Where science meets sustainability, and nature whispers stories of ancient dynasties.

At the Temperature by Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (T-FACE), visitors will explore a comprehensive and large-scale research platform with globally advanced technologies. This is where the frontiers of science unfold—offering insight into how soil plays a vital role in combating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality.

Following the scientific exploration, the tour moves to the scenic Xuanwu Lake, nestled in the heart of Nanjing. Bordered by Purple Mountain to the east and the Ming city wall to the west, this lake is one of China’s largest imperial garden lakes and a beloved urban park in the graceful, water-laced south of China. With a history dating back to the pre-Qin era (before 221 BCE) and shaped by the Six Dynasties (3rd–6th centuries), the Tang (618–907), Song (960–1279), Ming (1368–1644), and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, Xuanwu Lake is now a national 4A-level tourist attraction—often praised as “The Pearl of Jinling” — an ancient poetic name for Nanjing.

Where science digs deep, and blossoms paint the hills in every season.

At the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ISSCAS), visitors will explore one of China’s top national research centers known for its deep expertise in soil science, comprehensive disciplinary structure, strong international reputation, and its role as a training hub for future leaders in soil science. Its research focuses on key areas such as soil resources, information systems, fertility, and conservation. This visit offers an engaging window into the deep connection between soil, agriculture, and the environment—and the quiet, transformative power of scientific inquiry.

A scenic shift follows at Fouroux Valley, an ecological flower park famed for its vibrant, year-round blooms. Nestled among gentle hills, the park features dazzling floral landscapes and brings together pastoral scenery, family-friendly recreation, and photo-worthy views—earning it the nickname “the Provence of China’s graceful south.”

Dig into the earth’s layers, then rise with the mountain’s history and light.

This tour features an outdoor soil profile investigation, where participants will engage in on-site observation, sampling, and testing to assess the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the local soil. It’s a hands-on opportunity to explore soil conditions in context and gain a deeper understanding of the surrounding environment.

The tour continues to Purple Mountain, located in eastern Nanjing and recognized as a national 5A-rated tourist attraction. The mountain gets its name from the soft purplish glow it takes on under sunlight, gently tinged with golden hues. As one of the Four Famous Mountains of southern China, it has long been regarded as a symbol of Nanjing’s natural grace and cultural richness—an image once poetically captured in the phrase “Jinling Yuxiu” (金陵毓秀). Here, nature and history meet in quiet conversation, and the mountain holds the city’s spirit close.

Where tea tells stories, and rural life flows at its own quiet pace.

Huanglongxian is a picturesque village rooted in tea culture. Surrounded by verdant hills, clear streams and rolling tea fields, the village has been cultivating tea since the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and rose to prominence during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) periods as a key tea-producing area in Jiangning, now southeastern Nanjing. Often praised as “the foremost village of tea culture in the Jinling region”—an ancient name for Nanjing—it offers a living museum of tea tradition. This tour invites visitors to stroll through tranquil landscapes, sip freshly brewed tea, and immerse themselves in the quiet poetry of life in southern China’s countryside.

Where the river carries a thousand years of elegance.

The Qinhuai River dates back to the Neolithic period, some 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. Along its banks, archaeologists have uncovered more than 50 ancient village sites, making it not only the “mother river” of Nanjing but also one of China’s most culturally significant waterways. Known as “Ten Miles of Qinhuai”, this cherished stretch features a rich tapestry of riverside highlights—bridges, gardens, and stories whispered through time.

At the heart of this cultural riverside district lies the Confucius Temple area, where ancient bridges, Ming and Qing (1368–1912) architecture, folk traditions, and the charm of southern China’s water towns come together in a vivid blend of heritage and modern life. Amid the lantern glow and murmuring waters, old Jinling—ancient Nanjing—still whispers its grace. Here, the allure of traditional Chinese culture lingers beyond time.