Come to Nanjing in Summer and Enjoy the Moment
(Photo: Ancient city and purification, Xuanwu Lake Park 2018; source: Nanjing Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism)
Come to Nanjing to listen to its historical stories, look forward to its future and meanwhile sublimate yourself. "The past" is only to be recalled, and "the future" is to be looked forward to, but what about "the moment"? "The moment" is the only time you have. Despite of the past records and future brilliance, what we should master and cherish is the moment, so please slow down your pace to enjoy the moment. It's the heat of the summer that makes it all the more important to put anxiety aside and explore your own psyche in a slow-paced style. This is the moment.
Here are some attractions that absolutely deserve your visit:
Recommendation I. Xuanwu Lake Park
Xuanwu Lake, with the Zijin Mountain in the east and the Nanjing Circumvallation in the west, is the largest lake of all the imperial gardens in China. Xuanwu Lake Park, the only remaining imperial garden and the largest park in the south of the Yangtze River, is crowned as the "Pearl of Nanjing". Xuanwu Lake Park covers an area of 5.13 square kilometers, with five islets (Huan Islet, Ying Islet, Ling Islet, Liang Islet, Cui Islet) connected by bridges, integrating the land and water scenery. Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing, South Lake in Jiaxing and West Lake in Hangzhou are known as the "three famous lakes in the south of the Yangtze River".
In summer, Xuanwu Lake Park is hot during the day and cool at night. Therefore, it is recommended to take a battery car for the sight-seeing tour during the day and stroll to enjoy the cool at nightfall. Get close to nature, nourish your spirit and mind, and enjoy the moment.
(Photo: Xuanwu Lake at sunset, Xuanwu Lake in summer; source: Nanjing Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism)
Address: No. 1, Xuanwu Lane, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Ticket: Free
Opening hours: All day
How to get there: Xuanwumen Station, Metro Line 1; Metro Line 3/4 to Jiming Temple Station Bus Tour Line 1; Bus No. 1, 33, 35, 38, Xuanwumen Station.
Recommendation II. Laoshan National Forest Park of Nanjing
Laoshan National Forest Park of Nanjing is a green park with a vegetation coverage over of 80%. The rare and pure land is known as "Nanjing's Green Lung" and "Natural Oxygen Bar" for its excellent air quality. The forest park takes the Lion Hill, Pingtan Scenic Area, and Seven Buddha Temple as main attractions.
Laoshan National Forest Park of Nanjing is an ideal destination for a family getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, with fresh air, rich ecology and spectacular scenery. Here you can enjoy the time with your family and nature, or go on a solo trip, rewarding yourself with physical and mental comfort through exercise, fresh air, and the exploration of yourself.
(Photo: Laoshan Daji Egret; source: Nanjing Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism)
Address: No. 90, Huangshanling Road, Pukou District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province
Ticket Price: RMB 33
Opening hours: 08:00-17:00
How to get there: Bus No. 608, 610, 611, Laoshan Forest Park Station, or self-driving.
Recommendation III. Gaochun Yaxi Cittaslow
Gaochun Yaxi Cittaslow is located in Gaochun District of Nanjing, known as the backyard garden and south gate of Nanjing for its scenery in the style of the Land of Fish and Rice. As the first international cittaslow in China, it focuses on a green and slow lifestyle. In this small area south of the Yangtze River, each village is a tourist destination, featuring the natural and simple scenery of the countryside. The scene here comes near Shangri-La, away from industry and factories, and natural sights can be seen everywhere. It's a great place to slow down and escape from the fast life and high stress of the city. Here, you can feel nature, seek peace of mind and enjoy the moment. You may just relax yourself with slow paced, suggested leisure activities such as taking a tour of ancient streets full of the charm of Ming and Qing dynasties, enjoying farm food, fishing in ponds, appreciating flowers in the fields and by the roadside.
(Photo: Xiaomao Village, Gaochun Yaxi Cittaslow; Source: Wechat official account of Nanjing Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism)
Address: Gaochun International Cittaslow, Yaxi Town, Gaochun District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province
Ticket: Free
Opening hours: 08:30-17:00
How to get there: The shuttle bus from Nanjing Passenger Transportation Station South; self-driving is recommended
Recommendation IV. Gan's Grand Courtyard
Gan Xi is a famous scholar and book collector in Nanjing in the late Qing Dynasty. His residence, Gan's Grand Courtyard, is the largest and best preserved private residence in Nanjing, commonly known as "ninety-nine and a half rooms".
Gan's Grand Courtyard is composed of four ancient building groups, each of which is a separate courtyard and adjacent to the other courtyards. The ancient building covers an area of more than 9,500 square meters, with a construction area of more than 5,400 square meters. The building has now been rebuilt to the Nanjing Folk Culture Museum, which exhibits Nanjing's folk crafts and intangible cultural heritage.
Classified by design, Gan's Grand Courtyard is not a typical Huizhou or Jiangsu-Zhejiang architecture. Since it draws inspiration from both southern and northern buildings, it features exquisite details and a spacious layout. What can be seen here: the strict courtyard layout, the exquisite three types of Huizhou carvings, the white walls and black tiles in contrast, the peaceful environment created by the vines and long corridors. The 32 water wells in the courtyard act as a room temperature limiter, so the house stays cool in the summer, reflecting the architects' wisdom.
Anyway, why not have a leisurely holiday here?
(Photo: Gan's Grand Courtyard; source: Nanjing Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism)
Address: No. 400, Zhongshan South Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province
Ticket Price: RMB 20
Opening hours: 09:00-18:00
How to get there: Bus Tour Line 1 and Line 4; Bus No. 2, 4, 7, 16, 26, 33, 37, 40, 47, 49, 62, 101, 102; Metro Line 1, Sanshan Street Station.
When you come to Nanjing in summer, you may first explore its history, so as to learn something about the city and have some insight into its future. In this way, the history will award you cool head. This is to say, the story of Nanjing and its history will help you to get rid of the impetuousness, purify your psyche and teach you how to enjoy the moment. Nanjing has an unusual summer vacation ready for you. Welcome to explore Nanjing, this is your story.