[2025 Nanjing Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhonghua Gate (Updated Mar)

Spring in Nanjing is a thousand times of spring and scenery, with seas of flowers everywhere! Last spring, I went out to take photos whenever I had time, it was so beautiful. This year, I have sorted out a guide to flower viewing in Nanjing for you, keep it and don't miss it! 1. Jiming Temple: A must-visit for cherry blossom viewing, best from mid-March to early April, take Metro Line 3 to Jiming Temple Station, and walk a few steps. 2. Laomendong: Azaleas bloom in late March, and they look super beautiful with ancient buildings. Exit 2 of Wudingmen Station on Metro Line 3, walk for 5 minutes. 3. Guanyinmen: Less crowded and beautiful scenery, cherry blossom season is similar to Jiming Temple. You can drive by yourself or take bus 325. 4. Mochou Lake: Begonias bloom from late March to mid-April, take Metro Line 2 to Mochou Lake Station. 5. Pearl River: From mid-March to early April, cherry blossoms bloom along the river, Metro Line 3 to Fuqiao Station. 6. Hanzhongmen: Magnolia blooms from late February to early March, Metro Line 2 to Hanzhongmen Station. 7. Chaotian Palace: Magnolia can also be viewed at the same time, the red wall and flowers are super charming, Metro Line 2 to Shanghai Road Station. 8. Plum Blossom Hill: A good place to enjoy plum blossoms from February to March, Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station. 9. Academy of Agricultural Sciences: Colorful rapeseed flowers are super eye-catching from mid-April to early May, Metro Line 2 to Zhongling Street Station and transfer to bus. 10. Yuhuatai: Hydrangeas bloom in May, Metro Line 1 to Zhonghuamen Station. Family, spring in Nanjing is short, hurry up and seize the opportunity to enjoy the flowers, remember to take photos as a souvenir!

#tripflytoprayfornewyear 🎡 A classic historical city that combines nature and Chinese culture 🌸 🌿 Visit the ancient capital, immerse yourself in the ancient Chinese atmosphere, enjoy the lake view, and taste delicious Jiangsu food! Day 1: Walk around the old city, enjoy the view of the Qinhuai River 🎭 🛬 Arrive at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) 🚆 How to get into the city: • Take the Nanjing Metro S1 → Nanjing South Station • Or take a taxi into the city (about 40 minutes) 🏨 Check in at the hotel. It is recommended to stay near Xinjiekou (新街口) or Qinhuai River (秦淮河) 📍 Places to visit: • Zhonghua Gate (中华门) 🏯 • Old City Fortress Great architecture • Qinhuai River & Confucius Temple (秦淮河 & 夫子庙) 🏮 • Walk around the old town, feel the atmosphere of ancient Nanjing • Take a cruise on the Qinhuai River at night, super romantic 🚣✨ 🍽️ Recommended food • Nanjing Salted Duck (盐水鸭) 🦆 – Soft salted duck, melts in your mouth • Doufunao (豆腐脑) 🍲 – Hot tofu, fragrant soup Day 2: Visit history and nature 🏞️ 🌅 Morning: • Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵) ⛰️ • Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a viewpoint that requires climbing over 300 steps, but it's worth it! • Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵) 🏯 • Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty Emperors, surrounded by beautiful natural forests 🕛 Afternoon: • Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖) 🌊 • Take a walk along the lakeside, quiet and suitable for relaxation • Rent a bicycle to ride around the lake 🚴♂️ 🌇 Evening: • Purple Mountain (紫金山) 🌄 • Nanjing's highest viewpoint Watch the beautiful sunset 🍽️ Recommended food • Nanjing Fried Spring Rolls (南京炸春卷) 🥟 – Crispy fried spring rolls • Jinling Roast Duck (金陵烤鸭) 🦆 – Delicious crispy roast duck Day 3: Shopping & sightseeing before flying back 🛍️ 🌅 Morning: • Presidential Palace (总统府) 🏛️ • Old buildings that used to be the center of government in China 🚶♂️ Shopping in the shopping district: • Xinjiekou (新街口) 🛍️ • Branded shopping and souvenir shopping area 🚖 Travel to the airport & fly back 💡 Tips: ✅ Easy to travel with Nanjing Metro 🚇 ✅ Nanjing is cool at the end of the year Prepare your winter clothes 🧥 ✅ Use Alipay / WeChat Pay for the easiest payment! ✨ Nanjing, a historical city you must visit once! 🇨🇳 #TravelChina #TravelPlan #VisitNanjing

At the southern end of Zhonghua Road in Qinhuai District, Nanjing, a towering city gate stands majestically, silently overlooking the passage of time. This is Zhonghuamen Gate, known as the "best barbican city gate in the world." Originally named Jubao Gate, it is one of the thirteen Ming Dynasty city gates of Nanjing's city wall. It carries a rich history and culture and is a landmark of Nanjing, a city with a thousand years of history. Zhonghuamen Gate was initially named Jubao Gate because it directly faces Jubao Mountain to the south of the city, which is now known as Yuhuatai. The construction process was shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that the gate repeatedly collapsed during construction. Following the guidance of a nursery rhyme, Zhu Yuanzhang borrowed a treasure bowl from Shen Wansan, the richest man in the south of the Yangtze River, and buried it deep beneath the city wall. Only then was the gate successfully completed. This legendary story adds a touch of mystery to Zhonghuamen Gate. In 1931, the Nationalist Government officially renamed it Zhonghuamen, meaning "Gate of China," with the beautiful implication of revitalizing China. This name change also symbolized the changing times and the awakening of the nation. Zhonghuamen is a grand, well-preserved, and structurally complex fortress barbican, presenting a neat "目" (eye) shape. The main city platform is solid and heavy, with three inner barbicans nested within each other, forming a strong defense system. Twenty-seven hidden caves are distributed throughout, capable of accommodating over 3,000 soldiers and storing supplies, playing a crucial role in wartime. East and west ramps facilitate the rapid movement of soldiers and horses, while the ascending ramps cleverly connect various parts. Four arched gates within the barbican are interconnected, each equipped with a thousand-jin gate and double-leaf wooden doors that could be raised and lowered. Although only the gate slots and door positions remain today, they still evoke the grandeur and solemnity of the past. Inside the Zhonghuamen fortress, there are several exhibition halls: the Zhonghuamen and Zhu Yuanzhang Exhibition Hall, the Ming City Brick Exhibition Hall, and the Shen Wansan Exhibition Hall. They showcase the history and culture of Zhonghuamen, as well as related historical figures and events from different perspectives, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the stories behind this city gate. Ascending the gate not only allows visitors to experience the unique charm of Ming Dynasty architecture up close but also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding cityscape. Zhonghuamen is not only an outstanding example of ancient defensive architecture but also a witness to history. In 1937, during the Battle of Nanjing, it became one of the main battlefields. Chinese defenders fought bravely here, defending their homeland with their lives, composing a tragic song of defending their country. Today, Zhonghuamen serves as both valuable physical data for studying ancient Chinese military facilities and an important war memorial, constantly reminding people to remember history and cherish peace. Zhonghua Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing (inside Zhonghuamen Gate) - Opening hours: - Daily: 8:30am - 6:00pm, ticket sales stop at 5:30pm - Peak evening season (April to October): 5:00pm - 10:00pm, ticket sales stop at 9:30pm - Off-season evening (November to March): 5:00pm - 9:00pm, ticket sales stop at 8:30pm - Tickets: 50 yuan - Transportation: Take buses 2, 16, 49, 202, etc., to "Zhonghuamen Castle Station." If you are passionate about historical architecture, Zhonghuamen is definitely a must-visit destination. Here, you can touch the majestic Ming Dynasty architecture, experience the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients, remember the magnificent history, and embark on an unforgettable journey through time.

