Nanjing, one of the nation's most important cities for over a thousand years, is recognized as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, and had been the world's largest city aggregately for hundreds of years, enjoyed peace and prosperity and beared wars and disasters. Nanjing served as the capital of Eastern Wu, one of the three major states in the Three Kingdoms period (211-280); the Eastern Jin and each of the Southern Dynasties (Liu Song, Southern Qi, Liang and Chen), which successively ruled southern China from 317-589; the Southern Tang, one of the Ten Kingdoms (937-76); the Ming dynasty when, for the first time, all of China was ruled from the city (1368-1421); and the Republic of China (1927–37, 1945–49) prior to its flight to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War. The city also served as the seat of the rebel Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851–64) and the Japanese puppet regime of Wang Jingwei (1940–45) during the Second Sino-Japanese War, and suffered appalling atrocities in both conflicts, including the Nanjing Massacre. It has been serving as the capital city of Jiangsu province after the China was established, and is still the nominal capital of Republic of China that accommodates many of its important heritage sites, including the Presidential Palace and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Nanjing is famous for human historical landscapes, mountains and waters such as Fuzimiao, Ming Palace, Chaotian Palace, Porcelain Tower, Drum Tower, Stone City, City Wall, Qinhuai River, Xuanwu Lake and Purple Mountain. Key cultural facilities include Nanjing Library, Nanjing Museum and Art Museum.

How long has Nanjing been important?

over a thousand years

How many Great Ancient Capitals does China have?

Four

What city is considered to be the nominal capital of the Republic of China?

Nanjing

What mausoleum is in Nanjing?

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

What city was the capital of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms era?

Nanjing


Archaeological discovery shows that "Nanjing Man" lived in more than 500 thousand years ago. Zun, a kind of wine vessel, was found to exist in Beiyinyangying culture of Nanjing in about 5000 years ago. In the late period of Shang dynasty, Taibo of Zhou came to Jiangnan and established Wu state, and the first stop is in Nanjing area according to some historians based on discoveries in Taowu and Hushu culture. According to legend,[which?] Fuchai, King of the State of Wu, founded a fort named Yecheng (冶城) in today's Nanjing area in 495 BC. Later in 473 BC, the State of Yue conquered Wu and constructed the fort of Yuecheng (越城) on the outskirts of the present-day Zhonghua Gate. In 333 BC, after eliminating the State of Yue, the State of Chu built Jinling Yi (金陵邑) in the western part of present-day Nanjing. It was renamed Moling (秣陵) during reign of Qin Shi Huang. Since then, the city experienced destruction and renewal many times.[citation needed] The area was successively part of Kuaiji, Zhang and Danyang prefectures in Qin and Han dynasty, and part of Yangzhou region which was established as the nation's 13 supervisory and administrative regions in the 5th year of Yuanfeng in Han dynasty (106 BC). Nanjing was later the capital city of Danyang Prefecture, and had been the capital city of Yangzhou for about 400 years from late Han to early Tang.

How long ago did "Nanjing Man" live?

more than 500 thousand years ago

What vessel was found 5000 years ago?

Zun, a kind of wine vessel

When was the the fort of Yuecheng built?

473 BC

How long had Nanjing been the capital city of Yangzhou?

about 400 years

When was the Wu state created?

the late period of Shang dynasty


Nanjing first became a state capital in 229 AD, when the state of Eastern Wu founded by Sun Quan during the Three Kingdoms period relocated its capital to Jianye (建業), the city extended on the basis of Jinling Yi in 211 AD. Although conquered by the Western Jin dynasty in 280, Nanjing and its neighbouring areas had been well cultivated and developed into one of the commercial, cultural and political centers of China during the rule of East Wu. This city would soon play a vital role in the following centuries.

When did Nanjing become a state capital?

229 AD

Who founded Eastern Wu?

Sun Quan

When was Eastern Wu founded?

during the Three Kingdoms period

Who defeated Nanjing and took over in 280?

the Western Jin dynasty

When was Nanjing extended?

211 AD


Shortly after the unification of the region, the Western Jin dynasty collapsed. First the rebellions by eight Jin princes for the throne and later rebellions and invasion from Xiongnu and other nomadic peoples that destroyed the rule of the Jin dynasty in the north. In 317, remnants of the Jin court, as well as nobles and wealthy families, fled from the north to the south and reestablished the Jin court in Nanjing, which was then called Jiankang (建康), replacing Luoyang. It's the first time that the capital of the nation moved to southern part.

What happened prior to the collapse of the Western Jin dynasty?

the unification of the region

When did the Jin court head South?

Where did the Jin court re-establish itself, after fleeing?

Nanjing

Who fled with the Jin court to the South?

nobles and wealthy families


During the period of North–South division, Nanjing remained the capital of the Southern dynasties for more than two and a half centuries. During this time, Nanjing was the international hub of East Asia. Based on historical documents, the city had 280,000 registered households. Assuming an average Nanjing household had about 5.1 people at that time, the city had more than 1.4 million residents.

How long was Nanjing the capital of the Southern dynasties?

more than two and a half centuries

During the time of the North–South division, what city was the center of East Asia?

Nanjing

During the time of the North–South division, how many households were in Nanjing?

280,000 registered households

What is the estimated population of Nanjing during that time?

more than 1.4 million residents

Where did the information on registered households during that period originate?

historical documents


A number of sculptural ensembles of that era, erected at the tombs of royals and other dignitaries, have survived (in various degrees of preservation) in Nanjing's northeastern and eastern suburbs, primarily in Qixia and Jiangning District. Possibly the best preserved of them is the ensemble of the Tomb of Xiao Xiu (475–518), a brother of Emperor Wu of Liang. The period of division ended when the Sui Dynasty reunified China and almost destroyed the entire city, turning it into a small town.

What has survived in Nanjing's suburbs?

A number of sculptural ensembles

In what district are these sculptural pieces located?

Qixia and Jiangning District

Which piece is the best, in terms of preservation condition?

the ensemble of the Tomb of Xiao Xiu

Who was Xiao Xiu?

a brother of Emperor Wu of Liang

When did Xiao Xiu live?


The city of Nanjing was razed after the Sui dynasty took over it. It renamed Shengzhou (昇州) in Tang dynasty and resuscitated during the late Tang. It was chosen as the capital and called Jinling (金陵) during the Southern Tang (937–976), a state that succeeded Wu state. It renamed Jiangning (江寧) in Northern Song dynasty and renamed Jiankang in Southern Song dynasty. Jiankang's textile industry burgeoned and thrived during the Song dynasty despite the constant threat of foreign invasions from the north by the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty. The court of Da Chu, a short-lived puppet state established by the Jurchens, and the court of Song were once in the city. Song was eventually exterminated by the Mongol empire under the name Yuan and in Yuan dynasty the city's status as a hub of the textile industry was further consolidated.

When was Nanjing made a capital again?

during the Southern Tang (937–976)

During what dynasty did Nanjing become a thriving textile city?

the Song dynasty

What was the name of the short-lived puppet court created by the Jurchens?

The court of Da Chu

Who defeated the court of Song?

the Mongol empire


The first emperor of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang (the Hongwu Emperor), who overthrew the Yuan dynasty, renamed the city Yingtian, rebuilt it, and made it the dynastic capital in 1368. He constructed a 48 km (30 mi) long city wall around Yingtian, as well as a new Ming Palace complex, and government halls. It took 200,000 laborers 21 years to finish the project. The present-day City Wall of Nanjing was mainly built during that time and today it remains in good condition and has been well preserved. It is among the longest surviving city walls in China. The Jianwen Emperor ruled from 1398 to 1402.

Who was the first emperor of the Ming dynasty?

Zhu Yuanzhang

Who did Zhu Yuanzhang defeat?

the Yuan dynasty

What did Zhu Yuanzhang build around the city of Nanjing?

long city wall

How long did it take to finish the wall?

21 years

How many workers worked on the wall?


It is believed that Nanjing was the largest city in the world from 1358 to 1425 with a population of 487,000 in 1400. Nanjing remained the capital of the Ming Empire until 1421, when the third emperor of the Ming dynasty, the Yongle Emperor, relocated the capital to Beijing.

When was Nanjing considered to be the biggest city in the world?

from 1358 to 1425

What was the number of people in Nanjing in 1400?

When did Nanjing cease to be the capital?

Where was the capital moved to?

Beijing

Who was the third emperor of the Ming dynasty?

the Yongle Emperor


Besides the city wall, other famous Ming-era structures in the city included the famous Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Porcelain Tower, although the latter was destroyed by the Taipings in the 19th century either in order to prevent a hostile faction from using it to observe and shell the city or from superstitious fear of its geomantic properties.

What is the name of the famous mausoleum in Nanjing?

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Who decimated the Porcelain Tower?

the Taipings

When was the Porcelain Tower destroyed?

in the 19th century

One possibility the Tower was destroyed was to prevent it's use by a hostile enemy. What is the other possibility?

superstitious fear of its geomantic properties


A monument to the huge human cost of some of the gigantic construction projects of the early Ming dynasty is the Yangshan Quarry (located some 15–20 km (9–12 mi) east of the walled city and Ming Xiaoling mausoleum), where a gigantic stele, cut on the orders of the Yongle Emperor, lies abandoned, just as it was left 600 years ago when it was understood it was impossible to move or complete it.

How far from Nanjing is the Yangshan Quarry?

15–20 km (9–12 mi) east of the walled city

What large item is abandoned at the Quarry?

a gigantic stele

How long ago was the stele abandoned?

600 years ago

Why was the stele abandoned?

it was impossible to move or complete it

Who ordered the creation of the stele?

the Yongle Emperor


As the center of the empire, early-Ming Nanjing had worldwide connections. It was home of the admiral Zheng He, who went to sail the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and it was visited by foreign dignitaries, such as a king from Borneo (Boni 渤泥), who died during his visit to China in 1408. The Tomb of the King of Boni, with a spirit way and a tortoise stele, was discovered in Yuhuatai District (south of the walled city) in 1958, and has been restored.

What Admiral called Nanjing his home?

admiral Zheng He

What visiting king died in China in 1408?

(Boni 渤泥)

What country did this visiting king come from?

Borneo

What stele is at Boni's tomb?

a tortoise stele


Over two centuries after the removal of the capital to Beijing, Nanjing was destined to become the capital of a Ming emperor one more time. After the fall of Beijing to Li Zicheng's rebel forces and then to the Manchu-led Qing dynasty in the spring of 1644, the Ming prince Zhu Yousong was enthroned in Nanjing in June 1644 as the Hongguang Emperor. His short reign was described by later historians as the first reign of the so-called Southern Ming dynasty.

