Xiaguan District is located in the northwest part of Nanjing and along the bank of the Yangtze River, with 12km riverbank line and a total area of 31 km2. It has always been called the northern gate of Jinling. Under the jurisdiction of the District are 6 subdistricts, 76 community neighborhood communities and 1 administrative village, with a total population of 370,000.

Within the District, there are Nanjing Port¡ªthe largest inland river port in the country, Nanjing Western Railway Station, Nanjing General Coach Station and Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, 5 km Wall of Ming dynasty. Lying along the wall and river, by the city side, Xiaguan District presents a unique view and beautiful scene with harmonious blending of mountains, water, town and woods.

Many historic sites are found here and tourism resources are abundant, such as Memorial Monument and Memorial Hall to the Victory of the Yangtze-Crossing Campaign, Exhibition Hall of Historical Materials about the "Nanjing Treaty" in Jinghai Temple, and Jiangnan Naval College. The lofty and spectacular Yuejiang Tower on the Lion Mountain echoes such three famous buildings as Yellow Crane Pavilion, Yueyang Tower and Tengwang Tower at far distances, each displaying its distinguish splendor.

There are 14 provincial and municipal level cultural relic retention units, a dozen scientific research institutes and 59 middle and elementary schools in the District.
At present, there are more than 60 specialized markets with their own features. The frame of roads and the anti-flood system for the modern riverside urban area are basically taking shape.