Exploring Nanjing: Jiming Temple, Nanjing City Wall, and Xuanwu Lake

Every Friday, the staff at the CIEE Nanjing Study Center take students on an excursion to explore some of Nanjing's most famous cultural and historical sites. This week, we took students to 3 different sites of cultural and historical significance: Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺), the Nanjing City Wall (南京城墙), and Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖). 

Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺)

Jiming Temple is one of the oldest and busiest temples in Nanjing. Locals often say that it is the best temple in all of Nanjing. Named after a Chinese myth, the name of the temple literally means "rooster crowing."

Since it was first constructed in 527 during the Liang dynasty, it has been destroyed and reconstructed several times. As Program Coordinator Sheng laoshi mentioned in her tour of Jiming Temple, it is also said to be the best place to visit if you want to get a boyfriend or girlfriend. 

The temple's seven-story pagoda overlooks Xuanwu Lake. There is also an entrance to the Nanjing City Wall at the rear end of the temple. 

Nanjing City Wall (南京城墙)

The Nanjing City Wall was constructed under emperor Zhu Yuanhang during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The wall's purpose was military defense. There are still military cannons on top of the wall for visitors to see.

It took 21 years for the wall to be completed, and, today, the wall is more than 600 years old. The Nanjing City Wall is one of the largest city walls ever constructed in China, and the city of Nanjing was the world's largest city until the 17th century. 

Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖)

Xuwanwu Lake Park can be accessed through Xuanwu Gate, which is part of the Nanjing City Wall. In the spring, pink cherry blossoms bloom there. In the summer, visitors can see lotus leaves, flowers, and weeping willows.

Within the scenic park, visitors can also find pavilions, tea houses, pagodas, and restaurants. There is even a small theme park and boating on the lake. From inside the park, the famous Zifeng Tower and the beautiful Nanjing city skyline are also visible. 

After seeing these 3 beautiful destinations, I think it's safe to say that our students are ready and excited to continue exploring the city of Nanjing with each other and their host families! We're looking forward to seeing the adventures that they'll have in this incredible city.