Nanjing Travel Guide
Nanjing, located in eastern China along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, is the capital of Jiangsu Province. Known as the “Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties,” Nanjing is a city steeped in history and rich in modern cultural vibrancy.
The Yangtze River, China’s longest river, bisects Nanjing, dividing it into southern and northern sections. The city center, Xin Jie Kou, features a skyline of towering buildings that stand in harmonious contrast with historical sites like the Ming City Wall and the Presidential Palace, creating a vivid link to its storied past. Historical landmarks such as the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum invite reflection on the city’s legacy, while places like Ue Lane and Laomendong preserve the charm of olden days, offering living memories of times gone by.
Strolling along the Qinhuai River, which has nurtured the city’s growth, particularly around the Confucius Temple area, one can still experience the essence of old Nanjing. The cityscape here is a blend of traditional and modern, where elderly locals can be heard speaking the distinct Nanjing dialect, adding to the cultural tapestry of the city. Nanjing’s unique appeal lies in its seamless blend of historical depth and contemporary sophistication, making it a captivating destination for all who visit.
Most Popular Nanjing Attractions
Nanjing Confucius Temple (南京夫子庙, Fuzimiao), established in 1034 AD and expanded from the Eastern Jin Dynasty’s academic palace, stands as a venerable...
The Nanjing Ming City Wall (南京明城墙) is a historical marvel and a testament to China’s rich architectural and military heritage. It holds the distinction...
Nanjing Museum (南京博物院), one of China’s three major museums, has a rich history and a remarkable collection of artifacts that showcase the country’s...
Purple Mountain (紫金山), also known as Zhongshan Mountain (钟山), located in Nanjing, China, is a majestic and renowned landmark that holds immense historical...
Bao’en Temple (大报恩寺, Grand Bao’en Temple), also known as the Temple of Gratitude, stands as one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples...
Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺), known as the Rooster’s Crow Temple in English, is a place of profound historical and cultural significance located in Nanjing,...
The Presidential Palace (总统府) in Nanjing stands as an iconic architectural complex, representing one of the most extensive and well-preserved remnants...
Zhanyuan Garden (瞻园), also known as Zhan Garden, is a historical treasure in Nanjing, China, with a history dating back over 600 years to the Ming Dynasty....
The Imperial Examination Museum (中国科举博物馆) in Nanjing, China, stands as a central hub for the country’s civil service examination system, a focal...
Other Attractions in Nanjing
Nanjing Botanical Garden, as known as Zhongshan Botanical Garden (南京中山植物园), is a breathtaking oasis of natural beauty and a haven for plant enthusiasts....
Jiangsu Center for the Performing Arts (江苏大剧院), as known as Jiangsu Grand Theater, located in the vibrant city of Nanjing, China, is a magnificent cultural...
Dingling Temple (定林寺), situated on Fangshan (方山) in Nanjing, boasts a history spanning over 1500 years, making it a significant site in the Southern Dynasties’...
St. Paul’s Church (圣保罗教堂) in Nanjing, built in 1923, boasts a rich history of over 80 years, making it the first official Christian worship hall...
Zheng He Treasure Ship Park (郑和宝船遗址公园), located in Nanjing, China, is a captivating historical site that pays homage to the legendary Chinese explorer...
Located in Nanjing, China, the John Rabe House (拉贝故居), also known as the John Rabe Memorial Residence (拉贝纪念馆), stands as a powerful testament to the indomitable...
Laoshan National Forest Park (老山国家森林公园), situated in the PuKou District of Nanjing, is a sprawling natural haven bordered by the Yangtze River to the south...
Nanjing Folk Museum (南京民俗博物馆), located within the historic Ganxi Mansion, spans a total area of 14,060 square meters. It serves as a specialized institution...
Gaochun Old Street (高淳老街), situated to the south of Nanjing at the border of Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, is a prominent commercial street in the ancient...
Ganxi Former Residence (甘熙故居), also known as Ganxi Mansion or Gan Family Courtyard (甘家大院), is a historical estate located in Nanjing, China. Its construction...
Chaotian Palace (朝天宫), located in Nanjing, stands as the most prestigious, extensive, and well-preserved architectural complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties....
The Porcelain Tower of Nanjing (南京琉璃塔), also known as the Liuli Pagoda, was a remarkable architectural marvel that once stood as the central structure...
Nanjing, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to numerous natural and architectural wonders, and among them, Mochou Lake (莫愁湖, Worry-Free Lake)...
Niushou Mountain (牛首山, Bull Head Mountain, Mount Niushou), located within the Niushou Mountain Cultural and Tourist Area in Jiangning District, Nanjing,...
The Purple Mountain Observatory, known as 中国科学院紫金山天文台 in Chinese, stands proudly atop the third peak of the Purple Mountain, with an elevation of 250 meters....
Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum - TIcket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights
The Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum (江宁织造博物馆), located in the area of the Nanjing Grand Palace, stands as a modern museum built on the historic...
Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo (南京红山森林动物园) is a unique and nonprofit zoo in China, known for its commitment to self-sustainability. It serves a multifaceted...
Nanjing, a city steeped in history, is adorned with a treasure trove of ancient gates that guard the memories of bygone eras. Among these, the Xuanwu Lake...
Nanjing 1912 Street (南京1912街区) is a distinctive commercial complex in Nanjing, characterized by its architecture reflecting the culture of the Republic...
Spanning the mighty Yangtze River in China, the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (南京长江大桥) stands as a testament to human ingenuity, engineering excellence,...
The Oriental Metropolitan Museum, also known as the Six Dynasties Museum (六朝博物馆), is a prominent cultural institution located in Nanjing, China. Renowned...
