Nanjing vs. Nanking: Are They the Same City?

Nanjing and Nanking are, in fact, the same city. The distinction lies primarily in the Romanization of the Chinese characters (南京). Historically, Nanking was the Romanized spelling used by Western powers, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This spelling reflected the Wade-Giles Romanization system, which was widely used at the time. In contrast, Nanjing is the modern pinyin Romanization, adopted after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the widespread implementation of pinyin in the 1950s.

1: Romanization Systems

Romanization refers to the process of transcribing a language into the Latin alphabet, which is used for English and many other languages. For Chinese, there are various Romanization systems, and the switch from one system to another can sometimes cause confusion regarding the spelling of place names. In this case, Nanking was a product of the Wade-Giles system, while Nanjing follows pinyin.

• Wade-Giles System: Developed in the mid-19th century, this system was the first major effort to Romanize Chinese. In Wade-Giles, the city was spelled "Nanking." This system was often used in official documents by Western nations and appeared in many historical records from the colonial period.
• Pinyin System: Established by the Chinese government in the 1950s, the pinyin system provided a standardized method of Romanizing Chinese characters based on their pronunciation. In this system, the city is spelled "Nanjing," which is how it is recognized today.

The adoption of pinyin as the standard system for Romanization was part of China's broader efforts to simplify its written language and standardize pronunciation for educational purposes. While Wade-Giles has mostly fallen out of use, older English texts and historical references may still use the term "Nanking."

2: Historical Context

Understanding the history behind these two names requires delving into China’s interactions with Western powers and its own internal development. Nanking was notably significant during several key moments in modern Chinese history.

• The Nanking Massacre: One of the most tragic events associated with the city occurred in 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Japanese troops captured Nanking, leading to widespread atrocities, including mass murder and sexual violence. The event is often referred to as the "Rape of Nanking" in Western literature and continues to be a sensitive topic in China-Japan relations.
• Nanjing as the Capital: Historically, Nanjing has been the capital of China during various dynasties. It was the capital of the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1421 before the capital was moved to Beijing. It also served as the capital of the Republic of China (ROC) under the Nationalist Government from 1927 to 1937 and again after World War II until the ROC government retreated to Taiwan in 1949.

Given its historical importance, both domestically and internationally, Nanjing/Nanking has a unique place in Chinese history. The name change from Nanking to Nanjing reflects China's shifting political landscape, especially in the 20th century as the country modernized and asserted control over its language and cultural identity.

3: Modern-Day Nanjing

Today, Nanjing is a bustling metropolis and the capital of Jiangsu Province in Eastern China. With a population exceeding 8 million, it remains one of China’s most important cities, both economically and culturally. The name Nanjing is universally recognized, and the term "Nanking" is seldom used outside of historical contexts.

Some of the most notable sites in modern-day Nanjing include:

• The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this mausoleum houses the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty.
• Nanjing University: One of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
• Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge: This double-decked road and rail bridge over the Yangtze River is a symbol of Chinese engineering prowess.

Despite its modernity, Nanjing retains its historical charm with ancient monuments and preserved buildings, reflecting the city’s deep historical roots.

4: Significance in Language and Identity

The evolution from "Nanking" to "Nanjing" signifies more than just a change in spelling. It represents China’s assertion of its cultural identity, especially post-1949 after the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Romanization is not just about convenience for foreigners; it reflects national pride in standardizing language and preserving cultural heritage. The pinyin system, developed by Chinese linguists, was a means of taking control of how Chinese was perceived and written in the global arena.

For many Chinese citizens, the use of "Nanjing" instead of "Nanking" is a matter of cultural pride and historical respect. It signals China's shift from colonial influence towards a period of self-determination and modernization.

5: Global Perception and Influence

While "Nanjing" is now the accepted term globally, especially in official documents, historical texts, and older documents, still use "Nanking." This duality can sometimes cause confusion for those studying Chinese history or navigating older references. For instance, the "Nanking Massacre" is still the most commonly used term in English for the atrocities committed in the city in 1937, despite efforts by scholars and Chinese authorities to shift to "Nanjing Massacre."

This difference in terminology reflects the broader challenge of reconciling historical narratives with modern identities. As China continues to assert its influence globally, the shift towards using "Nanjing" is part of a broader effort to reshape how the country’s history and culture are represented abroad.

6: Conclusion

In summary, Nanjing and Nanking are the same city, but the difference in names reflects a broader historical context rooted in linguistic evolution and cultural identity. "Nanking" is the older Romanized form, while "Nanjing" is the modern pinyin version, officially recognized today. This shift in terminology is emblematic of China's rise to modernity and its efforts to assert its cultural identity on the global stage. Whether referred to as Nanking in historical contexts or Nanjing in contemporary terms, the city remains a crucial part of China's historical and cultural heritage.