Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province and one of China's great ancient capitals, having served as the seat of several dynasties. With a metropolitan population of around nine million, it is a green, tree-lined city on the Yangtze River rich in historical significance. The climate is humid subtropical, giving hot, humid summers and cold, damp winters. Its landmarks include the grand Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum on Purple Mountain, the lively Confucius Temple district, the massive Ming-era city wall, and tranquil Xuanwu Lake. Local cuisine is refined, famed for Nanjing salted duck and duck blood vermicelli soup. An extensive metro system, Lukou International Airport, and high-speed rail place Shanghai barely more than an hour away. For an international student, Nanjing combines deep history, leading universities, comfortable living costs, and an atmosphere that is cultured yet less frantic than the largest megacities.