There are so many beautiful places in Nanjing... Collect them first~ Go check them out when you have time! : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

I first heard of Zhonghua Gate in the faded text of my history textbooks, where it seemed merely an ancient gate bearing the weight of history. I encountered it again in a photograph of Nanjing's city wall, its majestic form and ancient brickwork instantly igniting a deep longing for this ancient capital. Finally, I shouldered my backpack and journeyed to Nanjing, solely to engage in a dialogue with Zhonghua Gate that transcended time. On the second morning after arriving in Nanjing, I eagerly made my way to Zhonghua Gate. From afar, the gate's fortress commanded attention, its towering gatehouse appearing especially solemn and majestic in the morning light. The bricks and stones of the city wall, weathered by the passage of time, bore the marks of age. Each one seemed a silent witness to history, quietly narrating tales of bygone eras. As I slowly ascended the steps to the wall, a gentle breeze brushed my face, seemingly carrying with it echoes of history. Standing atop the wall, I gazed out at the panoramic view of Nanjing. On one side, modern skyscrapers and bustling traffic showcased the city's vibrant energy. On the other, ancient streets and alleys, with their green tiles and white walls, exuded a rich, everyday atmosphere. This blend of ancient and modern, witnessed by Zhonghua Gate, appeared remarkably harmonious. Stepping inside the Zhonghua Gate fortress, I was awestruck by its ingenious design. Hidden chambers for soldiers, distributed along both sides of the wall, appeared deep and mysterious. Imagining soldiers concealed within during ancient wars, poised for action, I felt a surge of admiration for the wisdom of the ancients. Wandering through these chambers, the dim light and damp stone walls transported me back to an era of clashing swords and galloping horses, allowing me to tangibly experience the weight and vicissitudes of history. During my visit, I encountered a local elder who enthusiastically shared the historical transformations of Zhonghua Gate. From its construction during the Ming Dynasty, through the ravages of war, to its present status as a landmark attraction in Nanjing, each story was imbued with the passage of time. Listening to the elder's account, my understanding of Zhonghua Gate deepened, moving beyond the superficial to encompass its underlying historical and cultural significance. As I departed Zhonghua Gate, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow upon the ancient structure. Looking back, Zhonghua Gate resembled a weathered elder, quietly guarding the city of Nanjing. This encounter with Zhonghua Gate instilled in me a deep affection for this city, steeped in historical charm. If you visit Nanjing, don't miss Zhonghua Gate. Come here to traverse time and experience the millennia-old splendor of Nanjing.

📚Zhu Ziqing said, "Visiting Nanjing is like visiting an antique shop." Compared to the bustling Laomendong, Laomengxi is more like a yellowed thread-bound book, with the bricks and tiles exuding the charm of the Six Dynasties. Let's take a day to explore the ancient sites in the alleys❗ — 🚌Transportation | Take Bus 75 to Jiqingmen or Yingao Lane 🚇Take Metro Line 1 to Sanshan Street and walk or 🚲 — 🚶🏻‍♀️Route👇🏻with 📸photo spots 1️⃣Yuedong Xinmenxi | A cultural and artistic enclave transformed from an old factory☑️Graffiti wall and Zhonghua Gate City Wall in the same frame (upward angle)📸☑️Find Li Bai's poetry stele at the Phoenix Terrace Ruins 2️⃣🏯Gu Wa Guan Temple | A 1,600-year-old temple made famous by Gu Kaizhi's "Vimalakirti", and the inspiration for Li Bai's "Zhongshan Facing the North Door". 3️⃣Yuyuan | A classical garden in Jinling, also known as the Little Lion Grove Garden 🎫18💰 4️⃣Lotus Pond Historical and Cultural District | The last original residential area in Nanjing, including Shuizhai Temple, Gaogangli, Mingyang Street, and Yingao Lane, with the former residences of famous people such as Academician Wu Liangyong and Liu Runfen ⚠️Some old houses are dangerous, so be careful — 🚥Nearby delicacies ☕Guangdefenfang Cafe, Menxi Tea House, Yuyuan Tea House, Wang's Wonton, Ye Chui🥦 — Tips 👠🥻It's recommended to wear a cheongsam or hanfu for better photos

