Nanjing — Ancient Capital,
Modern Metropolis
One of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals — and your future home.
A City Where History Meets Innovation
Nanjing (南京) — literally "Southern Capital" — served as the capital of ten Chinese dynasties and the Republic of China. Today it's a thriving megacity of 8.5 million with world-class universities, a booming tech sector (home to Huawei R&D, ZTE, and dozens of AI startups), and one of China's highest quality-of-life rankings.
For international students, Nanjing offers the perfect balance: a city large enough to have everything you need — international restaurants, modern metro, vibrant nightlife — yet small enough to feel safe, friendly, and navigable. It consistently ranks as China's #1 safest major city and among the top 3 most livable.
Situated on the Yangtze River in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, Nanjing is just 1 hour from Shanghai by high-speed rail and 3.5 hours from Beijing — placing you at the heart of China's economic powerhouse region.
Key Facts
2,500 Years of Living History
From UNESCO World Heritage sites to neon-lit night markets, Nanjing seamlessly blends its imperial past with modern vibrancy.
Confucius Temple (夫子庙)
A stunning riverside complex dating to 1034 AD — Nanjing's cultural heart with night markets, traditional crafts, and Qinhuai River boat rides.
Ming Dynasty City Wall
The longest surviving city wall in the world (35 km) — built in 1366, walk along the ramparts for breathtaking views of old and new Nanjing.
Purple Mountain (紫金山)
Home to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Tomb (UNESCO), and a lush forest observatory — the green lung of Nanjing.
Xuanwu Lake
A 444-hectare urban oasis with five islands, lakeside cycling paths, and cherry blossom groves — free entry, 15 min from campus.
A Food Lover's Paradise
Nanjing is famous for its duck — prepared in over 100 ways. But the city's food scene goes far beyond, with bustling night markets, campus canteens serving ¥10 meals, and international restaurants for when you miss home.
Salt-Pressed Duck (盐水鸭)
Nanjing's signature — tender, subtly seasoned, served cold. A 600-year-old recipe.
Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup
A steaming bowl of silky vermicelli in rich duck broth — the ultimate comfort food, from ¥12.
Tangbao (汤包)
Soup dumplings bursting with hot broth — bite, sip, savour. Best near Confucius Temple.
Pan-Fried Buns (生煎包)
Crispy-bottomed, juicy-inside — grab a bag from any street vendor for under ¥8.
Seamlessly Connected
Nanjing's world-class transport system makes the city incredibly easy to navigate — even if you don't speak Chinese.
Affordable City, World-Class Living
Nanjing offers 30–40% lower living costs compared to Beijing and Shanghai — and a fraction of Western cities.
| Category | Nanjing | Beijing | London |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campus Meal | ¥10–25 | ¥15–40 | ¥60–120 |
| Metro Ride | ¥2–7 | ¥3–10 | ¥25–50 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | ¥1,500–3,000 | ¥3,500–7,000 | ¥8,000–15,000 |
| Coffee | ¥12–25 | ¥20–35 | ¥30–45 |
| Movie Ticket | ¥35–50 | ¥50–80 | ¥80–120 |
Feel Safe, Feel at Home
Nanjing consistently ranks as one of China's safest and most livable cities. Low crime rates, well-lit streets, extensive CCTV coverage, and a highly responsive police force mean you can walk home at midnight without worry.
Ultra-Low Crime Rate
One of the lowest violent crime rates of any Chinese megacity.
Green & Clean
46% green coverage — parks, lakes, and mountain trails minutes from campus.
Student-Friendly
50+ universities, 800k students — Nanjing is built for learning and living.
Ready to Call Nanjing Home?
Join thousands of international students who've chosen Nanjing — and NUAA — as the launchpad for their future.