The Yangtze River Bridge, 4.6km long, is an impressive construction in the northwest of the city. The bridge was built in 1968 in honor of the capture of Nanjing from the Kuomingtang by the Communists.
The Chinese are particularly proud of the fact that they managed to complete the bridge after Russia withdrew their promise of assistance.
The structure and design of the bridge are particularly impressive. There are two decks; the upper level carries vehicles and passengers and the lower carries trains over the huge
Yangtze River.
The bridge is uniquely Chinese in style and on the sides of the top deck are statues of soldiers involved in the crossing of the river. Visitors can access the bridge from the Great Bridge Park to the north of Zhongshan Bei
Lu. There are elevators taking tourists up to the decks which afford a great view not just of the murky and gargantuan river, but also of the bridge's structure and architecture.
Opening Hours: Daily 6.30am-8pm. RMB7 for the grounds and and additional RMB2 to go up in the elevator.
How to get there: Take bus No.15 from Gulou
---
To the Top
Zhonghuamen, situated in the far south of the city is perhaps the finest remaining example of Nanjing's ancient city walls. Zhonghuamen ("The Castle of China Gate") is the largest gate along the wall and is composed of three towers and four smaller gates inside one another.
The gate is now separated from the rest of the wall and is located on a huge traffic island at a busy road junction. When constructed, this gate could hold up to 3,000 men at any one time.
The gate affords stunning views of the city and is a good place to see Nanjing's landscape and to get your bearings.
How to get there: Take bus No. 16 from Xinjeikou roundabout or Gulou.
Opening hours: 8am-5.30pm.
Cost: RMB6.
---
To the Top
The
Purple Mountain Observatory sits on the peak of Purple Mountain and
affords great views over the surrounding countryside and the lakes
below. The Observatory was built in 1934 and has since become one of
the country's leading astrological bases. Much of the original
equipment in the Observatory was destroyed or stolen during the
Japanese invasion in 1937.
The Observatory today still houses some
valuable ancient astronomical instruments and carries out important
research relating to inter stellar physics and the solar system.
Getting here involves a longer walk than most of the sights on the
mountain, but it is peaceful and the air is fresh up here.
How to get there: Take
bus No. 9 from Xinjeikou roundabout to the terminus
on Purple Mountain. From there, the Observatory is a good hours walk
north. Alternately, take a taxi or cycle via Xuanwu
Lake.
Cost: RMB30
---
To the Top
The Zixia lake is situated to the west of Sun Yatsen's Mausoleum and is about two thirds of the way up the mountain.
This is a very pleasant little area consisting of pathways, green pines, red maples, picnic spots and a lovely lake that many people enjoy swimming in during the summer months.
Locals and foreigners come to this secluded and peaceful picnic spot to cool off and get away from the city.
Cost: RMB10
How to get there: Bus No.9 (RMB1) from Xinjeikou roundabout. Get off at Zixia Hu.
---
To the Top
Sightseeing
Index
