Confucius Temple
by D_major
The Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) was originally built during the Song Dynasty and is situated on the north bank of the Qinhuai River. Today, the entire area around the Temple consists of a series of tourist shops, snack bars, restaurants and entertainment arcades all done up in "Ming" and "Qing" style architecture. There is a vaguely kitsch feeling about the area and the Temple itself is a bit of a disappointment but the area is great fun and a very pleasant part of the city to walk around (the only pedestrianised area in the city). Absorb the relaxed atmosphere, have something to eat and take part in the fun! It is particularly interesting in the evenings when a lively street market sets up in the district, and locals and tourists take part in the bargain hunting!
The Song Dynasty was a period of great Confucian revivalism and the temple here is considered to be one of the best preserved of its type in China. During the Ming Dynasty the temple was expanded and became a school for children of the imperial court. The buildings on both sides of the Temple which are now small tourist shops were once individual study rooms for Confucian scholars. The Qinhuai River flows in front of the Temple and there is also a 110-meter-long screen stonewall (the largest in the nation) nearby, which can be viewed from the bridge crossing the river in front of the Temple. A beautiful ¡°Lantern Show¡± is held at the Temple during the 1st to the 18th days of the Lunar Year.
Nanjing Ming Tombs
by SLLiew
Nanjing was made the capital of Ming Dynasty after the overthrow of the Mongols. Later, the capital was moved to Beijing. Hence the early Ming emperors were buried in Nanjing while later were buried in Beijing Ming Tombs.
The Nanjing Ming Tombs are smaller that the later Beijing Tombs. But I am just impressed by the animal statues leading to the tombs. The actual tombs have not been found and so it will be exciting when they are actually located.
The Dongling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty
by marsistanbul
The Dongling Tomb(East Tomb) is located about 60 meters to the east of the tomb palace area of the Xiaoling Tomb.
It was built for Zhu Biao,the oldest son of Zhu Yuanzhang.With archaeological excavation,a "ruins park"is now on the orginal site.Protecting and displaying cultural relics in the form of ruins is an advanced method commonly adopted worldwide.Instead of changing the original structure of building remains,it aims to restore their historical environment and maintain a feeling of history for the ruins by the greatest extent.
hot_to_trot's new Nanjing Page
by hot_to_trot
Hi Everyone, Although I'm Australian by birth, I'm currently (since Jan 2001)working as a teacher in Nanjing. I first came to Nanjing in December 1987 on vacation from my Chinese language studies in Beijing. I also spent a year here in '94, working as an exchange teacher. Nanjing is a very "liveable" city except in summer when I think it is unbearable (too hot,too sticky!). I can't believe all the changes that have taken place here, particularly over the last few years.
Nanjing is a comfortable place to live but also a great place to come as a visitor. There are lots of places of historical interest and it is also very green compared to other Chinese cities.It is reasonably easy to get around, even (especially) by bike. There are some useful tourist route buses to get to the main attractions.
My favourite places are, in no special order, the tomb of the first Ming emperor Hongwu and the "spirit way" leading to it, the first Yangtse bridge (so big, so impressive!), Xuan Wu Hu park, the Nanjing city walls and the ZhongHua gate. Qixia Temple takes a while to get to but I really like it there too!
A visit to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial is an interesting if also sombre experience.The Memorial commemorates the deaths of around 300,000 Nanjing citizens at the hands of the Japanese army between December 37 and January 38
Well, have to stop but will try to add some pics later. If you have any queries about Nanjing, Beijing, Shanghai or China generally feel free to email me. My info may not be terribly up-to-date at the moment but I will have the chance to travel around the three cities mentioned fairly often so I may be able to help. Happy travelling! (Yi lu ping an = a peaceful trip)
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portrait of Empress MA
Dr.Sun final resting place
Night view at Qing Huai River
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