Must-see attractions in Nanjing

Linggu pagoda

Linggu Temple Scenic Area

This expansive temple complex contains one of the most historic buildings in Nanjing – the Beamless Hall (无梁殿, Wúliáng Diàn), built in 1381 entirely out…

NANJING, CHINA - 2014/11/12: Tourists take photos in front of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum. Sun's Mausoleum situated at the foot of Mount Zijin in Nanjing,  Sun is considered to be the "Father of Modern China" both in mainland China and Taiwan, as well as the founder of Republic of China.  As the Holy land of Chinese people both home and abroad, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum attracts a lot of visitors every year. (Photo by Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Sun Yatsen Mausoleum

An astonishing sight at the top of an enormous stone stairway (a breathless 392 steps), Sun Yatsen's tomb is a mandatory stop for most visitors…

NANJING, CHINA - NOVEMBER 19: (CHINA OUT) Visitors view the "Gold Guan Yin Bodhisattva Statue", made during the Warring States period (475 to 221 BC) at the Valuable Treasures Special Exhibition In Nanjing Museum on November 19, 2007 in Nanjing of Jiangsu Province, China. Eighteen priceless treasures were selected from the museum's 420,000 collections, dating back 5,000 years ago. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Nanjing Museum

This fabulous museum has three dramatically modern exhibition blocks alongside a traditional, temple-style hall. Exhibits range from 20th-century brush…

Wall Detail From The Xiaoling Mausoleum Near Nanjing, China

Ming Xiaoling Tomb

Zhu Yuanzhang (1328–1398), the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty (also known as the Hongwu Emperor), was buried in the tomb of Ming Xiaoling; he was…

nanjing tourist

Qixia Temple

This sacred site on Qixia Mountain (栖霞山, Qīxiá Shān), 22km northeast of Nanjing, was founded by the Buddhist monk Ming Sengshao during the Southern Qi…

Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders

In the city’s southwestern suburbs, the disturbing exhibits in the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre document the atrocities committed by Japanese…

Zhan Garden

If you don't have time to get to Suzhou, visit this delightful Ming-dynasty garden complex that once housed Taiping officials. The on-site Taiping History…

Ming Xiaoling Scenic Area

This scenic area on Zijin Mountain has loads of opportunities for rambling, but the main attraction is Ming Xiaoling Tomb, the magnificent mausoleum of…

Zhōngyāng Gate

One of the original 13 Ming city gates, located in the north of town. The name means 'Central Gate'.

Yangzi River Bridge

Opened in 1968, the Yangzi River Bridge is one of the longest bridges in China – a double-decker with a 4.5km-long road on top and a train line below. The…

Meiling Palace

Named by Life magazine in 1937 as 'the most powerful woman in the world', Song Meiling (aka 'Madame Chiang') was the First Lady of the Republic of China …

Jiming Temple

The most active temple in Nanjing, Jiming Temple was first built in AD 527 during the Three Kingdoms period and has been rebuilt many times since.

In the south of the city in a smartened-up pedestrian zone full of restaurants, the Confucian temple Fūzǐ Miào has been a centre of Confucian study for…

Ming Palace Ruins

Built by Zhu Yuanzhang in the 14th century, the imperial palace was reportedly a magnificent structure that served as a template for Beijing's Forbidden…

Presidential Palace

After the Taiping took over Nanjing, they built the Mansion of the Heavenly King (天王府, Tiānwáng Fǔ) on the foundations of a former Ming-dynasty palace…

Zhonghua Gate

Fourteenth-century Zhonghua Gate has four rows of gates, making it almost impregnable, and could house a garrison of 3000 soldiers in vaults in the front…

Jiuhuashan Park

This underrated park, just south of Xuanwu Lake, has a peaceful world-away feel and a delightful array of statues dotted around its leafy hills. The park…

Plum Blossom Hill

Near the entrance to the Míng Xiàolíng Tomb, this large copse of plum trees bursts into floral fragrance each spring, drawing crowds. It's the site of the…

Shence Gate

One of the original 13 Ming city gates, renovated in 2001. The gate is located in a small park in the north of town and is connected to Taiping Gate (5…

Nanjing University

This delightfully historic campus is worth a stroll to appreciate its traditional architecture, lovely trees and green spaces.

Jiefang Gate

One of the original 13 Ming city gates, which allows access to the walls.

Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall

The north section (北馆; ¥40) of this extensive subterranean museum, marked by the stunning reflection pool on Gongyuan Jie, has contemporary displays on…

Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum

Hong Xiuquan, the Hakka leader of the quasi-Christian Taiping, had a palace built in Nanjing (then named Tianjing or 'Heavenly Capital'), but the building…

Xuanwu Lake Park

The glassy lake in this lovely, verdant 530-hectare park – backing onto the towering city wall – is studded with five interconnected isles scattered with…

Wuchaomen Park

Peaceful but maudlin Wuchaomen Park is home to the Ming Palace Ruins, and usually filled with locals practising ballroom dancing while saxophonists,…

Bridge Park

Visiting Bridge Park is probably the easiest way to get up onto the Yangzi River Bridge. Catch bus 67 from Jiangsu Lu, northwest of the Drum Tower (鼓楼;…

A tree-lined pathway winds around pavilions and picnic grounds in the Míng Xiàolíng Scenic Area and ends at this scenic lake.

Nanjing Normal University

Established in 1902 and located in the centre of town; the lovely campus is well worth an exploration.

Zhongshan Gate

One of the original 13 Ming city gates in town, located in the east of town. There's not much to see of the gate itself but you can take the weathered…

More destinations you need to see

Traditional old riverside houses illuminated at night in Shantang water town, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, Asia

13 Things to do in Nanjing China – A Complete Guide to the Ancient Capital

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: January 5, 2024

There are many things to do in Nanjing that make for an excellent stop on any China itinerary . What, you haven’t heard of it? Well, you will soon!

Most tourists pass right through Nanjing when traveling from Shanghai to Beijing (or visa versa)  But after spending a few days discovering Nanjing, we feel it is a destination in its own right and should be more than a blip on people’s China travel Radar.

Why Visit Nanjing China

Nanjing is a fascinating city that has played an important roll in Chinese history for thousands of years. With a population of 6 million, it was the former capital of China.

Today it is the capital of the Jiangsu Province and is a thriving metropolis of 8.3 million people.

Nanjing was first named the capital city in 229 AD during the three kingdoms period . It has been a capital city many times over with its reign finally coming to an end in 1949 when the capital was changed to Beijing.

Being the capital city during a tumultuous period made Nanjing a target and in 1937 it was targetted by Japan.

Interesting fact: Many people from China, relocated to Taiwan in the 1940s, after japan’s surrender of control.

300,000 people were slaughtered in the Nanjing Massacre and the city was nearly destroyed over a period of six weeks.

This incident is contested by the Japanese stating that the numbers have been exaggerated, but there is a museum in Nanjing that is worth a visit to read about first-hand accounts.

Regardless of the final death toll, a great tragedy took place here.

Nanjing is a short 1-hour train ride from Shanghai. And because it is not on the well-trodden tourist path, there are plenty of things to see and do that have yet to be overrun with Instagram stars taking selfies in the streets.

It’s a place that is relatively unknown to foreigners yet very popular with local tourists. I have a feeling Nanjing won’t remain a secret for long.

There are many reasons to visit Nanjing and here they are!

Table of Contents

Things to do in Nanjing

Whenever Dave I get the opportunity to travel to China, we jump at it. China still has that allure of being exotic and foreign.

We just love stepping off the plane into its intoxicating mix of a culture hanging on to ancient traditions while their futuristic cities lead the world in technology.

We hadn’t known anything about Nanjing before going, but hearing that it was a popular destination from Shanghai, we were excited to explore it.

It turns out,  Nanjing is a great choice traveler’s to China.

1. Nanjing Niushoushan Cultural Park

It may not be ancient, but Nuishoushan Cultural Centre is very impressive and one of our favorite places to visit in Nanjing.

A trolley takes you to the top of the mountain where you can view the immaculate Buddhist Palace that is built into the side of the mountain.

Opened in 2015 it is a complex that proves new and modern can be spectacular.

Take some time to explore the grounds to see the Usnisa Pagoda and Temple.

And visit the Usnisa Palace is a must .

The futuristic design is a stark contrast to the traditional pagodas, but it works.

The golden dome glistens in the reflection pool and upon entrance, you are treated in a serene reclining Buddha.

We thought that was all there was to see and were impressed enough with the setting and views.

But soon we realized that the true treat was inside the palace when we took the escalator 6 stories underground to see the Thousand Buddhas Hall.

With a height of 28 meters, the golden hall is truly impressive.

The Great Stupa of Usnisa is definitely the star attraction sitting in the middle of the dome surrounded by 5 golden Buddhas.

There is an excellent vegetarian restaurant on site and we highly recommend taking a full day to explore the Nuishoushan Cultural Centre to explore all the sites on the mountains.

There is a bamboo forest somewhere on the mountain but didn’t manage to find it save for a small view by the washrooms half way up. If you do, let us know!

Location: Jiangning District Hours Hours: April—November (8:30AM-4:30PM) December—March (9:00AM-4:30PM) Admission: 98 CNY (US $14.50) Website: Niushoushan.net

2. Confucious Temple

We visited Confucious Temple at night and it is beautiful. China at night is extraordinary and transforms into a showcase of lights and beauty.

The Confucious Temple is located on the Qinhuai River and is surrounded by a pedestrian area filled with temples, gardens, shops, and restaurants.

Dating back to 1034 during the Song Dynasty, the temple was reconstructed in 1984.

The most popular attraction in the area is a boat cruise along the Qinhuai River to take in the views.

At night every temple is lit up and performers act out moments from history.

It is very picturesque, but make sure your guide is on the boat with you to explain what is being said over the loudspeakers.

Location:  Gongyuan Street Hours :

  • Dacheng Hall, 8AM–9:30PM daily;
  • Imperial Examination Hall, 8:30AM–10PM daily

Admission : Confucius Temple grounds CNY 40 (US $6) Cost of 50-minute Qinhuai River boat ride , CNY 60 (US $8.90) daytime / CNY 80 (US $12) evening

3. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders

It is embarrassing to admit how little we know about Chinese history.

Before visiting Nanjing, I had no idea it was the former capital of China, and I had no idea that it suffered greatly during World War II.

But that is why we love to travel so much. It is the best education and helps one dig deeper into other cultures and history. It helps us all understand the world better.

The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders is a stirring display of the massacre of 300,000 people by Japenese invaders.

Dave and I are not normally ones to visit museums, but this museum is a beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives during a 6-week occupation in 1937.

The interactive display takes you through several sections starting with the memorial hall showing the victims of the massacre.

As you walk through the display, first-hand accounts, relics, and scenes from the period are on display.

It takes you through history all the way up to the war crimes tribunal.

The solemn exhibit shows bones of people unearthed in excavations proving that the massacre took place.

There is also an extensive outdoor exhibit of sculptures and art.

Location: 418 Shuiximen Street, Jianye Hours: 8:30 to 16:30 Tuesday to Sunday. (closed on Mondays) Cost: The Nanjing Memorial Hall is free to visit. Website : Nanjing 1937

4. Purple Mountain

Considered one of the four famous mountains in Southern China , Purple Mountain is not to be missed!

And if the crowds of Chinese tourists are any measurement of how popular it is, I’d say they agree!

Covering a massive area of 31 square km (12 square miles) Purple Mountain requires a day to see.

There are two major attractions at Purple Mountain, and we suggest exploring one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of places to grab lunch at the mall in between the mausoleums including a very busy KFC.

5. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

We started our morning at Purple Mountain exploring the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. It is one of the biggest imperial tombs in all of China.

Taking 50 years to complete, the Xiaoling Mausoleum dates back to 1381 and houses the remains of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, and his wife Ma, Queen of Xiao Ci of the Ming Dynasty.

The mausoleum is impressive enough, but it is the walk within the grounds that had our attention.

The Sacred Way is a highlight dating back 600 years!

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a walkway lined with large stone animal sculptures guarding the tombs.

There are 12 pairs of imposing creatures like elephants, lions, and camels standing proud along with four pairs of stone warriors guarding the tree-lined route to the emperors tomb.

With gardens, bridges, and ponds filled with water lilies, it is a peaceful place to spend a quiet morning contemplating the history that was lived within these grounds.

Location : Wengzhong Road, Xuanwu District Hours: 6:30AM–5PM daily Admission: CNY 70 (US $10.60)

6. Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum

It was a very different experience when visiting Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum a short distance away.

The massive crowds formed on the stairs and we joined the throngs of people walking their way to the top to pay respects to the Father of the Republic of China.

Our guide told me that Dr. Sun Yat-sen can be compared to George Washington of the United States.

Even his monument reminded me of something I would see in Washington DC. 

