Geography and climate
Nanjing, with a total land area of 6,598 square kilometers (2,547.5 sq mi), is situated in one of the largest economic zones of China, the Yangtze River Delta, which is part of the downstream Yangtze River drainage basin. Yangtze River flows past the west side of Nanjing City, while the Ningzheng Ridge surrounds the north, east and south side of the city. The city is 300 kilometers (186 mi) west to Shanghai, 1,200 kilometers (746 mi) south to Beijing, and 1,400 kilometers (870 mi) east to Chongqing.
Nanjing has a temperate climate, and is under the influence of East Asia Monsoon. Seasons are distinct in Nanjing, with usually hot summers and plenty of rain-fall throughout the year. Along with Wuhan and Chongqing, Nanjing is often referred to as one of the "Three Furnacelike Cities" along the Yangtze River due to the historically high temperature in 
summer. The average temperature during the year is 15.7 °C (60 °F), with the highest recorded temperature being 43 °C (109 °F) (July 13, 1934) and the lowest -16.9 °C (2 °F) (Jan 6, 1955). On average it rains 117 days out of a year and the average annual rain-fall is 1,106.5 millimetres (43.6 in). From mid-June to end of July is the plum blossom Meiyu season, during which the city experiences a period of mild rain as well as dampness. According to the city governments website, the best seasons of Nanjing in a year are from September to December.
Nanjing is endowed with rich natural resources, which include more than 40 kinds of minerals. Among them, iron and sulfur reserves take 40% 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.
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 center of the city and 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 its captial to Nanjing after Liu Beis suggestion as Liu Bei was impressed by Nanjings irreplaceable geographic position when negotiating an alliance with Sun Quan. Sun Quan then renamed the city from Moling (秣陵) to Jianye (建邺) shortly after.
