The Confucius Temple
The temple was constructed in order to worship a man named Confucius, one of ancient great minds of China's Spring and Autumn Period (771-476 B.C.) who is remembered and revered for his social philosophy. Confucius personally espoused social virtues such as sincerity, righteousness, personal and governmental ethics, and the importance of social relationships. The impressive Confucius Temple in Nanjing is but one of the many shrines that have been constructed in East Asia in dedication to the ancient sage.
The Confucius Temple in Nanjing was initially built in the year 1034 A.D. during the middle of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Experiencing various degrees of destruction through the ages, especially at the hands of Japanese soldiers during World War II, the temple has undergone a series of renovations in order to maintain its ancient structure. Its latest incarnation was constructed by the local government in 1984 when it grew to become a more expansive complex with an appearance resembling the architecture characterized by the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. In the present day, the temple grounds include the Xue Gong (Imperial Academy) and Jiangnan Gongyuan (the original center where the imperial examination was administered) in addition to the actual Confucius Temple in which the entire complex is now named after.
Qinhuai River Cruise
As one of the branch of Yangtze River,Qinhuai River is the biggest river in Nanjing. With a length of 110 kilometers (about 68 miles), the river is divided into two from the Tongji Gate. One that flows into the Nanjing City is called the inner river. The other that flows along the east, south and west side of the City Wall of Ming Dynasty is called the outer river and is regarded as the moat of Nanjing City. For thousands of years, Qinhuai River has nurtured the ancient city of Nanjing and honored by many poets. A lot of stories, romantic affairs and historic sites are related to the river, which adds to its charm greatly. Since the Stone Age, people have always lived on the banks of the Qinhuai River. 50 to 60 original village sites have been found along the river. Among them are Hushu Cultural Site and Xunzishan Site as well as many others. However, due to various wars and battles fought within the area, ancient buildings along the river were destroyed. The River's time of prosperity ceased for a time. However, after a period of restoration in 1985, it became a famous scenic location in Nanjing again. Nowadays Qinhuai River and its beautiful scenery form a widely recognized tourist destination. With the Confucian Temple at its centre, this location offers a combination of historical sites, gardens, painted boats, streets and folk customs.
Xuanwu Lake
Situated at the foot of Mt. Zhongshan in Nanjing, Xuanwu Lake is a beautiful scenic spot protected by China. It is also one of the three most famous lakes in Nanjing. Surrounding it are Circumvallation, Jiuhuashan Park and Jiming Temple. The history of Xuanwu Lake can be traced back to the Pre-Qin period (21century BC-221 BC). The name of the lake has changed several times during the long history. The lake gained the name Xuanwu because a black dragon was said to be in the lake. There are five isles in Xuanwu Lake.: Huan Isle, Ying Isle, Liang Isle, Cui Isle and Ling Isle. When you are on the Huan Isle, you can see that the leaves of willows wave gently with the wind and feel the mild wind from the lake that blows tenderly on your face. The Ying Isle is famous for its cherry blossoms. When the cherry blossoms bloom in the early spring, the isle seems to be an ocean of flowers. Liang Isle is the one that was developed earlier than the other four. Annually, the grand traditional exhibition of chrysanthemums is held there. On the Cui Isle, there are dark green pines, emerald green cypresses, tender willows, and light green bamboos. To the east of Ling Isle, you can see the beautiful clouds drifting across Zhong Mountain.Each island has wonderful scenery: Nuona Tower on Huan Isle is full of special serene ambience. Wumiao Zha on Ling Isle has long history and of a reasonable design. Other places like the Lotus Garden on Ying Isle and the Hushen Miao on Liang Isle are also worth visiting.
Zhongshan Scenic Spot
Zhongshan scenic spot, a National 5A Scenery Sites, is the model national place of ecological culture with the world culture heritage. It is located at a suburb northeast of Nanjing city, with the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum as its center, including of Purple Mountain and Xuanwu Lake. It is about 45 square kilometers. Being honored as “great and charming place”, it has a very beautiful natural landscape and abundant historical sites and cultural objects. The scenic spot could be divided into two parts: Purple Mountain, Scenic Spot of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum and the Scenic Spot of Linggu Temple and the Scenic Spot of the Ming Tomb. The great pioneer of Chinese democratic revolution-Dr. Sun Yat-sen, as well as other famous people in the Revolution of 1911’s mausoleums are located at here. In addition, there are many places of historic interest and scenic beauty, such as the Tomb of Sun Quan, the Scenic Spot of Linggu Temple and the Scenic Spot of the Ming Tomb, etc.
Purple Mountain has a vast sea of green pines and cypresses. With bird chirps resounding in the empty mountain, this picturesque and tranquil “urban forest” features its unique charm integrating “mountain, river, city and forest”. It constitutes a grand and tangible vein of history and culture, together with its over 200 places of interest. While admiring its picturesque sceneries and visiting its historical relics, you will derive ample surprise and pleasure from unique eco-leisure parks and interactive recreational facilities distributed throughout this scenic area.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is the burial site of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great pioneer of China's democratic revolution and "Father of the Republic of China". The mausoleum was constructed in three years from 1926 to 1929. It was listed as a key historical and cultural site under state protection in 1961 and a national AAAAA scenic spot in 2007. On the archway is engraved "Universal Love" which is handwritten by Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Behind the archway is a path which is more than 1575 feet (480 meters) and leads to the single-eave granite Mausoleum Gate. The gate is embellished with blue glazed tiles, with a length of 86 feet (27 meters), a width of 29 feet (8.8 meters) and a height of 54 feet (16.5 meters). It consists of three arched doors. On the door in the middle is carved the inscription "The Whole World as a Community" which is also written by Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Passing through a square Stele Pavilion, one will arrive at the Sacrificial Hall. The hall is made of white granite, concrete and steel, and decorated with blue glazed tiles. In the center of the hall stands a white marble sculpture of sitting Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Getting through the gate to the tomb, one will reach the coffin chamber. A white marble sculpture of lying Dr. Sun Yat-sen is located in the center. That is very solemn and respectful. Apart from the mausoleum, there are also plenty of memorial buildings, including the Open-Air Music Hall, the Xingjian Pavilion, the Guanghua Pavilion, the Liuhui Waterside Pavilion, and the Sutra Depository. All the buildings are harmonious in color and structure. The Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is not only splendid, but also exquisite. Thus, it is renowned as the "First Mausoleum in the Architectural History of Modern China".