He was a very important person. It was in 1911 that he lead the way to bring down the corrupt rule of the Qing Dynasty that was in power for nearly 300 years.

He helped put an end to the monarchy system that had been ruling China for 2,000 years.

Location: Xuanwu Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30AM–5PM. Closed Monday Admission: Free

7. Nanjing City Wall

If you are a wall lover like us, a trip to the Nanjing City Wall is a must. It is the longest city wall in the world!

The original wall was nearly 22 miles long today 15.5 miles are still intact, and six sections are open to the public.

Having been to the Great Wall of China and to the Wall of Xi’an, this checked off a bucket list item to round out another important wall of China.

Founder of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang,  ordered the building of the wall to protect Nanjing from invaders.

The wall was made by the best brickmakers in the land and each brick has the inscription of origin bearing responsibility for the quality of bricks.

If they weren’t up to par, they most likely lost their lives.

How to Visit the Nanjing City Wall

Location: Lanqi Street, Qinhuai Hours:

  • Summer , 8AM – 6PM
  • Spring, Autumn and Winter , 8:30AM-5PM

Admissions: *Shence Gate to Taiping Gate, including the City Wall Museum, CNY 30 (US $4.50) *Taiping Gate to Guanghua East Street, CNY 20 (US $3) *East Water Pass to West Water Pass, including the barbican of Zhonghua Gate, CNY 50 (US $7.60) *Qingliang Gate – Guofang Garden, Free *Dinghuai Gate – Yijiang Gate, Free *Zhongfu Road – Central Gate, Free

8. Calligraphy Class

Calligraphy is a huge part of Chinese heritage and when in China, we highly recommend taking a calligraphy class. If we had a big enough place at home, I would gladly have an art studio in my place to practice.

Calligraphy is relaxing and I can see how it was used for meditation and contemplation.

It is much harder than it looks to master the Chinese characters and turn them into works of art.

Calligraphy is so popular in China, those great artists can sell their works for tens of thousands of dollars.

We took our class at a school on the Nanjing Wall, but there are many places to book a calligraphy class.

9. Porcelain Tower

The Porcelain tower was considered one of the seven medieval wonders of the world, but like many historic buildings in Nanjing, it was destroyed.

In 2015 the new tower was rebuilt and today visitors can visit the museum and witness excavations that took place in 2008.

It is believed that the remains of Buddha were found on these grounds.

A visit to the top of the tower is a must for an overhead view of Nanjing. There is an elevator that will take you to the top.

The tower sits upon an impressive room of glistening light bulbs representing the concept of Buddhism.

  • Admission: 120CNY (USD $18)
  • 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM

10. Nanjing Salted Duck

Everybody has heard of Peking Duck, but Nanjing Duck is actually more historic and truly authentic to Chinese history.

Nanjing was the former capital of China and it is famous for its boiled duck. When you visit Nanjing, it is as important and popular to try and Peking Duck in Beijing.

When people moved to Beijing, they brought the ducks of Nanjing with them to recreate their staple dish. But there wasn’t the room to roam freely like in Nanjing and the weather was much colder.

Ducks became fatter in Beijing and boiling them turned into a blubbery mess. It was by learning to fry the fat off the ducks of Beijing that Nanjing Duck was turned into the Peking Duck we all know today.

Nanjing has stuck to their original recipe and if you ask any local, they will insist that theirs is much better.

11. Traditional Incense Ceremony

Incense plays a large roll in Chinese tradition and at the Porcelain Tower, we learned how to create an incense stencil to create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.

Following our instructor, we meditated before learning to pour the powdered incense into a stencil creating the image of a lotus leaf.

There are many steps to take, and it is performed in a slow and deliberate motion to promote serenity.

After a few tries, we managed to produce a respectable reproduction and our masterpiece was finally lit giving us a proud sense of accomplishment.

Check out another Asian City guide at 7 Alternative things to do in Taipei

12. Tea Ceremony

Each time we have gone to China, we have taken part in a tea ceremony. While in Nanjing, we had not one, but two tea ceremonies and we drank a lot of delicious tea.

After many trips tasting tea in China, we have come to the conclusion that tea tastes better here, not because it is fresh and grown here, it is because of the love and care that goes into serving it.

There are specific steps to be taken from heating the glass to pouring out excess water, warming the rim and finally letting the tea steep for the perfect amount of time.

The tea is poured into tiny cups and continuously refilled into you finally have to tell your server that you will float away if you have another brew.

If you really want to immerse in tradition, take part in a tea ceremony when visiting Nanjing.

13. Master Gao Pub

No trip to Nanjing would be complete without a visit to The father of China’s craft beer revolution, Master Gao.

Master Gao spent several years in the United States where he watched the craft beer industry grow in popularity.

When he returned to China in 2007, he opened his own craft brewery and has grown into the largest craft brewer in the country.

Did you know that China is the largest consumer of beer in the world? They may drink a lot of beer, but until recently, they have stuck with the traditional lighter brands like Tsingtao.

Master Gao has changed all that and now produces IPAs, Stouts and even brews like Jasmine Tea Lager.

He even invented the word for “Stout” in Chinese: shitao.

Master Gao will go down as a legend in China bringing microbrews to the nation. We tasted several of his mixes and can attest, they are fantastic!

  • Location: Master Gao Craft Beer Pub at 52 Taiping North Road

This is a great area to spend the evening complete with eateries and pedestrian-only streets. There ‘s even a model train weaving its way through the crowds.

Recommended Nanjing Hotel

We stayed at the luxurious Grand Mansion Nanjing. Part of the Luxury Collection Hotels in China, this is an impressive place to stay.

I don’t think we have ever had such an eclectic and sprawling breakfast buffet in all our travels. There was something to please every palette from around the world.

There is an indoor swimming pool, spa, and gym complete with a boxing ring!

But the star attraction of the hotel is the The Traveler Library and Tea Lounge filled with traditional art, books, and cozy nooks to enjoy a nightcap or to quietly read your favourite novel.

Check out reviews and rates on  TripAdvisor

How to Get to Nanjing

You can fly into Nanjing via Nanjing Lukou International Airport.

Located just 40 miles from the city center, it is easy to get a transfer.

We recommend Viator for a private car transfer. They wait up to two hours after your scheduled flight lands and they will l be holding a sign with your name on it making things easy and convenient.

There are three train stations in Nanjing. We arrived via Shanghai and it was fast, efficient and easy. The Nanjing Railway Station, Nanjing South Railway Station, and Nanjing West Railway Station connect to all of China’s major cities.

We took the bullet train from Shanghai and reached Nanjing in just 90 minutes. Beijing is just 3 1/2 hours from Nanjing via train.

China Eastern Airlines offers direct service from LAX, and a number of other airlines including United, Delta, and Qantas provide connecting service from other major airports.

Traveling within Nanjing: Two subway lines with clean, modern trains operate more than 50 stations throughout Nanjing, priced at less than US$1 per ride.

It is generally easy to find a taxi downtown, but make sure to take your hotel’s card to give to the driver as he most liely won’t speak English.

Unlike taxis in U.S. cities, drivers available for hire light their taxi lamps red, while green means the taxi is not available.

Internet Censorship and Cellular Data

You cannot access Google or social channels like Facebook or Twitter. We used KnowRoaming SIM cards on our phones and it worked better than our VPN on our computer.

The KnowRoaming SIM  is hosted outside the country giving you access to Gmail and all other social channels with ease. PlanetD readers receive 50% credit when ordering with promo Code DDSave50:  Visit KnowRoaming for details. 

International Data Packages are just $3.99 per day!

If you don’t use KnowRoaming, you must use a VPN to access Google, Gmail, and social media on your computer and cell phone. We found the VPNs much slower than KnowRoaming SIM Cards.

Enjoy all the things there are to do in Nanjing China? Pin this article to save for future travel planning.

Where to Go Off the Beaten Track in China

5 Tips to Travel China on a Budget

Things to do in Suzhou, China

No post found!

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

26 Things to do in Suzhou China – All You Need to Know Before you Go

24 Top Things to Do in Shanghai, China

24 of the Best Things to do in Beijing, China

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

9 thoughts on “13 Things to do in Nanjing China – A Complete Guide to the Ancient Capital”

yes next we want to visit the china. Nanjing can be the my next place of international tour. Big question is i am pure vegetarian . It would be great if i will get some tips on vegetarian food.

I really love to visit China,there are lot of places there which are in my wish list.This article is really amazing you have well explained about the ancient capital Nanjing.Thanks for sharing useful information.

Nanjing is one of the most delightful destinations in China with its rich cultural heritage. In addition to historical sights, memorials, museums and cultural sights also attract thousands of visitors.

I didn’t know Nanjing was the former capital of China. Fascinating images. Such a beautiful place

How is the food in China?

Great article, worth to read it. Thanks for sharing to us

Only one word for this blog – Awesome. I saw a documentary about Nanjing Massacre which was horrible

The information was very useful. Thank you for using beautiful images

Nanjing is the place I have never heard of but the Confucious temple looks interesting, so is the porcelane tower. I am a big fan of tea, so I imgine if I go to China I will spend a lot of time in the tea houses. Are there many in Nanjing?

Explore Nanjing

canale

Plan Your Trip to Nanjing: Best of Nanjing Tourism

Essential nanjing.

nanjing tourist

Nanjing Is Great For

Historical tours.

nanjing tourist

Eat & drink

nanjing tourist

Cultural Tours

nanjing tourist

  • InterContinental Nanjing
  • Shangri-La Nanjing
  • Futai Express Inn
  • Jinling Hotel Nanjing
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing
  • Finnegans Wake Irish Bar
  • Nanjing Impressions (Shiziqiao)
  • AL-Jannat Indian Restaurant
  • Nanjing Impressions (Deji Plaza)
  • JiangNan Wok
  • The Memorial of the Nanjing Massacre
  • Sun Yatsen Mausoleum (Zhongshan Ling)
  • Confucian Temple Area (Fuzi Miao)
  • Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan)
  • Nanjing City Wall (Ming City Wall)
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour
  • Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience
  • Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour
  • All-Inclusive Nanjing Purple Mountain Scenic Area Private Day Tour
  • All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights
  • Attractions
  • Top 10 Things to Do
  • 12 Best Places to Visit
  • Transportation
  • Travel Tips

12 Best Places to Visit in Nanjing for First-time Visitors

In the Yangtze River Delta in east China, Nanjing is a large tourist city with a profound history in both ancient and modern times. The historical remains hidden in the modern cityscapes make this city charming. Then what to visit there? Let’s have a look of the top 12 places to visit in Nanjing one by one.

Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River

Nanjing presidential palace, dr. sun yat-sen's mausoleum, purple mountain & xiaoling mausoleum of ming dynasty.

nanjing tourist

Memorial Hall to the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre

Nanjing museum, ancient jiming temple, yuejiang tower, meiling palace, linggu temple, qixia mountain, imperial examination museum of china.

nanjing tourist

Top 10 Things to Do in Nanjing

The Ultimate Nanjing Travel Guide: Discover The Best Things To Do

NAVO Tour

Nanjing, often referred to as the “Southern Capital” of China, is a city that seamlessly weaves the threads of ancient history with the vibrant tapestry of modern life. As you set foot in this city, you’ll be greeted with the echoes of a thousand years, resonating through its majestic palaces, ancient walls, and serene temples. But Nanjing is not just about the past; it’s a dynamic metropolis that pulses with life, offering a unique blend of the old and the new. In this guide, we aim to provide a friendly and informative overview, ensuring that your first visit to Nanjing is nothing short of memorable. So, buckle up, dear traveler, as we embark on this exciting journey together!

Why Nanjing?

You might wonder, with so many iconic cities in China, what makes Nanjing stand out? Well, Nanjing isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. It’s where the stories of emperors and revolutionaries come alive, where modern skyscrapers stand tall beside ancient relics, and where every street and alley has a tale to tell. 

Imagine walking along the city walls at sunset, witnessing the golden hues reflecting off the Yangtze River, or strolling through bustling markets that offer a delightful sensory overload. From its rich cultural heritage to its modern-day allure, Nanjing promises a unique blend that few cities can match. For the history buffs, it’s a treasure trove of stories. For the urban explorers, it’s a playground of endless possibilities. And for the first-time foreign visitor? It’s an adventure waiting to unfold. So, if you’re looking for a travel experience that’s both enriching and exhilarating, Nanjing should undoubtedly be on your list!

nanjing 01

Top Historical Sites to Visit

Nanjing, a city steeped in history, offers a plethora of historical sites that transport you back in time, allowing you to witness the grandeur of ancient China. As you navigate through these landmarks, you’ll uncover tales of dynasties that once ruled, battles fought, and legends that have shaped the city’s identity. Here are some must-visit historical sites that encapsulate the essence of Nanjing:

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Nestled at the southern foot of the Purple Mountain, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the final resting place of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. As you walk through the Spirit Way, a path lined with stone animals and officials, you’ll be captivated by the intricate craftsmanship and the serene ambiance. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its sprawling gardens and majestic structures, stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient China.

nanjing 08

The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

A beacon of modern Chinese history, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China. Climbing the 392 steps leading to the mausoleum, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and a deeper appreciation for the man who played a pivotal role in ending imperial rule in China. The blue-tiled roof and the grand memorial hall resonate with symbolism, making this site a poignant reminder of China’s journey towards republicanism.

