Nanjing Presidential Palace

Introducing Nanjing Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace of Nanjing housed the Office of the President of the Republic of China from 1927 until the capital was relocated to Taipei in 1949. The Presidential Palace of Nanjingt is now a museum called the China Modern History Museum. Originally housing provincial government buildings during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, the site later witnessed the rise and fall of the Taiping Rebellion (1850) as the Celestial Palace. It then served as the office of the President of the Republic of China before the government relocated to Taiwan in 1949. Today, this sprawling complex stands as one of the largest surviving examples of modern Chinese architecture (1840-1949), with most of its current structures dating back to between 1870 and the 1930s.

Transformed into the China Modern History Museum in the late 1980s, the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s 20th-century history, particularly the establishment of the Republic of China (1912-1949) and the early years of the People’s Republic of China. Notably, it’s one of the few places in mainland China where the flag of the Republic of China can still be seen.

Every detail in this palace, from the furnishings to the scent of the air, evokes a bygone era. Imagine strolling down the same corridors of power as figures like Sun Yat-Sen and Chiang Kai-Shek, peering into the meeting rooms where they shaped history, and finding moments of peace amidst the gardens and ponds tucked away within the compound walls.

Nanjing Presidential Palace Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Zong Tong Fu 总统府
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History, Architecture
• Opening Hours: 8:30 – 18:30 (Mar – Oct), 8:30 – 17:00 (Nov – Feb), Tuesday to Sunday
• Entrance Fee: CNY 35
• Address: No.292 Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Nanjing Presidential Palace
Whether you’re a history buff seeking deeper understanding or a casual sightseer drawn to beauty and intrigue, get ready to be charmed. This well-organized site is packed with history and stunning sights you won’t soon forget.

Main Gate
The gate you see today at the Nanjing Presidential Palace has a fascinating, ever-changing history. Originally the main gate of the Viceroy’s Office, it was transformed into the “Gate of True God’s Glorious Light” during the Taiping Rebellion, serving as the entrance to the Heavenly King’s Palace. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, it eventually became a grand, western-style gate in 1929, flanked by imposing stone lions. Over the years, the sign above the gate reflected the changing political landscape, from “Nationalist Government” to a brief period under Japanese control, and finally, in 1948, to “Presidential Palace” – a name that endures to this day. This iconic gate is more than just an entrance; it’s a powerful symbol of Nanjing’s tumultuous past and a testament to the enduring spirit of the city.

Main Hall
Just beyond the grand main gate lies the heart of its history—the magnificent main hall. Standing on hallowed ground that once housed the opulent “Supreme Hall of the Glorious Light” during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851-1864), the current structure was rebuilt in 1870. This grand hall has witnessed pivotal moments in China’s history, including ceremonies conducted by viceroys and the inauguration of Provisional Presiden Sun Yat-sen in 1912.

High above in the main hall hangs a board inscribed with four powerful Chinese characters: “天下为公”. Brushed in elegant calligraphy by the revered Sun Yat-sen, these words encapsulate the profound philosophy: “What is under heaven is for all.” Despite the passage of time and changes in power, these four characters resonate with enduring significance, silently calling for justice and shared prosperity.

Reception Hall
The Presidential Palace’s western-style reception hall, also known as the Bazi Hall for its distinctive shape, offers a fascinating blend of East and West. Built in 1917, this elegant space has witnessed significant moments in China’s political history. Here, amidst its refined elegance, the Nationalist Government received esteemed guests and conducted crucial negotiations with the Chinese Communist Party.

North of the reception hall stands the symbolic Kirin Gate, painted in bold red. This gate, exclusively reserved for the president’s passage, leads to the House of Government Affairs, once the nerve center of the Nationalist Government. Its presence signifies the power and prestige that once resonated within these walls.

House of the Government Affairs
The House of Government Affairs, originally serving as the Jiangsu military governor’s office, later became the office building for the Chairman and other officials of the Nationalist Government from 1928 to 1935, during Chiang Kai-shek’s tenure as chairman from 1928 to 1931. His office was located on the second floor during that time. From 1946 to 1949, it functioned as the Ministry of Government Affairs, primarily responsible for drafting documents and handling confidential matters. Today, it serves as the Museum of the President and Vice President, housing collections from the Nationalist Government.

