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Arrival Guide
A Practical & Cultural Guide for International Faculty

DISCOVER Nanjing

南 京
Ancient Capital  ·  Modern Innovation
Created by Students of Waterford College
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Welcome Letter

Welcome to Nanjing 一封来自南京的欢迎信

南京

Dear teachers of Waterford College,

Welcome to our school and to the city of Nanjing.

We are truly delighted to welcome you from afar as you begin your teaching journey with us. In the days ahead, we look forward to sharing ideas, learning from one another, and building meaningful connections across cultures.

May your work here be smooth and rewarding, and may your life in Nanjing be warm, inspiring, and memorable.

尊敬的沃特福德学院各位老师：

欢迎来到我校，欢迎来到南京。

我们热烈欢迎远道而来的各位外教老师莅临我校开展教学工作。期待在接下来的时光里， 我们携手交流、互学共进，在跨文化的相遇中建立真诚而有意义的联系。

衷心祝愿各位在南京工作顺利、生活愉快，收获一段温暖、充实而难忘的时光。

Together, we begin a journey of teaching, learning, and cultural exchange.
Arrival Guide

Your First 24 Hours
in Nanjing

Everything you need to know the moment you land — sequenced to make your first day seamless.

✈️
Arrive & Clear Immigration
Nanjing Lukou International Airport is ~40 km from the city. Take the Airport Express Metro (Line S1) directly to Nanjing South Railway Station. Journey time: ~30 minutes.
📱
Get a SIM Card
Purchase a China Mobile or China Unicom SIM at the airport counter. A data-enabled SIM is essential before downloading apps. Bring your passport.
💳
Set Up Mobile Payment
Download WeChat and Alipay immediately. Link your international credit card to Alipay — most venues, including street stalls, accept only QR code payments.
🏫
Reach Campus
Use DiDi (English interface) or Amap to navigate to campus. Show the driver your destination written in Chinese characters to avoid miscommunication.
🍜
First Meal: Campus Cafeteria
Head to the campus dining hall for your first taste of Nanjing cuisine. Try the Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup — it is considered the city's definitive comfort food.
🪪
Collect Your Faculty ID
Visit the Faculty Affairs Office on your first morning to collect your ID card — required for library access, clinic visits, and campus facilities throughout your stay.
Digital Survival Kit

4 Apps That Run
Daily Life in China

China operates on a parallel digital ecosystem. These four apps replace your wallet, map, taxi, and navigator — all at once. Click any card for a step-by-step setup guide.

WeChat
微信 · Wēixìn
China's #1 messaging and social app — also your daily mobile wallet. WeChat Pay lets you pay almost everywhere by scanning a QR code, from campus cafeterias to street vendors.
View Guide →
Alipay
支付宝 · Zhīfùbǎo
China's most widely used payment super-app. Scan to pay, shop online, top up transit cards, and more. International Visa & Mastercard are directly supported — no local bank account needed.
View Guide →
Amap / Gaode
高德地图 · Gāodé dìtú
China's most reliable navigation app with real-time GPS. Covers metro, bus, walking, and driving. Far more accurate in China than Google Maps, which is unavailable on the mainland.
View Guide →
DiDi
滴滴出行 · Dīdī chūxíng
China's leading ride-hailing app — the Uber equivalent with an English-language mode. Fixed prices, safe trips, and seamless payment via WeChat Pay, Alipay, Visa, or Mastercard.
View Guide →
Historical Context

The Story of Nanjing

Three defining eras — imperial foundation, republican transformation, and modern renaissance — shaped the city you will live in today.