Nanjing City Wall

Built during the Ming Dynasty, the Nanjing City Wall stands as one of the most well-preserved ancient city walls in China. Stretching over 33 kilometers, this colossal structure offers a unique perspective of the city’s defensive prowess. Whether you choose to walk along its ramparts or simply admire its gates and watchtowers, the city wall provides a tangible link to Nanjing’s illustrious past.

nanjing 09

The Presidential Palace

A fusion of traditional Chinese architecture and Western influences, the Presidential Palace has been a witness to significant events that have shaped modern China. From being the office of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom to serving as the Presidential residence in the Republic of China era, this site offers a deep dive into the political and cultural shifts of the nation. The exhibits, courtyards, and gardens paint a vivid picture of the tumultuous yet transformative periods in Chinese history.

Exploring these historical sites in Nanjing is akin to flipping through the pages of a living history book. Each monument, with its stories and significance, offers a deeper understanding of the city’s evolution and its pivotal role in shaping the course of Chinese history. So, as you embark on this historical journey, prepare to be enthralled, enlightened, and enriched by the tales of Nanjing.

nanjing 05

Modern Attractions and Activities

While Nanjing’s historical sites offer a deep dive into its storied past, the city’s modern attractions showcase its transformation into a bustling metropolis. From gleaming skyscrapers to vibrant shopping districts, Nanjing’s contemporary side is just as captivating as its ancient one. Here’s a glimpse into the modern wonders and activities that the city has in store for its visitors:

Nightlife and Entertainment Hubs

Laomendong: Once a traditional marketplace, Laomendong has reinvented itself as a bohemian enclave. With its art galleries, craft beer pubs, and live music venues, it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the city’s artistic vibe.

Shiziqiao Food Street: For the nocturnal foodies, Shiziqiao, also known as “Lion Bridge,” is a gastronomic haven. As the sun sets, the street comes alive with stalls serving local delicacies, international cuisines, and tantalizing street food. It’s not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes!

1912 District: A blend of the old and new, the 1912 District is named after the year it was established. Today, it’s a hotspot for trendy cafes, bars, and boutiques. The colonial-style buildings, juxtaposed with modern establishments, create a unique ambiance, making it a must-visit for those looking to experience Nanjing’s contemporary culture.

Nanjing’s modern attractions provide a window into its evolution as a global city. Whether you’re indulging in retail therapy, dancing the night away, or immersing yourself in art, the city’s contemporary offerings promise a plethora of experiences that are both exhilarating and enriching. So, step into the present and let Nanjing’s modern charm sweep you off your feet!

nanjing 11

Cultural Experiences Tailored for Foreigners

Nanjing, with its rich tapestry of traditions and customs, offers a plethora of cultural experiences that are both immersive and enlightening. For foreign visitors, diving into these traditions can be a transformative journey, providing insights into the heart and soul of the city. Here’s a curated list of cultural experiences in Nanjing that are tailored to offer a deeper understanding and appreciation of its heritage:

Traditional Tea Ceremonies

Nanjing Yuhuatai Tea House: Tucked away in the scenic Yuhuatai district, this tea house offers an authentic experience of Chinese tea culture. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony, where skilled tea masters demonstrate the art of brewing the perfect cup. As the aroma of freshly brewed tea fills the air, you’ll learn about the significance of each step, from selecting the right leaves to appreciating the nuanced flavors. It’s not just about sipping tea; it’s a meditative experience that calms the mind and soothes the soul.

Nanjing Cuisine Tasting Sessions

Gaochun Old Street: A culinary journey awaits you at Gaochun Old Street, renowned for its traditional Nanjing dishes. Join a guided food tour, where local chefs introduce you to delicacies like Salted Duck, Lion’s Head Meatballs, and Tangbao (soup dumplings). As you savor each bite, you’ll discover the stories behind these dishes, understanding the intricate balance of flavors that define Nanjing cuisine.

Local Festivals and Events to Look Out For

Qinhuai Lantern Festival: Held during the Lunar New Year, the Qinhuai Lantern Festival is a visual spectacle. The banks of the Qinhuai River come alive with thousands of illuminated lanterns, each telling a unique story. Participate in lantern-making workshops, enjoy traditional performances, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit that encapsulates the city’s cultural ethos.

nanjing 04

Plum Blossom Festival: Celebrating the blooming of plum blossoms, this festival at the Purple Mountain offers a sensory delight. Walk through orchards adorned with pink and white blossoms, attend poetry sessions, and indulge in plum-inspired delicacies. It’s a celebration of nature, art, and culture, all rolled into one.

Engaging in these cultural experiences provides foreign visitors with a unique lens to view Nanjing. It’s an opportunity to move beyond the tourist trails and connect with the city’s essence. From savoring traditional dishes to partaking in age-old customs, these experiences promise a deeper understanding of Nanjing’s cultural fabric. So, dive in, embrace the traditions, and let Nanjing’s cultural richness envelop you in its warm embrace!

Popular Food

One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is indulging in local cuisine, and Nanjing will not disappoint. The city’s diverse food scene offers a myriad of tantalizing flavors and unique dishes that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Salted Duck: A signature dish of Nanjing, the salted duck is known for its tender meat and aromatic flavor. The duck is marinated in a mixture of salt and various spices, then steamed to perfection. The result is a delicacy with a slightly salty taste and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

nanjing 02

Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup: This might sound unusual to some, but this soup is a local favorite. Made with duck blood jelly and soft vermicelli noodles, the soup is both rich and refreshing, offering a unique taste experience.

Nanjing Roast Duck: While Beijing has its famous Peking duck, Nanjing boasts its own version of roast duck. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the Nanjing roast duck is seasoned with a special blend of spices and roasted to golden perfection.

Tang Bao: These are soup-filled dumplings that burst with flavor upon the first bite. The thin skin of the dumpling encases a rich broth and a filling, usually made of pork or crab meat.

Pan-fried Beef Dumplings: A crispy delight, these dumplings are filled with juicy beef and pan-fried until they achieve a golden-brown crust. They are best enjoyed with a side of tangy dipping sauce.

Steamed Lotus Root Stuffed with Sweet Sticky Rice: A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this dish features lotus roots filled with glutinous rice and red bean paste. It’s then steamed and often drizzled with osmanthus syrup, offering a delightful contrast of flavors.

nanjing 06

In Nanjing, food is more than just nourishment; it’s an exploration of culture and history. Each dish tells a story, making your culinary journey just as rich and fulfilling as your sightseeing adventures. So, grab your chopsticks and dive into the delicious world of Nanjing cuisine.

The Best Time to Visit Nanjing

Nanjing, with its distinct seasonal variations, offers a unique charm throughout the year. However, if you’re looking to experience the city in its prime, certain periods stand out.

Spring (March to May): As the city awakens from its winter slumber, spring in Nanjing is a sight to behold. The blossoming plum trees at Purple Mountain paint the landscape in hues of pink and white, making it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Autumn (September to November): With pleasant temperatures and golden gingko-lined streets, autumn offers a comfortable and picturesque setting for exploration. The city’s parks and lakes, adorned in autumnal colors, provide a serene backdrop for leisurely strolls.

Important Events:

  • Qinhuai Lantern Festival (Lunar New Year): A radiant spectacle, the banks of the Qinhuai River come alive with illuminated lanterns, traditional performances, and festive fervor.
  • Plum Blossom Festival (Late February to March): Celebrating the city’s iconic plum blossoms, this festival at Purple Mountain is a blend of nature, art, and culture.

While summer can be hot and humid and winter a tad chilly, the cultural events and scenic beauty during these seasons still make Nanjing worth a visit. Ultimately, the best time depends on your preferences, but rest assured, Nanjing’s allure is evergreen!

nanjing 03

As our journey through Nanjing comes to a close, it’s evident that this city is more than just a destination; it’s an experience. From its ancient relics echoing tales of bygone eras to its modern-day vibrancy, Nanjing is a harmonious blend of the past and the present. For the first-time foreign visitor, the city offers a treasure trove of discoveries, be it in its historical landmarks, culinary delights, or natural wonders.

But beyond its attractions, it’s the spirit of Nanjing that leaves a lasting impression. The warmth of its people, the richness of its culture, and the rhythm of its daily life make every moment in the city memorable.

So, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a culinary enthusiast, Nanjing has something for everyone. And as you embark on your adventures, remember that the city’s essence lies not just in its sights but in its stories, waiting to be heard and shared.

With this, we extend a warm invitation to explore Nanjing, to immerse yourself in its tapestry of experiences, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Suzhou Travel Guide: Dive Deep into the Culture of the Venice of the East

15 best places to visit in china: from natural wonders to historic sites.

Go To Nanjing

NANJING, A CITY OF ANCIENT GREATNESS

Nanjing is a sophisticated metropolis where the remains of past empires and ancient traditions gracefully intersect with contemporary Chinese culture. No trip to China is complete without experiencing the history and culture of Nanjing.

  • South Africa
  • Afghanistan
  • North Korea
  • Adventure + Outdoors
  • Amusement Parks
  • Backpacking Trips
  • Boating + Cruises
  • Budget Travel
  • Bus + Train Travel
  • Coasts + Islands
  • Country Trips
  • Fall Vacations
  • Family Vacations
  • Green Travel
  • Heritage + History
  • Honeymoons + Romance
  • Inspiration + Guide
  • Landmarks + Attractions
  • LGBT Travel
  • Markets + Bazaars
  • National Parks + Reserves
  • Nature + Wildlife
  • Parks + Gardens
  • Pets + Animals
  • Photography
  • Airlines + Airports
  • Budgeting + Currency
  • Business Travel
  • Celebrity Travel
  • Customs + Immigration
  • Deals + Rewards
  • Family Travel
  • Hotels + Resorts
  • Luggage + Packing Tips
  • Offbeat News
  • Photography Tips
  • Responsible Travel
  • Solo Travel
  • Tech + Gear
  • Travel Etiquette
  • Travel Warnings
  • Bars + Clubs
  • Celebrity Chefs
  • Restaurants + Cafés
  • Wine + Vineyards
  • Beach Hotels
  • Boutique Hotels
  • Hotel Openings
  • Hotel Reviews
  • Luxury Hotels
  • Mountain + Ski Resorts
  • Spa Resorts
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Asia Cruises
  • European Cruises
  • Festivals + Events
  • Museums + Galleries
  • Style + Design
  • Travel’s Best
  • Hotel with Agoda.com
  • Hotel with Booking.com

Get the best travel guides, tips, information & reviews!

What souvenirs to buy in Cambodia? — 11+ best gifts &…

nanjing tourist

Yunnan travel blog — The fullest Yunnan travel guide for first-timers

nanjing tourist

When is the best time to visit Philippines? — The best,…

nanjing tourist

Nanjing itinerary 2 days — What to do & how to…

nanjing tourist

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

nanjing tourist

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

nanjing tourist

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

nanjing tourist

When is the best time to visit Busan? — The best,…

Cafe Pomegranate Ubud

Best coffee shops in Bali — Top 10 best cafes in…

nanjing tourist

Where to eat in Shenzhen? — 9 best restaurants in Shenzhen

nanjing tourist

Must eat in Malaysia — 15+ most popular, famous dishes &…

nanjing tourist

What to eat in Suzhou? — 13+ must-eat, famous Suzhou street…

belmond-la-residence-d-angkor-siem-reap-cambodia-prod

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

nanjing tourist

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

nanjing tourist

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Amankila, Bali, Indonesia. © Amanresorts

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

things to know, European river cruise

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Syrena Cruises, luxury cruises, halong bay, vietnam

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

totoro ghibli museum

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

national palace museum shilin district taipei city taiwan,

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Picture: Japanese waterfall blog.

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

Bergen, Norway5

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

nanjing tourist

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

nanjing tourist

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

nanjing tourist

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

mekong delta travel blog tips southern vietnam (2)

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

Real-life experience-enhance-traveling-things to do at young age

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

tanuki-statue-ratel-symbol of lucky-japan

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

living in cave houses in andalucia southern spain (1)

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

koda-walking-concrete, Tallinn, Estonia, tiny homes

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Nanjing travel blog — the fullest nanjing travel guide for first-timers.

nanjing tourist

Nanjing (Nanking) means “the southern capital”, the historical and cultural city, stands tall as a ‘Treasure’ of China through many ups and downs. Every corner of the city contains the breath of the majestic ancient capital. The rich in culture, history and traditions are fully preserved and preserved. So, is Nanjing worth visiting, how to visit Nanjing, what to do in Nanjing and how to plan a budget trip to Nanjing for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Nanjing travel blog (Nanjing blog) with the fullest Nanjing travel guide (Nanjing china guide, Nanjing China travel guide, Nanjing city guide, Nanjing guide) from how to get to Nanjing, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Nanjing to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Nanjing itinerary 2 days — What to do & how to spend 2 days in Nanjing perfectly?

