🏛️ Top Attractions in Nanjing
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵, Zhongshan Ling)
1929 Tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen — 392 Steps, Purple Mountain South Slope, Free Admission
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵, Zhōngshān Líng) is the final resting place of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孙中山, 1866–1925), the founding father of modern China and the first president of the Republic of China. Located on the southern slope of Purple Mountain (紫金山, Zǐjīn Shān) at an elevation of 158 meters, the mausoleum was designed by architect Lü Yanzhi (吕彦直) and completed in 1929, three years after Sun's death in Beijing. The entire complex follows a bell-shaped layout symbolizing the "alarm bell" awakening the Chinese nation. Visitors climb 392 steps (divided into 10 platforms) from the entrance to the main hall — the climb takes 20–30 minutes at a leisurely pace, with each platform offering increasingly spectacular views over Nanjing city. The main hall houses a 4.6-meter-tall white marble statue of Sun Yat-sen carved from a single block of Italian marble. Behind the statue is the vault containing Sun's marble sarcophagus, inscribed with his famous quote: "The world belongs to all" (天下为公). The surrounding grounds cover 80,000 square meters with 600+ cypress, pine, and ginkgo trees planted in the 1920s–1930s, many of which are now over 100 years old. The mausoleum is part of the larger Zhongshan Scenic Area (中山风景区), which also includes Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Linggu Temple. Entry: FREE (reservation required via WeChat mini-program "中山陵园风景区" up to 7 days in advance; open 8:00am–5:00pm, last entry 4:00pm). Allow 1.5–2.5 hours for the climb, main hall visit, and surrounding gardens.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵, Ming Xiaoling)
UNESCO World Heritage — 600-Year-Old Tomb of Emperor Hongwu, Sacred Way with Stone Statues
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵, Míng Xiàolíng, "Filial and Majestic Tomb of the Ming") is the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (朱元璋, 1328–1398), the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), and his empress Ma (马皇后). Completed in 1405 after 25 years of construction, the mausoleum is one of China's largest imperial tomb complexes, covering 170,000 square meters with a 4km-long "Sacred Way" (神道, Shéndào) lined with 34 pairs of stone animal and human statues. The Sacred Way is the highlight: 12 pairs of stone animals (lions, xiezhi (mythical unicorn), camels, elephants, horses, and qilin) and 4 pairs of stone officials (civil and military), each 3–4 meters tall, carved from single blocks of blue stone in the early 1400s — the elephants alone weigh 80+ tons each. The site also includes the "Lingxing Gate" (棂星门, a 600-year-old stone gate with intricate carvings), the "Wenwu Square" (文武方门, the main entrance with 5 archways), and the "Ming Xiaoling Museum" (明孝陵博物馆, free with entry, open 8:30am–5:00pm, with 300+ artifacts from the tomb including Ming Dynasty porcelain and jade burial items). The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (part of the "Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties" designation, inscribed in 2003). Entry: ¥70 (students ¥35; combined ticket with Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum area ¥100). The mausoleum is a 10-minute walk from Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum or take tourist bus #1 within the scenic area (¥10). Open 7:00am–6:00pm (March–October), 7:30am–5:30pm (November–February). Allow 2–3 hours for the Sacred Way, tomb mound, and museum.
Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River (夫子庙·秦淮河, Fuzimiao·Qinhuai He)
Qinhuai River Night Cruise — Ancient Lantern-lit Waterfront, Painting Boats, Imperial Examination Museum
The Confucius Temple (夫子庙, Fūzǐmiào) and Qinhuai River (秦淮河, Qínhuái Hé) scenic area is Nanjing's most famous cultural and entertainment district, located in the Qinhuai District south of the city center. The original Confucius Temple was first built in 1034 CE during the Song Dynasty (宋朝, 960–1279) and rebuilt multiple times after fires; the current structure dates to 1984–1986 reconstruction in traditional Qing Dynasty style. The temple complex includes the "Dacheng Hall" (大成殿, the main hall housing a 4.5-meter-tall gilded bronze statue of Confucius (孔子) from 1985, surrounded by 72 small statues of his disciples), the "Imperial Examination Museum of China" (中国科举博物馆, ¥40, open 9:00am–9:00pm, the most comprehensive museum on China's 1,300-year imperial examination system with 2,000+ artifacts including original exam papers), and the "Fuzimiao West Market" (a pedestrian street with 100+ shops selling local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs). The Qinhuai River night cruise (秦淮河画舫, ¥80 for a 50-minute boat ride, departures every 20 minutes 6:00pm–10:00pm) is the highlight — visitors board traditional "painting boats" (画舫, huàfāng) with red lanterns, gliding along the 5km river section past 30+ lit pavilions, arched stone bridges, and riverside tea houses that recreate the atmosphere of "The Dream of the Red Chamber" (红楼梦). The riverfront is especially spectacular during the annual "Qinhuai Lantern Festival" (秦淮灯会, January–February, Chinese New Year period) when 10,000+ lanterns illuminate the entire district. Entry to Confucius Temple: FREE (museum ¥40, river cruise ¥80). Open 24 hours for the district (temple 9:00am–9:00pm, museum 9:00am–9:00pm, cruise 6:00pm–10:00pm). Allow 2–4 hours for the temple, museum, and evening cruise.
Nanjing City Wall (南京城墙, Nanjing Chengqiang)
600-Year-Old Ming Dynasty City Wall — 35km Surviving Circuit, Zhonghua Gate, Taicheng Section
The Nanjing City Wall (南京城墙, Nánjīng Chéngqiáng) is one of the world's longest surviving ancient city walls, built 1366–1386 CE during the early Ming Dynasty under Emperor Hongwu (朱元璋, the same emperor who built the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum). The original wall was 35.2km long, 14–21 meters tall, 14 meters wide at the base, and 7 meters wide at the top, with 13 main gates, 24 watchtowers, and 13,616 crenellations. Today, 25.1km of the wall survives intact — the longest continuous ancient city wall in China. The most impressive section is the "Zhonghua Gate" (中华门, also called "Gate of China", the southern gate), a massive 3-layer defense complex with 27 ramparts, 4 archways, and a labyrinth of 藏兵洞 (soldier-hiding caves) that could shelter 3,000 troops. The Zhonghua Gate is open 8:00am–6:00pm (¥50, students ¥25), with a museum inside the gate complex (free, 8:00am–5:30pm) showcasing the wall's 600-year history. Another popular section is the "Taicheng Section" (台城段, also called "Jiefang Gate Section"), a 1.5km restored walkway on the north side of Xuanwu Lake with panoramic views of the lake, Purple Mountain, and the city skyline — entry ¥30 (open 8:00am–6:00pm). Visitors can also walk the "Yijiang Gate Section" (仪凤门段, free, 24h) and the "Zhongshan Gate Section" (中山门段, free, 24h). The "Nanjing City Wall Museum" (南京城墙博物馆, near Zhonghua Gate, ¥20, open 9:00am–5:00pm, closed Mondays) has 1,000+ artifacts including original Ming Dynasty bricks with calligraphy signatures of the craftsmen (each brick was stamped with the name of the official and worker responsible — a 600-year-old quality control system). Allow 1–2 hours for Zhonghua Gate or the Taicheng Section walkway.
Memorial Hall of Nanjing Massacre (侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆)
Nanjing Massacre Memorial — 1985 Opened, National Memorial Day Dec 13, 300,000 Victims Commemorated
The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders (侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆, Qīn Huá Rìjūn Nánjīng Dà Túshā Yùnàn Tóngbāo Jìniànguǎn) is China's premier memorial to the 300,000+ victims of the Nanjing Massacre (December 1937–January 1938), when the Imperial Japanese Army captured Nanjing and committed atrocities over a 6-week period. Opened in 1985, the memorial was expanded in 1995, 2007, and 2015, now covering 74,000 square meters with 12 exhibition halls. The design is stark and powerful: a sunken courtyard with 10,000+ small stones representing the victims, a 30-meter-tall "Wall of Victims" (遇难者墙) inscribed with 10,615 verified names (the list grows as more names are verified), and a skeletal "Gate of Suffering" (苦难之门) that frames the exhibits. The main exhibition hall (免费, open 8:30am–4:30pm, closed Mondays except December 13) displays 3,000+ artifacts including: original 1937 photographs taken by Western missionaries (John Magee's 16mm film footage, now in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register), diaries of American missionary Minnie Vautrin (who saved 10,000+ refugees at Ginling College), Japanese military documents, and excavated bones of massacre victims (viewable through glass floors in the "Crypt Exhibition Hall"). The "Peace Square" (和平广场) outside features a 30-meter-tall bronze statue of a dove and the "Nanjing Massacre Memorial Date" (December 13) engraved in 12 languages. On December 13 each year (National Memorial Day, designated 2014), a national ceremony is held here with 10,000+ attendees. Entry: FREE (reservation required via WeChat mini-program "侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆" up to 7 days in advance). Open 8:30am–4:30pm (Tuesday–Sunday), closed Mondays. Allow 2–3 hours for the full exhibition.
