Presidential Palace
» Nanjing, Jiang Su

总统府 走近百年中国

No.292 Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District of Nanjing

It has been 600 years since the Marquis of Guide's Palace and the King of Han's Palace were constructed in the early Ming Dynasty, on the site now occupied by the Presidential Palace.

Who lived here

In the Qing Dynasty, this house was originally the office building of the governor who was given the dominion over both Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces.

Then in 1853, the head of a revolting team set up his "Peace Kingdom" and his governor house here.

On January 1912, Dr. Sun Yat-sen made a solemn oath as the first appointed "Interim Grand President" of "the Republic of China" at here.

Then, it was the President House of Chiang Kai-shek, the chairman of KMT, and the ruling party in China before 1949.

What to visit

The gate of the Presidential Palace is western style with meters-long guard stations in two sides while the second gate is typical Chinese style. Through the gate there is a long corridor, along which are hall, foreign guests' reception room, lobby of president and some offices. At the end of the Palace is a 5-store building called "Zichao Building" which got the name by another name of Hushen, the chairman of National Government at that time. There are altogether 1189 rooms, halls, towers, pavilions and attics in the palace, but they can be a whole because the corridors connect these buildings. So you can pass through every building without umbrella in the rainy day.

Office buildings

Office building of Chiang Kai-shek

Chiang Kai-shek handled the official business at Room119, the 2nd floor of Zi Chao Building, opposed which is the office of Vice President Li Zongren. There is the Conference Center at the third floor for holding the national affairs before 1949.

Office building of Dr. Sun Yat-sen

The office building of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the first appointed "Interim Grand President" is located at a western style one stored house of West Garden, which was originally the Flowers Hall set up by Governor in Qing Dynasty. The 3 rooms on east side are office, meeting room and the rest room.

The west is the "Vow making Hall," where Dr. Sun Yat-sen took an oath of office as the first appointed "Interim Grand President" of "the Republic of China." Dr. Sun Yat-sen was respected by all Chinese and regarded as "The Father of Republic of China." You could pay a visit and view the records of his swearing speech and the autograph photos as well as the Chinese calligraphy "Fight" written by Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

Other spots

Apart from the various office buildings, West Garden is also attractive where stretches a pool shaped like a vase, called Taiping Lake. On the east and the north are Wangfei Building and Xijia Building.

Wangfei Building was built in Kangxi period, Qing Dynasty, originally two stories. It got the name by the legend that the birds rested here after a long flying, then forget to depart because of the beautiful view.

Besides, you can also enjoy the marble boat, the waterside pavilion, the Banting Pavilion, the Yilan Pavilion, the Mandarin Pavilion, and so on. It is currently serving as the Nanjing museum of Chinese contemporary history.

A symbolic return

On April 27, 2005, the Chairman of Kuomintang, Lien Chan, visited the Palace on his trip to Mainland China, marking a symbolic return of the party to the Palace for the first time in 58 years.

When to visit

  • Opening Hours: 08:00a.m. - 17:30p.m.

Getting there

No. 1 2 3 5 9 buses

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. When to go

  Shopping

  1. Where to exchange money?

  Customs

  1. What are some interesting festivals?

  Other Hints

  1. Health and Security
  2. Useful numbers
  • When to go

    Known as one of the three hottest cities in China, Nanjing's scorching summer period is to be avoided.

    The short and comfortable autumn time from October to mid-November is the best travel period for the city.

    Unlike other southern cities in China, in December, it sometimes snows in the city. If fortunately, you will have an opportunity to appreciate the enthralling white snow world of Nanjing. In the coldest month - January, the temperature could be as low as -7C (19F).


  • What are some interesting festivals?

    Jinling Lanterns Fair
    It was said that the first lantern fair was held in this region in the reign of Hong Wu in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered a spring lantern fair to be held to celebrate both the coming new year and prosperity of the country. This tradition was passed down from generation to generation and reached its height in the Ming and Qing periods. Each year from the first day of the lunar January the lantern fair celebration is held in the area surrounding Fuzimiao.
    Period: 1st, Jan - 15th, Jan depending on lunar calendar

    Nanjing Int'l Plum Festival (Plum Hill)
    In the early spring between February and March, Nanjing International Plum Festival opens as the first ceremonial tourist event of the year. The meeting place is chosen on Plum Hill. Reputed as the First Plum Hill under Heaven, it is one of the eight plum appreciation sights having the most variety, longest history and being the largest in the country. Because the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year always falls in this period, spectacular celebrations of blossom appreciation, show performances, cultural exhibitions and bazaar shopping are be held.
    Period: Feb. - Mar. (the one in 2005 began on Feb. 10th and ended on Mar. 15th)

    Cherry Blossom Festival
    In late March, Xuanwu Park becomes a sea of cherry blossom and photography lovers and tourists throng to see the charming scenery.

    Yuhuashi (Rain Flower Pebbles) Art Festival
    Yuhuashi, a kind of rain-flower pattern agate, is a very popular tourist souvenir. Each year in September, an art and cultural festival is held in Yuhuatai (Rain Flower Terrace) Scenic Area. Exhibition of precious agate stones and performances will be presented.
    Period: September


  • Where to exchange money?

    You can exchange money at Lu Kou International Airport, branch offices of the Bank of China at Zhongshan Donglu, just east of Xinjiekou traffic circle and most hotels in the city.

    Rates at hotels may be a little higher than those in the Bank of China. Some hotels only exchange currency for their own guests.


  • Health and Security

    The health and security of the guests coming to Nanjing is a prime concern among the authorities.

    There are adequate number of police stations where the guests report to in case they face any kind of a problem.

    There are also many hospitals in Nanjing where the tourists can go in case any emergency arises.


  • Useful numbers

    Tourist Hotline: 5261179
    Ambulance: 120, 7213460
    Emergencies: 110 (foreigner's section 552729)
    Fire: 119
    Tel No. Enquiry: 114
    Police: 110
    Foreign Affairs Office of Police: 7216795

The gate of the Presidential Palace is western style with meters-long guard stations in two sides while the second gate is typical Chinese style. Through the gate there is a long corridor, along which are hall, foreign guests' reception room, lobby of president and some offices.



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