  • Where & what to buy in Nanjing? — 7+ must buy gifts & best Nanjing souvenirs you should have
  • What to do in Nanjing? — 10 top, must-see places & best things to do in Nanjing
  • Top places to visit in Shenzhen — 23+ must-see & best places to visit in Shenzhen

nanjing tourist

Nanjing is also one of the four most beautiful ancient cities in the heart of China along with Chang’an (Xi’an), Luoyang and Beijing. Therefore, this place gradually becomes a destination for many tourists, who come here to experience a peaceful and completely different China.

nanjing tourist

Overview of Nanjing (# nanjing travel blog)

nanjing tourist

Nanjing City is the capital of Jiangsu Province, located in the fertile delta of the Yangtze River basin, to the west adjacent to the hilly region of Southern Anhui, to the south is the river system of the Taihu region, to the north is Jianghan Plain, 380 km from the seaport with a population of 9,698,000 million people, mainly Han people (accounting for 98.56%), in addition to people of Hui, Manchu, and Zhuang ethnic groups, covering and an area of 6,596 km2.

nanjing tourist

Nanjing was once the ancient capital of China for six dynasties and the capital of the Republic of China. The city associated with the oldest history and culture in China. Today, the city is one of the four largest and most beautiful ancient capitals in China. Although it is developing in economy, trade, and modern, bustling infrastructure, Nanjing still preserves many ancient treasures and world-famous historical works.

nanjing tourist

The city of Nanjing, located on the banks of the Yangtze River, has great significance in Chinese history. Along with Chang’an, Luoyang and Beijing, Nanjing is one of the four great ancient capitals of China, the Nanjing tourist attractions will all make you feel a city with a rich history and culture.

nanjing tourist

With a history of more than 2500 years, Nanjing is a city of ancient features mixed with modernity. Nanjing has developed in all aspects while preserving and preserving the nation’s traditional cultural history.

nanjing tourist

When is the best time to visit Nanjing? (# nanjing blog)

nanjing tourist

Nanjing has four distinct seasons and a humid subtropical climate with heavy rainfall. Known as one of the four hottest cities in China, Nanjing’s weather has scorching summers, with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees. But winter is too cold with snow and fog. Talking about the best time to travel here, we recommend you the period from March to May or from September to November. If you have intended to visit this city, try to find out the most suitable time for the trip.

Spring (from March to May)

nanjing tourist

The mild climate along with warm and humid weather during this time is perfect for spring trips. However, you should also prepare suitable warm clothes such as sweaters, jackets, hoodies or long-sleeved shirts. This is the best time to have a trip and activities in this beautiful city. Nanjing will now turn into a city of flowers with different attractive beauties such as peach blossoms, plum blossoms, orchids, sakura, begonias,… you can enjoy them everywhere around the city.

nanjing tourist

Some great places to visit in spring:

  • Zijin Shan Mountain (Purple Mountain): Known as one of the four famous mountains in South China with breathtaking natural scenery and surrounded by greenery. You can enjoy the poetic natural scenery with the convenient cable car service.
  • Xuanwu Lake: One of the three most famous lakes in Nanjing. In spring, the lake becomes tranquil and elegant with the beauty of sakura trees and begonia flowers. Rent a boat to explore the lake in a completely different way and get a chance to admire the city skyline.

You can also fully enjoy flowers such as begonias and hydrangeas at Mochou Lake or visit plum blossom hill – a small hill at the southern foot of Purple Mountain.

Summer (from June to August) (# nanjing travel blog)

nanjing tourist

Nanjing weather in summer is so hot that the highest temperature can rise to 40 degrees. This is a difficult time and should be avoided in Nanjing, especially during the rainy season around June and July, which will be very inconvenient for sightseeing or recreational activities. However, today the city has planted a lot of trees to provide shade for tourists, so if you intend to visit Nanjing in the summer, don’t worry, carefully prepare the necessary items. Essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses,… to have a perfect vacation!

nanjing tourist

Some great places to visit in summer:

  • Presidential Palace: Is a historical site of great importance in modern history and is serving as the Nanjing museum of contemporary Chinese history. You can come here to see the design of this 600-year-old palace and learn more about China’s past history. In addition, this is also an ideal place to rest and avoid the hot sun.
  • Qinhuai River: Highly appreciated for its flawless night view with exciting experiences including a variety of tourist shops, snack bars, restaurants and cafes, tea shops, etc.

Autumn (from September to November) (# nanjing blog)

nanjing tourist

Although it is short, is the most pleasant season, and therefore it is also the busiest for tourists. The average temperature is about 20 degrees, very suitable for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking mountains or visiting temples, parks, etc. Fall is also the season of osmanthus flowers, you will feel enjoy its faint fragrance and admire its poetic orange-yellow leaves in many places around the city. If you intend to visit Nanjing in the fall, book your hotel room 3 to 4 weeks in advance and it’s better to avoid China’s National Day from October 1 to 7!

nanjing tourist

Some great places to visit in the fall:

  • Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: One of the largest royal tombs in China. If you want to enjoy beautiful osmanthus flowers, visit Ming Xiaoling mausoleum. The vibrant leaves will make the place more picturesque and quaint.
  • Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum: Built for Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great forerunner of China’s democratic revolution. This place is especially charming in autumn and you will be surprised right from the entrance to the holy mausoleum, which is decorated with yellow ginkgo leaves along the sides, giving a warm feeling of autumn.
  • Xuanwu Lake: Not only beautiful in summer but also a must-go place in autumn for those who love the beauty of chrysanthemums. An exhibition of chrysanthemums is held here once a year, with many types and rich colors. Do not lose this chance!
  • Qixia Mountain: Revered as the first mountain in Nanjing and the most impressive feature is the many cultural relics around it. Qixia Mountain is at its most beautiful in the fall, when the amazing orange-red maple leaves will accentuate your beautiful photos!

nanjing tourist

Winter (from December to February)

nanjing tourist

Nanjing winter is wet and cold, there is even snow, the lowest temperature can drop below 1 degree. Especially in January, there can be rain and fog, which will make you feel much colder in the room. This is the most difficult and harsh time, but if you visit Nanjing in winter, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the enchanting white snow in this city. And don’t forget to prepare adequate and warm clothes if you don’t want to miss many activities on your trip!

Some great places to visit in winter:

  • Nanjing Confucius Temple: Built to dedicate and worship Confucius – the great thinker and educator of ancient China. During the period of late December and mid January, there is usually a Jinling Lantern Exhibition held in this Confucius Temple Area, you will forget the harsh cold and be busy enjoying the traditional Chinese New Year with family and relatives.
  • Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders: The place the Chinese people created to commemorate the heroes who fought against the Japanese army is also the place that records the most painful memories for the Chinese people. Visit this memorial to learn more about China’s history and experience the country’s rapid development.

nanjing tourist

The changing season from fall to winter (September – October – November) is also a good time. The air is quite dry and cold, very suitable for walking around to see yellow and red maple leaves. The sunny weather makes visiting and sightseeing historical buildings easier and more beautiful. This is also the time when Nanjing has many traditional festivals. Mid-Autumn Festival in Nanjing always maintains a traditional and bustling atmosphere. Festival cuisine is extremely unique and delicious.

Getting to Nanjing (# nanjing travel guide)

nanjing tourist

The best airline up to this point for you is China Southem Airlines. To get the best price, we recommends that you book about 2-3 months before your trip. For those departing from Hanoi airport, it will be cheaper than in the city of Ho Chi Minh, the price ranges from 190$-300$/trip.

To hunt cheap airfares as well as most suitable routes you can visit Google Flights , Kayak or Skyscanner .

nanjing tourist

The Nanjing Lukou International Airport (IATA: NKG) is abut 36km from the south city center. To get from the airport to the downtown of Nanjing you can take a bus (Line 1) to Nanjing Railway Station with a fare of 20 CNY (single ticket) or Line 2 and other long-distance buses. If you take a taxi, the traveling time is around 45 minutes to the downtown wit a fare around 60-70 CNY/way. Some good taxi companies you can choose are: Qiangsheng, Zhongbei, Oriental, Liansheng with service hours 24/7. Or you can take a ridesharing trip via ride-hailing app such as DiDi with a fare of 169 CNY (DiDi Express) or 235 CNY (DiDi Premier).

nanjing tourist

Nanjing is also well-connected to other cities across China, so you can get here by high-speed trains or domestic flights.

Getting around Nanjing (# nanjing guide)

nanjing tourist

Subway: A little note for those who intend to travel to Nanjing, the transportation in Nanjing is extremely convenient. The places you want to go can be reached by subway or bus. I recommend that if possible, you should go by subway, it is both convenient and fast. One more thing, Nanjing in general is not very big, so if you rent a room to visit, choose to rent a little near the Qinhuai river bank, traveling from here is very convenient.

nanjing tourist

In addition to subway, there are some means of transportation below:

Taxi: This is quite a popular means of transportation in any tourist destination, no exception to Nanjing. You can easily catch a taxi from hotels, restaurants or even anywhere. Taxi prices are much more expensive than taxis in Vietnam, you should ask carefully about the price before choosing.

nanjing tourist

Bus: Convenient and easy, but also saves a lot of money. You can take the bus to some famous attractions.

Where to go and what to do in Nanjing?

Jiming temple (# nanjing travel guide).

Address: 39 Beijing E Rd, Xuanwu, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210000

nanjing tourist

Located next to Xuanwu Park, Jiming Temple was built during the Liang Dynasty. The temple was vandalized many times and then rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty after many historical ups and downs. As the most famous and oldest Buddhist temple in Chinese history in Nanjing, Jiming Temple cannot miss your check-in list.

nanjing tourist

Stepping through the temple gate, you will be given 3 sticks of incense to worship. Coming to Jiming Temple is not only about praying and worshiping, but coming here you will also have the opportunity to learn about Chinese Buddhism and feel the quiet and peace.

nanjing tourist

If you want to fully see the skyscrapers of Nanjing, you should climb to the top and look down. The scene will be amazing. Coming in the spring, you will also have the opportunity to admire the cherry trees blooming throughout the surrounding streets, embracing Jiming Temple, and even covering the shores of the charming Xuanwu Lake.

nanjing tourist

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (# nanjing china travel guide)

Address: 3R5M+7RP, Xuanwu, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210000 Hours: 6:30 AM–5 PM

nanjing tourist

Maybe you don’t know that the largest mausoleum in ancient China is not the tomb of Qin Shi Huang but the mausoleum of Hongwu Emperor. A place imbued with the breath of China’s heroic history, its majesty remains intact through the ages. Tourists who want to learn about Chinese history definitely cannot miss this sacred mausoleum.

Elephant Road (Shixiang Road)

nanjing tourist

Elephant Road located outside the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the remaining remnants of the Ming Dynasty palace. Walking on this road, visitors can easily imagine the glorious days when this place was still part of the palace. This road is an important historical highlight on the Nanjing tourist map that you should visit. Also a masterpiece of the Ming Dynasty, Shixiang Road is a place that retains many historical marks. Walking on this road, visitors will feel a glorious era of feudalism.

nanjing tourist

Zhonghua Gate (Gate of China)

Address: China, Jiangsu, Nanjing, Qinhuai District

nanjing tourist

Chinese Gate is located in the south of the Ming Dynasty citadel. It is known that this is the largest entrance gate among the 13 city gates that have been preserved intact to this day. Not only is it a city gate, this is also a solid defensive fortress showing the ingenuity of ancient architecture.

The Chinese Gate has a huge defense system with four layers and inner courtyards, which are ramparts. This can be considered a solid defensive fortress, demonstrating the military art of feudal China.

nanjing tourist

Coming to Nanjing also cannot miss the City Wall of Nanjing, the longest closed city wall in the world. The architecture is preserved and preserved through the ups and downs of time.

Linggu Temple

Address: 3V39+X4W, Xuanwu, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210049

nanjing tourist

Linggu Temple, originally called Jiangshan Temple, is a Buddhist temple located 1.5 kilometers east of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. The temple has three main buildings in the complex including the Wuliang Hall, Linggu Temple and a Buddhist temple. Wuliang Hall was built in 1831, with a height of 22 meters and a width of 53.8 meters.

nanjing tourist

Continued reading…

Related articles

Nanjing itinerary 2 days — What to do & how to spend 2 days in Nanjing perfectly?

