Nanjing is a city known throughout China for its cultural traditions. Beginning over 2,500 years ago and with the ebb and flow of dynastic shifts, reaching an apex in the Ming Dynasty, the city has carved its history into the banks of the Qinhuai River.

The early history of Nanjing as a seat of great importance dates back to the Warring States Period, around 400 BC. A large collection of tribal families and warriors sought, gained and lost governing seats time and time again through a relatively short period, and Nanjing would often be chosen as the capital for its geographical position and rich resources. From the period 220AD-589AD, now called the Six Dynasties period, many of the cultural foundations that have formed Chinese society came into being. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the city was a place where poets gathered and composed poems celebrating its magnificent landscape and glorious past. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), it was the site for the imperial civil service examinations for southern China, functioning as a center of intellectual and cultural interaction.

Nanjing as a historical city is rich in cultural heritage.

Nanjing brocade 

Engraved block printing technique 

In 2009, the craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade, together with China’s engraved block printing technique, was added to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, father of modern China, rests along with several early Ming emperors in the secluded shade of Mt. Zijin along the northeastern part of the city. Mandarin is the native tongue in Nanjing, with most of the younger generation speaking very standardized Putonghua taught in schools, while the older generation sticks to the southeastern sub-dialect of Mandarin. Further to the south and east the spoken language changes over to the Wu dialect. Nanjing's location on the Yangtze river has historically served as one of China's most important transportation hubs; and because of this, Nanjing culture has benefited from the continuous influx of people and traditions coming down the Yangtze river.

Nanjing Yunjin brocade has a history of over 1,500 years. It was known for its elegant and gorgeous colors and patterns, which are compared to the bright clouds in the sky. (The name Yunjin in Chinese means "cloud" brocade.) The craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade marks the zenith of Chinese silk weaving skill.

Engraved block printing technique can be seen in Jinling Buddhist Scripture Press in the city. The technique, which has a 1,300-year-long history, requires the collaboration of half a dozen craftspeople with printing expertise, dexterity and team spirit.

Nanjing has a long tradition of planting and appreciating plums, which survived the six dynasties during which the city was designated as the capital of the country. Historical records indicate that the Plum Hill south of the city and the Plum Villa north of the city were two choice places to plant and appreciate plums. Toward the end of the Ming Dynasty, Xu Wei recreated the panorama of the city in plum blossom in his "Mountain Zhongshan and the Plum Blossom."

Plum blossom

Huge numbers of plum trees are planted in the Pearl Spring Park, Gulin Park and Mount Plum, home to one of the four biggest plum plantations in China. When spring comes, the blossoming plum trees attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Each year since 1996, the City of Nanjing organizes an international plum blossom festival either in February or March. Through a combination of efforts to promote tourism and trade together with cultural and entertainment activities, the city aims to introduce the world to Nanjing’s beauty, history and culture.

Traditionally, Chinese people toll bells on the eve of the New Year. The city of Nanjing organizes the bell-tolling to welcome the New Year, extending greetings to all the people of the city and expressing wishes for world peace and progress.

Nanjing is home to some of the best libraries, art galleries and museums in China. Nanjing Library, founded in 1907, houses more than 7 million volumes of printed materials and is the third largest library in the country, next to Beijing and Shanghai Libraries. Jiangsu Art Gallery, the largest gallery in the province, presents some of the best traditional and contemporary art pieces in China. Nanjing Museum, formerly known as the National Central Museum before 1949, is the first modern museum and remains one of the leading museums in China.

Nangjing library

Nanjing has many fine theatres where professional opera troupes perform the Peking opera as well as many local operas of the Yue, Yang, and Xi. The Jiangsu Kunqu Troupe has played an important role in reviving the Kunqu opera, China's oldest surviving stage art. Originating in Jiangsu Province in the 16th century, the Kunqu opera combines acting with singing and dancing.

In the southern part of the city is the Qinhuai River Belt, a place known for its historic sites, gardens, barges, pavilions, and folk culture and customs. The most famous Qinhuai attraction is the lantern boats which sail in the river, big and small, with decorative colorful lanterns hanging on the hull. Other attractions of the cultural belt include the Confucius Temple, Zhanyuan Garden, Egret Islet, and Zhonghua Gate.

Nanjing hosts a series of festivals throughout the year. The annual International Plum Blossom Festival is held in Plum Hill, the largest plum collection in China. It attracts thousands of tourists home and abroad. Other events include Nanjing Baima Peach Blossom & Kite Festival, Jiangxinzhou Islet Fruit Festival, and Linggu Temple Sweet Osmanthus Festival.