Travel Guide of Nanjing in China by Influencers and Travelers
Nanjing, alternatively romanized as Nanking and Nankin, is the capital of Jiangsu province of the People's Republic of China and the second largest city in the East China region, with 11 districts, Nanjing has an administrative area of 6,600 km² and a total population of 8,505,500 as of 2019.
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Nanjing
TRAVELERS TOP 7 :
1 - Xu Garden
Xu Garden, also called Xihuayuan is a classical Chinese garden in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. It is located on the west side of the Presidential Palace in Nanjing. It is also one of two prominent gardens in Nanjing alongside the Zhan Garden.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
2 - Yuejiang Tower
Yuejiang Tower is situated on the top of Shizishan to the northwest of downtown Nanjing, Jiangsu. The river referred to its name is the Yangtze River, which may be viewed to the north, while central Nanjing can be viewed to the south.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
3 - Shore Excursions in Nanjing
Free yourself in Nanjing with a full-day sightseeing tour including the city’s top attractions. Accompanied by a professional guide, visit the famous Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, stroll around the historic Xiaoling Tomb, enjoy the amazing architecture at Confucius temple; learn about the ancient military defense at Ming city Wall; immerse yourself in the religion culture in Jiming Temple ,and satisfy your appetite with a tasty local Nanjing style lunch. If you have extra time, a halal style dinner with dancing show can be your perfect things to do during this lovely i night (see tour option for details)
Book this experience
4 - Xuanwu Lake
Xuanwu Lake is located in Xuanwu District in the central-northeast part of Nanjing, Jiangsu. It is near the Nanjing Railway Station and Jiming Temple. Five islands within the lake are interconnected by arched bridges.
Learn more Book this experience
5 - Zifeng Tower
Zifeng Tower is a 450-meter supertall skyscraper in Nanjing, Jiangsu. The 89-story building completed in 2010 comprises retail and office space up to floor 41. Floors 49–71 feature a hotel, numerous restaurants, and a public observatory on the 72-floor.
Learn more Book this experience
6 - Jiming Temple
The Jiming Temple is a renowned Buddhist temple in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. One of the oldest temples in Nanjing, it is located in the Xuanwu District near Xuanwu Lake.
View on Google Maps Book this experience
7 - Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum
Learn more
Disover the best Instagram Spots around Nanjing here
Book Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Discover the best tours and activities around Nanjing, China and book your travel experience today with our booking partners
Pictures and Stories of Nanjing from Influencers
12 pictures of Nanjing from Jennifer Chen, Jerry Bao, Kenneth Yang and other travelers
- A hidden temple in Nanjing on the mountain. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Jennifer Chen | ©Unsplash
- The Jiming Temple standing in the sunshine after the snow ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Kenneth Yang | ©Unsplash
Plan your trip in Nanjing with AI 🤖 🗺
Roadtrips.ai is a AI powered trip planner that you can use to generate a customized trip itinerary for any destination in China in just one clickJust write your activities preferences, budget and number of days travelling and our artificial intelligence will do the rest for you
👉 Use the AI Trip Planner
Why should you visit Nanjing ?
Travel to Nanjing if you like:
🌲 Forest 🏞️ River 🏰 Pagoda 🗼 Landmark 🌴 Jungle 🏞️ WaterwayHow to visit Nanjing ?
Why traveling there?
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in eastern China, is a city rich in history and culture. It served as the capital of various Chinese dynasties, and its historical significance is evident in its well-preserved ancient architecture, temples, and mausoleums. Nanjing is perfect for travelers who appreciate history, culture, and natural beauty, as the city is also surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes.
How to get there?
Nanjing is accessible by air, train, and bus. The Nanjing Lukou International Airport serves both domestic and international flights from major cities around the world. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Nanjing from Shanghai (1.5 hours), Beijing (3.5 hours), or other major Chinese cities. Long-distance buses also connect Nanjing to neighboring cities and provinces.
What to book in advance?
It is recommended to book your accommodation, train tickets, and admission to popular attractions such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in advance. If you plan to visit during peak travel seasons (April-May and September-October), booking guided tours in advance can help you avoid long queues and make the most of your time in Nanjing.
What are the costs?
Compared to cities like Beijing and Shanghai, Nanjing is relatively affordable. Accommodation prices range from budget hostels (around $10 per night) to luxury hotels ($100+ per night). Meals at local restaurants can cost as little as $2-5, while fine dining will set you back around $20-50 per person. Entrance fees for major attractions range from $5 to $15.
What are the best things to do?