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

When is the best time to visit philippines — the best, worst, affordable & best season to travel to philippines.

nanjing tourist

What to do in Battambang? — 12+ must, top & best things to do in Battambang

When is the best time to visit kyoto — the best, worst, affordable & best season to visit kyoto.

nanjing tourist

Gyeongju 1 day itinerary — How to spend one day in Gyeongju, South Korea

nanjing tourist

Boracay travel blog — The fullest Boracay travel guide for first-timers

When is the best time to visit malaysia — the best, worst, affordable & best time to travel to malaysia, editor picks.

silver cambodia

What souvenirs to buy in Cambodia? — 11+ best gifts &...

nanjing tourist

When is the best time to visit Philippines? — The best,...

Popular posts.

nanjing tourist

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

pineapple cake must buy in taiwan

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

korean honey

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

  • Inspiration + Guide 1445
  • Trip Inspiration 469
  • Thailand 209
  • Food + Drink 202
  • Coasts + Islands 193
  • South Korea 168
  • Vietnam 166
  • Travel Photos 144
  • Work for Us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • 86-19138970032 (GMT+8 18:00~09:00)

China Tours

  • Beijing Xian Tours
  • Shanghai Beijing Tours
  • Hong Kong Guilin Tours
  • Hangzhou Suzhou Tours
  • Kunming Lijiang Tours
  • Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Tours
  • Chengdu Tibet Tours
  • More Short Stay Tours
  • China Tours in January
  • China Tours in February
  • China Tours in March
  • China Tours in April
  • China Tours in May
  • China Tours in June
  • China Tours in July
  • China Tours in August
  • China Tours in September
  • China Tours in October
  • China Tours in November
  • China Tours in December

China Tours

  • High Speed Trains
  • China Yangtze Cruise Tour
  • Photography
  • Desert Adventure
  • Ethnic Villages
  • Biking Tours
  • Kung Fu Tours
  • Heritage Sites Exploration
  • China Spring Tours
  • China Summer Tours
  • China Autumn Tours
  • China Winter Tours

nanjing tourist

  • Best-value Yangtze Cruises
  • Top Family-friendly Cruise Ships
  • Top 3 Luxury Yangtze River Cruises
  • Yangtze River Highlights
  • Yangtze River Cruise Routes
  • Upstream or Downstream?
  • Dining & Drinking
  • Accommodations
  • On-board Activities
  • Yangtze Cruise Booking Steps

China Tours

  • Inner Mongolia

China Tours

  • Fanjingshan
  • How to Plan Your First China Tour
  • How to Plan Beijing Tour
  • How to Plan Xian Tour
  • How to Plan Shanghai Tour
  • How to Plan Guilin Tour
  • How to Plan Sichuan Tour
  • How to Plan Family Tour
  • 2024 China Travel Ideas
  • Best Time to Visit China
  • What to Pack for Your China Journey
  • Updated China Travel News
  • Ultimate Chinese Visa Guide
  • Chinese Visa Types
  • Chinese Visa Requirements
  • Do I Need a Visa for China
  • Chinese Visa Application
  • Chinese Visa Exemptions
  • 144-hour Visa Free
  • Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
  • Hainan 30-day Visa Free
  • Embassies & Consulates
  • Invitation Letter
  • Useful Visa FAQs & Tips
  • Entry Regulations
  • Baggage Allowance
  • Customs Declaration
  • Exit Regulation
  • How to Book Train Tickets
  • How to Collect Train Tickets
  • How to Cancel & Alter Train Tickets
  • How to Read Train Tickets
  • China High Speed Train Types
  • Seats Class & How to Choose
  • Friendly Facilities on the Train
  • The Train Station Departure Process
  • Available Food and Drinks on the Train
  • Western Toilets on the Train
  • Luggage Racks & Baggage Allowance
  • Beijing Train Stations
  • Shanghai Train Stations
  • Guilin Train Stations
  • Xian Train Stations
  • Chengdu Train Stations
  • Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station
  • Beijing - Xian
  • Beijing - Shanghai
  • Guangzhou - Shanghai
  • Shenzhen - Shanghai
  • Chengdu - Xian
  • Shanghai - Hangzhou
  • Shanghai - Xian
  • Chengdu - Chongqing
  • Kunming - Lijiang
  • Beijing Capital International
  • Beijing Daxing International
  • Shanghai Pudong International
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International
  • Chengdu Tianfu International
  • Chengdu Shuangliu International
  • Xian Xianyang International
  • Shanghai - Beijing
  • Hong Kong - Shanghai
  • Guangzhou - Beijing
  • Chengdu - Lhasa
  • Shanghai - Guilin
  • Shanghai - Sanya
  • Travel in Spring Season
  • Travel in Summer Season
  • Travel in Autumn Season
  • Travel in Winter Season
  • Weather in January
  • Weather in February
  • Weather in March
  • Weather in April
  • Weather in May
  • Weather in June
  • Weather in July
  • Weather in August
  • Weather in September
  • Weather in October
  • Weather in November
  • Weather in December
  • Top 10 China Destinations
  • Top 15 Things to Do
  • China World Heritage Sites
  • Top 10 Best Natural Beauties
  • Top 10 Museums in China
  • Top 10 Old Towns & Villages
  • Five Great Mountains in China
  • Top 10 Monasteries & Temples
  • Top 10 Ski Resorts
  • Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in China
  • 7 Best Beaches in Sanya
  • Top 6 Beautiful Waterfalls
  • Panda Volunteering
  • Having fun on Ice and Snow Festival
  • About Us Who We Are Our Team Why Travel with Us Feedback & Reviews Travel Stories Travelers' Gallery Payment Guide Customer Support Contact Us
  • Tour Experiences

Destinations

  • Travel Guide

Nanjing Trip Plan

How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing

Nanjing , with a civilization history of over 7000 years and important status as the capital of six dynasties in China's history, is the provincial city of Jiangsu in eastern China. It is a city with both ancient legacy and modern charm. It has the well-preserved city wall to savor the antiquity, museums to memorize the history, beautiful lakes and rivers to wander around... Nanjing is a worthwhile place to spend a couple of days. Besides, the convenient transportation enables tourists to visit Nanjing with both nearby Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and the relatively far Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, etc. Before you start your Nanjing trip , planning ahead is necessary to make full of your holiday and get a better Nanjing travel experience. This Nanjing trip planner with detailed information of when to visit, where to go, how to design itinerary, where to accommodate, etc. helps you travel Nanjing in a wiser way.

Click to Jump to:

Nanjing Weather & Best Time to Go

Nanjing has a humid subtropical climate with four distinctive seasons and an annual average temperature of 15 °C. It is suitable to visit Nanjing all year round except for the scorching summer. The weather is most comfortable and the scenery is most beautiful from March to June and September to November .

Spring (March to May): 5 °C ~ 26 °C. It is windy, chilly and getting warm gradually. When spring comes, you can enjoy many beautiful flowers in Purple Mountain, Jiming Temple, Mochou Lake, and take a boat on Xuanwu Lake.

Summer (June to August): 21 °C ~ 32 °C. Nanjing is one of the hottest cities in China and summer is also the rainy season. You can visit some indoors attractions such as the Presidential Palace and Nanjing Museum or take a sightseeing boat along Qinhuai River at night.

Autumn (September to November): 12°C ~ 27°C. Nanjing in autumn has fine weather with cool days. Many places in Nanjing are dyed into fabulous colors, such as Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Zhongshan Scenic Area. You can also appreciate the annual chrysanthemum flowers exhibition in Xuanwu Lake or have an autumn hiking on Qixia Mountain.

Winter (December to February): -1°C ~ 17°C. Nanjing gets cold and dry in winter and it snows sometimes. You will have a chance to see the ancient Nanjing covered in white snow, admire colorful plum flowers in Mochou Lake, and take part in the Jinling Lantern Show in the Confucius Temple Area.

▶ Helpful Link: Nanjing Weather & Best Time to Go

How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing

How to Get to Nanjing

Nanjing is located in the east of China and about 1000 km from Beijing, 300 km from Shanghai, 230 km from Suzhou and 280 km from Hangzhou. Both flights and high speed trains are available to Nanjing.

Flights to Nanjing

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (南京禄口国际机场) is about 42 km (45min by car, 1.5h by metro) to Nanjing downtown (Xinjiekou). It has over has 135 domestic and 23 international air routes, reaching 115 destinations at home and abroad, including Beijing (2h), Guangzhou (2h15min), Chengdu (2.5h), Xian (2h), Guilin (2h), Kunming (2h40min), Chongqing (2h), Hong Kong and foreign cities like Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Osaka and Nagoya in Japan, etc. Multiple airport shuttle buses and subway line S1 connects the airport and other parts of Nanjing conveniently.

▶ Helpful Link: Nanjing Transportation

How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing

Nanjing Domestic Flights Map

High Speed Trains to Nanjing

For cities that are not too far away from Nanjing, it is very convenient to get to Nanjing by high speed train. There are many frequent daily high speed trains to Nanjing from Beijing (3-5h), Shanghai (1-2.5h), Hangzhou (1.5-5.5h), Suzhou (45min-2.5h), Huangshan (3-4h), Wuhan (2.5-3.5h), Wuxi (45min-1.5h), etc. There are mainly 2 railway stations serving Nanjing, which are Nanjing South Railway Station and Nanjing Railway Station. Nanjing South Railway Station is for high speed trains only and Nanjing Railway Station has both high speed trains and normal trains. Both railway stations are conveniently connected with Nanjing downtown with metro.

▶ Helpful Link: Nanjing Railway Stations

How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing

Nanjing High Speed Rail Map

Top Things to Do in Nanjing

Appreciate nanjing's antiquity on nanjing ancient city wall.

Covering a length of 25.1 km, Nanjing City Wall is the largest and longest city wall preserved in the world . It was firstly built in A.D. 1366 by Zhu Yuanzhang - the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty to consolidate his sovereignty and keep out invaders. 27 years later, this consummate city wall was finished. Nanjing City Wall is the best place to appreciate Nanjing's antique flavor. Standing on the wall, you can imagine how flourishing Nanjing could be one thousand years ago. In the daytime, you can also have great views of the Xuanwu Lake, Purple Mountain and the tower of Jiming Temple. When the night falls, the wall is nicely lit-up.

☛ 2 Days Time-efficient Nanjing Essence Tour

How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing

Admire Beautiful Purple Mountain & Historic Sites Inside

Known as one of the Four Famed Mountains in South China , Purple Mountain perches in the east side of Nanjing City like a tortuous dragon. It gets the name because its peaks are often found enveloped in mysterious purple and golden clouds at dawn and dusk. The main peak of this mountain reaches about 450 meters high. No matter when you visit Purple Mountain, you can enjoy a great natural view . In spring, you can see many beautiful flowers in blossom, like orchids, sakuras, begonias, etc. In autumn, the whole mountain will be dyed into various colors from yellow to scarlate. When it snows in winter, the Purple Mountain is one of the best places of Nanjing to see snow view. In addition to the spectacular natural landscape, you can see an assembly of historic sites (more than 200 attractions), including Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum , Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Meiling Palace etc.

☛ 3 Days Nanjing Highlights Tour

How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing

Feel the Charm of Thousand-Year-Old Confucianism in Confucius Temple

Nanjing Confucius Temple, built in A.D. 1034 during the Song Dynasty, has a history of about 1000 years . It was built to worship Confucius, the great thinker and educator of ancient China and the founder of Confucianism. The whole temple covers a huge area, mainly consisting of Confucius Temple, Studying Hall and Gongyuan. Gongyuan is the largest imperial examination hall in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368~1912), so you can take a glimpse of Chinese imperial examination system. Next to Confucius Temple is the beautiful Qinhuai River, while wandering around, you can find busy pedestrian shopping streets with famous coffee stores and nice snack stands.

☛ 4 Days Nanjing History & Culture Tour

How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing

Visit Other Top Attractions in Nanjing

Besides the attractions mentioned above, there are many other places to explore. Presidential Palace is a great place to learn modern history of China and enjoy classic garden. Nanjing Museum is one of the top three museums in China. There are not only many valuable collections, but also a gallery that duplicates the old Nanjing 100 years ago. Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders tells a sad past of Nanjing in World War II. Here we will know how cruel the war is and cherish the peaceful life we have today. If you are a Buddhist, you can pay a homage to Niushou Mountain where the world's only parietal bone relics of Sakyamuni is preserved. You can also enjoy Nanjing city view and see local people's life in Xuanwu Lake area, pay a visit to the oldest and most important imperial temple in Nanjing - Jiming Temple , or to Qixia Mountain which is reputed as "the first bright and elegant mountain of Jinling" by Emperor Qianlong.