When did Beijing lose to Li Zicheng's rebel forces and the Manchu-led Qing dynasty?

What Ming prince was enthroned in Nanjing?

Zhu Yousong

When was Zhu Yousong enthroned?

in June 1644

What was Zhu Yousong's title?

the Hongguang Emperor

The Hongguang Emperor's reign was thought of as the first reign of what dynasty?

the so-called Southern Ming dynasty


Zhu Yousong, however, fared a lot worse than his ancestor Zhu Yuanzhang three centuries earlier. Beset by factional conflicts, his regime could not offer effective resistance to Qing forces, when the Qing army, led by the Manchu prince Dodo approached Jiangnan the next spring. Days after Yangzhou fell to the Manchus in late May 1645, the Hongguang Emperor fled Nanjing, and the imperial Ming Palace was looted by local residents. On June 6, Dodo's troops approached Nanjing, and the commander of the city's garrison, Zhao the Earl of Xincheng, promptly surrendered the city to them. The Manchus soon ordered all male residents of the city to shave their heads in the Manchu queue way. They requisitioned a large section of the city for the bannermen's cantonment, and destroyed the former imperial Ming Palace, but otherwise the city was spared the mass murders and destruction that befell Yangzhou.

When did the Hongguang Emperor leave Nanjing, having been defeated?

late May 1645

Who surrendered Nanjing to invaders on June 6?

Zhao the Earl of Xincheng

What did the Manchu's make all the men in the city do?

shave their heads


Under the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), the Nanjing area was known as Jiangning (江寧) and served as the seat of government for the Viceroy of Liangjiang. It had been visited by the Kangxi and Qianlong emperors a number of times on their tours of the southern provinces. Nanjing was invaded by British troops during the close of the First Opium War, which was ended by the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842. As the capital of the brief-lived rebel Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (founded by the Taiping rebels in the mid-19th century, Nanjing was known as Tianjing (天京, "Heavenly Capital" or "Capital of Heaven").

When was the Qing dynasty in power?

What was Nanjing called during the Qing dynasty?

Jiangning

What emperors visited Nanjing more than once?

the Kangxi and Qianlong emperors

What year did the First Opium War end?


Both the Qing viceroy and the Taiping king resided in buildings that would later be known as the Presidential Palace. When Qing forces led by Zeng Guofan retook the city in 1864, a massive slaughter occurred in the city with over 100,000 estimated to have committed suicide or fought to the death. Since the Taiping Rebellion began, Qing forces allowed no rebels speaking its dialect to surrender. This policy of mass murder of civilians occurred in Nanjing.

Who lived in buildings that would later come to be known as the Presidential Palace?

the Qing viceroy and the Taiping king

When did Qing troops regain Nanjing?

How many people died during the Qing troops retaking of Nanjing?

over 100,000

Qing troops allowed no rebels who spoke what dialect to surrender?

Taiping

Who was the leader of the Qing troops?

Zeng Guofan


The Xinhai Revolution led to the founding of the Republic of China in January 1912 with Sun Yat-sen as the first provisional president and Nanking was selected as its new capital. However, the Qing Empire controlled large regions to the north, so revolutionaries asked Yuan Shikai to replace Sun as president in exchange for the abdication of Puyi, the Last Emperor. Yuan demanded the capital be Beijing (closer to his power base).

When was the Republic of China founded?

January 1912

Who was the first president of the Republic of China?

Sun Yat-sen

Who moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing?

Yuan Shikai


In 1927, the Kuomintang (KMT; Nationalist Party) under Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek again established Nanjing as the capital of the Republic of China, and this became internationally recognized once KMT forces took Beijing in 1928. The following decade is known as the Nanking decade.

When was Nanjing re-established as the capital of the Republic of China?

What party established Nanjing as the capital of the Republic of China?

the Kuomintang (KMT; Nationalist Party)

Who was the leader of the Kuomintang (KMT; Nationalist Party)?

Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek

What are the 1930's known as, in China?

the Nanking decade

When did the Kuomintang (KMT; Nationalist Party) defeat and take over Beijing?


In 1937, the Empire of Japan started a full-scale invasion of China after invading Manchuria in 1931, beginning the Second Sino-Japanese War (often considered a theatre of World War II). Their troops occupied Nanjing in December and carried out the systematic and brutal Nanking Massacre (the "Rape of Nanking"). Even children, the elderly, and nuns are reported to have suffered at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army. The total death toll, including estimates made by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East and the Nanjing War Crimes Tribunal, was between 300,000 and 350,000. The city itself was also severely damaged during the massacre. The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall was built in 1985 to commemorate this event.

When did Japan invade Manchuria?

When did Japan invade all of China?

Who killed innocent civilians in the Nanking Massacre?

the Imperial Japanese Army

How many died in the Nanking Massacre?

between 300,000 and 350,000

When was the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall built?


A few days before the fall of the city, the National Government of China was relocated to the southwestern city Chungking (Chongqing) and resumed Chinese resistance. In 1940, a Japanese-collaborationist government known as the "Nanjing Regime" or "Reorganized National Government of China" led by Wang Jingwei was established in Nanjing as a rival to Chiang Kai-shek's government in Chongqing. In 1946, after the Surrender of Japan, the KMT relocated its central government back to Nanjing.

When was the National Government of China moved to Chungking?

A few days before the fall of the city

When was the Nanjing Regime established?

Who was the leader of the Nanjing Regime?

Wang Jingwei

When did the KMT move back to Nanjing?

What was another name for the Nanjing Regime?

"Reorganized National Government of China"


On 21 April, Communist forces crossed the Yangtze River. On April 23, 1949, the Communist People's Liberation Army (PLA) captured Nanjing. The KMT government retreated to Canton (Guangzhou) until October 15, Chongqing until November 25, and then Chengdu before retreating to Taiwan on December 10. By late 1949, the PLA was pursuing remnants of KMT forces southwards in southern China, and only Tibet was left. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in October 1949, Nanjing was initially a province-level municipality, but it was soon merged into Jiangsu province and again became the provincial capital by replacing Zhenjiang which was transferred in 1928, and retains that status to this day.

When did the Communist troops cross the Yangtze River?

21 April

When was Nanjing conquered by the Communist People's Liberation Army (PLA)?

April 23, 1949

Where did the KMT government stay until October 15?

Canton (Guangzhou)

When did the KMT government head to Taiwan?

December 10

When was the People's Republic of China formed?

October 1949


Nanjing, with a total land area of 6,598 square kilometres (2,548 sq mi), is situated in the heartland of drainage area of lower reaches of Yangtze River, and in Yangtze River Delta, one of the largest economic zones of China. The Yangtze River flows past the west side and then north side of Nanjing City, while the Ningzheng Ridge surrounds the north, east and south side of the city. The city is 300 kilometres (190 mi) west-northwest of Shanghai, 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) south-southeast of Beijing, and 1,400 kilometres (870 mi) east-northeast of Chongqing. The downstream Yangtze River flows from Jiujiang, Jiangxi, through Anhui and Jiangsu to East Sea, north to drainage basin of downstream Yangtze is Huai River basin and south to it is Zhe River basin, and they are connected by the Grand Canal east to Nanjing. The area around Nanjing is called Hsiajiang (下江, Downstream River) region, with Jianghuai (江淮) stressing northern part and Jiangzhe (江浙) stressing southern part. The region is also known as Dongnan (東南, South East, the Southeast) and Jiangnan (江南, River South, south of Yangtze).

How large is Nanjing, in miles?

2,548 sq mi

Where does the Yangtze River flow in Nanjing?

past the west side and then north side

How far is Nanjing from Shanghai, in miles?

190 mi

How far is Nanjing from Beijing?

750 mi

What is the name of the area of land around Nanjing?

Hsiajiang (下江, Downstream River) region


Nanjing borders Yangzhou to the northeast, one town downstream when following the north bank of the Yangtze, Zhenjiang to the east, one town downstream when following the south bank of the Yangtze, and Changzhou to the southeast. On its western boundary is Anhui province, where Nanjing borders five prefecture-level cities, Chuzhou to the northwest, Wuhu, Chaohu and Maanshan to the west and Xuancheng to the southwest.

What city is northeast of Nanjing?

Yangzhou

What is southeast of Nanjing?

Changzhou

What province is to the west of Nanjing?

Anhui province

How many prefecture-size cities are in the province of Anhui?

five

What city is on the border of Nanjing to the East?

Zhenjiang


Nanjing is the intersection of Yangtze River, an east-west water transport artery, and Nanjing–Beijing railway, a south-north land transport artery, hence the name “door of the east and west, throat of the south and north”. Furthermore, the west part of the Ningzhen range is in Nanjing; the Loong-like Zhong Mountain is curling in the east of the city; the tiger-like Stone Mountain is crouching in the west of the city, hence the name “the Zhong Mountain, a dragon curling, and the Stone Mountain, a tiger crouching”. Mr. Sun Yet-sen spoke highly of Nanjing in the “Constructive Scheme for Our Country”, “The position of Nanjing is wonderful since mountains, lakes and plains all integrated in it. It is hard to find another city like this.”

What is the east-west waterway near Nanjing?

Yangtze River

What is the railway that runs South to North called?

Nanjing–Beijing railway

What mountain is in the East are of Nanjing?

Zhong Mountain

What mountain lies in the west of Nanjing?

Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain is compared to what animal?

tiger


Nanjing has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) and is under the influence of the East Asian monsoon. The four seasons are distinct, with damp conditions seen throughout the year, very hot and muggy summers, cold, damp winters, and in between, spring and autumn are of reasonable length. Along with Chongqing and Wuhan, Nanjing is traditionally referred to as one of the "Three Furnacelike Cities" along the Yangtze River (长江流域三大火炉) for the perennially high temperatures in the summertime. However, the time from mid-June to the end of July is the plum blossom blooming season in which the meiyu (rainy season of East Asia; literally "plum rain") occurs, during which the city experiences a period of mild rain as well as dampness. Typhoons are uncommon but possible in the late stages of summer and early part of autumn. The annual mean temperature is around 15.46 °C (59.8 °F), with the monthly 24-hour average temperature ranging from 2.4 °C (36.3 °F) in January to 27.8 °C (82.0 °F) in July. Extremes since 1951 have ranged from −14.0 °C (7 °F) on 6 January 1955 to 40.7 °C (105 °F) on 22 August 1959. On average precipitation falls 115 days out of the year, and the average annual rainfall is 1,062 millimetres (42 in). With monthly percent possible sunshine ranging from 37 percent in March to 52 percent in August, the city receives 1,983 hours of bright sunshine annually.

