In a city experiencing rapid development, most of Nanjing's old architecture is being torn down. However, in southern Nanjing-the root of Nanjing-some older buildings remain scattered. Local families knew each other intimately, speak the most authentic Nanjing dialect, have the best street snacks and know the best old Nanjing tales.
As one of the biggest imperial examination halls in ancient China, it originated as a venue for county or provincial-level examinations in the Ming Dynasty (A.D.1368). Continuing to the Qing Dynasty, it was developed into the biggest national examination venue with 20644 examination rooms. By that time, 50% of all national-wide top1 scholars (in total 58 examinees) were selected after taking exams here. Nowadays, it is a museum exhibiting cultural relics and historical collections.
The river tells a story. With a total length of 110 kilometers, the Qinhuai River is the 'Mother River'of Nanjing. When flowing into the city, it is divided into two tributaries: one is called the 'outer Qinhuai River' circling the city-wall built in the Ming Dynasty. The other is termed as the 'inner Qinhuai River'historically reputed as 'Five-kilometer Qinhuai'. Boating on the inner Qinhuai River enables you to fully admire over forty scenic spots such as former residences of celebrities, historical remains, noted bridges, famous gardens and Qinhuai colorful lanterns.
Named as ‘Treasure Gate’ in ancient times, it was the southern city-gate of Nanjing as the capital of the Ming Dynasty. It is marked by strict and regular layout of a unique structure, which is wrapped with iron on both sides with a groove cut inside for fastening the gate with a bolt. In the era of cold weapons, with the gate and the sluice closed right after enemy troops stormed into the city, they would be trapped in the enclosure. Inside the castle, there are 27 caves capable of hiding over 3,000 soldiers.
Zhanyuan Garden, a classical and carefully designed Chinese garden in the heart of the Fuzi Miao area, has a history of 600 years. It originates as a royal gift from Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang to his minister Xuda. The Qing Emperor Qianlong stayed in the garden during his visit and named it 'Zhanyuan' officially. During the period of the Republic of China (1912-1949), it was the site of the Governmental Office of Jiangsu Province and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.