Free Nanjing Half Day Wednesday Afternoon Tour

Depart from Zhongshan Hotel at 12:30 pm.

(1) First visit the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum which was built between 1926 and 1929. Dr. Sun Yat-sen was probably the most important political figure and revolutionary in China around the turn of the 20th century. Understanding his life and influence in the world will help people to better understand modern China, including modern Taiwan. (2)

(2) Then visit Linggu Temple and Beamless Hall which claims to be 'the best Buddhist temple in the world'. It was built in the Liang Dynasty (502-557). The temple is surrounded by aged dark green trees. The sweet fragrance of flowers pervades and the sound of the bell is melodious. The surrounding forest and springs around add vitality and pleasure to the temple. Wuliang Hall, or Beamless Hall, was constructed in 1381; it is 22 meters high and 53.8 metres wide. The hall enjoys a high reputation for its special architectural techniques. It was built with bricks from the bottom to the top entirely without a piece of wood or a single nail. A nine-story tall Linggu pagoda is on the site which was built in 1929.

(3) Finally visit Taicheng (Terrace Citadel) which is a part of the City Wall. The city wall of Nanjing was built from 1360 to 1386 under the founder of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, who was crowned Emperor in 1368 and made Nanjing his capital. The city wall was 34 kilometers long. It was 14-21 m high, 14.5 m thick at its base and 4.9 m thick at the top. Thirteen gates were built into the wall and the enclosed area was the largest of any walled city in the world. The Taicheng, which has weathered wind and rain for 630 years, still holds much of its original state except that the wooden structure has been destroyed and some parts of the wall are constructed with sticks and stones.

Return to hotel at 5:00 to 5:30 pm.