Nanjing, an ancient capital of China, enjoys a worldwide reputation for its history and culture. Archaeological findings show that human ancestors lived in Nanjing area around 300,000 years ago, and primitive villages took shape 6.000 years ago. These inhabitants were the original local people. From then on, people lived and multiplied in this area generation after generation.

In 472 B. C., under Goujian (King of State Yue)'s order, a city historically called "Yue City" was built on the site of Rain Flower Terrace. That is the earliest record of city construction in Nanjing area, and by now it has a history of 2,470 years. During the Three Kingdoms Period, Dongwu (Eastern Wu) moved its capital to Nanjing - called "Jianye" then, in 229 A. D.. Thereafter, dynasties like Dongjin (Eastern Jin), Song, Qi, Liang, Chen, Nantang (Southern Tang - in Five Dynasties Period), Ming, Taiping Heavenly capital Kingdom and Republic of China in turn, established their capital here. In the past 1,700 years, Nanjing has achieved its fame as "an ancient capital of ten dynasties" . Dynasties waxed and waned, thus left rich legacy of ancient times. Abundant historic relics date back to many stirring stories and epic legends of the past.

During Ming Dynasty , Nanjing got its present name for the first time. Over the long period of history, it had other names like Moling, Stone City, Jianye, Jiankang, Baixia, Shangyuan, Shenzhou, Jiangning, Jiqing, Yingtian and Tianjing. It's name might be different, yet the city itself kept being outstanding for its ancient history, brilliant culture, beautiful scenery and great achievements - therefore, it holds an important place in Chinese history.

Modern Nanjing, is a city with mountains, waters and green trees. It is the capital city of Jiangsu Province in east part of China.

Nanjing took shape at the confluence of the Changjiang (Yangtse) and Qinhuaihe rivers. Goujian, King of Yue State, had a city built by the Qinhuaihe and named it Yuecheng 2500 years ago. Later Chu State had a city called Jinling erected at the foot of Qingliangshan Hill. Yuecheng and Jinling were the embryonic forms of Nanjing.

The Yangtse River rushes from southwest towards the Stone Hill which is strategically located and difficult of access. Sun Quan, King of State Wu, had his military fortress built here with the giant rocks by the river as the wall and named it the Stone City, which is also called the Ghost Face City because of its grotesque shape. Ever since then, Jinling, Shitou (Stone) have been the ancient aliases of Nanjing.

There are 40 universities and colleges, and more than 300 scientific research institutes, several art troupes and a theatre for kunqu opera, from which about 100 modern operas in China derived. Nanjing Library is the third biggest library in China in terms of its collection. The Nanjing Museum boasts a rich collection of arts and crafts.

The residents of Nanjing are warm-hearted and easy-going.