▶ Helpful Link: Things to Do in Nanjing

☛ 3 Days Nanjing Highlights Tour including Jaw-dropping Niushoushan

How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing

How Many Days to Stay in Nanjing

Generally speaking, a classic Nanjing tour takes at least 2 days to cover the main highlights in the city such as Zhongshan Ling, Confucius Temple, Ancient City Wall and Nanjing Museum. If you are interested in Buddhism, you can add a day to Niushoushan Forest Park. Or you can spend more days immersing yourself in the ancient city to know more about its culture and history. Check the following recommended Nanjing itineraries from 2~4 days and get inspiration of your own Nanjing trip.

Nanjing 2-4 Days Itinerary

Travel beyond nanjing, to other destinations in jiangsu.

Apart from Nanjing, there are some other destinations worth a go in Jiangsu. Suzhou , the city of garden and silk, has always been an attractive city since ancient times. You can spend 2 days exploring the elegant gardens (Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of the Nets Garden, etc.), getting a close contact with gentle silk in Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory, and visiting water towns such as Zhouzhuang, Tongli and Luzhi... Wuxi is another beautiful city with splendid Taihu Lake scenery, sacred Buddhist land and great gardens. It needs about 2 days to explore this city. Besides, you can pay a short visit to Yangzhou - a flourishing city with historical sites and Changzhou - a relaxing city with entertaining experience.

☛ 2 Days Suzhou Essence Tour with Water Town ☛ 2 Days Wuxi Highlights Tour ☛ 5 Days Jiangsu Tour (Suzhou, Wuxi & Nanjing)

Humble Administrator’s Garden

To nearby Top Tourist Destinations

Most travelers choose to travel Nanjing with nearby Shanghai and Hangzhou. Shanghai is a fascinating city with sky-kissing skyscrapers, different European architectures, informative museums, traditional blocks and various theme parks and so on. Spending 2~3 days in Shanghai, you can fully experience what present China looks like. Since the ancient times, Hangzhou and Suzhou enjoy equal popularity among travelers and eulogized by poets and emperors. The dreamy panoramas of West Lake will always tempt visitors into long sojourns. Besides, you are able to taste unique Hangzhou food and famous Longjing tea, watch one of the best night shows, savor Chinese Buddhist fragrance, etc. Some travelers also choose to extend their Nanjing tour to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) for a memorable visual sightseeing trip. You will not only be awed at the breathtaking natural view of Yellow Mountain, but also savor the painting-like white-walled gray-title architectures in Huizhou Villages, like Hongcun Village and Xidi Village.

▶ Helpful Links: Shanghai Travel Guide | Hangzhou Travel Guide | Huangshan Travel Guide | Yangtze Delta Tours

☛ 5 Days Shanghai Nanjing Highlights Tour ☛ 8 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Nanjing Tour ☛ 9 Days East China & Mt. Huang Tour by High Speed Train

How to Plan a Trip to Suzhou

To More Domestic Destinations

China is a vast land with countless natural and cultural wonders. No matter you want to see the grand royal palaces or the tranquil rural villages, appreciate the modern charm or the ancient civilazation, admire the natural landscape or manmade miracles, you can get plenty of choices. In Beijing , lots of UNESECO World Cultural Heritage Sites - like imperial palaces, gardens, great wall, etc. show you the dazzling treasures of Chinese history and culture. In Xian , the world-famous archaeological finds - Terracotta Warriors, as well as many other centuries-old sites make you imagine how glorious this old city used to be. In Guilin , the captivating karst landscape lets you know how magical the nature would be. Moreover, you could have a close contact with the world’s most adorable animal - Giant Pandas in Chengdu , admire the real Avatar World in Zhangjiajie, the colorful nationalities of China in Yunnan , savor a relaxing cruise journey along the Yangtze River , get amazed by the high-altitude views in Tibet … No matter you are interested in nature, culture, history, hiking, photography, food, or something else, just contact us to customize a tour according to your own interest.

▶ Helpful Links: China Destinations | Top 10 China Tours

☛ 8 Days Best of China Tour (Flight/Bullet Train Covered) ☛ 10 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing - First Touch of China ☛ 17 Days China Paradise Tour with Tibet Discovery & Yangtze Cruise

How to Plan a Trip to Suzhou

Where to Stay in Nanjing

Nanjing is an international city with many hotel choices ranging from luxury 5-star hotels to budget 3-star hotels. People usually accommodate in Nanjing downtown near Xinjiekou area because there are many shopping malls and multiple metro lines to most attractions in Nanjing. If you want to see the amazing nightview of Nanjing, you can find a hotel in Confucius Temple Area along Qinhuai River. It is one of the busiest areas in Nanjing at night and extremely beautiful with colorful lights on. If you prefer a quieter environment with good natural scenery, Xuanwu Lake Area is recommended. There are many hotels around this beautiful lake and it is nice to take a walk in gentle breeze. Transportation hubs such as railway stations and airport also has many hotel options, you can tell us your needs and we will choose a suitable hotel for you.

▶ Helpful Link: Where to Stay in Nanjing

How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing

Nanjing 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Since 2016, China has started the 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption policy in Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang) to offer transit convenience for international travelers. It means that, visitors from the appointed 53 countries, holding the valid travel documents and connecting flight tickets to a third country/region, are allowed to enter and exit from one of the six ports - Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Nanjing Lukou International Airport and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and stay for not exceeding 144 hours in the administrative regions of Shanghai, Jiangsu (Nanjing included) and Zhejiang.

▶ Helpful Link: China 144 Hour Transit Visa Free Policy

Travel Nanjing with China Discovery

In order to get a pleasant Nanjing tour, traveling with China Discovery is strongly recommended. China Discovery is a leading travel agency with rich experience in offering high-quality and customizable China tour packages. Before your tour, our travel expert will contact you and make an itinerary according your own interest, need and budget. Every detail - transfer, hotels, attractions, etc. will be arranged well for you. As you arrive, our local travel guide and driver will pick you up at the airport or train station with an air-conditioned and non-smoking vehicle, and then escort you to your hotel or every attraction listed in your itinerary. Great freedom will be given to you whenever you need to stop for sightseeing and photograph. Feel free to contact us to start your worry-free private tour now

China Discovery Private Transfer

China Discovery Private Transfer

Get Inspired by Real Travel Stories of Our Customers

Since 2012, we have helped numerous customers visit Nanjing and surroundings. With our fully-inclusive private tour packages, all of our customers enjoyed their trips to the ancient city wall, beautiful Purple Mountain, informative Nanjing Museum, charming Qinhuai River, etc. Some of them kindly shared their precious photos and stories about their Nanjing journey, just get inspired now.

"This is my second time to ask China Discovery to organize a private tour for a group of 12 people to visit Huangshan, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shanghai and other cities close-by…" - shared by Mr. Ban (Check his Travel China with Family and Friends for 3 Consecutive Years - Mr. Ban's Group Traveled Different Parts of China from the North to Southwest and Southeast )

Besides the wonderful travel stories, many customers who visited Nanjing with China Discovery also send us their first-hand feedbacks about their trip, feel free to read the Customer Reviews and learn what they say about their experience. If you want to start your Nanjing tour now, don't hesitate to contact us .

Shanghai

Nanjing Tours

  • 2 Days Nanjing Essence Tour
  • 3 Days Nanjing Tour with Niushoushan
  • 4 Days Nanjing History & Culture Tour

Nanjing Travel Guide

  • Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
  • Nanjing Museum
  • Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
  • Niushoushan
  • Things to do & Top Attractions
  • Get There & Around
  • Weather & Seasons
  • Accommodation
  • Nanjing Maps
  • More Nanjing Travel Guide

More about Jiangsu Travel Guide

  • Popular Jiangsu Tours
  • Jiangsu Travel Guide
  • Top Jiangsu Destinations
  • Top Things to Do in Jiangsu
  • Useful Jiangsu Maps
  • Jiangsu 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
  • Suzhou Travel Guide
  • Wuxi Travel Guide

Recommended Nanjing Tours

Top 3 Nanjing tours chosen by most customers to explore Nanjing in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Qinhuai River - a great place to wander around

2 Days Time-efficient Nanjing Essence Tour

Niushoushan - a place where both Buddhists and regular tourists can enjoy

3 Days Nanjing Highlights Tour including Jaw-dropping Niushoushan

474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center

5 Days Shanghai Nanjing Highlights Tour

Shanghai / Nanjing

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

nanjing tourist

Have a question? Get answers from our travel experts or guests

  • Your Question:
  • Your Email:
  • Affordable and valuable price
  • 100% tailor-made packages
  • Highly rated customers reviews
  • Efficient customer support

China Tours

  • Top 10 China Tours
  • Classic China Tours
  • China Tours from Beijing
  • China Tours from Shanghai
  • China Tours from Hong Kong
  • China Tours from Chengdu
  • Short China Trips
  • Customize China Tour
  • China Panda Tours
  • Family Tour with Kids
  • High-Speed Train Tour
  • Silk Road Travel
  • Yangtze River Cruise
  • Hiking & Trekking Tours
  • Photography Tours
  • China Minority Travel
  • Beijing Shanghai Tours
  • Shanghai Yangtze Tours
  • Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours
  • Chengdu Lhasa Tours
  • Suzhou Hangzhou Tours
  • Guilin & Yangshuo
  • Zhangjiajie

“Very good experience”

“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”

“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”

Any questions, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 86-19138970032 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8)

  • Terms & Condition
  • Privacy Policy
  • Customer Support

Copyright © 2011-2024. All rights reserved.

Cookie policy

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue using our website means you agree with our cookie policy. For more info, please read here .

Nanjing was treated as the fortune place of  the Han's renaissance and has an unique  status and value in Chinese history.

Welcome to nanjing.

A historical city of more than 2500 years on the south bank of the Yangtze River, Nanjing served as the capital of ten dynasties in China during various periods of history, ending in 1949. 

Due to its strategical importance, Nanjing has long been a major center in China of culture, education, research, economy, transportation. As the capital of Jiangsu Province with a splendid cultural heritage,

Nanjing is one of the most delightful destinations in China. With its open arms and its myriad of tourist attractions, Nanjing welcomes you!

The Nanjing Municipal Museum

Nanjing city planning exhibition center, museum of modern chinese history, the nanjing folklore museum, mansion area of yihe road, nanjing, the jiangning imperial silk manufacturing museum, the oriental metropolitan museum, imperial examination museum of china, the xunwu lake park, nanjing museum, popular tourist attractions, confucius temple(fuzimiao), dr. sun yat-sen's mausoleum, xuanwu hu lake, popular places, shiziqiao delicacy street, wangfu street delicacy street, confucius temple snack street, mingwalang delicacy paradise, food highlights, how to feed your food obsession, tang bao (dumpling filled with minced meat and gravy).

Tang Bao is a kind of well-known Nanjing  snack. It is small with thin wraps and thick  stuffing. With fresh minced meat and abundant  ...

Nanjing Yuanzi Meatball

Nanjing Yuanzi Meatball is prepared with  high-quality pork. Using Kalimeris indica or  water-swollen pig tendons, it is one of the traditi...

Assorted Tofu Jelly

Tofu jelly is also known as jellied bean curd  or bean curd jelly. With more than ten kinds  of condiments such as dreid shrimp, mustard &nb...

Nanjing Dried Bean Curd Shreds

Nanjing Dried Bean Curd Shreds are produced in a unique way with specially adopted  dried bean curd shreds which are tender but not  tough,...

Go Shopping

Your guide to shopping in nanjing, nanjing da pai dang restaurant.

Nanjing Da Pai Dang Restaurant has a  style that is simple and clean. It is rather like a  bar, teahouse and street market in the period &nb...

Yadebao Duck Blood Soup with Vermicelli

Nanjing is called the “City of Duck”. You  must enjoy a banquet featuring duck if you go  out to dine in Nanjing. In Nanjing, the authentic ...

Nanjing No.1 Lotus Root with Honey Sauce

Nanjing No.1 Lotus Root with Honey  Sauce is an old brand rock candy lotus root. Soft  and fresh lotus root slices are filled with sticky &n...

Yinnianjin Tang Bao Store

This is a very famous snack store in Nanjing. Its Tang Bao Dumplings have a thin wrapper with a full stuffing and unique flavor; it’s not  oily...

Shopping Paradise

Accommodation, action seekers, culture shapers.

