Nanjing
Located in the Jiangsu Province in eastern China, the city of Nanjing is surrounded by the Yangtze River and blessed by a mountainous landscape with a wealth of natural resources and several hot water springs. Experiencing a temperate climate with rather hot summers, Nanjing is understandably becoming a popular destination in China for international travellers.
While Nanjing gradually develops into a modern metropolis as a national hub for education, research and transport, it is also a city that manages to retain its amazing historical legacy and is steeped in old world charm.
If you are visiting Nanjing and need a up market place to stay please note our private villas are situated just out site the City We can offer you a stylish collection of one and two bedroom villas including a spa and a restaurant that are both focused upon the healing and culinary traditions of Chinese herbs. Nestled at the foot of a scenic mountain range where the tranquil waters of a nearby lake nourish the surrounding fruit orchards and rice fields, the property has been designed to anticipate every possible need. It will be a place for discerning travellers to base themselves as they venture out to explore the visual treasure trove that the city of Nanjing has to offer.
Many of the people that inhabit the city of Nanjing lead lifestyles that mirror the glorious times of yesteryear. At the break of each day in open spaces of relative greenery Chinese of all ages seize the opportunity to perform the slow motion movements of Tai Chi. Old fashioned bicycles bearing mesh baskets to carry home groceries are still a popular mode of transportation. Children walk to school in disciplined lines holding hands whilst elderly men cling to ancient traditions through the art of calligraphy and music. Food vendors ply their wares of hot roasted chestnuts, sugar treats on a stick and steaming bowls of noodles. After dark the city is transformed by hundreds of lanterns that reflect off the pagoda shaped rooftops as companions gather for a shared meal or a glass of black tea. To the outside eye it may appear that Nanjing revolves around this simple existence, yet it is the strong family ties that intrinsically binds it all together.
Nanjing was formerly the capital of China during the great Ming Dynasty and there are plenty of sites to visit that embody this historical significance. The Ming Dynasty Wall (Zhonhua Men) was built as the formal entrance to the city and as a means of protection against outside forces. Considered the longest wall of its kind in the world, it reflects sophisticated construction techniques with single bricks weighing up to 15 kg each. Similarly, the Presidential Palace (Zongtong Fu) stands as one of the most elegant sites in the whole of Nanjing. It was created to showcase a harmonious combination of Chinese and Western architecture.
The Ming Tomb (Ming Xialing) is the final resting place of the peasant emperor Zhu Yuanzhang who was the founder of the Ming Dynasty. Pairs of stone animal statues guard the Sacred Avenue that leads up to the tomb in a peaceful garden environment enveloped by towering pine trees. Another site that immortalizes a revered leader in modern Chinese history is the Sun Yatsen Mausoleum. Surrounded by pine and cypress trees the tomb of Dr. Sun Yatsen, a key figure in the 1911 revolution and the formation of the republic, is located at the top of a hill and features an imposing marble statue.
If you are staying in Nanjing a day trip that takes guests further afield is to the village of Suzhou, which is approximately 2 hours out of Nanjing. Recognized for its stunning gardens and waterside architecture, Suzhou is often referred to as the 'Venice of the East'. The waterway carves a slow path through this charming village that has become a tourist attraction for leisurely boat rides. The labyrinth of lanes that form Suzhou village are where keen shoppers can source some of China's finest handicrafts as well as exquisite silk embroideries.
Other attractions include the incredibly beautiful Jiming Temple, located high above the city so a perfect spot for quiet contemplation with its many Buddhist shrines and ancient architecture. It is a serene place where many of the Nanjing residents come to worship and is linked directly to the Nanjing City Wall from where visitors can enjoy views of the Yangtze River.
With its rich cultural and historic roots that are complemented by breathtaking scenery, Nanjing is considered one of the most pleasant cities in China to visit. In terms of hospitality, the city has opened its doors to embrace visitors and satisfy their curiosity
