Nanjing: The ancient capital of China, Nanjing, is overlooked as a tourist hotspot, but it is a must-visit if you are a history enthusiast. I am not one of those aficionados, so I stayed away from the historical sites, but there is plenty to cherish.
Nuishoushan Cultural Centre: This mesmerising architecture built on Niushou mountain in the suburbs of Nanjing is definitely worth a visit. A grandiose palace was constructed to place the world's only parietal relic of Buddha; however, you have to be fortunate to actually see the relic as it is on display only on a few occasions in a year.
The main attraction is Usnisa Palace, with its glazed marble flooring, exquisite gold carvings & murals; it is a show stopper.
As I entered the Dome Palace, a 25-foot long effigy of Buddha lying centrally on a lotus-shaped pond rotating at a snail's pace summoned my attention.
Treading along the escalator advancing into the palace, I entered the Great Hall, where a magnificent stupa with amazing goldwork and crystals bestowed its beauty. I exited the court, admiring the serene architecture passing through the hallway, making a detour via the washroom, scaling the top tier of Usnisa Pagoda to witness magnificent views of the park.
Hiking through the forest for about an hour in temperatures I assumed existed only in the Sahara, my next destination was more traditional Usnisa temple. I took refuge in its foyer, where a monk offered me water, chair to perch, and a fan to dry out my perspiring and exhausted body.
Following a brief converse with the monk via Google translator, I marched on, passing through the hills, pristine millponds & bamboo trees. The park is designed impeccably in alignment with nature, presenting moments that allow us to reflect on our life, recharge our batteries and instilling a yearning for us to travel further & farther.
Surviving only on a coffee & muffin, my growling belly was gesturing me towards supper. I googled & discovered Al-Jannat, an authentic Indian restaurant well hidden in an alleyway managed & operated by Indians, was worth a pleasant change for my taste buds in China. Feasting on some Chicken tikka, Paapdi chaat, Daal tadka & rotis, I discharged myself for the final challenge of the day, visiting Nanjing city wall for a super mini hike on the world's longest city wall.
I kicked off my new day with a buffet breakfast in the hotel (NO COFFEE!!), which was enough to keep me grumpy. A short taxi ride to Xuanwu Lake (Chinese: 玄武湖) is a cluster of five islands within a colossal lake interconnected by arched bridges and partially by the city wall.
Strolling around its attractive gardens, I admired its pagodas, temples, pavilions, teahouse & emerald lotuses until I saw what any outlander will either relish or despise. The "golden arches". I did what I usually do in desperate times, charged in for a coffee.
Once the caffeine rush had settled, I wandered through the park, watching grandpas flying kites, crossing bridges heading in no particular direction. Witnessing an idyllic sunset, I said," au revoir". I set sail towards the Confucious temple, and the surrounding area, located on the banks of the Qinhuai River. It happens to be the liveliest and an overcrowded spot.
The painted boats cruise like gnats on the river in all directions, which is ideal for witnessing the city, but I skipped this and continued walking away from the centre, crisscrossing the labyrinths of alleyways.
