In Nanjing, every scenic spot holds a grand or subtle story, and every building bears witness to the interweaving of history and modernity. To wander through Jinling is to converse with the turbulence of the past or with moments of quiet ease; it is to let the dusty days of bygone times stir up a little ash from deep within the embers. — To the most beautiful mountains and rivers, and to the most beautiful home.
Extended Reading: [Nanjing Travel] 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Nanjing, plus Transportation, Accommodation, and Food Guide
Historical Origins
Historical Turbulence
This was once the residence and court of a marquis in the early Ming Dynasty, the governor-general’s office in the Qing Dynasty, the Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Office, an imperial temporary palace during the Kangxi and Qianlong reigns, and Hong Xiuquan’s Heavenly King’s Palace.
Renewed Vitality
“One Presidential Palace, half of the history of the Republic of China.” Sun Yat-sen took the oath of office as provisional president here, marking the opening chapter of the Republic of China. When the bright red flag was raised over this residence at midnight in 1949, the call of Nanjing’s liberation also resounded across the country.
After several renovations since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Presidential Palace may no longer be exactly the same Presidential Palace, yet it remains the Presidential Palace.
Seven-Character Regulated Verse · The People’s Liberation Army Captures Nanjing
If Heaven had feelings, Heaven too would grow old; the true way of the world is constant change.
With remaining courage, one should pursue the desperate foe; one must not seek empty fame like the Hegemon-King.
The tiger-crouching, dragon-coiling land is now better than before; the world has been overturned with generous passion.
Wind and rain swept Zhongshan in a sudden storm; a million heroic troops crossed the Yangtze River.
Attractions in Nanjing Presidential Palace
Today, the Nanjing Presidential Palace covers an area of about 90,000 square meters and is mainly divided into three visiting areas: the central axis, the western section, and the eastern section.
Central Axis
Every brick and tile has risen and fallen through time.
The central axis, also known as the central section, mainly includes the institutions of the Republican Government, the Presidential Palace, and its affiliated offices. It is an improved version of a classical Chinese architectural complex, with corridors connecting the various buildings. On both sides are reception halls, offices, and exhibition halls, while the plaque in the middle bears the four characters “Tianxia Weigong,” meaning “The world belongs to all.” The final part of the complex consists of Zichao Building and the library.
Western Section
See the old appearance of Jinling in the corridors of history.
The western section mainly includes Sun Yat-sen’s office as provisional president, the Secretariat, the West Garden, Sun Yat-sen’s living quarters, and the General Staff Headquarters.
Xuyuan Garden, also known as the West Garden, corresponds symmetrically with Fuyuan Garden. It was once the garden of Zhu Gaoxu, Prince of Han, and later became the garden of the Qing Dynasty Liangjiang Governor-General’s Office. It is one of the better-preserved Jiangnan gardens from the late Qing period and a typical representative of Jiangnan garden design.
Eastern Section
It is Nanjing, and it is also Jinling.
The eastern section mainly includes the Executive Yuan, the Memorial Shrine for Tao and Lin, the stables, and the East Garden.
The Executive Yuan is a building restored according to its historical appearance. It displays the administrative institutions and systems of the Republican Government period and recreates the office scenes of that time.
The Memorial Shrine for Tao and Lin was built by Zuo Zongtang to express gratitude to Tao Shu and Lin Zexu.
Fuyuan Garden, also known as the East Garden, was the garden of the Liangjiang Governor-General’s Office during the Qing Dynasty. During the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom period, the East Garden was built here. At that time, it included structures such as a stone boat, lakes, rockeries, towers, pavilions, and terraces. It was destroyed when the Qing army captured Tianjing in 1864. During the Nationalist Government period, it was once part of the Executive Yuan. In 2002, part of the original East Garden was reconstructed according to historical records.
Are you moved by such beautiful scenery? (*^▽^*)
Next, let’s take a look at some useful information for visiting the Presidential Palace.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: Adults / 35 RMB
Opening Hours: 8:30–18:00 (last entry at 17:00); closed every Monday
Special Discount Policies:
(1) Free admission:
a. Minors under the age of 18 (one parent may accompany one minor; ID proof is required)
b. Seniors aged 70 and above (with valid ID)
c. Active-duty military personnel, retired military personnel, retired cadres, and people with disabilities (with valid ID)
(2) Discounts:
a. Seniors aged 60 to 69 (with valid ID) can enjoy a 50% discount
b. Full-time junior college and undergraduate students (with their own student ID) can enjoy a 50% discount
Ticket Purchase Method:
You can search for “Nanjing Presidential Palace” in advance on the WeChat official account or mini program to make a reservation. You can also scan the QR code on site to purchase tickets. However, during peak travel seasons, advance reservation is recommended.
Unused tickets can be refunded before 22:00 on the same day.
Visitors must enter the scenic area within the reserved time slot.
Transportation to Nanjing Presidential Palace
Address: No. 292 Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing (near Daxinggong)
Metro:
From Gulou Campus:
[1] First walk to Zhujianglu Station, take Line 1 toward China Pharmaceutical University to Xinjiekou Station, transfer inside the station to Line 2 toward Jingtianlu, get off at Daxinggong Station, and then walk about 400 meters to arrive. The whole journey takes about 28 minutes.
[2] First walk to Gulou Station, take Line 4 toward Xianlinhu to Jimingsi Station, transfer inside the station to Line 3 toward Mozhou East Road, get off at Daxinggong Station, and then walk about 400 meters to arrive. The whole journey takes about 26 minutes.
From Xianlin Campus:
Take Line 2 directly toward Yuzui to Daxinggong Station, then walk about 500 meters to arrive. The whole journey takes about 46 minutes.
Bus:
From Gulou Campus:
Go to Zhongshan Road · Zhujiang Road and take Bus No. 34 toward Zhongshanmen. Get off at Daxinggong East Station, then walk 400 meters to arrive. The journey takes about 32 minutes.
There are multiple bus routes from Gulou Campus to the Presidential Palace. The above is the recommended route with the shortest travel time. For other routes, students can refer to Baidu Maps.
Most bus routes from Xianlin Campus take more than one and a half hours, so they are not listed here.