Xinjiekou (新街口), located in the heart of Nanjing, is a renowned commercial center in China, with a history spanning over a century. It is often referred...
Yuejiang Tower (阅江楼, Yangtze River Viewing Tower), located atop Lion Mountain on the southern bank of the Yangtze River in Nanjing, is a magnificent seven-story...
Jiangnan Examination Hall, also known as Jiangnan Gongyuan (江南贡院), is a historical and culturally significant institution in China with a rich legacy as...
Linggu Temple (灵谷寺), originally known as Kaishan Temple, has a storied history that dates back to its inception in the year 515. During the Liang Dynasty,...
Qixia Mountain (栖霞山, Glow Resting Mountain), located in Nanjing, China, is a picturesque and historically significant destination that captivates visitors...
Nestled at the southern foothills of Purple Mountain in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Meihua Mountain (梅花山, also known as Plum Blossom Mountain) is a vital...
Zhonghua Gate (中华门), one of the thirteen gates of the Ming Dynasty city wall in Nanjing, was originally known as Jubao Gate. Located at the southern end...
The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall (南京大屠杀纪念馆, also as known as Memorial Hall to the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders), located in Nanjing,...
Yuhuatai Scenic Area (雨花台风景区), located in the northern part of Yuhuatai District in Nanjing, China, spans an expansive 1.537 million square meters. It...
Laomendong (老门东), located to the east of Zhonghua Gate in Nanjing, is a place of historical significance and cultural heritage. Its name, “Laomendong,”...
Qinhuai River (秦淮河), located in the downstream right bank of the Yangtze River in China, is a significant tributary with a rich history and cultural heritage....
The Ming Palace (明故宫) in Nanjing is a historical treasure that comprises both the Imperial City and the Palace City. With its grandeur and significance,...
Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu province in China, boasts a hidden gem known as Xuanwu Lake Park (玄武湖公园). Located in the Xuanwu district of Nanjing,...
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵), located in Nanjing, China, is a majestic burial site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the Ming Dynasty...
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵), located in Nanjing, China, is a significant historical and cultural site that commemorates the life and achievements of...
Meiling Palace (美龄宫), located in Nanjing, China, is a magnificent architectural masterpiece that holds significant historical and cultural importance....
On January 17th, there were so many people in Laomendong! The lanterns at night were beautiful. I can’t imagine how many people will be there during the New Year!
I entered the Zhan Garden at 8:30 in the morning. I thought I could finish visiting it in an hour, but I overestimated myself. There were so many picturesque spots that I ended up taking photos everywhere, haha! After that, I took the Bus No. 44 directly to the Presidential Palace. It was incredibly crowded there today, truly overwhelming. Once I finished exploring, I went to the nearby 1912 District for some duck blood vermicelli soup and Meiling porridge. Then… Read more »
On the first morning, I arrived in Nanjing and took the subway to my hotel. After checking in, I went to Xinjiekou to try some street food, where I bought various pancakes. I also visited a popular clay pot restaurant to enjoy a meal. Later, I went to the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre. It’s important to note that you need to make a reservation on WeChat a week in advance to enter the museum. As… Read more »
There are many Dapaidang in Nanjing (南京大排档). On our first day, we lined up at the one above 德基, but there were so many people that we lost patience and decided not to wait. The next day, we went to Niushou Mountain and had lunch near 雨花客厅 where the line wasn’t as long.
We made a last-minute decision and packed our bags in the morning to drive to Nanjing. We were only able to buy tickets for the Presidential Palace, but it was incredibly crowded and hot, so we decided to wait until later to queue. Unfortunately, that meant we would miss out on the other attractions that required reservations made a week in advance. This is the price you pay for a spontaneous trip without any planning!
The heat in Nanjing is absolutely unbearable!!! It feels different from the heat in other places. Even though the temperature is 35°C, it feels like 40°C. Just walking a few steps makes you break into a sweat! Nanjing truly lives up to its reputation as a furnace.
About Food: When in Nanjing, you must not miss the crab roe soup dumplings, with a large thin skin and very delicious and rich soup! Bite open the skin, sip the soup, and then taste the filling, truly delicious. Xin Fang Yuan Shi Fu (馨方园食府·市井老南京菜): A restaurant serving authentic Nanjing cuisine for over sixty years, known for their signature dishes of duck tongue pot and Jinling roast duck Shi Guo Xuan in Ke Alley (科巷的石锅轩): Mixing stone pot with hot… Read more »
Popular attractions in Nanjing are mainly located along Metro Lines 1, 2, and 3. Some of the notable ones include: Metro Line 1: – Hongshan Zoo: Hongshan Forest Zoo – Nanjing Station: Xuanwu Lake – Xuanwumen: Xuanwu Lake (Xuanwumen) – Zhujiang Road: Pioneer Bookstore (Wutai Mountain Branch) – Xinjiekou: Xinjiekou Shopping District, Deji Plaza, Mingwalang – Zhang Garden: Nanjing Museum (Chaotian Palace) – Sanshan Street: Zhan Garden, Ganxi Residence – Zhonghuamen: Dabaoen Temple Ruins Park, Yuhuatai Scenic Area, Zhonghuamen Moat… Read more »
1. When taking the high-speed train, try to choose Nanjing Station as it is closer to the city center. 2. When it comes to dining, head to Lao Men Dong (Old Gate East) rather than Fu Zi Miao (Confucius Temple). 3. It’s more convenient to stay near Xin Jie Kou (Xinjiekou) or Fu Zi Miao when visiting Nanjing. 4. Don’t forget to take the cable car when visiting Zhong Shan Ling (Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum), or you might find it exhausting.… Read more »