Nanjing, China

Nanjing Travel Guide

Welcome to Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province in eastern China! This historic city is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant modern atmosphere. As a tourist, you’ll find plenty of exciting places to visit, delicious food to eat, and comfortable accommodations to rest your head. Here’s our comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your trip to Nanjing.

Places to Visit

1. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

  • Address: No. 18, Xiaoling Road, Qixia District
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (April to October), 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (November to March)
  • Admission Fee: ¥20

As the tomb of Zhu Di, the first Ming dynasty emperor, this mausoleum is an impressive example of Chinese architecture and engineering. Explore the grand halls, scenic gardens, and tranquil lakes within the complex.

2. Confucius Temple

  • Address: No. 99, Qingyuan Road, Baixia District
  • Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April to October), 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (November to March)
  • Admission Fee: ¥30

Step into this serene temple complex dedicated to the great Confucius. Discover ancient artifacts, admire intricate carvings, and learn about Chinese philosophy.

3. Nanjing Museum

  • Address: No. 192, Changjiang Road, Baixia District
  • Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (April to October), 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (November to March)
  • Admission Fee: ¥20

As one of the largest museums in China, this institution houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from ancient times to modern days. Explore exhibits on history, science, and culture.

4. Xuan Wu Lake

  • Address: No. 11, Nanjing Road, Jianye District
  • Opening Hours: 24/7 (free admission)

Take a leisurely stroll along the shores of this picturesque lake, enjoy boat rides, or rent bicycles to explore the surrounding park. Perfect for relaxation and people-watching.

5. Zhongshan Botanical Garden

  • Address: No. 1, Taiping Road, Xuanwu District
  • Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (April to October), 10:00 am - 3:30 pm (November to March)
  • Admission Fee: ¥20

Marvel at the stunning collection of plants and flowers from around the world within this beautifully designed botanical garden.

6. Nanjing City Wall

  • Address: No. 2, Guangzheng Road, Baixia District
  • Opening Hours: 24/7 (free admission)

Walk along the remains of the ancient city wall, which dates back to the Ming dynasty. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape.

7. Jiming Temple

  • Address: No. 1, Xixia Road, Baixia District
  • Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April to October), 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (November to March)
  • Admission Fee: ¥20

Admire the serene atmosphere and beautiful gardens of this ancient temple complex.

8. Nanjing Ocean World

  • Address: No. 3, Heping Road, Baixia District
  • Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (April to October), 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm (November to March)
  • Admission Fee: ¥120

Get up close and personal with marine life at this popular aquarium.

9. Purple Mountain Observatory

  • Address: No. 1, Jiashan Road, Xuanwu District
  • Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (April to October), 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm (November to March)
  • Admission Fee: ¥50

Visit this historic observatory and learn about China’s astronomy history.

Activities

1. Take a boat ride on Xuan Wu Lake or Jiming Lake

Relax and enjoy the scenic views of these beautiful lakes while taking a leisurely boat ride.

2. Rent a bike and explore the city

Discover hidden gems and experience the local culture by renting a bike and exploring the city’s many parks, gardens, and attractions.

3. Visit the vibrant night markets

Experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of Nanjing’s bustling night markets, where you can find everything from street food to souvenirs.

4. Take a day trip to nearby scenic spots

Visit nearby attractions such as the ancient town of Qixia, the scenic Mount Qishan, or the beautiful Wuxi Lake.

Where to Eat

1. Traditional Nanjing cuisine

Try authentic local dishes like braised pork belly, Dongji meatballs, and steamed buns at restaurants like:

  • Fuling Jiabin Restaurant (No. 12, Shangzhong Road, Baixia District)
  • Minghao Restaurant (No. 10, Guangzheng Road, Baixia District)

2. Modern Chinese cuisine

Indulge in contemporary Chinese dishes at upscale restaurants like:

  • Minguo Restaurant (No. 88, Changjiang Road, Baixia District)
  • Xiaolongbao Restaurant (No. 3, Heping Road, Baixia District)

3. Street food and night markets

Explore the many street vendors and night markets offering a wide range of snacks, drinks, and local specialties.

Where to Stay

1. Luxury hotels

Treat yourself to comfort and elegance at:

  • Grand Hotel Nanjing (No. 353, North Zhongshan Road, Baixia District)
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing (No. 138, Shangzhong Road, Baixia District)

2. Mid-range hotels

Stay in the heart of the city at:

  • Hotel Indigo Nanjing (No. 33, Taiping Road, Xuanwu District)
  • Courtyard by Marriott Nanjing (No. 88, Changjiang Road, Baixia District)

3. Budget-friendly options

Experience the local culture and hospitality at:

  • Hi-Inn Express Nanjing (No. 11, North Zhongshan Road, Baixia District)
  • ibis Nanjing (No. 10, Guangzheng Road, Baixia District)

Things to Know

1. Language

Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals also speak some English.

2. Currency

The Renminbi (RMB) is the local currency; ¥20-¥50 is sufficient for most small purchases.

3. Weather

Nanjing experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: spring (April to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to October), and winter (November to March).

Transportation

1. Metro

The Nanjing Metro system has six lines covering most areas of the city.

  • Line 1: Jiangdabu - Nanjing Station
  • Line 2: Yuzhuang - Nanjing South Railway Station
  • Line 3: Yuhuamen - Xuanwu Lake North Station
  • Line 4: Longjiang - Gaojiabian
  • Line 10: Jinmaqiao - Tangshan
  • Line S1: Nanjing South Railway Station - Luhe County

2. Bus

Nanjing has an extensive network of buses covering the entire city.

  • Many bus routes have English signs and announcements.

3. Taxi

Taxis are widely available; be sure to use official licensed cabs, and always check the meter before getting in.

Tips

1. Learn some basic Chinese phrases

Show respect for local customs by learning simple phrases like "" (nǐ hǎo) - hello, "" (xiè xiè) - thank you, and "" (zuì hǎo) - goodbye.

2. Be prepared for crowds and long lines

Popular attractions can be very crowded; consider visiting during off-peak hours or seasons.

3. Respect local customs and traditions

Dress modestly when visiting temples or historical sites, and avoid taking photos of people without their permission.

Other Things to Do

Discover a stunning collection of modern Chinese art at the museum’s dedicated art gallery.

2. Attend a traditional opera performance

Experience China’s rich cultural heritage by watching a traditional Peking Opera or Kunqu performance.

3. Explore the vibrant shopping streets

Find unique souvenirs, try local snacks, and experience the city’s nightlife on famous shopping streets like Nanjing Road and Zhongshan Road.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure in Nanjing!