Xuanwu Lake

A large scenic lake wrapped by the northern stretch of the Ming city wall in Nanjing, once an imperial park reserved for emperors and later a naval training ground. Five interconnected islets, joined by causeways and arched bridges, carry gardens, temples, teahouses and a small zoo across the water. Willows fringe the shoreline paths, and pleasure boats drift beneath views of the ancient ramparts and distant Purple Mountain. Visitors walk or cycle the perimeter, hire boats to the islands and picnic on the lawns in a treasured green retreat.