About this place

The Nanjing City Museum focuses on Nanjing’s history.  A range of exhibits are featured within the halls of Chaotian Palace.  Since there is a lot of walking to be done outside, it is best to visit when the weather is nice.
 
Most of the general signs are in English, but many of the artifact labels are not translated into English.  English speaking tour guides are occasionally available for 60 yuan.
 
Artifacts from the Shipyard
 
From 1405 to 1433 Zheng He (郑和) made seven voyages west of China. These adventurs carried Zheng He and his crew to Southeast Asia, India, and even as far as Africa.  At the time Nanjing was the capital of China’s Ming Dynasty, and Zheng He’s ships were built in Nanjing.  The shipyard has since been excavated, and remains from the ships and the tools used to build them are on display at the museum. It was said to be the only ancient ship building excavation site in China.
 
Six Dynasties Period
 
Located in Dacheng Hall is an exhibit focused on Nanjing during the Six Dynasties period.
 
Exhibition of Nanjing History and Culture
 
This exhibition is worth a look, but it is easy to miss as it is hidden in a building with a relatively insignificant appearance just to the west of Dacheng Hall.  The exhibitions contain information on Nanjing’s history from as early as the time of “Nanjing homo erectus” all the way up to the present.
 
How to Get There
Chaotian Palace is located between Mochou Lu (莫愁路), Jianye Lu (建业路), and Wangfu Street (王府大街).  It is a 10 minute walk west of Zhangfuyuan Subway Station.
 
Remember not to confuse Nanjing City Museum with Nanjing Museum which is a totally different museum.