong Xian Memorial Hall, Lu Xun Memorial Hall, Lin Sanzhi Memorial Hall, Fu Baoshi Memorial Hall, Nanjing University School History Museum Wait.

8. The Red Journey

Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, Yuhuatai, Memorial Hall of Meiyuan New Village of the CPC Delegation, Memorial Hall of Crossing the River Victory (New Nanjing Crossing River Victory Memorial Hall), Victory Memorial Hall of Crossing the River, Memorial Hall of Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs, Jinghai Temple “Nanjing Treaty” Historical Materials Exhibition Hall, Rabe and International Security Zone Memorial Hall, Hengshan County Anti-Japanese Democratic Government Site, etc.

9. Riverside Scenery Tour

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Nanjing Yangtze River Second Bridge, Nanjing Yangtze River Third Bridge, Nanjing Yangtze River Fourth Bridge, Lion Rock, Nanjing Eye, Nanjing Youth Olympic Center, Nanjing Olympic Sports Center, Jiangsu Grand Theater, Green Expo Park, Jiangxinzhou, Mufu Mountain (Guanyin Pavilion) , Toutai Cave, Ertai Cave, Sandai Cave), Yanziji, Baguazhou, Nanjing Riverside Scenic Belt, Lushuiwan Wetland Park, etc.

10. Travel and vacation

Tangshan Hot Spring Tourist Resort, Gaochun International Slow City Tourist Resort, Tangshan Hot Spring, Laoshan National Forest Park, Youzishan National Forest Park, Wuxiang Mountain National Forest Park, Nanjing Gaochun Gucheng Lake Ecological Scenic Area, Wujiazui Tropical Valley, etc. .

11. Natural beauty tour

Shitang Family, Shitang Bamboo Sea, Pearl Spring, Shiwa Taoyuan, Ink Painting, Zhimaling, Hometown of Educated Youth, Fujiabian, Nanjing Rose Garden, Chrysanthemum Terrace Park, Jiangxinzhou Folk Village, Jiangjun Mountain Scenic Area, Pingshan Forest park etc.

2. Snacks

Jinling Snacks ranks first among the four major snacks in China, mainly concentrated in Laomendong, Confucius Temple, Shiziqiao, etc., such as Nanjing Dapai Stall, Yin’s Chicken Soup Dumpling, Lianhu Cake Group Store, Luliuju, etc.

In addition, there are Qinhuai Bajue, duck blood vermicelli soup, xiaolongbao, boiled dried silk, skin belly noodles, Ruyi backed dry, assorted tofu waterlogging, beef pot stickers, champion beans, salted duck, spiced eggs, live beads, stinky tofu, Nannong roast chicken, sweet-scented sweet-scented taro seedlings, Dongshan old goose and other local snacks.

3. Specialties

1. Food

Yuhua Tea, Salted Duck, Live Beads, Longpao Crab Soup with Fragrant Belly, Jinling Roast Duck, Gucheng Lake Hairy Crab, Honglan Yudai Cake, Tianjia Tea, Qingshan Biluochun, Puqiao Yujian, Xingdian Halal Roast Duck.

2. Craft

Nanjing Yunjin, Yuhua Stone, Jinling Folding Fan, Nanjing Antique Ivory Carving, Jinling Gold Foil, Nanjing Velvet Flower, Carved Velvet, Feather Tribute Fan, Old Street Cloth Shoes, Jinling Exorcism, Slow City Leaf Painting, Jinling Bamboo Carving, Gaochun Ceramics, Nanjing Woodcarving.