What type of climate does Nanjing enjoy?

a humid subtropical climate

What monsoon affects Nanjing?

the East Asian monsoon

Nanjing is one of three "Furnacelike" cities. What are the other two cities?

Chongqing and Wuhan

How many days of rain does Nanjing get a year, on average?

115 days

How many hours of bright sunshine does Nanjing get each year?

1,983 hours


Nanjing is endowed with rich natural resources, which include more than 40 kinds of minerals. Among them, iron and sulfur reserves make up 40 percent of those of Jiangsu province. Its reserves of strontium rank first in East Asia and the South East Asia region. Nanjing also possesses abundant water resources, both from the Yangtze River and groundwater. In addition, it has several natural hot springs such as Tangshan Hot Spring in Jiangning and Tangquan Hot Spring in Pukou.

How many types of minerals are found in Nanjing?

Which minerals comprise 40 percent of those in the province?

iron and sulfur

For what mineral reserve does Nanjing rank first in both East Asia and the South East Asia areas?

strontium

What are Nanjing's main water sources?

the Yangtze River and groundwater

What hot spring is in Jiangning?

Tangshan Hot Spring


Surrounded by the Yangtze River and mountains, Nanjing also enjoys beautiful natural scenery. Natural lakes such as Xuanwu Lake and Mochou Lake are located in the centre of the city and are easily accessible to the public, while hills like Purple Mountain are covered with evergreens and oaks and host various historical and cultural sites. Sun Quan relocated his capital to Nanjing after Liu Bei's suggestion as Liu Bei was impressed by Nanjing's impeccable geographic position when negotiating an alliance with Sun Quan. Sun Quan then renamed the city from Moling (秣陵) to Jianye (建鄴) shortly thereafter.

What lakes are in the middle of Nanjing?

Xuanwu Lake and Mochou Lake

What type of trees are on Purple Mountain?

evergreens and oaks

Who convinced Sun Quan to make Nanjing his capital?

Liu Bei

What impressed Liu Bei so much about Nanjing?

Nanjing's impeccable geographic position

What is Nanjing surrounded by?

the Yangtze River and mountains


A dense wave of smog began in the Central and Eastern part of China on 2 December 2013 across a distance of around 1,200 kilometres (750 mi), including Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shanghai and Zhejiang. A lack of cold air flow, combined with slow-moving air masses carrying industrial emissions, collected airborne pollutants to form a thick layer of smog over the region. The heavy smog heavily polluted central and southern Jiangsu Province, especially in and around Nanjing, with its AQI pollution Index at "severely polluted" for five straight days and "heavily polluted" for nine. On 3 December 2013, levels of PM2.5 particulate matter average over 943 micrograms per cubic metre, falling to over 338 micrograms per cubic metre on 4 December 2013. Between 3:00 pm, 3 December and 2:00pm, 4 December local time, several expressways from Nanjing to other Jiangsu cities were closed, stranding dozens of passenger buses in Zhongyangmen bus station. From 5 to 6 December, Nanjing issued a red alert for air pollution and closed down all kindergarten through middle schools. Children's Hospital outpatient services increased by 33 percent; general incidence of bronchitis, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections significantly increased. The smog dissipated 12 December. Officials blamed the dense pollution on lack of wind, automobile exhaust emissions under low air pressure, and coal-powered district heating system in North China region. Prevailing winds blew low-hanging air masses of factory emissions (mostly SO2) towards China's east coast.

When did a thick wave of smog first appear in Central and Eastern China?

2 December 2013

How long was Nanjing ranked as "severely polluted" during this wave?

five straight days

On what days did Nanjing have to issue a Red Alert because of the severe air pollution?

From 5 to 6 December


At present, the full name of the government of Nanjing is "People's Government of Nanjing City" and the city is under the one-party rule of the CPC, with the CPC Nanjing Committee Secretary as the de facto governor of the city and the mayor as the executive head of the government working under the secretary.

What is the full name for Nanjing's government?

"People's Government of Nanjing City"

How many parties rule Nanjing?

one-party

What party rules Nanjing?

the CPC

Who is considered to be the governor of Nanjing?

the CPC Nanjing Committee Secretary

who is the executive leader of Nanjing, working under the secretary?

the mayor


According to the Sixth China Census, the total population of the City of Nanjing reached 8.005 million in 2010. The statistics in 2011 estimated the total population to be 8.11 million. The birth rate was 8.86 percent and the death rate was 6.88 percent. The urban area had a population of 6.47 million people. The sex ratio of the city population was 107.31 males to 100 females.

What was the population of Nanjing in 2010?

8.005 million

What was the estimated population of Nanjing in 2011?

8.11 million

How was the population figure for 2010 obtained?

the Sixth China Census

What was Nanjing's birth rate?

8.86 percent

How many people were considered to be living in the urban portion of Nanjing?

6.47 million


As in most of eastern China the ethnic makeup of Nanjing is predominantly Han nationality (98.56 percent), with 50 other minority nationalities. In 1999, 77,394 residents belonged to minority nationalities, among which the vast majority (64,832) were Hui nationalities, contributing 83.76 percent to the minority population. The second and third largest minority groups were Manchu (2,311) and Zhuang (533) nationalities. Most of the minority nationalities resided in Jianye District, comprising 9.13 percent of the district's population.

What is the overwhelming ethnic majority in Nanjing?

Han nationality

What minority nationality is most common?

Hui nationalities

What is the second most common minority group in Nanjing?

Manchu

How many people of Manchu descent live in Nanjing?

How many minority nationality types does Nanjing contain?


Since the Three Kingdoms period, Nanjing has been an industrial centre for textiles and minting owing to its strategic geographical location and convenient transportation. During the Ming dynasty, Nanjing's industry was further expanded, and the city became one of the most prosperous cities in China and the world. It led in textiles, minting, printing, shipbuilding and many other industries, and was the busiest business center in East Asia. Textiles boomed particularly in Qing dynasty, the industry created around 200 thousand jobs and there were about 50 thousand satin machines in the city in 18th and 19th century.

In addition to textiles, what other industry is Nanjing known for, since the Three Kingdoms period?

minting

Why is Nanjing so strong in textiles and minting?

its strategic geographical location and convenient transportation

During what dynasty was Nanjing the biggest business center in all of East Asia?

Ming

In what dynasty were textiles particularly popular?

Qing

During the textile boom, how many jobs were created?

around 200 thousand jobs


Into the first half of the twentieth century after the establishment of ROC, Nanjing gradually shifted from being a production hub towards being a heavy consumption city, mainly because of the rapid expansion of its wealthy population after Nanjing once again regained the political spotlight of China. A number of huge department stores such as Zhongyang Shangchang sprouted up, attracting merchants from all over China to sell their products in Nanjing. In 1933, the revenue generated by the food and entertainment industry in the city exceeded the sum of the output of the manufacturing and agriculture industry. One third of the city population worked in the service industry, .

In what time period did Nanjing transform from a producer to more of a consumer city?

Into the first half of the twentieth century

What mostly caused the shift to a consumer city?

the rapid expansion of its wealthy population

What is Zhongyang Shangchang?

huge department stores

In what year did the revenue of food and entertainment eclipse the output of industry?

How much of the population worked in a service capacity at that time?

One third of the city population


In the 1950s after PRC was established by CPC, the government invested heavily in the city to build a series of state-owned heavy industries, as part of the national plan of rapid industrialization, converting it into a heavy industry production centre of East China. Overenthusiastic in building a “world-class” industrial city, the government also made many disastrous mistakes during development, such as spending hundreds of millions of yuan to mine for non-existent coal, resulting in negative economic growth in the late 1960s. From 1960s to 1980s there were Five Pillar Industries, namely, electronics, cars, petrochemical, iron and steel, and power, each with big state-owned firms. After the Reform and Opening recovering market economy, the state-owned enterprises found themselves incapable of competing with efficient multinational firms and local private firms, hence were either mired in heavy debt or forced into bankruptcy or privatization and this resulted in large numbers of layoff workers who were technically not unemployed but effectively jobless.

What did the government build in Nanjing during the 1950's?

a series of state-owned heavy industries

The mistakes the government made during this period resulted in what type of growth?

negative economic growth

How many Pillar industries were there from the 1960s to the 1980s?

Five

The inability to compete with multinational firms led to what for workers?

large numbers of layoff

The government wanted Nanjing to be what kind of industrial city?

“world-class”


The current economy of the city is basically newly developed based on the past. Service industries are dominating, accounting for about 60 percent of the GDP of the city, and financial industry, culture industry and tourism industry are top 3 of them. Industries of information technology, energy saving and environmental protection, new energy, smart power grid and intelligent equipment manufacturing have become pillar industries. Big private firms include Suning, Yurun, Sanpower, Fuzhong, Hiteker, 5stars, Jinpu, Tiandi, CTTQ Pharmaceutical and Simcere Pharmaceutical. Big state-owned firms include Panda Electronics, Yangzi Petrochemical, Jinling Petrochemical, Nanjing Chemical, Nanjing Steel, Jincheng Motors, Jinling Pharmaceutical, Chenguang and NARI. The city has also attracted foreign investment, multinational firms such as Siemens, Ericsson, Volkswagen, Iveco, A.O. Smith, and Sharp have established their lines, and a number of multinationals such as Ford, IBM, Lucent, Samsung and SAP established research center there. Many China-based leading firms such as Huawei, ZTE and Lenovo have key R & D institutes in the city. Nanjing is an industrial technology research and development hub, hosting many R & D centers and institutions, especially in areas of electronics technology, information technology, computer software, biotechnology and pharmaceutical technology and new material technology.

What type of industries are now dominant in Nanjing?

Service industries

How much of the city's GDP do the service industries contribute to?

about 60 percent

Companies such as Huawei, ZTE and Lenovo have built what in Nanjing?

many R & D centers and institutions

Companies such as Ford, IBM, Lucent, Samsung and SAP have built what in Nanjing?

research center

The top 3 industries in Nanjing are?

financial industry, culture industry and tourism industry


In recent years, Nanjing has been developing its economy, commerce, industry, as well as city construction. In 2013 the city's GDP was RMB 801 billion (3rd in Jiangsu), and GDP per capita(current price) was RMB 98,174(US$16041), a 11 percent increase from 2012. The average urban resident's disposable income was RMB 36,200, while the average rural resident's net income was RMB 14,513. The registered urban unemployment rate was 3.02 percent, lower than the national average (4.3 percent). Nanjing's Gross Domestic Product ranked 12th in 2013 in China, and its overall competence ranked 6th in mainland and 8th including Taiwan and Hong Kong in 2009.

