Take a stroll around the breathtaking Purple Mountain and Xuanwu Lake.
That’s the recommendation of Dr. Jason D. Patent, American co-director of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center for Chinese and American Studies, when visitors ask about must-see Nanjing attractions.
“Walk or run around Xuanwu Lake in the heart of Nanjing. Rent a boat and sail on the lake. Amble along the paths and watch the locals,” he says. “Purple Mountain offers an intense and rewarding hike, and the botanical gardens on Purple Mountain are delightful.”
Best time to visit? Patent recommends spring and autumn. During those seasons sunshine is abundant and temperatures are mild, making outdoor activities especially pleasant.
Founded in 1986, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center marked its 25th anniversary last year and has graduated more than 2,000 alumni. The center’s primary mission is to immerse international students in Mandarin while providing Chinese students with opportunities to study in English, fostering bilingual academic exchange and cross-cultural understanding.