Nanking, the capital of Kiang-nan, situated within three miles of the Yang-tse-kiang river, and about 600 miles distant from both Peking and Canton, was formerly the metropolis of the empire. The city forms background of this image. Its walls are high, about twenty miles in circuit. Outside the gate is a river, with bridges and boats on it. In the foreground is a rank of Chinese figures, including monks.