Nanjing has long occupied an important place in Chinese history. At several times in history, Nanjing was the capital of China. In fact, Nanjing means “Southern Capital” in Mandarin Chinese. Most recently, Nanjing was the seat of power for the National Government in China from 1911 until 1949, when the present communist government came ot power. Aside from the history on display, there a several parks in and around Nanjing worth seeing because of their natural beauty.

Getting around Nanjing is easy. Dare I say it, it can even be pleasant. Unlike most Asian cities, Nanjing is bicycle friendly. Most busy streets have a special area for bicycles, so riders do not have to feel like they are risking life and limb every time they pedal somewhere. Some guesthouses and tourist agencies rent bicycles for relatively cheap. On a cool day, it can be quite pleasant to simply pedal around the city. For non-bicycle enthusiasts, taxis are cheap and plentiful.

The Purple Mountain Park is home to some scenic natural surroundings as well as several ancient tombs and a monument to China’s nationalist hero Dr. Sun Yat Sen. There are more than half-a-dozen parks on or near the Purple Mountain. It is possible to buy a universal pass to enter all of them, and, if you are staying for any length of time, this is a worthwhile purchase.

Nanjing Museum is one of the most interesting in all of China. It is right in the center of the city and has numerous exhibits on the culture, history, and daily life of China’s people. The exhibits on silk and jade are recommended by guidebooks and travelers.

One of the most well-known Chinese Opera troupes hails from Nanjing. The Jiangsu Province Opera performs classical Chinese pieces and has even received awards for some of their performances.

In the West, Nanjing is probably best known for the darkest time in its history. Before World War II began in the West, Japan invaded China, massacring 300,000 (by some estimates) Chinese civilians in Nanjing. The Nanjing Massacre Memorial is worth a visit. It is a sobering reminder of this terrible event, and is not for the squeamish. There is a mass grave which is still being excavated nearby. Unlike the holocaust, this even is not well publicized in the west. A trip to this memorial will introduce western visitors to the history surrounding this event.

Bars, restaurants, and busy night markets can be found in the bustling area near the Qinhuai River. The river is lit up at night and is quite lively. Boat tours are available. Nanjing is a historic city that has also embraced the modernity that is sweeping through all of China’s cities.