It would be possible to dedicate a lifetime to studying Nanjing, and many people do just that. But for those pressed for time and perhaps only coming to the city for a fairly brief stay, here is a summary of the essential aspects of the "Megacity" that also serve as good conversation starters.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Nanjing realised a GDP of 1481.795 billion yuan in 2020. After joining China's "Trillion RMB Club" in 2016, the city's total economic output also enters China's top ten for the first time.
Economy
Nanjing is moving its economy away from its traditional pillars of iron & steel, automotive and chemical. In their place,last year were rolled out new industrial landmarks as part of Nanjing’s urban development vision that is to build a “famous innovative city and beautiful ancient capital”. Specifically,the landmarks comprise Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Integrated Circuit, Artificial Intelligence, Software & Information service and New Pharmaceutical & Life Health. As such, the catchphrase “The Four New” has also been spun to reference Nanjing’s focus on the new pillar industries of New nfrastructure, New Consumption, New Industry and New City.
Population
By the end of 2020, Nanjing had a permanent population of 9,314,685.
Education
Nanjing is a much-respected hub of education in China. Fully 10 percent of the city's population are students, the largest ratio among major cities in China.Nanjing has a solid foundation in higher education; its concentration of prestigious universities, institutes and scientific and technological forces is altogether a new innovative force. As one of the five largest cities with the highest concentration of higher education resources in China, Nanjing's comprehensive strength in science and education is second only to Beijing and Shanghai, ranking third in the country. The city has a number of renowned universities such as Nanjing University and Southeast University.
Public Transport
BUSES
Nanjing has an extensive public bus network, with over 370 routes in operation. With only Chinese language service provided, it is unusual to see foreigners riding Nanjing's buses.
METRO
Nanjing has one of the most advanced metro systems in China and by extension, the world. Like elsewhere in China, many new lines are under construction. Being 100 percent bilingual, it is a preferable choice of travel for Nanjing's foreign community.
TAXIS
Public taxis operated by a number of companies are widely available in Nanjing, while ride hailing is also a popular choice. The ubiquitous Didi Chuxing is a favoured option, together with Nanjing's very own T3 Chuxing.
RAIL
Passenger trains operate out of Nanjing Railway Station and Nanjing South Railway Station, the latter being the largest station in Asia by gross floor area. Nanjing South is also home to the fastest railway service in the world, the G17 high-speed train that arrives just 3 hours and 13 minutes after departing Beijing South Railway Station. Nanjing's two principal stations will be joined by a third, Nanjing North Railway Station, in the coming years.
AIR
Nanjing Lukou International Airport is an award-winning facility with flights to every major city in China and an increasing number of international destinations on every continent bar Antartica. With Nanjing more of less in the centre of Asia, it is only a 2 or 3 hour flight to many of the world's most exotic destinations.