Ming Dynasty · 1368–1644
Imperial Capital & Urban Ambition
Nanjing served as the national capital in the early Ming period, giving it major political and cultural significance. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang strengthened imperial authority, reformed the civil service examination system, and oversaw a period of remarkable urban construction — including large-scale city walls, palaces, and water infrastructure. Commerce and handicrafts flourished, and literary, artistic, and ceramic traditions reached new heights.
🧱
Engineering Fact: The Ming City Wall, built between 1366 and 1386, stretches 35 kilometres and follows the natural terrain in an irregular shape designed to maximise defensive strength. Every brick was stamped with the name of the responsible official, kiln master, and artisan — a quality-control system without precedent in ancient construction.
Republic of China Era · 1912–1949
China's Modernization Crucible
Nanjing served as the capital of the Nationalist government from 1927 to 1949, becoming the principal stage for China's transition from empire to modern nation. The government promoted modernisation — building railways, roads, and urban infrastructure — while advancing education to raise public literacy. It was also the era of the "Modernization Debate": intellectuals disagreed on whether China should adopt Western political systems outright or preserve traditional cultural values. Republican-style architecture — blending classical Chinese rooflines with Western neoclassical structure — became the physical expression of that negotiation.
🏛️
Architecture as Argument: The Presidential Palace combines traditional Chinese courtyard design with Western red-brick administration buildings on the same site. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum pairs a symmetrical classical layout and blue-glazed roof tiles with monumental modern engineering — a deliberate fusion of national identity and modernisation ideals.
Modern Nanjing · 1949–Present
Preservation & Innovation in Balance
Since 1949, Nanjing has developed into a major economic, technological, and educational centre in eastern China, with a comprehensive metro network, advanced manufacturing, and high-tech industries. Critically, the city has prioritised the protection of historical heritage alongside rapid modernisation — restoring the Ming City Wall and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum rather than demolishing them for development. Supported by over 53 universities and research institutes, Nanjing has become a city that balances historical depth with contemporary vitality.
🌿
Did You Know? The Ming City Wall's summit now functions as an elevated public park — demonstrating that historic architecture need not obstruct modernisation, but can instead provide a cultural anchor for a rapidly evolving city. Nanjing is frequently cited as a global model for integrating heritage preservation into urban planning.
🔍 Cultural Insight: The Modernization Debate in Stone

The Republican-era landmarks of Nanjing are not merely decorative — they are three-dimensional arguments. At a time when Chinese intellectuals were actively debating whether to adopt Western institutional models wholesale or to preserve Chinese cultural identity, architects and political leaders encoded their positions into the buildings themselves. The Presidential Palace and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum represent the compromise answer: modern engineering and scale, traditional aesthetics and symbolism. For international faculty, reading these buildings is as instructive as reading any political text of the period.

Must-Visit Sites

Landmark Nanjing

Four sites that no international faculty member should leave Nanjing without experiencing.

Ming Xiaoling – gate tower Ming Xiaoling – spirit road
🏯
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
明孝陵 · Míng Xiàolíng

UNESCO World Heritage Site on Purple Mountain. The approach via the Sacred Way — flanked by stone animals and mythological beasts — leads to the Minglounge and Baoding burial mound. Enter via Gate 3 for the full ceremonial axis experience.

Why It Matters The first Ming emperor chose Nanjing as his capital and was buried here, setting the template for imperial tomb design for generations. Walking this axis is a direct encounter with the founding moment of Ming China.
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum – memorial hall
⛰️
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
中山陵 · Zhōngshān Líng

Set against the lush southern slopes of Purple Mountain, this mausoleum is shaped like a classic bell — symbolizing Dr. Sun Yat-sen's mission to "awaken the Chinese nation." Visitors ascend 392 granite steps, each representing one million citizens.

Why It Matters The mausoleum encodes political philosophy into architecture. The deliberate count of steps transforms a physical climb into a moment of historical reflection — a design concept with no equivalent in Western monuments.
Sycamore Avenue – canopy Sycamore Avenue – boulevard
🌳
Sycamore Avenue
梧桐大道 · Wútóng Dàdào

Nanjing's most iconic boulevard, lined with towering French plane trees planted in the Republican era. The interlocking canopies form a natural cathedral tunnel — especially dramatic in the soft light of early morning. One of the most photographed streetscapes in China.

Why It Matters These trees are living witnesses to the Republican period — planted as part of a deliberate urban vision to create a modern, dignified capital. Visit before 10:00 for the best light and fewest crowds.
Xuanwu Lake – night skyline Xuanwu Lake – gate entrance
🌊
Xuanwu Lake Park
玄武湖 · Xuánwǔ Hú

A vast natural lake in the urban core, framed by the ancient Ming Wall on one side and a glittering modern skyline on the other. Rent a pedal boat for panoramic views of this extraordinary juxtaposition. Best visited at sunset, when the city turns amber.

Why It Matters Xuanwu Lake is a living visual metaphor for Nanjing itself: ancient and modern, natural and engineered, contemplative and dynamic — all within a single panoramic frame.
🔍
Cultural Insight: Materializing the Modernization Debate
The Republican-era landmarks of Nanjing collectively embody an era when Chinese thinkers were actively negotiating a fundamental question: how to selectively adopt Western institutional models while remaining grounded in Chinese cultural identity. The physical buildings — their hybrid architectural languages, their deliberate symbolism — stand as permanent three-dimensional answers to that negotiation. For international faculty, reading these buildings is as instructive as reading any text.
Two-Day City Itineraries

Explore
Nanjing

Two relaxed days, two distinct zones — Purple Mountain on Day 1, the old south city and Qinhuai at night on Day 2. Public transport throughout, no backtracking. Click a card to open the full guide.