Purple Mountain (紫金山, Zijin Shan)
448m Peak — Sun Yat-sen Observatory, Purple Mountain Observatory, Zhongshan Botanical Garden
Purple Mountain (紫金山, Zǐjīn Shān, "Purple-Gold Mountain") is Nanjing's natural and cultural crown jewel, rising 448 meters above sea level just 5km east of the city center. The mountain has been a sacred site for 1,500+ years, with the name "Purple Mountain" coming from the purple haze that often envelops its peaks at dawn and dusk (described in Tang Dynasty poetry as early as 618 CE). The mountain is home to 6 major attractions: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (孙中山陵, 1929, free), Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵, 1405, ¥70), Linggu Temple (灵谷寺, a 1,400-year-old Buddhist temple with a 60-meter-tall Beamless Hall/无梁殿, free), the Purple Mountain Observatory (紫金山天文台, China's oldest modern observatory founded 1928, ¥15, open 9:00am–5:00pm, with 20+ historical astronomical instruments including a 1,000-year-old Song Dynasty armillary sphere), Zhongshan Botanical Garden (中山植物园, 1929, ¥45, open 8:00am–5:30pm, with 3,000+ plant species including a renowned cherry blossom garden with 3,000+ trees that bloom mid-March–early April), and the Ming City Wall Taicheng Section (台城段, ¥30). The mountain has 30+ hiking trails (ranging from 1–4 hours), with the most popular being the "South Slope Trail" (南坡步道, 2 hours one-way from the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum entrance to the summit, 448m) and the "North Slope Trail" (北坡步道, 1.5 hours from the Botanical Garden to the summit). The summit offers panoramic views of Nanjing city, the Yangtze River, and on clear days, the lapping hills of Jiangsu province 50km away. Entry to the mountain area: Free (individual attractions charge separately). Open 24 hours for hiking trails (attractions 8:00am–5:00pm). Allow half a day (4–6 hours) to explore 2–3 attractions on the mountain.
Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖, Xuanwu Hu)
Five Islands — Ming Dynasty City Wall, Cherry Blossoms, Lotus Flowers, Free Admission
Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖, Xuánwǔ Hú, "Black Warrior Lake") is one of China's largest imperial lakes, covering 472 hectares with 4.4km of shoreline surrounded by the Ming City Wall on three sides and Purple Mountain on the fourth. The lake has been a royal garden since the Liu Song Dynasty (420–479 CE) and was expanded to its current size in the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1398) as part of the Nanjing City Wall moat system. The lake features 5 islands connected by 7 bridges: "Huanzhou" (环洲, the most accessible, with 100+ weeping willows planted in the 1930s), "Yingzhou" (樱洲, "Cherry Island", with 1,000+ cherry trees that bloom spectacularly mid-March–early April, free entry during cherry blossom season), "Liangzhou" (梁洲, the largest island, with the "Nanjing Planning Exhibition Hall" 南京规划展览馆, free, open 9:00am–5:00pm, showcasing Nanjing's 2,500-year urban history), "Cuizhou" (翠洲, "Emerald Island", with bamboo groves and a 1930s tea house), and "Lingzhou" (菱洲, "Water Chestnut Island", with lotus ponds that bloom July–August covering 50+ hectares of the lake surface). Visitors can: walk the 9km perimeter path (2 hours, free), rent a paddle boat (¥60/hour, 9:00am–5:00pm, April–October only), visit the "Xuanwu Lake Amusement Park" (free entry, rides ¥10–30 each), and enjoy the "City Wall View" from the north shore (the Ming Wall's Taicheng Section runs along the lake's northern edge, ¥30 to walk the wall). The lake is especially beautiful at sunset (6:00–7:00pm in summer, 5:00–6:00pm in winter) when the Ming City Wall and Purple Mountain are reflected in the calm water. Entry: FREE (open 24 hours, some facilities 9:00am–5:00pm). Allow 2–3 hours for a leisurely walk around the lake and one island visit.
