Let me tell you about Nanjing, the city that casually served as capital to six dynasties and now acts like it’s no big deal. Tucked along the Yangtze River, this place is what happens when 2,500 years of history decides to chill out and make really good food.
The Ming Dynasty City Wall is your first clue that Nanjing doesn’t mess around. At 35 kilometers, it’s the world’s longest preserved ancient city wall. Rent a bike, ride along it at sunset, and pretend you’re a sentinel watching for invasions that will never come. It’s time travel with cardio.
But let’s talk about what really matters: the duck. Nanjing has a borderline obsessive relationship with this bird, and honestly, we’re all benefiting. Nanjing Salted Duck is the signature dish—tender, slightly salty, served cold, and so good you’ll understand why locals have perfected it over centuries. Then there’s duck blood vermicelli soup, which sounds terrifying but tastes like comfort in a bowl. The city has found every possible way to prepare duck, and each one is a masterpiece.
Beyond the food, Purple Mountain offers the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (392 steps, but who’s counting?) with sweeping views and imperial vibes. The Qinhuai River at night is criminally romantic, with lit-up traditional buildings reflecting in the water. Xuanwu Lake is where locals actually relax, and it’s completely free.
Here’s the thing: Nanjing isn’t trying to compete with Beijing or Shanghai. It’s just being itself—laid-back, delicious, and quietly proud. The tree-lined streets feel almost European, the history is everywhere without being overwhelming, and the duck… well, the duck speaks for itself.
Come for the ancient walls, stay for the food, leave planning your return. Your duck awaits.
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