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Nanjing

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Nanjing is a massive, influential city located in East China.

Nanjing Area - Lower Yangtse Valley & Eastern China Map
Nanjing Area - Lower Yangtse Valley & Eastern China Map

It sits in the southwestern corner of Jiangsu province. The city is part of the Yangtze River Delta region.

This location makes it a vital hub for trade and transport. Nanjing is home to one of the world's largest inland ports. The city has a population of 9,423,400 people. It is also a sub-provincial city. This means it has economic and jurisdictional autonomy. This autonomy is only slightly less than that of a full province.

The history of Nanjing is deeply connected to the power structures of China. It is recognized as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. For many centuries, it served as the capital for various dynasties and governments.

Nanjing government (1927-1949)
Nanjing government (1927-1949)

From the 3rd century until 1949, different groups ruled from this city. It was the capital of the Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. Later, it was the seat of the Southern dynasties from 317 to 589. The Ming dynasty ruled from Nanjing between 1368 and 1421. During this time, it was the first time one city ruled all of China. The city also served as the capital for the Republic of China. This lasted from 1927 to 1937 and again from 1946 to 1949.

Nanjing has many different names that reflect its long past. The name "Nanjing" means "Southern Capital." In the 6th century, it was known as Jianye.

Nanjing-Mochouhu
Nanjing-Mochouhu

Under the Sima Jin dynasty, it became Jiankang. This change was made to avoid a naming taboo. During the Song dynasty, it was called Jiangning. This name means "Pacified area of the Yangtze." The abbreviation of Jiangning actually helped form the name of Jiangsu province. In the 19th century, it was known as Tianjing, or "Heavenly Capital," during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. After the fall of the Qing regime in 1911, the name Nanjing was officially adopted in 1912.

The geography of the area has supported life for a very long time. Archaeologists found "Nanjing Man" in a cave in the Jiangning District. This shows humans reached eastern China about 600,000 years ago.

Nanjing XuanWuLake Purple and Mountain
Nanjing XuanWuLake Purple and Mountain

Ancient settlements like the Hushu culture lived in the Qinhuai River Basin. Agriculture was being practiced in the Qixia District by 5000 BC. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Purple Mountain is a major landmark to the east.

Nanjing Ming Xiaoling 2017.11.11 08-10-27
Nanjing Ming Xiaoling 2017.11.11 08-10-27

Xuanwu Lake is another famous water feature. The city is also known for its historical landscapes like the Stone City and the City Wall.

南京明城墙之玄武门段(Near XuanWu Gate, NanJing Ming Great Wall) - panoramio
南京明城墙之玄武门段(Near XuanWu Gate, NanJing Ming Great Wall) - panoramio

Nanjing is a global leader in education and scientific research. The city contains 68 institutions of higher learning.

Nanjing Library 2016.7.16
Nanjing Library 2016.7.16

This includes 13 double-first-class universities and several 211 and 111-plan universities. Nanjing University is one of the top 10 universities in the world according to the Nature Index. The city has the highest ratio of college students to total population among large Chinese cities. It also has the fifth-largest scientific research output of any city globally. In 2024, it was ranked as the second most prolific center for earth and environmental sciences. It also ranks third in the world for chemistry and physical sciences.

The city is a major player in the modern global economy. The Globalization and World Cities Research Network classifies Nanjing as a Beta city. This means it is a global second-tier city. It shares this status with cities like Chongqing and Hangzhou. Nanjing also ranks in the top 100 cities in the Global Financial Centres Index. The city is a key part of the wealthy eastern coastal region. It is a center for politics, economy, and tourism. Modern infrastructure supports this growth.

Zifeng Tower 2017
Zifeng Tower 2017

Large bridges and railway stations connect the city to the rest of the world.

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge02
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge02

Nanjing connects ancient traditions with modern technological activity. Visitors can see historical sites like the Presidential Palace.

National Government of the R.O.C
National Government of the R.O.C

They can also visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.

Hall of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Hall of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

The city has also received awards like the 2008 Habitat Scroll of Honor. These honors recognize its development and its status as a National Civilized City. From its ancient roots in the Yangtze River Delta to its role as a scientific giant, Nanjing remains a vital part of China's landscape.

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🖼️ Images & Media (35)
File:Nanjing XuanWuLake Purple and Mountain.jpg
Nanjing XuanWuLake Purple and Mountain.jpg
File:Segalen-27-Xiao-Xiu-Winged-lion-right.jpg
Segalen-27-Xiao-Xiu-Winged-lion-right.jpg
File:Pagoda at Qixia Temple Nanjing.jpg
Pagoda at Qixia Temple Nanjing.jpg
File:Nanjing-Mochouhu.jpg
Nanjing-Mochouhu.jpg
File:Nanjing Ming Xiaoling 2017.11.11 08-10-27.jpg
Nanjing Ming Xiaoling 2017.11.11 08-10-27.jpg
File:Nanjing WuchaoGate1.jpg
Nanjing WuchaoGate1.jpg
File:南京明城墙之玄武门段(Near XuanWu Gate, NanJing Ming Great Wall) - panoramio.jpg
南京明城墙之玄武门段(Near XuanWu Gate, NanJing Ming...
File:Nanking sive Kiangnan imperii sinarum provincia nona - (tiré du P. Martini) ; J. Blaeu excud. - btv1b59630645.jpg
Nanking sive Kiangnan imperii sinarum...
File:National Government of the R.O.C.jpg
National Government of the R.O.C.jpg
File:南京中央体育场篮球场.jpg
南京中央体育场篮球场.jpg
File:Nanjing government (1927-1949).jpg
Nanjing government (1927-1949).jpg
File:Crossing river by Gate of China01.jpg
Crossing river by Gate of China01.jpg

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