Nanjing (南京; Nánjīng), historically also Nanking, is the capital of Jiangsu province in China. At more than 8 million inhabitants (of which 6 million live in the city proper), it is one of China's largest cities. Nanjing is a major industrial city in the lower Yangtze River region the political, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, and information hub of Jiangsu Province. It is also one of China's comprehensive transportation and communication hubs as well as a key center for science and education.
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Nanjing is a renowned historical and cultural city, and it was the capital of several dynasties over the course of Chinese history. Its name means "southern capital" (Beijing is "northern capital"). It has many historical sites including the tomb of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the capital of the Republic of China under the Kuomintang from 1927 until their retreat to Taiwan in 1949. Human activity in the Nanjing area dates back over a million years. During the late Eastern Han dynasty, Sun Quan proclaimed himself emperor and established the Eastern Wu.
If you're staying more than a few days it's worth buying a Jinlingtong (also known as IC-tong). These are available from any subway station, most bus termini and from any branch of Huaxia Bank (look for an information window displaying the letters 'IC'). The card costs ¥75 and contains ¥25 refundable deposit and ¥50 credit, and can be topped up at the aforementioned locations. The card can be used on the subway, all city buses (but not all suburban buses), cross-river ferries, taxis (although drivers are reluctant to accept them and may tell you the scanner is broken) and in some Suguo convenience stores. Taxis are a great way to get around and most trips will cost less than ¥25.
The city pass can be bought for ¥100 at the entrance to any of the big parks in the city, such as the zoo or Yuhuatai Memorial Park and provides you with free entry to 21 different locations. You need to provide a passport photo for each pass and they are valid for one calendar year. 1 Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖), No. 1, Xuanwu Lane, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, ☏ +86-25-83614286, office@xuanwuhu.net. 7:00am-21：00pm. One of the lakes in Nanjing. There are three islands in the middle, all connected by causeways, equipped with a children's amusement park, a small zoo, and beautiful views of the city and Purple Mountain. Guests can also rent paddle boats.
1 Gingko Lake Pleasure Park (银杏湖乐园, 银杏湖游乐园 Gingko Lake Amusement Park, 银杏湖休闲度假景区 Gingko Lake Holiday Resort), 520 Yinxing Hu Avenue, Jiangning District (江宁区银杏湖大道520号) (take bus no. 870 from outside Jiyindadao metro station on Line S1. Get off at Guanyin Hall (观音殿); you can also get a free shuttle bus from the Zhengfangzhonglu metro station on Line S1; on weekdays, these shuttle buses depart only at 09:00 and 10:00; however, more frequent services are available on weekends and public holidays; there is also a free shuttle bus departing from Sasseur Outlets near the Mozhoudonglu metro station on Line 3; it departs at 10:00 only on weekdays but more frequently on weekends and public holidays), …
Local specialties include xiaolongbao (小笼包), thin skinned dumplings filled with soup and meat, that are served steaming hot in baskets and tangbao (汤包), which are similar, but much larger and filled with crab meat and soup. The soup in these is drank with a straw. Another local specialty is salted duck (盐水鸭 yán shuǐ yā), which is a whole duck that is pickled, boiled and then served cold. Restaurants serving these can be found all over Nanjing usually in small hole in the wall restaurants or dining halls (餐厅) for cheap.
Nanjing's bar scene is constantly changing. If you are visiting Nanjing, it is best to talk to locals or expats who can show you the best places to go in the moment. There is a government order is in place to shut down all bars and clubs at 02:00. Some places remain open, however, so it is best to meet people who can take you there. Night life in Nanjing is very much alive, and you can find the epicenter in Nanjing's 1912 District, which is comparable to Shanghai's Xintiandi. It is roughly a city block of two and three-story buildings, with paved courtyards between. Almost all are restaurants, bars or nightclubs, with a few spas and upmarket clothing shops in the mix.
There have been many instances where foreign guys accompanied by Chinese girls in bar areas have been harassed or even stabbed and killed in fights. You are generally safe if you avoid conflict, even if this means swallowing your pride and walking away from someone insulting you or your girlfriend. There is little to gain by escalating a conflict instead of running away, especially in China where police will commonly side with Chinese citizens. Most crime happens late at night with at least one person under the influence of alcohol, and armed robbery is unheard of.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Nanjing typically sees ~35°C daytime highs and 11 rainy days.
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