What was Nanjing's GDP in 2013?

RMB 801 billion

What was Nanjing's GDP per person in 2013?

RMB 98,174(US$16041)

Was the GDP in 2013 an increase or decrease over 2012's levels?

increase

How was Nanjing's unemployment rate, compared to the nation as a whole?

lower than the national average

What was Nanjing's GDP ranking in all of China for 2013?


Nanjing is the transportation hub in eastern China and the downstream Yangtze River area. Different means of transportation constitute a three-dimensional transport system that includes land, water and air. As in most other Chinese cities, public transportation is the dominant mode of travel of the majority of the citizens. As of October 2014, Nanjing had five bridges and two tunnels over the Yangtze River, which are tying districts north of the river with the city centre on the south bank.

What are the three types of transport in Nanjing?

land, water and air

What is the most popular method of travel for citizens?

public transportation

How many bridges does Nanjing have over the Yangtze River?

five

How many tunnels does Nanjing have over the Yangtze River?

two

Where is the city centre located?

on the south bank


Nanjing is an important railway hub in eastern China. It serves as rail junction for the Beijing-Shanghai (Jinghu) (which is itself composed of the old Jinpu and Huning Railways), Nanjing–Tongling Railway (Ningtong), Nanjing–Qidong (Ningqi), and the Nanjing-Xian (Ningxi) which encompasses the Hefei–Nanjing Railway. Nanjing is connected to the national high-speed railway network by Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway and Shanghai–Wuhan–Chengdu Passenger Dedicated Line, with several more high-speed rail lines under construction.

Nanjing's railway is important, and is located in what region of China?

eastern China

What line does Nanjing serve as a railway junction for?

Beijing-Shanghai (Jinghu)

What lines comprise the Beijing-Shanghai (Jinghu) line?

the old Jinpu and Huning Railways

What high-speed railway is Nanjing connected to that contains Shanghai?

Shanghai–Wuhan–Chengdu Passenger Dedicated Line

What type of railway lines are now under construction?

several more high-speed rail lines


Among all 17 railway stations in Nanjing, passenger rail service is mainly provided by Nanjing Railway Station and Nanjing South Railway Station, while other stations like Nanjing West Railway Station, Zhonghuamen Railway Station and Xianlin Railway Station serve minor roles. Nanjing Railway Station was first built in 1968. In 1999, On November 12, 1999, the station was burnt in a serious fire. Reconstruction of the station was finished on September 1, 2005. Nanjing South Railway Station, which is one of the 5 hub stations on Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, has officially been claimed as the largest railway station in Asia and the second largest in the world in terms of GFA (Gross Floor Area). Construction of Nanjing South Station began on 10 January 2008. The station was opened for public service in 2011.

How many railway stations are there in Nanjing?

Which are the two most prominent railway stations?

Nanjing Railway Station and Nanjing South Railway Station

When was the Nanjing Railway Station originally constructed?

In what year was the Nanjing Railway Station re-built?

Which station is one of the 5 hub stations on the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway line?

Nanjing South Railway Station


Express highways such as Hu–Ning, Ning–He, Ning–Hang enable commuters to travel to Shanghai, Hefei, Hangzhou, and other important cities quickly and conveniently. Inside the city of Nanjing, there are 230 km (140 mi) of highways, with a highway coverage density of 3.38 kilometres per hundred square kilometrs (5.44 mi/100 sq mi). The total road coverage density of the city is 112.56 kilometres per hundred square kilometres (181.15 mi/100 sq mi). The two artery roads in Nanjing are Zhongshan Road and Hanzhong. The two roads cross in the city centre, Xinjiekou.

What type of highways let commuters get to cities fast?

Express highways

How many miles of highways are in Nanjing?

140 mi

What are the names of the artery roads in Nanjing?

Zhongshan Road and Hanzhong

Zhongshan Road and Hanzhong cross each other in what area of Nanjing?

in the city centre, Xinjiekou

What is the total coverage of the city with roads, in miles?

181.15 mi/100 sq mi


The city also boasts an efficient network of public transportation, which mainly consists of bus, taxi and metro systems. The bus network, which is currently run by three companies since 2011, provides more than 370 routes covering all parts of the city and suburban areas. Nanjing Metro Line 1, started service on September 3, 2005, with 16 stations and a length of 21.72 km. Line 2 and the 24.5 km-long south extension of Line 1 officially opened to passenger service on May 28, 2010. At present, Nanjing has a metro system with a grand total of 223.6 kilometers (138.9 mi) of route and 121 stations. They are Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 10, Line S1 and Line S8. The city is planning to complete a 17-line Metro and light-rail system by 2030. The expansion of the Metro network will greatly facilitate the intracity transportation and reduce the currently heavy traffic congestion.

What are the main types of public transportation?

bus, taxi and metro systems

How many companies are involved with the network of buses?

three companies

How many stations are there in total in the Nanjing metro system?

121 stations

When does Nanjing expect to finish it's light rail line?

How many bus routes are there in Nanjing?

more than 370 routes


Nanjing's airport, Lukou International Airport, serves both national and international flights. In 2013, Nanjing airport handled 15,011,792 passengers and 255,788.6 tonnes of freight. The airport currently has 85 routes to national and international destinations, which include Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, USA and Germany. The airport is connected by a 29-kilometre (18 mi) highway directly to the city center, and is also linked to various intercity highways, making it accessible to the passengers from the surrounding cities. A railway Ninggao Intercity Line is being built to link the airport with Nanjing South Railway Station. Lukou Airport was opened on 28 June 1997, replacing Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport as the main airport serving Nanjing. Dajiaochang Airport is still used as a military air base.

What is Nanjing's airport called?

Lukou International Airport

How many routes does Nanjing's airport run?

85 routes

How many passengers did the airport service in 2013?

15,011,792 passengers

When did the airport open for business?

28 June 1997

What airport was the primary airport before Lukou?

Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport


Port of Nanjing is the largest inland port in China, with annual cargo tonnage reached 191,970,000 t in 2012. The port area is 98 kilometres (61 mi) in length and has 64 berths including 16 berths for ships with a tonnage of more than 10,000. Nanjing is also the biggest container port along the Yangtze River; in March 2004, the one million container-capacity base, Longtan Containers Port Area opened, further consolidating Nanjing as the leading port in the region. As of 2010, it operated six public ports and three industrial ports.

What is the largest inland port for China?

Port of Nanjing

How long is the Port of Nanjing?

98 kilometres (61 mi) in length

How many berths does the Port contain?

When did Longtan Containers Port Area open up?

March 2004

How many containers can Longtan Containers Port Area handle?

one million container-capacity


In the 1960s, the first Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge was completed, and served as the only bridge crossing over the Lower Yangtze in eastern China at that time. The bridge was a source of pride and an important symbol of modern China, having been built and designed by the Chinese themselves following failed surveys by other nations and the reliance on and then rejection of Soviet expertise. Begun in 1960 and opened to traffic in 1968, the bridge is a two-tiered road and rail design spanning 4,600 metres on the upper deck, with approximately 1,580 metres spanning the river itself. Since then four more bridges and two tunnels have been built. Going in the downstream direction, the Yangtze crossings in Nanjing are: Dashengguan Bridge, Line 10 Metro Tunnel, Third Bridge, Nanjing Yangtze River Tunnel, First Bridge, Second Bridge and Fourth Bridge.

When was the very first Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge finished?

the 1960s

What was the symbolism of the bridge?

symbol of modern China

When did the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge first open for traffic?

What type of design is the bridge?

a two-tiered road and rail design

How many more bridges have been built since the first one was completed?

four


Being one of the four ancient capitals of China, Nanjing has always been a cultural centre attracting intellectuals from all over the country. In the Tang and Song dynasties, Nanjing was a place where poets gathered and composed poems reminiscent of its luxurious past; during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the city was the official imperial examination centre (Jiangnan Examination Hall) for the Jiangnan region, again acting as a hub where different thoughts and opinions converged and thrived.

How many ancient capitals does China have in its history?

four

What type of people does Nanjing draw because of its culture?

intellectuals

In what dynasties did poets congregate in Nanjing?

the Tang and Song dynasties

When did the city serve as the official imperial examination centre?

the Ming and Qing dynasties

What was the name of the examination centre?

Jiangnan Examination Hall


Today, with a long cultural tradition and strong support from local educational institutions, Nanjing is commonly viewed as a “city of culture” and one of the more pleasant cities to live in China.

How is Nanjing seen, from a cultural perspective?

as a “city of culture”

Who provides strong support to Nanjing?

local educational institutions

What city is considered one of the more pleasant cities to live in, by the Chinese?

Nanjing

Does Nanjing have a long or short tradition of culture?

a long cultural tradition


Some of the leading art groups of China are based in Nanjing; they include the Qianxian Dance Company, Nanjing Dance Company, Jiangsu Peking Opera Institute and Nanjing Xiaohonghua Art Company among others.

Where do some of the country's most prominent art groups call home?

Nanjing

Which opera company is based in Nanjing?

Jiangsu Peking Opera Institute

What art company is based in Nanjing?

Nanjing Xiaohonghua Art Company

Name two dance groups that are based in Nanjing:

the Qianxian Dance Company, Nanjing Dance Company


Jiangsu Province Kun Opera is one of the best theatres for Kunqu, China's oldest stage art. It is considered a conservative and traditional troupe. Nanjing also has professional opera troupes for the Yang, Yue (shaoxing), Xi and Jing (Chinese opera varieties) as well as Suzhou pingtan, spoken theatre and puppet theatre.

What is the name of China's oldest stage art?

Kunqu

What is one of the best theatres for Kunqu?

Jiangsu Province Kun Opera

What type of troupe is Jiangsu Province Kun Opera considered to be?

a conservative and traditional troupe

What other types of operas are performed in Nanjing?

Yang, Yue (shaoxing), Xi and Jing

What other types of theater performance are seen in Nanjing?