Sycamore Avenue Ming Xiaoling Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Day 1 · Full Day · 09:00 – 16:30
Purple Mountain Line
梧桐大道 · 明孝陵 · 中山陵 — Nature & Heritage
Metro L2 → Sycamore Ave → Ming Xiaoling → Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
  • 09:10
    Sycamore Avenue (梧桐大道)Nanjing's signature tree-lined boulevard. Soft morning light, minimal crowds — 20–30 min for photos, then move on.
  • 09:50
    Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵)UNESCO World Heritage. Enter Gate 3 → Yanque Lake → Sacred Way (stone animals) → Spirit Road → Minglounge. ~2–2.5 h total.
  • 13:45
    Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵)Walk the central axis at your own pace — Boai Archway to Memorial Hall. Blue-glazed tiles against forest. Booking advised.
Full Itinerary & Timetable →
Xinjiekou Laomendong Qinhuai River
Day 2 · Afternoon–Night · 14:00 – 21:00
Old South City & Qinhuai
新街口 · 城墙博物馆 · 老门东 · 秦淮河 — Urban & Night
Xinjiekou → City Wall Museum → Laomendong → Qinhuai River Cruise
  • 14:00
    Xinjiekou (新街口)Nanjing's commercial core. No need for an early start — lunch, coffee, top-up supplies, then head south.
  • 16:00
    City Wall Museum (城墙博物馆)Ming-era brick accountability system, wall cross-sections, Zhonghua Gate fortification models. Check booking & closing time before departure.
  • 17:35
    Laomendong + Qinhuai Night CruiseOld alley food and lantern streets, then board the Fuzimiao dock for the classic East Five Li night river route — the best closing scene in the city.
Full Itinerary & Timetable →
Culinary Guide

A Tale of
Two Tables

From Nanjing's thousand-year duck traditions to the comforting campus classics of NUIST — follow the wave from the city into student life. Tap any bubble to explore.

Nanjing City 南京城味
NUIST Campus 信大食堂
Adjustment Guide

Culture Shock:
What to Expect

Six things that reliably surprise international faculty in their first weeks — and how to navigate each one.

📱
Everything Runs on QR Codes
Digital Life
From paying for a bottle of water to boarding the metro, QR codes are the interface for daily life. Without Alipay or WeChat Pay configured, basic transactions become difficult. Set these up before leaving the airport.
🚲
Shared Bikes Are Everywhere
Transport
Meituan and Hello Bike shared bicycles are parked at almost every block. Unlock with Alipay or their own apps. An excellent, cheap, and fast way to navigate within 5 km — used by students and faculty alike.
🛵
Food Delivery Is Instant
Daily Life
Meituan Waimai and Ele.me deliver hot meals to campus dormitories within 20–30 minutes, often for under ¥20 (roughly £2–3). Many faculty find this replaces cooking entirely during busy teaching periods.
🔇
WeChat Replaces Email
Communication
Within academia, WhatsApp and email are rarely used. All scheduling, meeting invitations, and departmental announcements happen via WeChat groups. Set up your account and join relevant groups immediately upon arrival.
🌐
VPN Required for Western Sites
Internet Access
Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many Western news sites are blocked in mainland China. Configure a VPN (on your device, before entering China) to maintain access to familiar services and academic databases.
🚇
Metro Is Exceptionally Fast
Transport
Nanjing's metro system covers the entire city with 10 lines and runs with near-perfect punctuality. Pay via Alipay QR code at any gate. For most destinations, the metro is faster and more reliable than DiDi during peak hours.
Cultural Insights
01
💳 Money & Digital Life

Why China Uses Less Cash

In China, people rarely use cash in daily life because mobile payment is extremely convenient. Apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted in supermarkets, restaurants, taxis, and even small street shops. People only need to scan a QR code, and the payment is finished in seconds. This habit also shows China's fast development in digital services. In some foreign countries, people still use cash or credit cards more often because of privacy concerns, banking habits, or card rewards. Therefore, this difference is not only about money — it reflects different lifestyles and levels of digital convenience.