  • 请求信息 : 2024-03-16 13:30:04 HTTP/1.1 GET : visitnanjing.net/
  • 运行时间 : 0.012544s [ 吞吐率:79.72req/s ] 内存消耗:619.30kb 文件加载:48
  • 查询信息 : 10 queries 0 writes
  • 缓存信息 : 0 reads,0 writes
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/public/index.php ( 0.84 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/start.php ( 0.72 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/base.php ( 2.60 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Loader.php ( 21.07 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/vendor/composer/autoload_static.php ( 3.04 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/vendor/topthink/think-helper/src/helper.php ( 2.88 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/vendor/topthink/think-captcha/src/helper.php ( 1.59 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Route.php ( 60.23 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Config.php ( 6.38 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Validate.php ( 41.63 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/vendor/topthink/think-migration/src/config.php ( 0.83 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Console.php ( 23.13 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/vendor/topthink/think-queue/src/common.php ( 1.19 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Error.php ( 3.75 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/convention.php ( 10.37 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/App.php ( 21.51 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Request.php ( 49.78 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/config.php ( 8.96 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/database.php ( 1.94 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/extra/queue.php ( 0.62 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Hook.php ( 4.71 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/tags.php ( 0.96 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/common.php ( 3.30 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Env.php ( 1.21 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/helper.php ( 17.30 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Lang.php ( 7.23 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Log.php ( 6.05 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/lang/zh-cn.php ( 11.81 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/home.php ( 2.63 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/admin.php ( 0.81 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/index/controller/Index.php ( 1.83 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/index/controller/BaseController.php ( 0.20 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Controller.php ( 6.07 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/traits/controller/Jump.php ( 4.90 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/View.php ( 6.95 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/view/driver/Think.php ( 5.64 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Template.php ( 44.90 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/template/driver/File.php ( 2.24 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Db.php ( 6.67 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/db/connector/Mysql.php ( 3.89 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/db/Connection.php ( 29.97 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/db/Query.php ( 93.74 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/db/builder/Mysql.php ( 4.53 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/db/Builder.php ( 31.55 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Debug.php ( 7.13 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/runtime/temp/63f97f8df37dc79537b1c2634bde66fc.php ( 63.40 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Response.php ( 8.28 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/debug/Html.php ( 4.17 KB )
  • /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/library/think/Cache.php ( 6.10 KB )
  • [ LANG ] /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/thinkphp/lang/zh-cn.php
  • [ ROUTE ] array ( 'type' => 'module', 'module' => array ( 0 => 'index', 1 => 'Index', 2 => 'index', ), 'convert' => false, )
  • [ HEADER ] array ( 'connection' => 'keep-alive', 'dnt' => '1', 'accept' => 'text/html,application/xhtml+xml,application/xml;q=0.9,image/avif,image/webp,*/*;q=0.8', 'accept-language' => 'en-US', 'client-ip' => '66.249.64.20', 'x-originating-ip' => '66.249.70.156', 'x-remote-ip' => '66.249.70.156', 'x-remote-addr' => '66.249.70.156', 'x-forwarded-for' => '66.249.64.20', 'accept-encoding' => 'deflate, gzip', 'host' => 'visitnanjing.net', 'user-agent' => 'Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; Googlebot/2.1; +http://www.google.com/bot.html)', 'content-length' => '', 'content-type' => '', )
  • [ PARAM ] array ( )
  • [ RUN ] app\index\controller\Index->index[ /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/application/index/controller/Index.php ]
  • [ DB ] INIT mysql
  • [ VIEW ] /www/wwwdata/visitnanjing/public/../application/index/view/index/index.html [ array ( 0 => 'banners', 1 => 'showFields', 2 => 'introduces', 3 => 'streets', 4 => 'sites', 5 => 'shoppings', 6 => 'foods', ) ]
  • [ DB ] CONNECT:[ UseTime:0.000161s ] mysql:host=localhost;port=3306;dbname=jngy;charset=utf8
  • [ SQL ] SHOW COLUMNS FROM `banner` [ RunTime:0.000920s ]
  • [ SQL ] SELECT * FROM `banner` WHERE `is_show` = 1 AND `type` = 1 [ RunTime:0.000191s ]
  • [ SQL ] SHOW COLUMNS FROM `introduce` [ RunTime:0.000963s ]
  • [ SQL ] SELECT * FROM `introduce` ORDER BY `sort_order` DESC [ RunTime:0.000159s ]
  • [ SQL ] SHOW COLUMNS FROM `sites` [ RunTime:0.000780s ]
  • [ SQL ] SELECT * FROM `sites` WHERE `is_show` = 1 AND `is_index` = 1 [ RunTime:0.000248s ]
  • [ SQL ] SHOW COLUMNS FROM `characteristic` [ RunTime:0.000768s ]
  • [ SQL ] SELECT * FROM `characteristic` WHERE `is_show` = 1 AND `is_index` = 1 AND `type` = 1 AND `type2` = 3 [ RunTime:0.000180s ]
  • [ SQL ] SELECT * FROM `characteristic` WHERE `is_show` = 1 AND `is_index` = 1 AND `type` = 1 AND `type2` = 1 LIMIT 4 [ RunTime:0.000162s ]
  • [ SQL ] SELECT * FROM `characteristic` WHERE `is_show` = 1 AND `is_index` = 1 AND `type` = 1 AND `type2` = 2 LIMIT 4 [ RunTime:0.000151s ]

Nanjing Facts

Nanjing Facts

Name : Nanjing (南京; Nánjīng /nan-jing/) Meaning : 'southern capital' Previous names : Nanking, Yecheng, Yuecheng, Moling, Jiankang, Jiangning, Tianjing

  • One of the four great capital cities of ancient empires
  • Ancient architecture, parks, and amusement parks
  • East coast transportation hub

Main Attractions

  • Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum , China Gate , Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum , and Lingqu Temple , President Palace , Confucius Temple
  • Most popular souvenirs and local products : velvet, satin, imitation ivory, Yuhua Pebbles, Chinese painting and calligraphy
  • Most popular local food : xiaolongbao, tangbao (soup dumpling), yashui duck, eight delicacies soup

The city is in a region that is surrounded by mountains that made access difficult until recent decades. This preserved some of the traditional culture of the area. Nearby Huangshan Mountain has long been an attraction for travellers for hundreds of years.

  • 333 Chu built Jingling Yi.
  • 229 Sun Quan established his capital here during the Three Kingdoms era following the Han Empire era.
  • 1368 The Ming Empire established their new capital.
  • 1853 The Taiping army captured Nanjing, and it was their capital city during their rule.
  • 1927 The Nationalist government made it their capital city.
  • 1937 The Japanese army captured the city, and a large percentage of the population died.
  • Significance of the city: Nanjing is one of China's main business, industrial and education centers. Throughout history, it has often been an imperial capital city or one of the biggest cities in the world.
  • Nearby cities: Shanghai (242 km/150 mi), Hangzhou (225 km/140 mi), Huangshan (262 km/163 mi), Suzhou (215 km/135 mi)
  • Elevation: 15 m (56 ft)
  • Municipality terrain: The city is in the Yangtze River basin plain with the Yangtze River to the west and the Ningzheng River on the other sides. Mountains dot the plain.
  • Main rivers: Yangtze River and Qinhuai River

Location Information

  • Municipality location : East China.
  • Municipality population : 8,004,000
  • Municipality area : 6,600 sq km (2,548 sq mi)
  • Municipality population density : 1,214/sq km (3,143/sq mi)
  • North to south distance of main urban area : 17 km (10.5 mi)
  • East to west distance of main urban area : 18.3 km (11.4 mi)
  • City center : Xinjiekou area
  • Annual average low temperature in January : -1 °C (30.2 °F)
  • Annual average high temperature in July and August : 32 °C (89.6 °F)
  • Humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons; annual precipitation : 1,062 mm (42 in)

Summers are hot and humid, and the winters are cold and damp.

  • Average annual income : (2010) 68,510 RMB (9,929 USD)
  • Development : developed; Nanjing is an inland port city and transportation hub. It is also the educational center for Jiangsu Province.
  • Industry : 50.7% tertiary industry (services, financial services), 46.5% secondary (electronics, petrochemicals, steel, automobile), 2.8% primary (agriculture)
  • CBD : Xinjiekou area (32.04N, 118.78E)
  • Shopping Streets : Xinjiekou, Hunan Road, area around Confucius Temple

Transportation

  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport is one of the top 15 busiest in the country.
  • 3 train stations
  • 2 bullet train lines to Shanghai .
  • 2 line subway
  • 60 highways meet there.
  • Nanjing is a transportation hub for eastern China south of the Yangtze River.

13-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai Educational Family Vacation

  • 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Private Tour
  • 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
  • 10-Day Lanzhou–Xiahe–Zhangye–Dunhuang–Turpan–Urumqi Tour
  • 11-Day Classic Wonders
  • 11-Day Family Happiness
  • 12-day Panda Keeper and Classic Wonders
  • 13-Day A Broad Taste of China
  • 13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour
  • 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
  • 14-Day Classic China Photo Tour
  • 2-Week Riches of China
  • 3-Week Must-See Places China Tour Including Holy Tibet
  • How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps
  • Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)
  • 15 Best Places to Visit in China for First-Timers, Families, Couples...
  • The 15 Most Beautiful Places in China (#7 Will Impress You)
  • One Week in China - 4 Time-Smart Itineraries
  • How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
  • Top 4 China Itinerary Options in 12 Days (for First Timers) 2024/2025
  • 2 Weeks in China: 3 Top Itinerary Ideas for Couples, Families, and More
  • 17-Day China Itineraries: 4 Unique Options
  • How to Spend 19 Days in China in 2024/2025 (Top 5 Options and Costs)
  • How to Plan a 3-Week Itinerary in China (Best 3 Options & Costs)
  • China Itineraries from Hong Kong for 1 Week to 3 Weeks
  • China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
  • China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
  • China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
  • China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
  • China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
  • China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
  • China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
  • China Weather in August: Tips for Family Travel
  • China Weather in September: a Quieter Month in the Peak Season
  • China Weather in October: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
  • China Weather in November: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
  • China Weather in December: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

Where can we take you today.

  • Top 10 Tours
  • Panda Tours
  • Family Tours
  • Nature Tours
  • Photography Tours
  • Visa-free Tours
  • Hiking Tours
  • Biking Tours
  • Festival Tours
  • Top Asia Tours
  • Inner Mongolia
  • Yangtze River
  • Zhangjiajie
  • Tours from Hong Kong
  • Tours from Shanghai
  • South Korea
  • Middle East
  • African safari
  • Indonesia (Bali)
  • South Africa
  • Central Asia

nanjing tourist

  • Travel Agents
  • Loyalty & Referral Program
  • Privacy Policy

nanjing tourist

China Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy .

Text: A A A Print Economy

Payment guide seen as assisting opening-up.

The recently released guide to further improve foreigners' payment experiences in China is not only part of the country's continued opening-up but is also conducive to the internationalization of its financial sector, said experts.

The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, released on Thursday a payment guide which provides foreigners with text and graphic instructions on using bank cards, cash, mobile payment and e-CNY in China.

No ID is required for transactions under a certain amount when foreigners use mobile payments such as Alipay, Weixin Pay and UnionPay. Some international e-wallets such as TrueMoney, which originated in Thailand, and Naver Pay, which is frequently used in South Korea, are directly accepted by merchants in China. Foreigners can also open bank accounts with passports or other valid ID at major banks such as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

According to Wang Pengbo, a senior analyst at market consultancy Botong Analysys, the requirement on ID for mobile payments in China used to be the major barrier making foreigners reluctant to connect mobile payment tools such as Alipay with their overseas bank cards.

Another major hurdle, which was the payment limit, was addressed at the beginning of this month when the PBOC announced that the single mobile payment transaction limit for foreigners in China was being increased from $1,000 to $5,000 and the annual limit was being increased from $10,000 to $50,000, said Wang.

But he also suggested that the number of automatic teller machines in China should not be reduced since a large number of foreigners still use cash more often.

Liu Chunsheng, an associate professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics' School of International Trade and Economics, said that the issue of payment is closely related to China's image and competitiveness in the international financial market.

By illustrating the detailed payment methods, the newly released guide will help to remove the various inconveniences and confusion encountered by foreigners staying in China, which is increasingly important as more foreigners will work or live in China amid the country's rapid economic development and deepened internationalization.

The PBOC's payment guide has also addressed the State Council's guideline released on Mar 7 which aims to further optimize services and enhance payment convenience, said market experts.

Alipay, the digital payment arm of technology giant Ant Group, said on Friday that foreign visitors to China can use the app to complete payments at restaurants, hotels, scenic spots, convenience stores and supermarkets, as well as for ride-hailing, shared bike and other public transportation services in China.

According to Alipay, spending by overseas tourists using the app increased 500 percent year-on-year during the recent Lunar New Year holiday, while the number of merchants receiving overseas tourists jumped 560 percent on a yearly basis during the holiday.

Inbound tourism and consumption will be further boosted amid continued efforts to improve mobile payment services available to overseas tourists, said Alipay.

The PBOC's latest guide also marks an important step forward in the internationalization of the Chinese financial industry, as it not only provides convenience to foreigners but also demonstrates the openness and inclusiveness of the nation's financial sector, according to Liu from the Central University of Finance and Economics.

Dong Ximiao, chief researcher at Merchants Union Consumer Finance, said that providing more convenient payment services to foreign visitors to China is part of the deepened opening-up of China's payment sector.

He suggested that Chinese payment companies should accelerate their outbound reach in an orderly manner to provide payment solutions to local users, which can help these companies come up with internationally recognized services and technology standards.

