Nanjing is a famous historical and culture city about an hour or two from Shanghai by speed train. It served as the capital  during several dynasties over the course of China’s history and most recently was the capital under the Kuomintang until 1949.

There are quite a many historical sights and things to do in Nanjing however we only had two days to explore. On my to-do list was run around on the City Wall of Nanjing, play at Xuanwu Lake, and to visit the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. Next time I will try to see and do more like visit Confucius Temple and Purple Mountain 紫金山.

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

…or formally, The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders is a large memorial complex that serves as a stark reminder to the horror of war and Nanjing’s role during WW2. Over 300,000 people were killed in the Nanjing Massacre after it fell in December, 1937.

The massacre which occurred here is meticulously researched and presented. There is way too much to take in if you were to try and read and see everything. It’s pretty clear the atrocities were significant and had/have a big impact on the Chinese people. There is a constant theme of remembrance and an appeal for peace and harmony.

I felt I had to visit here mainly because in my interactions with people I have discovered it is a wound that hasn’t quite healed. I visited, read the plaques, and walked through the memorial taking mental notes in hopes I may better understand.

Click on the photos to see captions and slideshow

Xuanwu Lake and The City Wall

On a lighter note, Xuanwu Lake is a fun park to chill and enjoy the day. We had a nice time walking around, stopped for some snacks, and ride around in a rubber ducky or big white swan boat.

The city wall is very long (about 22-Km) and there are many places to go up and run around. One night we walked around the The Gate of China (中华门) which is is the southern gate and is from the Ming Dynasty. It’s very well taken care of and easy to play around on. There is even a golf cart rental up top for you to drive around on the wall..fun.