02
🍽️ Food & Relationships

Different Dining Habits

Chinese dining culture often emphasizes sharing. At a family meal or dinner with friends, several dishes are placed in the middle of the table, and everyone eats together. This style creates a warm feeling and shows the importance of relationships. Hosts may also ask guests to eat more to show kindness. In many Western countries, meals are usually served in individual portions. Each person has their own plate and chooses what they want to eat. This reflects respect for personal choice and independence. Both styles are meaningful, but they show different ideas about connection and personal space.

03
💬 Language & Social Norms

Different Communication Styles

Communication styles are also different between China and many foreign countries. In China, people may speak indirectly, especially when they want to refuse someone or express disagreement. This is because harmony and saving face are important in social life. For example, someone may say "maybe next time" instead of saying "no" directly. In many Western countries, people often prefer direct communication. They may think clear answers are more honest and efficient. These two styles can sometimes cause misunderstanding. Learning about them helps people communicate with more respect and patience in cross-cultural situations.

Campus Landmarks

Discover
NUIST Campus

Six iconic spots that define life at NUIST — from meteorological heritage to urban connection. Click any bubble to explore.

🗺️
Campus Map
校园地图
↗ Open map
🌐
气象楼
Meteorology Tower
气象楼
校园地标

气象楼 Meteorology Tower

“把气象特色写进校园天际线”

Writing meteorological heritage into the campus skyline.

The most iconic landmark of NUIST, the Meteorology Tower is crowned with a spherical radar dome — a direct embodiment of the university's meteorological heritage. On clear spring days, cherry blossoms frame its silhouette against the Nanjing sky. It is the image most associated with NUIST and the natural starting point for any campus tour.
气象楼是南信大最具辨识度的校园地标，顶部的白色球形雷达罩直接呼应学校气象立校的专业底色。春季樱花盛开时，花枝与雷达球相映成景，是校园摄影的经典取景点。对于新到访的外籍教师而言，这里是认识南信大的最佳起点。
🏛️
老校门
Historic Gate
老校门
校史记忆

老校门 Historic Gate

“从南京气象学院走来的历史符号”

A historic symbol, tracing its roots back to Nanjing Institute of Meteorology.

The original entrance gate, still bearing the inscription 'Nanjing Institute of Meteorology', stands as a quiet monument to the university's origins. Its stone columns and understated concrete frame carry a sense of solemnity distinct from the newer campus architecture. For alumni and historians alike, it is the most emotionally resonant spot on campus.
老校门保留着南京气象学院的历史铭文，是连接学校过去与现在的重要历史符号。石柱与素混凝土框架透出年代感与纪念感，与新校区的现代建筑形成鲜明对比。对于校友和初来乍到的外籍教师而言，这里是理解南信大校史传承的最佳入口。
📚
图书馆
University Library
图书馆
学术中心

图书馆 University Library

“安静而厚重，学术气质最集中的地方”

Quiet and substantial — where the academic spirit of NUIST is most concentrated.

The main library commands the central plaza with a neoclassical colonnade facade and a bronze ceremonial vessel on the forecourt. Inside, it houses extensive Chinese and international academic databases, quiet reading floors, and faculty research support services. Your faculty ID is required for entry and book circulation. Open daily, including weekends.
图书馆位于新校区核心广场，立面采用新古典主义列柱设计，广场中央设有青铜礼器雕塑，庄重大气。馆内提供中英文学术数据库检索、安静阅览区及教师科研支持服务。凭教职工证入馆，周末照常开放。无论是备课查阅资料还是安静思考，这里都是理想之所。
🔬
中国气象谷
China Meteorology Valley
中国气象谷
科技创新

中国气象谷 China Meteorology Valley

“气象特色走向科技创新的未来窗口”

Where meteorological expertise meets the frontier of science and innovation.

Located adjacent to the NUIST campus, China Meteorology Valley is a technology park dedicated to meteorological science and innovation. Its centrepiece is a striking curved exhibition hall, and the grounds feature the famous red 'Chinese National Geography' photo frame — one of the most photographed spots in the district. It represents the extension of NUIST's research culture into the real economy.
中国气象谷毗邻南信大，是专注于气象科技与产学研融合的创新园区。园区内标志性的弧形展馆和广场上的红色中国国家地理打卡框已成为网红拍照点。这里代表着南信大从校园气象特色向气象科技产业延伸的未来方向，值得来访教师一探。
🚇
S8 信大站
Metro Line S8
S8 Metro Station
城市连接

S8 信大站 Metro Line S8

“地铁报站响起，南信大之旅从这里开始”

When the station announcement sounds, your NUIST journey begins.

