Chinese City|Nanjing: A Timeless Blend of History and Modernity
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Nanjing, nestled in eastern China along the mighty Yangtze River, is one of the nation’s most revered ancient capitals. With over 2,500 years of history, it served as the seat of power for six dynasties, leaving behind a rich legacy of cultural relics and traditions. For international Chinese language students, exploring Nanjing is not just a journey through scenic landscapes, but also a vivid lesson in Chinese history and daily language.
A Walk Through Imperial History
One of Nanjing’s most iconic landmarks is the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Zhōngshān Líng 中山陵), the final resting place of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China. Perched on the slopes of Purple Mountain (Zǐjīn Shān 紫金山), this grand mausoleum (língmù 陵墓)features sweeping stone steps and a solemn memorial hall, blending traditional Chinese architecture with modern design. Climbing the 392 steps rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city and a deeper understanding of China’s revolutionary history.
Nearby lies the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (Míng Xiàolíng 明孝陵), the tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its Sacred Way (Shèngdào 神道), a tree-lined path guarded by towering stone animals and officials. Walking along this path feels like stepping back into imperial times, where every statue tells a story of ancient royal rituals.
Cultural Heartbeat by the River
No visit to Nanjing is complete without exploring the Confucius Temple (Fùzǐ Miào 夫子庙)district, a bustling hub of traditional culture. Situated along the Qinhuai River (Qínhuái Hé 秦淮河), this area is lined with ancient wooden buildings, colorful lanterns, and street food stalls. Every evening, the river glows with lights, and visitors can take boat tours to admire the historic scenery. Here, you can watch artists practice calligraphy (shūfǎ 书法)on the street, taste local delicacies (měishì 美食), and join in lively temple fairs during festivals.
Flavors of Nanjing
Nanjing’s culinary scene is a highlight for food lovers. Salted duck (Yánshuǐ Yā 盐水鸭)is the city’s signature dish—tender meat with a subtle, savory flavor that has been perfected over centuries. Another must-try is duck blood vermicelli soup (Yāxuè Fěnsī Tāng 鸭血粉丝汤), a warm, hearty soup made with duck blood, thin noodles, and fresh herbs. The rich broth (tāngzhī 汤汁)and unique ingredients make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Modern Nanjing: Where Past Meets Present
Beyond its ancient relics, Nanjing is a dynamic modern city. The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (Nánjīng Chángjiāng Dàqiáo 南京长江大桥), a symbol of China’s engineering prowess (nénglì 能力), connects the city’s two banks and offers stunning views of the Yangtze River. Nanjing’s universities and research centers also attract students from around the world, making it a vibrant center of learning and cultural exchange.
Vocabulary List
Mausoleum——língmù——陵墓：
Definition：A large, impressive tomb built for an important person, such as a king or national hero.
Example：The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is one of the most visited attractions in Nanjing.
Confucius Temple——Fùzǐ Miào——夫子庙：
Definition：A temple dedicated to Confucius, a great Chinese philosopher, often with surrounding markets and cultural activities.
Example：We spent the afternoon exploring the Confucius Temple and trying local snacks.
Qinhuai River——Qínhuái Hé——秦淮河：
Definition：A famous river in Nanjing, known for its historical significance and beautiful night cruises.
Example：Taking a boat tour along the Qinhuai River at night was the best part of our trip.
Salted duck——Yánshuǐ Yā——盐水鸭：
Definition：A traditional Chinese dish made by curing duck with salt, famous for its tender meat and unique flavor.
Example：Salted duck is so popular in Nanjing that you can find it in almost every restaurant.
Duck blood vermicelli soup——Yāxuè Fěnsī Tāng——鸭血粉丝汤：
Definition：A savory soup from Nanjing made with duck blood, thin noodles, and fresh herbs.
Example：I tried duck blood vermicelli soup for the first time and loved its rich taste.
Calligraphy——shūfǎ——书法：
Definition：The art of writing characters in a beautiful, skillful way, especially in Chinese or Japanese.
Example：My Chinese teacher taught me how to practice calligraphy with a brush.
Delicacy——měishì——美食：
Definition：A rare or delicious food that is considered a special treat.
Example：Nanjing has many local delicacies that you won’t find anywhere else in China.
Broth——tāngzhī——汤汁：
Definition：A thin, flavorful soup made by cooking meat, vegetables, or bones in water.
Example：The broth of the duck blood vermicelli soup is cooked for hours to make it tasty.
Prowess——nénglì——能力：
Definition：Great skill or ability in a particular field, such as engineering or sports.
Example：The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge shows China’s engineering prowess to the world.
Imperial——huángcháo——皇朝：
Definition：Relating to an empire or its ruler, such as an emperor or empress.
Example：Nanjing was an imperial capital during six different dynasties in Chinese history.
Temple fair——miàohuì——庙会：
Definition：A traditional festival held near a temple, with performances, food stalls, and games.
Example：We joined a lively temple fair at the Confucius Temple during the Spring Festival.
