Nanjing Facts

Located in the lower Yangtze River drainage basin and Yangtze River Delta economic zone, Nanjing has always been one of China most important cities. It served as the capital of China during several historical periods and is listed as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Nanjing was the capital of the Republic of China before the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Nanjing is also one of the fifteen sub-provincial cities in the People Republic of China administrative structure, enjoying jurisdictional and economic autonomy only slightly less than that of a province. Apart from having been the capital of China for six dynasties and of the Republic of China, Nanjing has also served as a national hub of education, research, transportation and tourism throughout history. It will also host the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics.

Nanjing is the second largest commercial center in the East China region, after Shanghai. It has been ranked fourth by Forbes magazine in its listing of "2008 Top 100 Business Cities in Mainland China", seventh in the evaluation of "Cities with Strongest Comprehensive Strength" issued by the National Statistics Bureau, and second in the evaluation of cities with most sustainable development potential in the Yangtze River Delta. It has also been awarded the title of 2008 Habitat Scroll of Honor of China, Special Award of UN Habitat Scroll of Honor and National Civilized City.

Nanjing City has convenient air, railway, highway and water transport means that connect it with other domestic and international cities.

Nanjing Lukou International Airport is located southeast of the city, about 29 km (18 mi) away from the city center. The five-star, four-star and main three-star hotels in the city all have shuttle buses to the airport. Travelers in the city can get on the shuttle bus at Zhongshan Nanlu Bus Station. There are also shuttle buses to Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong Airports at Zhongyanmen Bus Station and Jinling Hotel. (Nanjing Airport service tel.: 025-52480482) 

there are three passenger railway stations in Nanjing: Nanjing Station, Nanjing West Station and Nanjing South Station. Nanjing West Station operates trains departing from Nanjing; Nanjing Station operates trains transferring at Nanjing; and Nanjing South Station operates short-distance trains to Wuhu, Tongling and other places nearby.

Area Code: 025

Zip Code: 210000

Area: Nanjing, with a total land area of 6,598 square kilometers (2,547.5 sq mi)

Geography: Nanjing is situated in one of the largest economic zones of China, the Yangtze River Delta, which is part of the downstream Yangtze River drainage basin. The Yangtze River flows past the west side of Nanjing City, while the Ningzheng Ridge surrounds the north, east and south side of the city. The city is 300 kilometers west of Shanghai, 1,200 kilometers south of Beijing, and 1,400 kilometers east of Chongqing.

Population: over five million

Administrative Division: The sub-provincial city of Nanjing has direct jurisdiction over 11 districts and 2 Counties.

Climate: Nanjing has a humid subtropical climate and is under the influence of the East Asia Monsoon. Seasons are distinct in Nanjing, with usually hot summers and plenty of rainfall throughout the year. Along with Wuhan and Chongqing, Nanjing is often referred to as one of the "Three Furnace like Cities" along the Yangtze River for the perennially high temperatures in the summertime. The annual mean temperature is 15.9 °C, and means values range from 3.0 °C in January to 28.3 °C in July. Lows average slightly below freezing in January. The highest recorded temperature is 40.7 °C , and the lowest  14 °C. On average precipitation falls 115 days out of the year, and the average annual rainfall is 1,062 millimeters. The time from mid-June to the end of July is the plum blossom Meiyu season, during which the city experiences a period of mild rain as well as dampness.