Set in a garden dotted with open halls, pavilions, bridges, trees and terraces, the palace is especially spectacular when the blossoms are in bloom. It also provides a spectacular insight into about 600 years of Chinese history.

The largest modern history museum in China provides an excellent insight into the seat of the nationalist government, which ruled China from 1912 until 1949.

Occupying an area of 90,000 square meters, the palace is divided into three main sight-seeing areas, with the middle area principally the seat of the National Government, the presidential palace and its subsidiary organs. A series of exhibition halls and historical data displays can also be found in these zones.

Xuyuan Garden, where the presidential palace can be found, has a history of more than 600 years. Numerous modern Chinese and western buildings and cultural relics are well preserved there.

For an entrance fee of 40 yuan, you can find yourself in the very rooms and halls where power resided and momentous decisions were made while also learning about the city?ˉs role as the capital of southern China and its development throughout the centuries.

The presidential palace, with its terrific gardens, is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon with friends and family.

Location: 292 Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing

Tel: 0086-25-84578718

Web: www.njztf.cn/flash.html