Nanjing
An Old Capital with a Modern Edge
Upon entering the city it is immediately obvious that Nanjing has twice served as the country’s capital. A wealthy and chic city, Nanjing is replete with lovely rivers, parks, boulevards and shopping malls, where families can combine a cosmopolitan holiday with a vacation rich in history, while still being surrounded by nature. The luxurious aspects of Nanjing ensure that a stay is pleasant and generally devoid of stress, even if traveling with small children. With a history of over 5,000 years, Nanjing’s attractions include prehistoric sites and original Ming city gates. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, which is situated on the bordering Zijin Shan, or “Purple Mountain,” is accessible by cable-car. What better way to observe a beautifully forested mountain peak than with a birds-eye view from above?
The Travelers: Australian/New Zealanders Joe and Sarah Sergi and their daughter Scarlet (18 months).
Culture Cluster: Nanjing Museum is one of the best in China, with ancient relics, porcelain and some 30,000 works of calligraphy. A visit to Zhanyuan Garden, one of the five most famous gardens of southern China, is a pleasant way to spend a day outdoors.
On the River: Qinhuai River, a branch of the great Yangtze, is the lifeblood of the city. Go cruising on painted boats from Panchi Wharf (in front of the Confucius Temple) and enjoy tea, local snacks and traditional music onboard.
When to Go: During the Cherry Blossom Festival in late March, Xuanwu Park is awash with cherry blossoms.