Suzhou pingtan, spoken theatre and puppet theatre


Jiangsu Art Gallery is the largest gallery in Jiangsu Province, presenting some of the best traditional and contemporary art pieces of China; many other smaller-scale galleries, such as Red Chamber Art Garden and Jinling Stone Gallery, also have their own special exhibitions.

What is the name of the largest art gallery in Jiangsu Province?

Jiangsu Art Gallery

What type of art does Jiangsu Art Gallery contain?

traditional and contemporary art pieces of China

What are two smaller galleries in Nanjing?

Red Chamber Art Garden and Jinling Stone Gallery

What type of exhibitions do Red Chamber Art Garden and Jinling Stone Gallery show?

their own special exhibitions


Many traditional festivals and customs were observed in the old times, which included climbing the City Wall on January 16, bathing in Qing Xi on March 3, hill hiking on September 9 and others (the dates are in Chinese lunar calendar). Almost none of them, however, are still celebrated by modern Nanjingese.

When was the festival of climbing on the city wall celebrated?

January 16

On March 3, what festival was celebrated in ancient times?

bathing in Qing Xi

What did citizens used to do on September 9?

hill hiking

Where can one find the dates of more old festivals?

Chinese lunar calendar

How many of these old festivals are still celebrated by residents of Nanjing?

Almost none of them


Instead, Nanjing, as a popular tourist destination, hosts a series of government-organised events throughout the year. The annual International Plum Blossom Festival held in Plum Blossom Hill, the largest plum collection in China, attracts thousands of tourists both domestically and internationally. Other events include Nanjing Baima Peach Blossom and Kite Festival, Jiangxin Zhou Fruit Festival and Linggu Temple Sweet Osmanthus Festival.

What city is considered to be a place that is popular with tourists?

Nanjing

Rather than host the old festivals, what type of events does Nanjing host each year?

a series of government-organised events

What area holds the largest collection of plum blossoms in all of China?

Plum Blossom Hill

Where do the tourists for the Plum Blossom Festival come from?

domestically and internationally

What festival involves kites and fruit trees?

Nanjing Baima Peach Blossom and Kite Festival


Nanjing Library, founded in 1907, houses more than 10 million volumes of printed materials and is the third largest library in China, after the National Library in Beijing and Shanghai Library. Other libraries, such as city-owned Jinling Library and various district libraries, also provide considerable amount of information to citizens. Nanjing University Library is the second largest university libraries in China after Peking University Library, and the fifth largest nationwide, especially in the number of precious collections.

When was the Nanjing Library completed?

What is the Nanjing Library's ranking in China?

the third largest library in China

How many volumes does the Nanjing Library have?

more than 10 million volumes

What is the name of the fifth largest library in China?

Nanjing University Library

Which university library is larger than Nanjing University Library?

Peking University Library


Nanjing has some of the oldest and finest museums in China. Nanjing Museum, formerly known as National Central Museum during ROC period, is the first modern museum and remains as one of the leading museums in China having 400,000 items in its permanent collection,. The museum is notable for enormous collections of Ming and Qing imperial porcelain, which is among the largest in the world. Other museums include the City Museum of Nanjing in the Chaotian Palace, the Oriental Metropolitan Museum, the China Modern History Museum in the Presidential Palace, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, the Taiping Kingdom History Museum, Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum, Nanjing Yunjin Museum, Nanjing City Wall Cultural Museum, Nanjing Customs Museum in Ganxi House, Nanjing Astronomical History Museum, Nanjing Paleontological Museum, Nanjing Geological Museum, Nanjing Riverstones Museum, and other museums and memorials such Zheng He Memorial, Jinling Four Modern Calligraphers Memorial.

What city contains some of the finest and oldest museums in all of China?

Nanjing

What is the previous name of the Nanjing Museum?

National Central Museum

Which museum was the first modern one in China?

Nanjing Museum

What collections are the Nanjing Museum famous for?

Ming and Qing imperial porcelain

How many items does the Nanjing Museum contain?

400,000 items


Most of Nanjing's major theatres are multi-purpose, used as convention halls, cinemas, musical halls and theatres on different occasions. The major theatres include the People's Convention Hall and the Nanjing Arts and Culture Center. The Capital Theatre well known in the past is now a museum in theatre/film.

What can most of Nanjing's multi-purpose theatres be used for?

convention halls, cinemas, musical halls and theatres

What are the two most prominent theatres in Nanjing?

the People's Convention Hall and the Nanjing Arts and Culture Center

What is the current purpose of The Capital Theatre?

a museum in theatre/film

What was the popularity of The Capital Theater, in the past?

well known


Traditionally Nanjing's nightlife was mostly centered around Nanjing Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) area along the Qinhuai River, where night markets, restaurants and pubs thrived. Boating at night in the river was a main attraction of the city. Thus, one can see the statues of the famous teachers and educators of the past not too far from those of the courtesans who educated the young men in the other arts.

Where have Nanjing's after-hours activities typically been located?

around Nanjing Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) area along the Qinhuai River

What three things were popular in the Nanjing Fuzimiao area?

night markets, restaurants and pubs

What was a major night attraction for Nanjing?

Boating at night in the river

What statues are near the ones of teachers and educators?

courtesans

What is another name for Nanjing Fuzimiao?

Confucius Temple


In the past 20 years, several commercial streets have been developed, hence the nightlife has become more diverse: there are shopping malls opening late in the Xinjiekou CBD and Hunan Road. The well-established "Nanjing 1912" district hosts a wide variety of recreational facilities ranging from traditional restaurants and western pubs to dance clubs. There are two major areas where bars are densely located; one is in 1912 block; the other is along Shanghai road and its neighbourhood. Both are popular with international residents of the city.

When did more commercial streets become built in Nanjing?

In the past 20 years

What has happened as the result of more commercial streets in Nanjing?

the nightlife has become more diverse

What area has lots of types of recreational outlets?

"Nanjing 1912"

Other than at "Nanjing 1912", where else are there a lot of bars?

along Shanghai road and its neighbourhood

The two areas with a lot of bars are popular with whom?

international residents of the city


The radish is also a typical food representing people of Nanjing, which has been spread through word of mouth as an interesting fact for many years in China. According to Nanjing.GOV.cn, "There is a long history of growing radish in Nanjing especially the southern suburb. In the spring, the radish tastes very juicy and sweet. It is well-known that people in Nanjing like eating radish. And the people are even addressed as 'Nanjing big radish', which means they are unsophisticated, passionate and conservative. From health perspective, eating radish can help to offset the stodgy food that people take during the Spring Festival".

What is considered to be a typical food for a Nanjing resident?

radish

Which area has the longest history of growing radish?

the southern suburb

What does the radish taste like in the spring?

very juicy and sweet

What are Nanjing people called by others?

'Nanjing big radish'

What does calling someone 'Nanjing big radish' mean they are like?

they are unsophisticated, passionate and conservative


As a major Chinese city, Nanjing is home to many professional sports teams. Jiangsu Sainty, the football club currently staying in Chinese Super League, is a long-term tenant of Nanjing Olympic Sports Center. Jiangsu Nangang Basketball Club is a competitive team which has long been one of the major clubs fighting for the title in China top level league, CBA. Jiangsu Volleyball men and women teams are also traditionally considered as at top level in China volleyball league.

Generally, what types of teams call Nanjing home?

many professional sports teams

What is the name of the football club in Nanjing?

Jiangsu Sainty

What building is home to Jiangsu Sainty?

Nanjing Olympic Sports Center

What is the name of the major basketball team in Nanjing?

Jiangsu Nangang Basketball Club

What is the name of China's highest level basketball league?

CBA


There are two major sports centers in Nanjing, Wutaishan Sports Center and Nanjing Olympic Sports Center. Both of these two are comprehensive sports centers, including stadium, gymnasium, natatorium, tennis court, etc. Wutaishan Sports Center was established in 1952 and it was one of the oldest and most advanced stadiums in early time of People's Republic of China.

Which sports center started in 1952?

Wutaishan Sports Center

How many major sports centers are located in Nanjing?

two

What type of sports centers are Wutaishan Sports Center and Nanjing Olympic Sports Center considered to be?

comprehensive sports centers

What is special about Wutaishan Sports Center, from a historical perspective?

it was one of the oldest and most advanced stadiums in early time of People's Republic of China.

Both Wutaishan Sports Center and Nanjing Olympic Sports Center contain a stadium, gymnasium, natatorium, and what other facility?

tennis court


In 2005, in order to host The 10th National Game of People's Republic of China, there was a new stadium, Nanjing Olympic Sports Center, constructed in Nanjing. Compared to Wutaishan Sports Center, which the major stadium's capacity is 18,500, Nanjing Olympic Sports Center has a more advanced stadium which is big enough to seat 60,000 spectators. Its gymnasium has capacity of 13,000, and natatorium of capacity 3,000.

When was the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center built?

Why was the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center built?

in order to host The 10th National Game of People's Republic of China

How many people can Nanjing Olympic Sports Center's stadium hold?

How many people can Nanjing Olympic Sports Center's gymnasium hold?

How many people can Nanjing Olympic Sports Center's natatorium hold?


On 10 February 2010, the 122nd IOC session at Vancouver announced Nanjing as the host city for the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games. The slogan of the 2014 Youth Olympic Games was “Share the Games, Share our Dreams”. The Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games featured all 28 sports on the Olympic programme and were held from 16 to 28 August. The Nanjing Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (NYOGOC) worked together with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to attract the best young athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level. Off the competition fields, an integrated culture and education programme focused on discussions about education, Olympic values, social challenges, and cultural diversity. The YOG aims to spread the Olympic spirit and encourage sports participation.

When was Nanjing announced as the host city for the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games?

10 February 2010

What was the theme for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games?

“Share the Games, Share our Dreams”

How many types of sports were performed in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games?

What type of spirit does the Youth Olympic Games hope to spread?

the Olympic spirit

When was the 2014 Youth Olympic Games?

from 16 to 28 August


Nanjing is one of the most beautiful cities of mainland China with lush green parks, natural scenic lakes, small mountains, historical buildings and monuments, relics and much more, which attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Nanjing is considered one of the most pretty cities in what region?

mainland China

How many tourists does Nanjing receive each year?

thousands

What type of buildings attract tourists to Nanjing?

historical buildings

List three natural attractions of Nanjing.

lush green parks, natural scenic lakes, small mountains


Because it was designated as the national capital, many structures were built around that time. Even today, some of them still remain which are open to tourists.

