Five islands
And arched bridges.
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Nanjing's largest park, a wide lake in the heart of the city near the main railway station; its grounds cover 444 hectares with a 15-kilometre shoreline, the old city wall borders it to the south and east, and the Purple Mountain range rises on the horizon. Five islands in the lake are linked by arched bridges, among flower gardens, willows, pavilions and cafés, with a small zoo and pleasure boats; it was once used for imperial naval drills and later became an imperial pleasure garden. Visitors usually enter through Xuanwu Gate in the wall, and you can climb onto the wall above the lake and walk along it, taking in a lovely contrast between the ancient ramparts and the city's modern towers across the water. Entry to the park is free, with boats and some activities paid separately, per visitor guides. Spring is loveliest when the flowers bloom, and summer when lotus fills the edges of the lake.
And arched bridges.
Above the lake.
On the water.
Xuanwu District, northeast of central Nanjing
Yes, entry to the park is free, with boats and some activities paid separately, per visitor guides.