Nanjing Museum (南京博物院, Nanjing Bowuyuan)
One of China's Three Great Museums — 430,000+ Artifacts, 1.3M Annual Visitors, Free Entry
The Nanjing Museum (南京博物院, Nánjīng Bówùyuàn) is one of China's three greatest museums (alongside the Palace Museum/Forbidden City in Beijing and the Shanghai Museum), established in 1933 as China's first modern national museum. The museum's collection of 430,000+ artifacts spans 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, with particular strengths in: "Ming and Qing Dynasty porcelain" (20,000+ pieces, including the famous "Blue-and-White Porcelain with Dragon Design" from the Yongle era, 1403–1424), "Ancient bronze ware" (8,000+ pieces, including a 3,000-year-old Western Zhou Dynasty bronze vessel with 200+ inscribed characters), "Jade artifacts" (5,000+ pieces, including a 2,000-year-old Han Dynasty jade burial suit sewn with gold thread, one of only 10 in China), and "Calligraphy and painting" (10,000+ works, including original scrolls by Nanjing-born painter Gong Xian (龚贤, 1618–1689) from the Ming-Qing transition period). The museum has 6 permanent exhibition halls: the "History Hall" (历史馆, covering 500,000 years from Paleolithic to 1949), the "Special Exhibition Hall" (特展馆, rotating exhibits), the "Digital Hall" (数字馆, interactive modern tech exhibits), the "Art Hall" (艺术馆, 3,000+ paintings and calligraphy), the "Republic of China Hall" (民国馆, a reconstructed 1920s–1930s Nanjing street with 50+ period shops, a 1930s cinema, and a Republican-era post office — the most popular hall for photos), and the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall" (非遗馆, live demonstrations of Nanjing cloud brocade weaving, gold foil making, and Qinhuai lantern crafting). Entry: FREE (reservation required via WeChat mini-program "南京博物院" up to 7 days in advance; open 9:00am–5:00pm, closed Mondays). Allow 3–5 hours for a thorough visit (the museum is huge — 85,000 square meters of exhibition space).
Laomendong Historic District (老门东, Laomendong)
Ming-Qing Architecture — Traditional Craftworks, Three-Lane Alley, Republic-Era Buildings
Laomendong (老门东, Lǎoméndōng, "Old Gate East") is a beautifully restored historic district just outside the Zhonghua Gate of Nanjing's Ming City Wall, covering 70,000 square meters of Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) Dynasty architecture. The district gets its name from being located "east of the old Zhonghua Gate" (门东, "Gate East") and was historically the residential area for Nanjing's scholars, merchants, and artisans during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The main street is "Three-Lane Alley" (三条营, Sāntiáo Yíng), a 400-meter pedestrian street lined with 50+ restored Ming-Qing buildings (many dating to the 1600s–1800s) that now house traditional craft shops, tea houses, and restaurants. Highlights include: "Nanjing Traditional Handicraft Museum" (南京传统手工艺博物馆, free, 9:00am–5:00pm, with live demonstrations of woodblock printing, paper cutting, and cloud brocade weaving), "Zhuxiang Lane" (竹香巷, a 150-meter side alley with 10+ traditional snack shops), "Fu's Mansion" (傅家大院, a restored 200-year-old merchant's residence with a 500-square-meter courtyard garden, ¥20, open 9:00am–5:00pm), and the "Laomendong City Wall Walkway" (a 300-meter section of the Ming City Wall accessible from the district, free, 8:00am–6:00pm, offering views of the Qinhuai River and Confucius Temple area). The district is famous for traditional snacks: "Nanjing salted duck" (南京盐水鸭, ¥25–35/half bird), "Duck blood vermicelli soup" (鸭血粉丝汤, ¥12–18/bowl), and "Nanjing soup dumplings" (南京汤包, ¥8–12/steamer). Entry to the district: FREE (individual attractions ¥10–20). Open 24 hours for the district (shops 9:00am–10:00pm). Allow 1.5–2.5 hours for exploring the alleys, trying snacks, and visiting one or two museums.