What was the designation of Nanjing?

the national capital

What happened around the time that Nanjing was designated as the capital?

many structures were built

Are any of the structures that were built at that time still around?

some of them still remain

The structures that still remain are open to whom?

tourists


Nanjing has been the educational centre in southern China for more than 1700 years. There are 75 institutions of higher learning till 2013. The number of National key laboratories, National key disciplines and the academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering all rank third in the nation. It boasts some of the most prominent educational institutions in the region, some of which are listed as follows:

How long has Nanjing been considered the education hub of southern China?

more than 1700 years

How many places of higher learning are in Nanjing?

What is Nanjing's nationwide ranking for National key laboratories?

third

What is Nanjing's nationwide ranking for National key disciplines?

third

What type of educational institutions are in the area, that Nanjing can brag about?

some of the most prominent


The Arena Football League (AFL) is the highest level of professional indoor American football in the United States. It was founded in 1987 by Jim Foster, making it the third longest-running professional football league in North America, after the Canadian Football League and the National Football League. It is played indoors on a 68-yard field (about half the distance of an NFL field), resulting in a faster-paced and higher-scoring game. The sport was invented in the early 1980s and patented by Foster, a former executive of the United States Football League and the National Football League.

Who was the founder of the Arena Football League?

Jim Foster

What was the inaugural year of the AFL?

Where does the Arena Football League rank amongst professional football leagues in North America by longevity?

third

In yards, how large is an arena football field?

What fraction of the size of an NFL football field is an arena football field?

half


For its 2015 season, the league consisted of 12 teams, all from the United States; however, upon the completion of the regular season, the league announced that the two teams it had assumed operation of during the season would cease all operations effective immediately; a regular season game slated between the two had previously been canceled and declared a tie. Subsequently, one of the remaining teams, the Spokane Shock, severed its ties with the league to join the competing IFL. The AFL is divided into two conferences  –  the American Conference and National Conference. Starting 2016, each conference will have only four teams as the champion San Jose SaberCats announced in November 2015 that they were ceasing activity for "reasons not associated with League operations."

How many teams played in the Arena Football League in the 2015 season?

What team left the AFL after the 2015 season to join another league?

Spokane Shock

What league did the Spokane Shock join after the 2015 season?

IFL

Along with the American Conference, what is the other conference in the AFL?

National Conference

As of 2016, how many teams does each conference have?

four


The 2016 regular season consists of an 18-week schedule during which each team plays 16 games and two bye weeks. Each team plays two or three games against the teams within its own conference, and two games (home/road) against each team interconference-wise. The 2015 season started during the last week of March and ran weekly into late August. At the end of the regular season, all teams from each conference (the conference winner and three wild card teams) play in the AFL playoffs, an eight-team single-elimination tournament that culminates with the championship game, known as the ArenaBowl. From 1987 to 2004, 2010 and 2011 and again starting in 2014, the game was played at the site of the higher seeded team. From 2005 to 2008, the games were at neutral sites, Las Vegas and New Orleans. In 2012, the league championship returned to a neutral site and ArenaBowl XXV was held at the New Orleans Arena; ArenaBowl XXVI was held in Orlando. The 2016 season will begin April 1, 2016.

As of 2016, how many regular season games does an AFL team play?

How long is the AFL regular season?

In what month did the 2015 AFL season begin?

March

What month did the 2015 AFL season end?

August

What is the name of the AFL championship game?

ArenaBowl


From 2000 to 2009, the AFL had its own developmental league, the af2. The AFL played 22 seasons from 1987 to 2008; internal issues caused the league to cancel its 2009 season, though the af2 did play. Later that year both the AFL and af2 were dissolved and reorganized as a new corporation comprising teams from both leagues, and the AFL returned in 2010. The Arena Football League has its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

What was the name of the AFL development league?

When did the AFL development league begin?

When was the first AFL season played?

What Arena Football League season was cancelled?

In what city and state is the Arena Football League based?

Chicago, Illinois


Jim Foster, a promotions manager with the National Football League, conceived of indoor football while watching an indoor soccer match at Madison Square Garden in 1981. While at the game, he wrote his idea on a 9x12 envelope, with sketches of the field and notes on gameplay. He presented the idea to a few friends at the NFL offices, where he received praise and encouragement for his concept. After solidifying the rules and a business plan, and supplemented with sketches by a professional artist, Foster presented his idea to various television networks. He reached an agreement with NBC for a "test game".

Who was Jim Foster's employer prior to his founding the Arena Football League?

the National Football League

What was Jim Foster viewing when he came up with the idea for arena football?

an indoor soccer match

Where was Jim Foster when he came up with the idea for arena football?

Madison Square Garden

In what year did Jim Foster conceive of the idea of arena football?

What television network agreed to broadcast an arena football test game?

NBC


Plans for arena football were put on hold in 1982 as the United States Football League was launched. Foster left the NFL to accept a position in the USFL. He eventually became executive vice-president with the Chicago Blitz, where he returned to his concept of arena football. In 1983, he began organizing the test game in his spare time from his job with the Blitz. By 1985, the USFL had ceased football operations and he began devoting all his time to arena football, and on April 27, 1986, his concept was realized when the test game was played.

What football league began in 1982?

the United States Football League

What team in the USFL did Jim Foster work for?

Chicago Blitz

When did the USFL shut down?

On what date was the arena football test game played?

April 27, 1986

What was Foster's job title with the Chicago Blitz?

executive vice-president


The test game was played in Rockford, Illinois, at the Rockford MetroCentre. Sponsors were secured, and players and coaches from local colleges were recruited to volunteer to play for the teams, the Chicago Politicians and Rockford Metros, with the guarantee of a tryout should the league take off. Interest was high enough following the initial test game that Foster decided to put on a second, "showcase", game. The second game was held on February 26, 1987 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago with a budget of $20,000, up from $4,000 in the test game. Foster also invited ESPN to send a film crew to the game; a highlights package aired on SportsCenter.

In what city and state did the arena football test game take place?

Rockford, Illinois

At what venue did the test game occur?

Rockford MetroCentre

Along with the Rockford Metros, what was the name of the other team that played in the test game?

Chicago Politicians

On what date did the second test game take place?

February 26, 1987

The second test game was played in what arena?

Rosemont Horizon


Following the successes of his trial-run games, Foster moved ahead with his idea for arena football. He founded the Arena Football League with four teams: the Pittsburgh Gladiators, Denver Dynamite, Washington Commandos, and Chicago Bruisers. Foster appointed legendary Darrel "Mouse" Davis, godfather of the "run and shoot" and modern pro offenses, as executive director of football operations. Davis hired the original coaches and was the architect of the league's original wide-open offensive playbooks.

How many teams did the Arena Football League originally have?

four

Along with the Chicago Bruisers, Denver Dynamite and Pittsburgh Gladiators, what team was one of the original AFL teams?

Washington Commandos

What was the title of Darrell Davis in the AFL?

executive director of football operations

What was Darrell Davis' nickname?

Mouse

Who was responsible for hiring the first coaches of the AFL teams?

Davis


The first game in Arena Football League history was played on June 19, 1987, between the Gladiators and Commandos at Pittsburgh Civic Arena in front of 12,117 fans. The game was deliberately not televised so that it could be analyzed and any follies and failures would not be subject to national public scrutiny. Following the inaugural game, tweaks and adjustments were made, and the first season continued. The Dynamite and Bruisers played in the first-ever televised AFL game the next night, on June 20, 1987, at the Rosemont Horizon in suburban Chicago on ESPN with Bob Rathbun and Lee Corso calling the play. The broadcast showed a short clip of the Commandos-Gladiators game. Each team played six games, two against each other team. The top two teams, Denver and Pittsburgh, then competed in the first-ever AFL championship game, ArenaBowl I.

On what date was the inaugural game of the AFL played?

June 19, 1987

Along with the Commandos, who played in the first Arena Football League game?

Gladiators

How many spectators watched the first Arena Football League game?

On what date was the first AFL game that aired on television?

June 20, 1987

At what venue did the first televised Arena Football League game occur?

the Rosemont Horizon


On September 30, 1987, Foster filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to patent his invented sport. The patent application covered the rules of the game, specifically detailing the goalposts and rebound netting and their impact on gameplay. Foster's application was granted on March 27, 1990. The patent expired on September 30, 2007.

On what date did Foster apply for a patent on arena football?

September 30, 1987

When did the United States Patent and Trademark Office grant Foster's patent?

March 27, 1990

On what date was the expiration of Foster's patent?

September 30, 2007

With whom did Foster file his patent?

the United States Patent and Trademark Office


From the 1987 season until the late 1990s, the most exposure the league would receive was on ESPN, which aired tape-delayed games, often well after midnight, and often edited to match the alloted time slot. The league received its first taste of wide exposure in 1998, when Arena Bowl XII was televised nationally as part of ABC's old Wide World of Sports.

In 1987, what television station sometimes showed arena football games?

ESPN

In the early years of arena football, after what hour were games often aired?

midnight

What AFL game was broadcast on ABC?

Arena Bowl XII

In what year did ABC broadcast an Arena Football League game?

On what ABC program was an AFL game shown?

Wide World of Sports


On Saturday, July 23, 1989, much of America learned of the AFL for an unintended reason, when the Pittsburgh Gladiators' head coach, Joe Haering, made football history by punching commissioner Jim Foster during a game with the Chicago Bruisers. The national media ran with the story, including a photo in USA Today. The game was played between the two teams in Sacramento's Arco Arena, as part of the AFL's 'Barnstorming America' tour. Foster had walked onto the field of play to mediate an altercation between the two teams when Haering, a former NFL assistant, punched him in the jaw. Haering was suspended without pay.

Who was the coach of the Pittsburgh Gladiators in 1989?

Joe Haering

What day of the week was July 23, 1989?

Saturday

Who was the commissioner of the AFL in 1989?

Jim Foster

What paper featured a photograph of the head coach of the Gladiators punching the commissioner of the AFL?

USA Today

In what arena were the Gladiators playing the Bruisers on July 23, 1989?

Arco Arena


One of the league's early success stories was the Detroit Drive. A primary team for some of the AFL's most highly regarded players, including George LaFrance and Gary and Alvin Rettig, as well as being a second career chance for quarterback Art Schlichter, the Drive regularly played before sold out crowds at Joe Louis Arena, and went to the ArenaBowl every year of their existence (1988–1993). The AFL's first dynasty came to an end when their owner, Mike Ilitch (who also owned Little Caesars Pizza and the Detroit Red Wings) bought the Detroit Tigers baseball team and sold the AFL team.

