Nanjing City, Jiangsu, China

10. West Garden (Xuyuan Garden)

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Xuyuan Garden derives its name from a prince, Zhu Gaoxu, who once lived there. Later the garden became the residence for the governors of Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. Xuyuan is also known as West Garden for it was located west of the palace of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851-1864). The kingdom was established by a peasant leader, Hong Xiuquan, who then proclaimed himself the king. The garden later served as the presidential mansion of Sun Yat-sen, the Interim President of the Republic of China (1912-1949). Visitors will find that Xuyuan Garden is the epitome of the modern history of China.