In December 1937, the population of Nanking was estimated at 100,000 to 200,000.
https://www.amazians.com/community/japan/what-happened-in-nanking-december-1937/
The number increased to 250,000 in January 1938.
About 250,000 Chinese residents of Nanking, quartered in a safety zone since before China's capital was captured by the Japanese Dec, 13, were permitted to return to thier homes. They faced a serious food shortage
