Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province, and a city with a prominent place in Chinese history and culture. Nanjing, literally meaning “Southern Capital”, served as the capital of China during the past ten dynasties and periods in history and ultimately is listed as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China.
Located in the lower Yangtze River basin and Yangtze River Delta economic zone, Nanjing has always been one of China's most important cities and served as a national hub of education, research, transportation and tourism throughout its history. With a population of over 7.4 million, the city is the second largest industrial and commercial center in East China. It has been ranked fourth by Forbes Magazine in its listing of "2008 Top 100 Business Cities in Mainland China" and has also been awarded by the title of “2008 Habitat Scroll of Honor of China” by the United Nation.
Nanjing has a rich variety of historical and cultural heritage to explore. The Purple Mountain dominates the eastern skyline of the city. Some of the famous attractions found in this area include the father of China's great revolution Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum and Ming Tomb of the first Ming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang. To the east of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is the well-known Linggu Temple. Built about 1,500 years ago, Linggu Temple surrounded by aged but still flourishing trees is claimed to be the best Buddhist temple in the world. Also, the Purple Mountain Observatory and planetarium on the mountain top are famous sites for science gurus. At the western foot of the mountain, lies the scenic Xuanwu Lake, a former imperial navy training and recreation center.
One of Nanjing's highlights is the old town around the Qin Huai River, which spreads in the southern part of the walled city. During the old days, this riverside region had a bustling nightlife where extravagant nobles, talents and businessmen flocked to the restaurants, teahouses and call-girl houses. In Chinese literature, it is famed as a place for beauty queens and romance. Nowadays, the riverside streets have once again taken on the looks of an ancient cultural and shopping area and are fast becoming a busy and popular spots. Other attractions in this area include Confucius Temple, Gong Yuan (palaces for people to take part in the imperial examinations), Ming walls, Zhonghua City Gate and Zhanyuan Garden. If one goes further southward, Yu Hua Tai - a favorite place for Chinese patriots will be found. The historical park of Yu Hua Tai houses a monument built to commemorate the Chinese martyrs. The Rain Flower Pebbles (agate stone) Art Festival is held here annually.
Besides, the renowned Nanjing Museum holding a collection of some 2,000 first class treasures of national and cultural interest, the Xuyuan Garden, a relatively small exquisite southern China style garden and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge are also interesting to visit.
The following optional city tours encompassing all major city highlights will be organized for the Forum participants. Details are as follows:
0830 - 1200 : Visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, Ming Tomb and City Wall
1400 - 1730: Visit Nanjing Museum, Xuyuan Garden and the Old town
Cost: RMB436 per person (including ground transportation, English speaking guide and admission fees). To register, please contact the organizer at info@thinkgreen2010.org
Other tailor made tours in and around Nanjing, and in other Chinese provinces can be organized. For more information, please contact the organizer at
info@thinkgreen2010.org