Essential Nanjing Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Nanjing is a city shaped by dynasties, political change, and a striking natural setting. Near the urban center, Purple Mountain—also known as Zijinshan or Zhongshan—rises above the city with wooded slopes and broad views. Its name refers to the violet-gold clouds that sometimes gather around the summit at dawn.

Purple Mountain’s Historical Significance

Purple Mountain has been an important ceremonial and cultural site for centuries. The Xiaoling Mausoleum, built for the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, reflects Nanjing’s former role as an imperial capital.

Nearby, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum recalls the city’s importance during the early Republican era and honors the revolutionary leader whose name is also associated with the mountain. Together with surrounding memorials, historic avenues, and preserved government-era architecture, the area offers a concise introduction to Nanjing’s layered past.

What to See in Nanjing

For travelers researching things to do in Nanjing, Purple Mountain is more than a scenic escape. It brings together imperial heritage, modern Chinese history, architecture, and accessible green space within one area.

Among the best places to visit in Nanjing, the mountain helps explain why the city remains an important cultural destination. Its combination of historic sites and natural surroundings reflects Nanjing’s balance between a busy metropolitan environment and enduring landscapes.

Ultimately, what to see in Nanjing is a story of changing capitals and lasting traditions, with Purple Mountain as one of the city’s clearest symbols.