What team did Art Schlichter play for?

Detroit Drive

Where did the Detroit Drive play their home games?

Joe Louis Arena

In what year did the Drive go to their first Arena Bowl?

Who owned the Detroit Drive in this period?

Mike Ilitch

What team did the owner of the Detroit Drive buy that led him to sell the Drive?

Detroit Tigers


Although the Drive moved to Massachusetts for the 1994 season, the AFL had a number of other teams which it considered "dynasties", including the Tampa Bay Storm (the only team that has existed in some form for all twenty-eight contested seasons), their arch-rival the Orlando Predators, the now-defunct San Jose SaberCats of the present decade, and their rivals the Arizona Rattlers.

Where did the Drive franchise relocate to?

Massachusetts

Before what season did the Drive move to a different state?

What is the name of the AFL team based in Tampa Bay?

Storm

What team is cited as a rival of the Tampa Bay franchise?

Orlando Predators

What team was the rival of the Arizona Rattlers?

San Jose SaberCats


In 1993, the league staged its first All-Star Game in Des Moines, Iowa, the future home of the long-running Iowa Barnstormers, as a fundraiser for flood victims in the area. The National Conference defeated the American Conference 64–40 in front of a crowd of 7,189. The second Allstar game was in Oct. 2013, with two games, the first in Honolulu, Hawai'i, the second being in Beijing, China.

What notable event in the AFL first occurred in 1993?

first All-Star Game

In what city and state did the 1993 All-Star Game occur?

Des Moines, Iowa

What AFL team would be based in Des Moines?

Iowa Barnstormers

What conference lost the first All-Star Game?

American Conference

How many points did the National Conference score in the first All-Star Game?


While some teams have enjoyed considerable on-field and even financial success, many teams in the history of the league have enjoyed little success either on or off of the field of play. There are a number of franchises which existed in the form of a number of largely-unrelated teams under numerous management groups until they folded (an example is the New York CityHawks whose owners transferred the team from New York to Hartford to become the New England Sea Wolves after two seasons, then after another two seasons were sold and became the Toronto Phantoms, who lasted another two seasons until folding). There are a number of reasons why these teams failed, including financially weak ownership groups, lack of deep financial support from some owners otherwise capable of providing it, lack of media exposure, and the host city's evident lack of interest in its team or the sport as a whole.

What team did the New York CityHawks become after moving to Hartford?

New England Sea Wolves

What city did the Sea Wolves move to?

Toronto

How many seasons were the CityHawks in New York?

two

How long did the Sea Wolves stay in Hartford?

two seasons

How many seasons did the Toronto Phantoms last?

two


The year 2000 brought heightened interest in the AFL. Then-St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner, who was MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV, was first noticed because he played quarterback for the AFL's Iowa Barnstormers. While many sports commentators and fans continued to ridicule the league, Warner's story gave the league positive exposure, and it brought the league a new television deal with TNN, which, unlike ESPN, televised regular season games live. While it was not financially lucrative, it helped set the stage for what the league would become in the new millennium. Also, the year also brought a spin-off league, the AF2, intended to be a developmental league, comparable to the National Football League's NFL Europe. There was a lot of expansion in the 2000s. Expansion teams included the Austin Wranglers, Carolina Cobras, Los Angeles Avengers, Chicago Rush, Detroit Fury, Dallas Desperados, Colorado Crush, New Orleans VooDoo, Philadelphia Soul, Nashville Kats, Kansas City Brigade, New York Dragons and Utah Blaze. Some of these teams, including the Crush, Desperados, Kats, and VooDoo, were owned by the same group which owned the NFL teams in their host cities. The NFL purchased, but never exercised, an option to buy a major interest the AFL. Of all of these teams, only the Soul still compete in the AFL as of now.

What AFL team did Kurt Warner play for?

Iowa Barnstormers

Kurt Warner was the Most Valuable Player in what Super Bowl?

Super Bowl XXXIV

What NFL team did Kurt Warner play for?

St. Louis Rams

What television network did the AFL sign a deal with in 2000?

TNN

What was the name of the AFL team based in New Orleans?

VooDoo


In 2003, the season expanded to 16 games. There were also several rule changes in this period. In 2005, players were no longer allowed to run out of bounds. The only way for a player to go out of bounds presently is if he is tackled into or deliberately contacts the side boards. This was also the first year the ArenaBowl was played at a neutral site. In 2007, free substitution was allowed, ending the "iron man" era of one-platoon football. And in 2008, the "jack" linebacker was allowed to go sideboard to sideboard without being penalized for "illegal defense".

How many games made up the AFL season in 2003?

In what year did the rules first forbid players running out of bounds?

In what year was the ArenaBowl first played at a neutral location?

What year introduced the free substitution rule?

What year saw a rules change that had an impact on the role of the "jack" linebacker?


After 12 years as commissioner of the AFL, David Baker retired unexpectedly on July 25, 2008, just two days before ArenaBowl XXII; deputy commissioner Ed Policy was named interim commissioner until Baker's replacement was found. Baker explained, "When I took over as commissioner, I thought it would be for one year. It turned into 12. But now it's time."

Who was the commissioner of the Arena Football League for the first half of 2008?

David Baker

For how many years did David Baker serve as commissioner of the AFL?

On what date did Baker step down as commissioner of the AFL?

July 25, 2008

What Arena Football League event occurred two days after Baker's resignation?

ArenaBowl XXII

Who temporarily served in the commissioner's post after Baker's departure?

Ed Policy


In October 2008, Tom Benson announced that the New Orleans VooDoo were ceasing operations and folding "based on circumstances currently affecting the league and the team". Shortly thereafter, an article in Sports Business Journal announced that the AFL had a tentative agreement to sell a $100 million stake in the league to Platinum Equity; in exchange, Platinum Equity would create a centralized, single-entity business model that would streamline league and team operations and allow the league to be more profitable. Benson's move to shut down the VooDoo came during the Platinum Equity conference call, leading to speculation that he had folded because of the deal.

What team shut down in October 2008?

New Orleans VooDoo

Who made the announcement that the VooDoo were shutting down?

Tom Benson

What business wanted to buy a stake in the AFL?

Platinum Equity

How large a stake did Platinum Equity want to buy in the AFL?

$100 million

What publication announced the Platinum Equity business deal?

Sports Business Journal


Because of the sudden loss of the New Orleans franchise, the league announced in October that the beginning of the free agency period would be delayed in order to accommodate a dispersal draft. Dates were eventually announced as December 2 for the dispersal draft and December 4 for free agency, but shortly before the draft the league issued a press release announcing the draft had been postponed one day to December 3. Shortly thereafter, another press release announced that the draft would be held on December 9 and free agency would commence on December 11. However, the draft still never took place, and instead another press release was issued stating that both the draft and free agency had been postponed indefinitely. Rumors began circulating that the league was in trouble and on the verge of folding, but owners denied those claims. It was soon revealed the players' union had agreed to cut the salary cap for the 2009 season to prevent a total cessation of operations. However, the announced Platinum Equity investment never materialized.

On what date was the dispersal draft first scheduled to occur?

December 2

To what date was the dispersal draft first delayed?

December 3

After the second delay, when was the dispersal draft schedule to occur?

December 9

When was free agency first scheduled to begin?

December 4

When was free agency scheduled to begin after the delay?

December 11


Although the Arenafootball2 league played its tenth season in 2009, a conference call in December 2008 resulted in enough votes from owners and cooperation from the AFLPA for the AFL to suspend the entire 2009 season in order to create "a long-term plan to improve its economic model". In doing so, the AFL became the second sports league to cancel an entire season, after the National Hockey League cancelled the 2004-05 season because of a lockout. The AFL also became the third sports league to lose its postseason (the first being Major League Baseball, which lost its postseason in 1994 because of a strike). Efforts to reformat the league's business model were placed under the leadership of Columbus Destroyers owner Jim Renacci and interim commissioner Policy.

What numbered season did Arenafootball2 in 2009?

tenth

In what month and year was it decided to suspend the 2009 Arena Football League season?

December 2008

What National Hockey League season was cancelled?

What led the National Hockey League to cancel the 2004-2005 season?

a lockout

Who owned the Columbus Destroyers in 2008?

Jim Renacci


High hopes for the AFL waned when interim commissioner Ed Policy announced his resignation, citing the obsolescence of his position in the reformatted league. Two weeks later, the Los Angeles Avengers announced that they were formally folding the franchise. One month later, the league missed the deadline to formally ratify the new collective bargaining agreement and announced that it was eliminating health insurance for the players. Progress on the return stalled, and no announcements were made regarding the future of the league.

What was the job title of Ed Policy?

interim commissioner

After Ed Policy resigned, what franchise closed?

Los Angeles Avengers

How many weeks after Policy's resignation did the Avengers fold?

Two

How long after the shuttering of the Avengers did the league fail to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement?

One month

What reason did Policy give for his resignation?

the obsolescence of his position in the reformatted league


On July 20, 2009, Sports Business Journal reported that the AFL owed approximately $14 million to its creditors and were considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In early August 2009, numerous media outlets began reporting that the AFL was folding permanently and would file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The league released a statement on August 4 to the effect that while the league was not folding, it was suspending league operations indefinitely. Despite this, several of the league's creditors filed papers to force a Chapter 7 liquidation if the league did not do so voluntarily. This request was granted on August 7, though converted to a Chapter 11 reorganization on August 26.

On what date was it reported that the AFL was considering bankruptcy?

July 20, 2009

What publication reported that the Arena Football League was thinking about filing bankruptcy?

Sports Business Journal

How much debt was the AFL reported to have as of July 20, 2009?

$14 million

What type of bankruptcy was the league reportedly thinking about filing in July 2009?

Chapter 11

On what date did the AFL announce that it was not shutting down?

August 4


Following the suspension of the AFL's 2009 season, league officials and owners of af2 (which had played its season as scheduled) began discussing the future of arena football and the two leagues. With its 50.1 percent ownership of af2, the AFL's bankruptcy and dissolution prompted the dissolution of af2 as well. That league was formally considered disbanded on September 8, 2009, when no owner committed his or her team to the league's eleventh season by that deadline. For legal reasons, af2 league officials and owners agreed to form a new legal entity, Arena Football 1 (AF1), with former AFL teams the Arizona Rattlers and Orlando Predators joining the former af2.

What percent of af2 was owned by the AFL?

On what date was af2 regarded as disbanded?

