Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province in East China. Located in the southwestern corner of the province within the Yangtze River Delta, the city encompasses an administrative area of 6,600 square kilometres and had a population of approximately 9.4 million as of 2021. It is classified as one of the fifteen sub-provincial cities in the People's Republic of China, granting it jurisdictional and economic autonomy similar to that of a province.
The city has played a prominent role in Chinese history and culture, serving as the capital for various dynasties, kingdoms, and republican governments from the 3rd century until 1949. Consequently, Nanjing is a major hub for education, research, politics, economy, and transport networks. It hosts one of the world's largest inland ports and is recognized globally as a significant financial center.
Nanjing has received several honors, including the National Civilized City title and the Special UN Habitat Scroll of Honor Award. According to the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, it holds a Beta city classification alongside Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Tianjin.