Nanjing, historically also Nanking, is situated in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and is the capital of Jiangsu province. It is a renowned historical and cultural city. Literally "Southern Capital", Nanjing was the capital of 10 dynasties. It was also the capital of the Republic of China from their 1911 revolution until the defeat by the communists in 1949.

The city’s strategic position on the southern bank of the Chang Jiang and is on the junction close to the Great Canal, this made it a transport hub for centries. This position was given a further boost by the opening of the first bridge over the lower Chinagjiang, this became the first direct rail and road links between Shanghai and Beijing.

Like most major cities in China, Nanjing is developing rapidly. Great changes have taken place in the city. Modern highways and railways connect the city with most major cities throughout the country and it is becoming a sparkling metropolis akin to Shanghai and Beijing with skyscrapers, luxury hotels, fashion shopping malls, supermarkets and highly-developed economic zones throughout the city. Transport in the city is very convenient with the new metro service in addition to taxis, public buses and other means of transport.

Today Nanjing has become a bustling city littered with skyscrapers. The city is a prime destination for tourists to China and also has a strong student element, attracting a large numbers of foreigners who come to study Mandarin.