Nanjing Metro Line S8 connects NUIST directly to the broader Nanjing transit network. The station announcement 'Xinxi Gongcheng Daxue Zhan' is something every arriving faculty member will recognise on their first day. Services connect to Line 1 at Maigaoqiao and Line 3 at Linchang, giving access to the city centre and South Railway Station within 30-45 minutes.
南京地铁S8号线宁天城际是进出南信大最便捷的公共交通方式。在麒麟门换乘1号线或在林场站换乘3号线，可在30至45分钟内抵达南京市区及南站。每位初抵的外籍教师，都会在地铁报站声信息工程大学站到了中，正式开始自己的南信大之旅。
🏟️
体育馆
Sports Centre
体育馆
活力校园

体育馆 Sports Centre

“青春、运动与活力在这里汇聚”

Youth, sport, and energy converge in one place.

The NUIST Sports Centre features a sweeping arched roof structure that glows amber at night against the Nanjing skyline. The facility includes an indoor gymnasium, multi-court hall, and outdoor sports fields. Faculty access is generally included in your appointment package. Evening and weekend sessions are popular with both students and staff.
南信大体育馆以弧形大跨度屋盖结构闻名，夜间灯光亮起，橙色光带映照南京夜空，气势磅礴。馆内设有室内综合体育馆和多功能球场，周边配备室外运动场地。通常凭教职工证可免费或优惠使用。傍晚和周末的运动时段，是感受南信大校园活力最好的时机之一。
Appendix & Resources

Essential References

Emergency contacts and key phrases — save these before your first day.

🚨 Emergency Contacts — Save to Your Phone
Police110报警电话
Ambulance120医疗救护
Fire Brigade119火警电话
Campus Security58736110校园安保
🗣️ Functional Chinese Phrases for Everyday Use
Hello!Nǐ hǎo你好
Thank you.Xièxie谢谢
Where is the...?...zài nǎlǐ?...在哪里？
Check, please.Māidān买单
I don't speak Chinese.Wǒ bú huì shuō...我不会说中文
Can you help me?Nǐ néng bāng wǒ?你能帮我一下吗？
Too spicy for me.Tài là le太辣了
How much?Duōshǎo qián?多少钱？
Q1 Do people use cash a lot in the two countries?
Cash is almost unnecessary in China even for small purchases. Irish people often carry euros for small shops, rural areas and tips.
Q2 What's the biggest difference in daily payments between China and Ireland?
Mobile payments dominate in China and cash is rarely used. In Ireland, bank cards are widely used and cash is still common.
Q3 What are the differences in transportation?
China adopts right-hand traffic with advanced high-speed trains and subways, and people take public transport via mobile codes. Ireland uses left-hand traffic, relies more on private cars, and tickets are bought by card or cash.
Q4 What about staple foods?
Rice and noodles are major staples in China. Potatoes and bread are the main food in Ireland.
Q5 Which country has a higher cost of living?
The overall prices and rents in Ireland are much higher than those in China.
Q6 How about the pace of life?
Life pace is fast in China with long business hours. Irish people live at a slower pace, and most shops close early and on weekends.
Q7 Is tipping a common practice?
Tipping is not required in China. In Ireland, people usually tip 10% to 15% in restaurants, hotels and taxis.
Q8 What's the difference in network services?
China has full 4G and 5G coverage with fast internet. Internet speed is slower and mobile data is more expensive in Ireland.
Q9 Differences in public services like healthcare and education?
Medical expenses are partially covered by insurance and education costs are relatively high in China. Public healthcare and university education are free in Ireland.
Q10 What about climate and living environment?
China has four distinct seasons. Ireland has a mild, rainy and humid climate all year round, with lower population density and more green spaces.
Scan to Explore Nanjing
🏛️
Nanjing Government QR
Nanjing City Portal
Official government & news hub
🎓
NUIST QR
NUIST Official
Campus info & faculty resources
🗺️
TripAdvisor Nanjing QR
Nanjing on TripAdvisor
Reviews, itineraries & attractions
🎟️
Nanjing Tickets QR
Book Nanjing Tickets
Attractions & experiences via Trip.com
Further Reading

Academic
References

For faculty members interested in the deeper historical and anthropological dimensions of their new home city.