Nánjīng: 南京 - Nanjing ("Southern Capital")

Keywords: Nanjing, Nánjīng, 南京, Southern Capital, former capital of China, capital of Jiangsu, Nanjing Massacre, Chinese history, travel to Nanjing, study in Nanjing, Republic of China.

Summary: Explore the meaning, history, and cultural significance of Nanjing (南京, Nánjīng), China's famous “Southern Capital.” This comprehensive guide covers its breakdown from the characters 南 (south) and 京 (capital) to its pivotal role as the capital for six dynasties and the Republic of China. Learn about its cultural weight, modern-day usage in travel and education, and its tragic history, including the Nanjing Massacre, to gain a deep understanding of this important Chinese city.

Pinyin (with tone marks): Nánjīng

Part of Speech: Proper Noun

HSK Level: HSK 3-4 (as a key geographical location)

Concise Definition: A major city and the capital of Jiangsu province in Eastern China, which historically served as the capital of China for several periods.

In a Nutshell: “Nanjing” literally translates to “Southern Capital.” Unlike a simple place name, it carries immense historical and emotional weight. It stands in direct contrast to 北京 (Běijīng), the “Northern Capital” and current capital of China. For centuries, Nanjing was a center of power, culture, and education, but it is also deeply associated with national tragedy, most notably the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. To understand Nanjing is to understand the rise and fall of dynasties and a key chapter in modern Chinese history.

南 (nán): This character means “south.” It is one of the four cardinal directions and is fundamental in Chinese geography and culture.

京 (jīng): This character means “capital city.” Its ancient form depicted a tall man-made structure, representing a place of importance and governance. It is the same character found in 北京 (Běijīng) and 东京 (Dōngjīng - Tokyo).

Together, 南 (nán) + 京 (jīng) form a clear and descriptive name: Southern Capital. This naming convention highlights its historical role and its geographical relationship to other imperial centers.

The “Four Great Ancient Capitals”: Nanjing is one of China's “Four Great Ancient Capitals” (四大古都, Sì Dà Gǔ Dū), along with Beijing, Xi'an, and Luoyang. Its status as a capital city for numerous dynasties—most famously the “Six Dynasties” (222-589 AD), the early Ming Dynasty, and the Republic of China (1927-1949)—cements its place in the heart of Chinese history. It is often referred to poetically as “the ancient capital of six dynasties” (六朝古都, liù cháo gǔ dū).

A Symbol of Both Glory and Suffering: The cultural identity of Nanjing is deeply dualistic. On one hand, it represents the splendor, art, and power of imperial China. On the other hand, it is an indelible symbol of national suffering due to the Nanjing Massacre (南京大屠杀, Nánjīng Dàtúshā) in 1937, a horrific event during the Second Sino-Japanese War. This history gives the city a solemn and resilient character. Mentioning Nanjing in a historical context often carries a heavier weight than mentioning other cities.

Comparison to Western Concepts: In Western history, capitals like London or Paris have often remained fixed for centuries. China's history, however, saw the capital move with different dynasties and political powers. The existence of a “Southern Capital” (Nanjing) and a “Northern Capital” (Beijing) simultaneously at times, or in succession, reflects a different concept of a nation's power center. It was less about one single, permanent city and more about a strategic location that best served the ruling dynasty.

As a Travel Destination: Nanjing is a very popular tourist destination. People talk about going to Nanjing to visit historical sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵, Zōngshān Líng), the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵, Míng Xiàolíng), and the Presidential Palace (总统府, Zǒngtǒng fǔ).

In Education: Nanjing is a major hub for higher education, home to prestigious universities like Nanjing University (南京大学, Nánjīng Dàxué). It's common to hear students say they are going to “study in Nanjing” (去南京上大学, qù Nánjīng shàng dàxué).

In Historical Discussions: The city's name is unavoidable when discussing the Republic of China era (民国时期, Mínguó shíqī) or the Second Sino-Japanese War. The connotation here is often serious and somber.

Food and Local Culture: People might mention famous local snacks and dishes, especially Nanjing Salted Duck (南京盐水鸭, Nánjīng yánshuǐ yā).

Confusing it with Beijing: For absolute beginners, the most common mistake is confusing 南京 (Nánjīng - Southern Capital) with 北京 (Běijīng - Northern Capital). Remember: Beijing is the current capital of the People's Republic of China. Nanjing is a former capital with great historical significance.

Underestimating its Historical Weight: Referring to Nanjing is not always a neutral act, especially among older generations or in historical discussions. The name is inextricably linked to the Nanjing Massacre. While it's perfectly normal to talk about traveling or studying there, be mindful of the context when discussing its 20th-century history. It's a topic of great sensitivity and national pain.

Pronunciation: Pay attention to the tones: Nán (2nd tone, rising) and jīng (1st tone, flat and high). Incorrect tones might cause confusion.

北京 (Běijīng): The “Northern Capital.” The current capital of the PRC and Nanjing's historical counterpart.

首都 (shǒudū): The generic term for a “capital city.” You can say “北京是中国的首都,” but you would say “南京是一个古都” (an ancient capital).

江苏 (Jiāngsū): The province of which Nanjing is the current capital.

六朝古都 (liù cháo gǔ dū): A common, historical nickname for Nanjing meaning “Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties.”

南京大屠杀 (Nánjīng Dàtúshā): The Nanjing Massacre. A fundamentally important, though tragic, term related to the city's history.

中华民国 (Zhōnghuá Mínguó): The Republic of China (ROC), which had Nanjing as its capital from 1927-1937 and 1945-1949.

金陵 (Jīnlíng): “Golden Hill.” A beautiful, ancient, and literary name for Nanjing, often found in poetry and historical texts.

中山陵 (Zōngshān Líng): Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, a major landmark in Nanjing and a site of historical pilgrimage.

上海 (Shànghǎi): A major metropolis near Nanjing. The two cities are well-connected by high-speed rail and are often compared and contrasted.

历史 (lìshǐ): History. A concept deeply intertwined with the identity of Nanjing.