September 8, 2009

What legal entity was created by af2 league owners?

Arena Football 1

Along with the Orlando Predators, what former Arena Football League team joined af2?

Arizona Rattlers

What Arena Football League season was suspended?


All assets of the Arena Football League were put up for auction. On November 11, 2009, the new league announced its intention to purchase the entire assets of the former AFL; the assets included the team names and logos of all but one of the former AFL and af2 teams. The lone exception was that of the Dallas Desperados; Desperados owner Jerry Jones had purposely designed the Desperados' properties around those of the Dallas Cowboys, making the two inseparable. The auction occurred on November 25, 2009. The assets were awarded to Arena Football 1 on December 7, 2009, with a winning bid of $6.1 million.

Who owned the Dallas Desperados?

Jerry Jones

When was an auction announced for the Arena Football League's assets?

November 11, 2009

When did the auction for the Arena Football League's assets take place?

November 25, 2009

Who won the auction for the AFL's assets?

Arena Football 1

What was the purchase price for the Arena Football League's assets?

$6.1 million


On February 17, 2010, AF1 announced it would use the "Arena Football League" name. The league announced plans for the upcoming season and details of its contract with NFL Network to broadcast AFL games in 2010. AF1 teams were given the option of restoring historical names to their teams. In addition to the historical teams, the league added two new expansion franchises, the Dallas Vigilantes and the Jacksonville Sharks.

On what date did AF1 announce that it would be called the Arena Football League?

February 17, 2010

What television network was contracted to show Arena Football League games in 2010?

NFL Network

How many expansion teams were announced in 2010?

two

Along with the Dallas Vigilantes, what expansion team was announced in 2010?

Jacksonville Sharks


For the 2011 season, the Philadelphia Soul, Kansas City Brigade, San Jose SaberCats, New Orleans VooDoo, and the Georgia Force returned to the AFL after having last played in 2008. However, the Grand Rapids Rampage, Colorado Crush, Columbus Destroyers, Los Angeles Avengers, and the New York Dragons did not return. The league added one expansion team, the Pittsburgh Power. Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann was one of the team's owners. It was the first time the AFL returned to Pittsburgh since the Pittsburgh Gladiators were an original franchise in 1987 before becoming the Tampa Bay Storm. The Brigade changed its name to the Command, becoming the Kansas City Command. Even though they were returning teams, the Bossier–Shreveport Battle Wings moved to New Orleans as the Voodoo, the identity formerly owned by New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson. The Alabama Vipers moved to Duluth, Georgia to become the new Georgia Force (the earlier franchise of that name being a continuation of the first Nashville Kats franchise). On October 25, 2010 the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz did not return. The Milwaukee Iron also changed names to the Milwaukee Mustangs, the name of Milwaukee's original AFL team that had existed from 1994 to 2001.

Along with the New Orleans VooDoo, Kansas City Brigade, Philadelphia Soul and Georgia Force, what former team returned for the 2011 season?

San Jose SaberCats

Along with the Grand Rapids Rampage, Colorado Crush, Columbus Destroyers and Los Angeles Avengers, what team did not return for the 2011 season?

New York Dragons

What expansion team joined the league in 2011?

Pittsburgh Power

For what NFL team did Lynn Swann play?

Pittsburgh Steelers

What was the former name of the Tampa Bay Storm?

Pittsburgh Gladiators


In 2012, the AFL celebrated its silver anniversary for its 25th season of operations. The season kicked off on March 9, 2012. The Tulsa Talons moved to San Antonio, Texas and Jeffrey Vinik became owner of the Tampa Bay Storm. The Dallas Vigilantes were left off the schedule for the 2012 season with no announcement from the management, raising speculations that either the team had suspended operations for the season or was ceasing operations altogether. (Apparently the latter was the case as the organization did not field a team for the 2013 season or any subsequent one either.) Like the National Football League, the AFL postponed the free agency period to October 31 due to Hurricane Sandy.

What anniversary did the Arena Football League celebrate in 2012?

What was the first day of the 2015 AFL season?

March 9, 2012

To what city did the Tulsa Talons relocate?

San Antonio

Who bought the Tampa Bay Storm in 2012?

Jeffrey Vinik

What event resulted in the postponement of the AFL free agency period?

Hurricane Sandy


It was announced on December 12, 2012, that the AFL reached a partnership agreement with NET10 Wireless to be the first non-motorsports-related professional sports league in the United States to have a title sponsor, renaming it the NET10 Wireless Arena Football League. The redesigned website showed the new logo which incorporated the current AFL logo with the one from NET10 Wireless. The title sponsorship agreement ended in 2014 after a two-year partnership.

On what date did the AFL announce its title sponsorship deal?

December 12, 2012

What business was the title sponsor of the AFL?

NET10 Wireless

What was the league renamed after the title sponsorship deal?

NET10 Wireless Arena Football League

When did the AFL title sponsorship deal come to an end?

How many years did the AFL title sponsorship deal last?

two


In 2013, the league expanded with the addition of two new franchises to play in 2014, the Los Angeles Kiss (owned by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the legendary rock band Kiss) and the Portland Thunder.

What was the name of the Los Angeles-based team added in 2013?

Kiss

Along with Paul Stanley, who owned the Los Angeles Kiss?

Gene Simmons

Other than the Los Angeles Kiss, what expansion team entered in the league in 2013?

Portland Thunder

Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are members of what musical group?

Kiss


In 2014, the league announced the granting of a new franchise to former Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil, previously part-owner of the Jacksonville Sharks. That franchise, the Las Vegas Outlaws, were originally to play in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in 2015, but instead played their home games at the Thomas & Mack Center, previous home to the Las Vegas Sting and Las Vegas Gladiators. After 20 years as a familiar name to the league, an AFL mainstay, the Iowa Barnstormers, departed the league to join the Indoor Football League. The San Antonio Talons folded on October 13, 2014, after the league (which owned the team) failed to find a new owner. On November 16, 2014, despite a successful season record-wise, the Pittsburgh Power became the second team to cease operations after the 2014 season. This resulted from poor attendance. It was later announced by the league that the Power would go dormant for 2015 and were looking for new ownership.

What band was Vince Neil a part of?

Mötley Crüe

What was the name of the Las Vegas team owned by Vince Neil?

Outlaws

What was the original intended home field of the Las Vegas Outlaws?

MGM Grand Garden Arena

Where did the Outlaws play their home games?

the Thomas & Mack Center

Along with the Las Vegas Gladiators, what prior AFL team played its home games at the Thomas & Mack Center?

Las Vegas Sting


Jerry Kurz also stepped down as commissioner of the AFL as he was promoted to be the AFL's first president. Former Foxwoods CEO Scott Butera was hired as his successor as commissioner.

Who was the first president of the AFL?

Jerry Kurz

What was Jerry Kurz's job title prior to being president of the AFL?

commissioner

Who became commissioner of the AFL after Jerry Kurz?

Scott Butera

Where did Scott Butera work prior to becoming AFL commissioner?

Foxwoods

What was Scott Butera's job title prior to becoming AFL commissioner?

CEO


On August 9, 2015, ESPN reported that the New Orleans VooDoo and Las Vegas Outlaws had ceased operations, effective immediately, a claim which was subsequently validated on the AFL website. On September 1, 2015, the Spokane Shock officially left the AFL and joined the IFL under the new name Spokane Empire, becoming the fifth active AFL/af2 franchise to leave for the IFL since bankruptcy (Iowa Barnstormers, Tri-Cities Fever, Green Bay Blizzard and Arkansas Twisters—now the Texas Revolution—left previously).

On what date was it reported that the Las Vegas Outlaws were shutting down?

August 9, 2015

Who first reported the closure of the New Orleans VooDoo?

ESPN

On what date did the Spokane Shock leave the AFL?

September 1, 2015

What rival league did the Spokane Shock join?

IFL

What was the name of the Spokane Shock after they joined the IFL?

Spokane Empire


Rumors began swirling with regards to bringing the AFL back to Austin and San Antonio, Texas. Both cities have hosted franchises in the past (Austin Wranglers, San Antonio Force and San Antonio Talons), but an AFL spokesman, BJ Pickard, was quoted as saying, "News to me." Announcements have yet to be made on any sort of expansion plans. An expected "big announcement" on Friday, October 30 at a San Antonio Spurs game never came to fruition.

What day of the week was October 30, 2015?

Friday

At what team's game was an announcement by the AFL supposed to happen on October 30?

San Antonio Spurs

Who worked as an AFL spokesman during this period?

BJ Pickard

What prior AFL franchise was based in Austin?

Austin Wranglers

Along with the San Antonio Talons, what AFL franchise did San Antonio host at one time?

San Antonio Force


On November 12, the league announced the defending champion San Jose SaberCats would be ceasing operations due to "reasons unrelated to League operations". A statement from the league indicated that the AFL is working to secure new, long-term owners for the franchise. This leaves the AFL with eight teams for 2016.

Who were the defending champions of the Arena Football League?

San Jose SaberCats

When was it announced that the SaberCats would be shutting down?

November 12

What was the reason given for the closing of the SaberCats?

reasons unrelated to League operations

How many AFL teams are operating as of 2016?

eight


On January 6, 2016, the league took over "ownership and operational control" of the Portland Thunder from its previous owners. The AFL stated this move was made after months of trying work out an arrangement "to provide financial and operational support." On February 3, 2016, it was announced that the franchise will start from scratch and no longer be called the "Thunder" as the name and trademarks belong to former franchise owner Terry Emmert (similar to the Jerry Jones move with the Desperados). AFL commissioner Scott Butera announced that a new identity will be announced at a later date.

On what date did the AFL take control of one of its teams?

January 6, 2016

What team did the league take control of?

Portland Thunder

Who owned the trademark to the Portland Thunder?

Terry Emmert

Who owned the Desperados trademarks?

Jerry Jones

Who is commissioner of the Arena Football League?

Scott Butera


The league's 2016 schedule, announced on the league's website on December 10, 2015, shows an eight-team league playing a 16-game regular season over 18 weeks, with two bye weeks for each team, one on a rotational basis and the other a "universal bye" for all teams during the Independence Day weekend, the first weekend in July. All teams will qualify for the postseason, meaning that the regular season will serve only to establish seeding.

On what date did the league announce its schedule for 2016?

December 10, 2015

How many teams are active in the AFL for 2016?

eight

How many regular season games will each team play in 2016?

How many weeks will the 2016 regular season last?

On the weekend of what holiday will all teams have a bye?

Independence Day