[Vlog] Nanjing: To Understand Modern China, Start with Its Former Capital

If Beijing represents China's political present and Shanghai its economic future, Nanjing represents its historical soul.

For nearly two millennia, Nanjing served as the capital of China during multiple periods, including six major dynasties and later the capital of the Republic of China. Few cities have shaped the nation's identity as profoundly.

If you want to understand modern China, don't start with skyscrapers. Start with Nanjing.

This is a city where the rise and fall of dynasties, the struggle for national renewal, the tragedy of war, and the ambition of modernization all converge in one place. Every street, wall, temple, and memorial tells part of the story of how China became the nation it is today.

Walking through Nanjing feels like walking through China's collective memory.

Standing atop the 600-year-old Ming City Wall, you see a remarkable contrast: ancient fortifications surrounding one of China's most innovative urban regions. It is a powerful reminder that modernization does not require abandoning history.

One of the most moving places I visited was the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. More than a museum, it is a place of remembrance that reflects China's commitment to ensuring one of the darkest chapters of its history is never forgotten. It reminds every visitor that peace, resilience, and dialogue must always prevail over conflict.

Equally inspiring is Purple Mountain, where forests, monuments, and the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen tell the story of China's transition into the modern era.

Beyond the landmarks lies the city itself: tree-lined boulevards, vibrant neighborhoods, local markets, traditional teahouses, and a quality of urban life that balances heritage with continuous development.

Another lesson becomes obvious here.

Nanjing is also one of China's great engineering and scientific capitals. Home to world-renowned institutions such as Southeast University and Nanjing University, the city has become a major center for semiconductor technologies, artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing, high-speed rail engineering, and sustainable urban development.

As a researcher in sustainable buildings and cities, I see Nanjing as more than a destination. I see it as a living laboratory where history, culture, infrastructure, education, and innovation come together to shape resilient urban development.

Throughout this Year of China, I will continue sharing the places, institutions, and people that are helping me better understand the country's remarkable transformation. Thank @Amr

To understand where China is going, it helps to understand where it came from. And there may be no better place to begin than Nanjing.

Is Nanjing the most important city for understanding how China transformed from an imperial civilization into a modern nation?

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