My thoughts on the Grand Bao'en Temple in Nanjing: Let's be honest, don't believe everything you read online! First: The Grand Bao'en Temple is not just a temple, it's an "archaeological site" Many people visit Nanjing for the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Confucius Temple, but end up exhausted and with photos full of people. There's one place you shouldn't miss, and that's the Grand Bao'en Temple Heritage Park! It's not just about temples and Buddha statues, its history spans from Sun Quan of the Three Kingdoms to Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty, and is known as the "Mount Everest of Chinese Buddhist culture". Sounds impressive, right? Second: The pagoda here is even more beautiful than the legend Many people think the glazed pagoda in the temple is just a "relic", but the heritage park has rebuilt a modern version of the glazed pagoda, 9 stories high, and lit up at night, like a "night pearl". The original Ming Dynasty pagoda was a world wonder, and the Italian missionary Matteo Ricci was amazed, calling it the "seventh wonder of the world". Third: You can "dig for treasure" here, not just see the pagoda There's an underground palace here, which sounds mysterious. It's actually an excavation site, where the relics of the Buddha were found! The relics are not just "glass balls", but super important treasures in Buddhism. You can still see this temple treasure with your own eyes, and it's truly awe-inspiring. Fourth: The historical stories in the temple are more exciting than palace dramas The temple was originally called "Jianchu Temple", but when the Yongle Emperor Zhu Di became emperor, he spent a fortune to rebuild it as the "Grand Bao'en Temple" to repay his mother (Empress Ma) for raising him. How extravagant was it? Zhu Di used "Ming Dynasty Hermes" - glazed bricks to build the pagoda, with a gold top, and the temple was as grand as the "Forbidden City". It was the "number one temple in the world", but was damaged during the late Qing Dynasty and the Taiping Rebellion, which is truly heartbreaking. Fifth: The craftsmanship of the glazed pagoda replica is extraordinary The modern version of the glazed pagoda is not purely ancient, it uses sound and light effects, and at night, the lights make you feel like you've traveled back to the Ming Dynasty! There's also an immersive 3D exhibition hall at the base of the pagoda, where you can learn about history and feel like an "archaeologist traveling through time", with full interactivity. Sixth: The tickets are a bit expensive, but worth it! The tickets for the Grand Bao'en Temple Heritage Park are not cheap, adult tickets are 90 yuan, and student tickets are discounted (remember to bring your student ID), but the photos you can take here are definitely worth it! The glass reflections of the glazed pagoda, the Buddha's light, all give a cinematic feel. Compared to the crowded Confucius Temple, the Grand Bao'en Temple is both comfortable and educational. In summary: The Grand Bao'en Temple in Nanjing is not an ordinary temple, but a "magical treasure" that combines history, religion, cultural relics, and cultural experiences. Whether you're a history buff or just here for photos, you won't be disappointed!

🕙Business hours: 8:30-18:00 ☀️Ticket price: 50 yuan/person 🚉Transportation tips: 1. Take subway Line 1 to Zhonghuamen and walk there; or take bus No. 2, 16, 49, 63, 302, etc. and get off at Zhonghuamen Castle Station. 2. Self-driving: You can navigate to "Nanjing Zhonghuamen Wengcheng", and there is a parking lot in the scenic area. 🌟Highlights: ✅Shen Wansan Exhibition Hall: tells the legendary story of Shen Wansan and the legend of him and Jubao Gate (the old name of Zhonghua Gate). ✅Zhonghua Gate and Zhu Yuanzhang Exhibition Hall: Through exhibition boards, real objects, models, etc., the historical origins of Zhonghua Gate and the relationship between Zhu Yuanzhang and the construction of Nanjing City are displayed. ✅ Weng City: As the best-preserved and most complex fortress Weng City in the world, Zhonghua Gate has three inner Weng Cities, forming a "turtle in a jar" situation. ✅City gate tower: The city gate tower of Zhonghuamen Castle is tall and majestic, and the battlements, parapets and other architectural elements on the city wall are well preserved. 🍲Recommended dishes: You can taste Nanjing specialties such as beef pot stickers, beef wontons, salted duck, soup dumplings, etc.☀

Zhonghua Gate, originally called Jubao Gate, is located at the southern end of Zhonghua Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, on the north side of Changgan Bridge. It is one of the thirteen gates of the Ming City Wall in Nanjing and is the largest existing city gate in China. Zhonghua Gate is the most complete and complex barbican fortification in the world and is known as the "First Barbican in the World."