Some must-visit attractions in Nanjing include the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, and the Presidential Palace. Don't miss the stunning views from the ancient city wall, and be sure to take a relaxing boat ride on the picturesque Xuanwu Lake. For a dose of nature, head to the Purple Mountain or Qixia Mountain to explore their scenic trails and temples.
Where to eat?
1. Lao Men Dong: This bustling food street offers a variety of local Nanjing dishes, such as salted duck, pan-fried dumplings, and tangbao (soup dumplings).
2. Jiming Temple Restaurant: Located near the Jiming Temple, this vegetarian restaurant serves delicious plant-based versions of Chinese classics.
3. Nanjing Impressions: A popular chain restaurant offering traditional Nanjing cuisine in a lively, historical setting.
Where to stay?
1. Atour Hotel (Nanjing Confucius Temple): A comfortable, mid-range hotel with modern amenities, located close to the Confucius Temple.
2. Nanjing Sunflower Youth Hostel: A budget-friendly option offering dorms and private rooms, located near the city center and popular attractions.
3. The Grand Mansion, a Luxury Collection Hotel: A luxury hotel with elegant rooms and excellent service, located near the Presidential Palace.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, visit the Niushoushan Cultural Park. This hidden gem, located in the southern part of Nanjing, is home to the beautiful Usnisa Palace, which houses a Buddhist relic. The palace is built inside a mountain and features stunning architectural design, intricate carvings, and a serene atmosphere. It's a unique site that combines modern technology with ancient Buddhist culture and is an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore Nanjing's lesser-known attractions.
Learn More about Nanjing
The city of Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province. As the largest city in southern China, Nanjing has immense resources in terms of tourist sites and monuments of all kinds. There are pagodas, temples, mausoleums, sacred mountains, parks, shopping streets, and many other things to discover.
ZiJinShan Mountain is a must-see site. It is full of famous monuments including the famous Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum which is a complete tourist site in itself. It is composed of a museum and a park. In the park, located on the side of the mountains, you can also find other interesting sites to visit such as the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Zijin Mountain observatory, or the Linggu Temple and its pagoda. For those who love long walks, the vastness of Nanjing Park is the ideal place. Kilometers and kilometers of trees, walking area, bicycle path, pedestrian walkways. There is greenery everywhere, and a magnificent view.
There are many historical sites in Nanjing. The Nanjing Massacre Memorial is one of the historical symbols of the city and is probably the most famous and most visited site in the city. The Confucius Temple is located on the bank of the river, overlooking the main pedestrian area of Nanjing city.
The city is also a paradise for traditional Chinese traditional gardens, such as the Xuyuan Garden or the Zhanyuan Garden. Both of them are of classical style with shaded alleys, small wooden or stone bridges, canals where you can go by boat, small wooden cottages. You will feel immersed in the Chinese culture!
Nanjing also has countless small night markets in the working-class areas. The stores along the sidewalk are open until 9 pm. There are also good restaurants and karaoke bars to enjoy your evening in a festive atmosphere. The Xinjiekou, is a huge complex located in the city center. This temple is filled with stores and businesses of all kinds, it is the ideal place for shopping.
There are many sites that tell the history of Nanjing to explore during your stay, you will be seduced by its temples and its typical Chinese gardens, and the festive atmosphere that reigns at night.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Nanjing
You can get to Nanjing through Nanjing Lukou International Airport, which is located 40 minutes away from the city center.
Nanjing Railway Station, Nanjing South Railway Station and Nanjing West Railway Station are connected to all major cities in China, making it easy to travel to other nearby cities.
To get around the city, there are two subway lines that serve about 50 stations, or you can take a cab.
The fastest option to go to Nanjing from Shanghai is to take the train, which takes about 1h40, while by car it takes almost 3 hours.
Nanjing is a very large city, so you will have plenty of choices on where to stay. The Jinling Hotel Nanjing is an upscale but affordable hotel, the Renaissance Nanjing Olympic Center Hotel is a bit more expensive but very well rated. But you can take a guesthouse or a hostel which will be much cheaper.
Where to Stay in Nanjing
Discover the best hotels around Nanjing, China and book your stay today with our booking partner booking.com
More Travel spots to explore around Nanjing
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Nanjing
🗼 Landmark spots 🏰 Pagoda spots 🌲 Forest spots 🌴 Jungle spots 🏘️ Town spots 🏞️ Waterway spots 🏞️ River spots 🌆 Skyline spots 🏰 Temple spotsTravel map of Nanjing
Explore popular touristic places around Nanjing