Study in Nanjing, Discover Jinling
— A City Introduction for International Students (Condensed)
Nanjing is the capital and sub‑provincial city of Jiangsu Province. It is abbreviated as “Ning”, and was anciently called Jinling and Jiankang. As one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, Nanjing enjoys the reputation of “Capital of the Six Dynasties” and “Metropolis of Ten Dynasties”, with an urban construction history of nearly 2,500 years. The Yangtze River runs through the city. With the scenery described as “Mount Zhong coiled like a dragon and Stone Hill crouched like a tiger”, Nanjing has served as a major political, economic and cultural hub in the Jiangnan region since ancient times. Today it is also an important central city in the Yangtze River Delta.
A Metropolis of Ten Dynasties, a City of Culture and Science
A Metropolis of Ten Dynasties with a Long Cultural Heritage
Eastern Wu, Eastern Jin, as well as the Song, Qi, Liang and Chen of the Southern Dynasties successively established their capitals here. Later, the Southern Tang, the early Ming Dynasty, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the Republic of China also made Nanjing their capital. The long history as an imperial capital has bequeathed abundant heritage to the city. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is inscribed on the World Heritage List. The city wall built in the Ming Dynasty is the longest surviving capital-city wall across the globe. In 2019, Nanjing joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a “City of Literature”, becoming China’s first city to receive this title. The craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade weaving is also included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Scenic spots including the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Confucius Temple, the Qinhuai River, Xuanwu Lake and Qixia Mountain are scattered all over the city, which are well worth visiting after classes.
A National Cultural Hub and Renowned City of Science and Education
Nanjing is a vital national science-and-education center, known in ancient times as “the pivot of Chinese culture”. There are more than 50 regular universities and colleges in the city, among which 12 are “Double First-Class” construction universities. Prestigious institutions such as Nanjing University and Southeast University enjoy worldwide fame. The number of enrolled university students ranks high among cities nationwide, attracting high-level talents including members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Many universities including Nanjing University and Southeast University have launched multi-level programs for international students, such as degree education, Chinese-language advanced studies and short-term exchange programs. Here international students can immerse themselves in thousands of years of cultural legacy while gaining access to cutting-edge scientific research.
Prosperous, Open and Welcoming
Nanjing is a key central city in eastern China whose GDP has long ranked among the top Chinese cities. Its software and information services industry is especially strong — it was the first city to be named a “China Software City” — and sectors such as smart grids and biomedicine are also thriving. In 2014, Nanjing successfully hosted the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games, showing the world its youthful and open image. Lukou International Airport offers extensive air routes, and the high-speed rail network makes travel remarkably convenient for international students.
Harmonious Mountains, Waters, Urban Architecture and Forests — Ideal for Living and Studying
Zijin Mountain, Xuanwu Lake, the Qinhuai River and the ancient city wall set each other off beautifully. Mountains, waters, urban constructions and forests are perfectly integrated in this city. It features four distinct seasons and shady plane-tree avenues spreading across the city, bringing comfort to daily life. Nanjing is also a paradise for food lovers. Local delicacies such as salted duck and duck-blood vermicelli soup are widely celebrated, adding rich earthly charm to overseas study life.
Closing Words
From the romantic glamour of the Six Dynasties to a youthful modern city, Nanjing combines profound history with vigorous vitality. You are welcome to pursue further studies in Nanjing. Beneath the shadow of plane trees and the lantern glow along the Qinhuai River, create your very own memories of Jinling.
Note: This text follows the structure of the Jiangsu introduction on the “Study in China” website (www.studyinchina.edu.cn) and was rewritten with publicly available information about Nanjing. All figures are subject to the latest official releases. This is a rewriting sample only and does not represent any official statement.