玄武湖公园 Xuanwu Lake Park

The Youth Olympics are in full swing. Which is why it was a bad day to attempt to have a relaxing meander in some of Nanjing's nature. The typically peaceful lake park had been converted into a track for the triathalon. It was reeaaaallly crowded. So.... I couldn't get in the front gate.

Also, I'm not sure how I feel about the vacant-eyed mascot they've chosen... it's MUCH cuter than the Shanghai EXPO mascot, Haibao, though. 

Haibao, the Shanghai EXPO Mascot from 2009 AKA Blue Gumby

Umm.... I don't think this was part of the EXPO.

And for comparison, the Youth Olympic Games Mascot: 

What is he looking at?!?!?

Anyway.... enough of that.

So I took a stroll through the outer park, looking for a way in. Which was still a lovely walk.

stone map of the old city and city wall before modernization

After a look around and asking lots of questions I found another entrance which let me walk on the old city walls of Nanjing. There were some great views!

 

You can see the skyscrapers downtown from here, too

There was a small temple complex, as well.

Look at me! I'm on a wall!