Meanwhile, foreign institutions should be steadily introduced into the Chinese onshore payment and bank card clearing market to further optimize the market landscape in the payment sector, he added.

nanjing tourist

Freedom of Speech in the U.S. is not worthy of the name: report

SpaceX's Starship makes 3rd flight test but loses during re-entry

SpaceX's Starship makes 3rd flight test but loses during re-entry

Villagers harvest tea leaves in Guangxi

Villagers harvest tea leaves in Guangxi

Describing cargo cranes as 'Trojan Horses' only gets one into cycle of excessive anxiety: Ambassador Xie Feng

Describing cargo cranes as 'Trojan Horses' only gets one into cycle of excessive anxiety: Ambassador Xie Feng

600-year-old plum tree in full blossom in Nanjing

600-year-old plum tree in full blossom in Nanjing

Infographic: China-Europe Railway Express, a transport stabilizer amid Red Sea Crisis

Infographic: China-Europe Railway Express, a transport stabilizer amid Red Sea Crisis

Meet Katyusha, first giant panda cub born in Russia

Meet Katyusha, first giant panda cub born in Russia

Breathtaking spring scenery across China

Breathtaking spring scenery across China

New energy cruise ship to operate in night tour

New energy cruise ship to operate in night tour

Humanoid robot competition in Beijing draws visitors

Humanoid robot competition in Beijing draws visitors

Migratory birds rest at E China's nature reserve

Migratory birds rest at E China's nature reserve

China-themed books exhibited at London Book Fair

China-themed books exhibited at London Book Fair

Amazing Chinese dragon patterns captured along Qiantang River bed

Amazing Chinese dragon patterns captured along Qiantang River bed

Magnolia flowers add beauty to Xin'an River

Magnolia flowers add beauty to Xin'an River

In Numbers: China plants nearly 4 million hectares of forest in 2023

In Numbers: China plants nearly 4 million hectares of forest in 2023

Spring ploughing season begins in SW China

Spring ploughing season begins in SW China

Drone, fireworks show staged to celebrate Longtaitou in N China

Drone, fireworks show staged to celebrate Longtaitou in N China

'The Spring City' sees blooming beauty

'The Spring City' sees blooming beauty

China's top legislature concludes annual session

China's top legislature concludes annual session

Children have their heads shaved on Dragon Head Raising Day

Children have their heads shaved on Dragon Head Raising Day

Culture Fact: The culture and traditions of China's Longtaitou Day

Culture Fact: The culture and traditions of China's Longtaitou Day

Beautiful spring sceneries wow visitors

Beautiful spring sceneries wow visitors

China's top political advisory body holds closing meeting of annual session

China's top political advisory body holds closing meeting of annual session

3rd plenary meeting of 2nd session of 14th CPPCC National Committee held in Beijing

3rd plenary meeting of 2nd session of 14th CPPCC National Committee held in Beijing

Giant panda cub meets public in Moscow

Giant panda cub meets public in Moscow

Second plenary meeting of second session of 14th NPC held in Beijing

Second plenary meeting of second session of 14th NPC held in Beijing

China's grain output hits record high in 2023

China's grain output hits record high in 2023

China's foreign trade in goods up 8.7 pct in Jan-Feb

China's foreign trade in goods up 8.7 pct in Jan-Feb

In Numbers:  China's grain output hit a record high of 695.4 million tonnes

In Numbers: China's grain output hit a record high of 695.4 million tonnes

In Numbers: China's investment in R&D

In Numbers: China's investment in R&D

They Say: Chinese EVs power ahead of inferior U.S. rivals

They Say: Chinese EVs power ahead of inferior U.S. rivals

In Numbers: Passenger trips on Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway hit 2m

In Numbers: Passenger trips on Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway hit 2m

Giant dragon horse installation wows visitors in Zhejiang

Giant dragon horse installation wows visitors in Zhejiang

World's only 400-year-old magnolia tree in full blossom

World's only 400-year-old magnolia tree in full blossom

Natural light pillars illuminate night sky in N China

Natural light pillars illuminate night sky in N China

Xi stresses deepening reform to comprehensively enhance strategic capabilities in emerging areas

Xi stresses deepening reform to comprehensively enhance strategic capabilities in emerging areas

Most popular in 24h, more top news.

  • Carrier rocket for China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe arrives at launch site
  • UN human development report shows China's great progress
  • Mainland spokesperson affirms patrols from coast guard near Kinmen legitimate
  • UChicago student delegation urges enhanced people-to-people ties after China visit
  • China Coast Guard announces law enforcement patrol near Kinmen

nanjing tourist

International freight train for China Food and Drinks Fair arrives in Chengdu

nanjing tourist

PLA conducts drills in East China Sea

nanjing tourist

IMAGES

  1. Best Time to Visit Nanjing

    nanjing tourist

  2. Things to Do in Nanjing, Nanjing Attractions 2023

    nanjing tourist

  3. The 7 Best Tourist Attractions in Nanjing China

    nanjing tourist

  4. Nanjing

    nanjing tourist

  5. Things to Do in Nanjing, Nanjing Attractions 2023

    nanjing tourist

  6. One Day Nanjing Highlights Private Tour From Suzhou

    nanjing tourist

COMMENTS

  1. Top 10 Things to Do in Nanjing

    Nanjing City Wall is the military fortification built in the Ming Dynasty (1638-1644 AD). Compared with the city wall in other cities, the Nanjing City Wall stands out for its irregular shape and four-layered structure. There are thirteen city gates in total and it is highly recommended for tourists to travel from the Shence Gate to Taiping Gate.

  2. Nanjing travel

    Asia. Many visitors only pass through handsome Nanjing (南京, Nánjīng; literally 'Southern Capital') when traveling from Shanghai to Beijing (or vice versa), but the capital of Jiangsu, lying on the lower stretches of the Yangzi River, boasts a rich and impressive historical heritage. It's also one of the best-looking cities in China.

  3. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Nanjing

    from. $259. per adult (price varies by group size) Half Day Private Tour to Niushoushan Cultural Park in Nanjing. Bus Tours. from. $156. per adult (price varies by group size) Nanjing Purple Mountain Peak Tour with Ropeway Ride and Linggu Temple Tea Time.

  4. Must-see attractions Nanjing, Jiangsu

    Bridge Park. Nanjing. Visiting Bridge Park is probably the easiest way to get up onto the Yangzi River Bridge. Catch bus 67 from Jiangsu Lu, northwest of the Drum Tower (鼓楼;….

  5. Nanjing Travel Guide, Ancient Southern Capital Travel Tips

    Nanjing in Chinese quite literally means 'Southern Capital'. It has alternated with Beijing as the capital of big empires and modern governments throughout history. Today, Nanjing stands as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, along with Beijing, Xi'an, and Luoyang. During the Ming Empire, Nanjing was the largest city in China.

  6. Nanjing Top Things to Do, Recommended Attractions to Visit

    Here are our top 10 recommendations for what you should do during your visit in Nanjing: 1. Bao'en Temple. In the early years of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Bao'en Temple, also known as the Porcelain Tower, was one of the three most famous temples in Nanjing.

  7. Nanjing Attractions China: Things to Do, Points of Interest

    Other tourist attractions in this area include Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao), Imperial Examination Museum of China, Ming walls, Bailuzhou Park, the Former Residence of the Wang and Xie Families, Zhonghua Gate and Zhanyuan Garden. This area is reputed as the Luminous Pearl of Jinling (former name of Nanjing) for its fantastic night scene.

  8. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Nanjing

    Boating on Xuanwu Lake is another way to appreciate the lake's beauty, like entering a picturesque scroll painting. Xuanwu Lake is also the "birds' living room" of the city, where one can observe migrating birds and other avian wonders. Review of: Xuanwu lake. Written October 14, 2023.

  9. 13 Things to do in Nanjing China

    Nanjing is a short 1-hour train ride from Shanghai. And because it is not on the well-trodden tourist path, there are plenty of things to see and do that have yet to be overrun with Instagram stars taking selfies in the streets.. It's a place that is relatively unknown to foreigners yet very popular with local tourists.

  10. Nanjing Attractions

    At 1,100 rambling acres, Xuanwu Lake was once the largest imperial lake garden in China. Surrounding the park are historic sites like the City Wall of Nanjing, contrasted with soaring skyscrapers peeking above the trees. Location: Xuanwu District; Xuanwu Gate is the closest entrance to the park. Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

  11. 15 Incredible Things You Can Only Do in Nanjing, China

    Get lost at the Nanjing Museum. 8 / 16. One of the largest museums in China, this sprawling institution clocks in at 70,000 square metres and houses over 430,000 historical artefacts. Expect ink drawings, earthenware and porcelain dating from the Ming dynasty, plus Qing imperial treasures such as a gold, gem-studded crown decorated with dragons.

  12. Nanjing, China: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)

    from $232 per adult. Nanjing City Private Customized Day Tour with Lunch. 1. from $143 per adult. 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall. 1. from $115 per adult. Private Day Tour In Nanjing To Old City Wall, Chaotian Palace, Qinghuai River.

  13. 12 Best Places to Visit in Nanjing for First-time Visitors

    Purple Mountain is a famous mountain in not only Nanjing but also southern China, hence one of the popular Nanjing tourist places. The scenery there is very beautiful, especially the spring flowers and autumn leaves. On the lush mountain, scatter many historical sites and remains. In addition to the above mentioned Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum ...

  14. The Ultimate Nanjing Travel Guide: Discover The Best Things To Do

    Modern Attractions and Activities. While Nanjing's historical sites offer a deep dive into its storied past, the city's modern attractions showcase its transformation into a bustling metropolis. From gleaming skyscrapers to vibrant shopping districts, Nanjing's contemporary side is just as captivating as its ancient one.

  15. Nanjing Attractions, Featured Attractions of Nanjing

    Nanjing attractions include Dr Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum, China Gate, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Lingqu Temple, which prove Nanjing's importance in Chinese history.Nanjing is one of the top four ancient capitals in China; hence, the city has many places of historic interest related to both ancient history and modern history.

  16. Nanjing, China

    EXPLORE NANJING. Nanjing offers a great variety of historical and cultural sites, including the city wall, temples, museums and monuments, found in the city center and within lush parks in the nearby mountains and stunning surrounding scenic areas. Use this interactive map to learn more about some of the most visited attractions that make this ...

  17. Things to Do in Nanjing, Nanjing Attractions 2024

    Top Nanjing Attractions | Things to Do in Nanjing 2024. Nanjing, literally meaning "the southern capital" and acting as an old capital of 6 dynasties, holds a significant status in the long history of China. Among China's several old capitals, Nanjing is often overlooked by tourists. It is widely recognized that Nanjing is a huge informative ...

  18. Nanjing Travel Guide 2024

    Nanjing is located in Jiangsu Province of eastern China, only about 300 km from Shanghai, 230 km from Suzhou and 280 km from Hangzhou but 1000km far away from Beijing. It is fully connected with outside world by flight, train and cruises. Most of visitors take Nanjing as their side trips from Shanghai.

  19. Nanjing travel blog

    Along with Chang'an, Luoyang and Beijing, Nanjing is one of the four great ancient capitals of China, the Nanjing tourist attractions will all make you feel a city with a rich history and culture. | nanjing travel blog. With a history of more than 2500 years, Nanjing is a city of ancient features mixed with modernity. ...

  20. How to Plan Nanjing Itinerary & Nanjing Trip Plan

    How to Plan a Trip to Nanjing. Nanjing, with a civilization history of over 7000 years and important status as the capital of six dynasties in China's history, is the provincial city of Jiangsu in eastern China.It is a city with both ancient legacy and modern charm. It has the well-preserved city wall to savor the antiquity, museums to memorize the history, beautiful lakes and rivers to wander ...

  21. Visit Nanjing

    NanJing. Nanjing was treated as the fortune place of the Han's renaissance and has an unique ... With its open arms and its myriad of tourist attractions, Nanjing welcomes you! view more. The Nanjing Municipal Museum. Nanjing City Planning Exhibition Center. Museum of Modern Chinese History. The Nanjing Folklore Museum.

  22. THE TOP 10 Nanjing Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    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 ...

  23. Nanjing Facts: City Name, Features, Attractions and History

    Facts of Nanjing including names, history, main attractions, Geography and location information. China Tours. China Tours 2024/2025; China Expats Tours; China Winter Tours; Top 10 Tours ... Nanjing is a transportation hub for eastern China south of the Yangtze River. Create my trip. Why Travel with China Highlights (98.8% positive customer ...

  24. China CPI: Consumer prices rise for first time in six months. But it's

    The sub-index for tourism soared 23.1% from a year ago, the highest among all categories. ... Shoppers browse for groceries at a supermarket in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.

  25. Payment guide seen as assisting opening-up

    The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, released on Thursday a payment guide which provides foreigners with text and graphic instructions on using bank cards, cash, mobile payment ...