China: Revolutionary soldiers of the world, Socialist Realism statuary, Yangzi River Bridge (Da Qiao), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

Nanjing dates back to the beginning of the Warring States Period (403–221 BCE). Between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE, Nanjing was the capital of the Southern dynasties at a time when non-Chinese were in command in northern China. After various natural disasters and a peasant rebellion, the new Sui dynasty moved the imperial capital to Xi’an (589 CE) and destroyed Nanjing, along with almost all of its cultural and historical relics.

Nanjing regained national importance at the beginning of the Ming dynasty, when its first emperor, Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang), set up the seat of government here in the Southern Capital until it was transferred to Beijing in 1421.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia