Nanjing accommodation from AU$120

The Qin Huai River is the lifeblood of Nanjing. Take a cruise along the waterways and marvel at the famous sights along the water before stopping to explore Confucius Temple. This temple was once an imperial examination centre, but has since been turned into a wonderful place of worship. Just outside the temple is an impressive museum, which is across the road from a market selling souvenirs, handicrafts and local snacks. As you continue down the river, enjoy the serenity at Zhanyuan Garden, or marvel at the ancient Zhonghua Gate that towers overhead. For an authentic experience, book your cruise on one of the traditional painted boats to sail down the river in style.

The massive City Walls of Nanjing are an engineering feat, and were constructed over 600 years ago. It took 200,000 labourers over 21 years to complete the walls, as they moved over seven million cubic metres of earth by hand. Head to the Gate of China and see the best preserved section, which remain one of the best examples of early Ming defensive architecture. Nearby you can discover the ruins of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace that was built in 1366, but destroyed during the Qing Dynasty. The site was a prototype of Beijing's Forbidden City, and the layout was copied by the grandson of the Emperor when he moved the capital in 1421.

Stop and pay your respect at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial, which is a chilling reminder of the hundreds of thousands of Chinese who died at the hands of the Japanese in WWII. Walk through the parks and gardens that surround the mass burial sites, where the victims are honoured with sculptures, murals and artworks. Learn the full story at the museum at the entrance to the memorial, before heading to Nanjing Museum to see exhibits of some of China's greatest treasures. If you love shopping, you can't miss Xinjiekou, which is Nanjing's version of New York's Times Square, and the best place to find designer and high-end fashion in the city.

For a unique cultural experience, check out the Kunqu Theatre and a traditional performance of ancient Chinese opera. You can gaze in wonder at the Jiming Temple, or explore the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum at the base of Purple Mountain. The tomb contains the remains of the Hongwu Emperor, who was the founder of the Ming Dynasty. Purple Mountain is also home to the burial tombs of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Sun Quan, both prominent figures in China's recent history.

Nanjing is a fantastic destination for your next vacation, so come and explore the sights along the river, marvel at the ancient Ming architecture and learn about the strong history of the city. Book your flight to China and all that's left is for you to find fantastic Nanjing accommodation. Check out our range of hotels and book one in for a perfect holiday in Nanjing!

Image credit Vmenkov under Creative Commons