Presidential Building
The Presidential Building, a striking six-story concrete structure known as “Zichao House,” commands the northernmost part of the palace complex. Completed in 1935, it soared above Nanjing, symbolizing modernity and authority. Throughout its existence, this building served as the seat of power for both the Nationalist Government and, during the Japanese occupation, the Reorganized National Government.

Following World War II (1939-1945), it resumed its role as the center of the Nationalist Government. In 1948, it gained its most prestigious function as the official residence of the Republic of China president. Despite its brief tenure as the presidential seat, ending with the Communist victory in 1949, the building remains a poignant symbol of a transformative era.

Designed by renowned architect Yu Binglie, the building’s interior reflects its importance. The first floor hosted the office of the President’s right-hand man, the Secretary-General, while the second floor housed the presidential and vice-presidential offices. On the third floor, the State Affairs Council convened to shape the nation’s future. Even the courtyard holds historical significance, with two cedar trees planted by Chairman Lin Sen in 1934, bearing witness to the passage of time. Though one cedar succumbed in 2013, the surviving tree stands as a poignant reminder of the past.

Presidential Office
The Presidential Office, nestled on the second floor of the Presidential Building, holds a unique place in the palace’s history. Though intended for all future presidents of the Republic of China, it became forever linked with Chiang Kai-shek, the only leader to ever use it. Within these three rooms, overlooking the palace grounds, Chiang shaped the nation’s course.

The central room, bathed in natural light from a nearby window, served as Chiang’s primary workspace. A grand secretaire, positioned against the wall and illuminated by a French droplight, speaks of both elegance and efficiency. Above the brown couch, a large portrait of Chiang himself adds a personal touch, a reminder of the man who once commanded this space. While an Otis elevator stood ready, Chiang preferred other means of navigating the building.

Today, the Presidential Office remains a highlight for visitors, offering a glimpse into the world of a leader who left an indelible mark on China’s history.

Xuyuan Garden
Nestled within the grandeur of the Presidential Palace, Xuyuan Garden offers a serene escape. This classic southern Chinese garden, renowned for its beauty, unfolds around the tranquil waters of Taiping Lake, also known as “Pacific Lake.”

Xuyuan Garden’s history is as rich and layered as the surrounding palace complex. Originally a private garden during the early Ming dynasty, it later became part of the Governor-general’s office in the early Qing dynasty. During the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, it served as the western garden of the Heavenly King’s Palace, but faced significant damage in 1864. Thankfully, it was later restored to its former glory by military general Zeng Guofan. The garden continued to play a role in China’s evolving political landscape. In 1912, it housed the office and residence of President Sun Yat-sen during the Provisional Government of the Republic of China. Later, after the establishment of the Nationalist Government in 1927, it served as the headquarters for both the Nationalist Revolutionary Army and the Military Affairs Council.

Today, visitors can stroll amidst Xuyuan’s serene beauty, discovering picturesque spots like the Unmoored Stone-boat, Forgetting-flying Pavilion, Pavilion of the Ripple, and Yinxin Tablet House. Each element whispers tales of a bygone era, making Xuyuan Garden a captivating blend of history, nature, and architectural artistry.

“Unmoored” Marble Boat
Moored on tranquil waters, the Marble Boat highlights artistry and political maneuvering. A relic from the Qianlong Emperor’s (1711-1799) visit to Nanjing, this remarkable structure predates even the Presidential Palace itself. Crafted from stone to resemble a traditional timber boat, it stretches an impressive 14.5 meters (47.6 ft) in length, its intricate details captivating all who behold it.

Legend has it that the boat’s name, the “unmoored boat,” was a clever ploy by an official to flatter the emperor. The metaphor, symbolizing the unshakeable strength of the Qing Dynasty, undoubtedly pleased Qianlong. You can almost touch history when you see the Marble Boat. It’s a physical connection to China’s imperial past.

How to get to Nanjing Presidential Palace
• By Bus: Take bus 44, 304 to Zongtongfu Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 2, 3 to Daxinggong Station.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Nanjing to Nanjing Presidential Palace.

Additional travel advice on Nanjing Presidential Palace
• Nanjing Presidential Palace is closed on Mondays, except the Chinese statutory holidays.
• The palace offer English interpretation service for an additional fee.
• Nanjing Library and 1912 Bar Street are within 5 minutes walk from Presidential Palace, visitors can go to explore if you are interested.