Niushou Mountain & Usnisa Palace (牛首山·佛顶宫, Niushou Shan·Foding Gong)
2015 Opened — Underground 6-Story Usnisa Palace, 10,000+ Buddha Statues, World-Class Buddhist Art
Niushou Mountain (牛首山, Niúshǒu Shān, "Ox Head Mountain") is a Buddhist sacred site 12km south of Nanjing city center, famous for its twin peaks resembling an ox's head (hence the name). The mountain's modern crown jewel is the "Usnisa Palace" (佛顶宫, Fódǐng Gōng, "Buddha's Usnisa Palace"), a ¥4 billion (US$600 million) complex completed in 2015 to house a sacred Buddhist relic — the parietal bone of Sakyamuni Buddha (佛顶骨舍利, one of only 3 such relics in the world, the other two in Thailand and Sri Lanka). The palace is an architectural marvel: a 6-story underground structure (the largest underground Buddhist palace in the world, 40 meters below ground) featuring: the "Thousand-Buddha Hall" (千佛殿, with 1,000+ small golden Buddha statues on the walls and a central 10-meter-tall golden stupa containing the sacred relic, displayed only on special Buddhist holidays — the rest of the year a replica is shown), the "Mandala Hall" (曼荼罗厅, with a 3-meter-tall solid gold mandala, 1,200kg of gold, surrounded by 8 smaller gold stupas), and the "Usnisa Relic Pagoda" (佛顶塔, a 88-meter-tall 9-story pagoda above ground, with panoramic views of Niushou Mountain's twin peaks). The complex also includes the "Niushou Mountain Fodu Temple" (牛首山佛都寺, a modern replication of a Tang Dynasty temple), the "Tang Dynasty Nanxiang Temple Ruins" (唐代南翔寺遗址, free, open 8:00am–5:00pm, with 1,200-year-old stone foundations), and 10km of mountain hiking trails with 500+ cherry trees (bloom mid-March–April). Entry: ¥98 (students ¥49; shuttle bus within the mountain ¥20). Open 8:30am–5:30pm (last entry 4:30pm). Allow 3–4 hours for the Usnisa Palace, pagoda climb, and hiking trails.
Qixia Temple (栖霞寺, Qixia Si)
1,500-Year-Old Buddhist Temple — Autumn Red Leaves, Relic Pagoda, Thousand-Buddha Cliff
Qixia Temple (栖霞寺, Qīxiá Sì, "Roosting Clouds Temple") is one of Nanjing's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, founded in 489 CE during the Southern Qi Dynasty (南齐, 479–502 CE) by scholar-official Ming Sengshao (明僧绍). The temple has a 1,500+ year history of continuous Buddhist practice and was a major center of Buddhist learning during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), when it housed 1,000+ monks and was visited by the famous monk Xuanzang (玄奘, the Tang Dynasty monk whose journey to India inspired "Journey to the West"). The temple complex includes: the "Mahavira Hall" (大雄宝殿, rebuilt 1980s, with a 5-meter-tall sitting Sakyamuni Buddha flanked by 20 celestial guards and Bodhisattvas, all gilded), the "Relic Pagoda of Sarira" (舍利塔, a 5-story, 18-meter-tall stone pagoda built 601 CE during the Sui Dynasty, 1,400+ years old, with 8 stone panels carved with Buddha's life stories), and the "Qixia Mountain Thousand-Buddha Cliff" (栖霞山千佛岩, 500+ small Buddha niches carved into the cliff face 520–589 CE, the earliest Buddhist rock carvings in southern China, predating the Tang Dynasty Longmen Grottoes by 100+ years). The mountain is most famous for its "Qixia Red Leaves" (栖霞红叶) — 100,000+ maple, tallow, and sweet gum trees that turn brilliant red, orange, and gold each autumn (late October–mid-November), attracting 50,000+ daily visitors during peak season. The "Qixia Mountain Hiking Trail" (5km, 2 hours one-way) passes through the red-leaf forests to the summit (286 meters) with views of the Yangtze River. Entry: ¥50 (students ¥25; November red-leaf season ¥80). Open 7:00am–5:30pm (March–November), 7:30am–5:00pm (December–February). Allow 2–3 hours for the temple, cliff carvings, and mountain hike.
Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺, Jiming Si)
1,700-Year-Old "First Temple of Southern Dynasties" — Cherry Blossoms, City Wall Views, Ancient Pagoda
Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺, Jīmíng Sì, "Rooster Crow Temple") is one of Nanjing's oldest Buddhist temples, with a history dating to 300 CE during the Eastern Wu Dynasty (东吴, 222–280 CE), 1,700+ years old. The temple is famously mentioned in the Tang Dynasty poem "Du Mu's Spring Outing" (杜牧《江南春》): "In the Southern Dynasties there were four hundred and eighty temples, how many towers stand in the mist and rain" (南朝四百八十寺，多少楼台烟雨中) — and Jiming Temple was considered the "first temple" (第一寺) of those 480. The temple's current structures date to 1980s reconstruction, but the site has been continuously active for 1,700 years. The centerpiece is the "Medicine Buddha Pagoda" (药师佛塔, Yàoshī Fótǎ), a 44-meter-tall, 7-story octagonal pagoda rebuilt 1990 on the foundation of the original 300 CE pagoda, with a 9-meter-tall Medicine Buddha (药师佛) statue on each of the 7 floors — visitors can climb to the 7th floor for panoramic views of Xuanwu Lake, the Ming City Wall, and Purple Mountain (the best photo spot in Nanjing, especially at sunset 5:00–6:00pm). The temple is also famous for its "Cherry Blossom Avenue" (樱花大道) — 300+ cherry trees line the path from the temple entrance to the Ming City Wall (a 10-minute walk), blooming spectacularly mid-March–early April (the best cherry blossom spot in Nanjing, attracting 20,000+ daily visitors during peak bloom). The temple's "Vegetarian Restaurant" (素食馆, 11:00am–1:00pm, 5:00–6:30pm) serves famous vegetarian noodles (¥15–20/bowl) and the "Jiming Temple vegetarian mooncakes" (素月饼, ¥5–8/piece, available year-round). Entry: ¥10 (includes 3 free incense sticks; students ¥5). Open 7:00am–5:30pm (March–October), 7:30am–5:00pm (November–February). Allow 1–1.5 hours for the temple, pagoda climb, and cherry blossom stroll (in season).
🚆 How to Get to Nanjing
- 🚄 High-Speed Rail (CRH) — BEST way: Nanjing is a major hub on the Beijing–Shanghai HSR (京沪高铁) and Shanghai–Nanjing HSR (沪宁城际). From Shanghai Hongqiao: trains run 40+ times daily (first 6:00am, last 9:30pm), journey 1–1.5 hours, ¥90–155 second class, ¥145–250 first class. From Beijing South (北京南站): 4–5 hours, ¥445–665 second class. From Hangzhou East (杭州东): 1.5–2 hours, ¥110–190. From Suzhou (苏州): 45–60 minutes, ¥40–65. Nanjing has 2 HSR stations: "Nanjing South Station" (南京南站, main HSR hub, 12km from city center) and "Nanjing Station" (南京站, 3km from city center, fewer HSR trains). From Nanjing South: take Metro Line 1 or 3 (¥3–4, 30–40 minutes) or taxi (¥30–40, 25 minutes) to city center. From Nanjing Station: Metro Line 1 (¥3, 15 minutes) or taxi (¥15–20, 10 minutes).
- ✈️ Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG): Located 35km south of the city (45 minutes by airport bus ¥20 or taxi ¥80–120). Flights from Beijing (2 hours, ¥400–900), Shanghai (1.5 hours, ¥300–700), Guangzhou (2.5 hours, ¥600–1,200), Shenzhen (2.5 hours, ¥600–1,100), Chengdu (2.5 hours, ¥500–1,000), and 50+ other cities. The airport also serves international flights from Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok.
- 🚉 Regular train option: Nanjing Station (南京站) also serves slower "T" and "K" trains from across China. From Shanghai: 4–5 hours, ¥65–95. The overnight sleeper train from Beijing (¥150–240 for a soft sleeper) is also an option.
- 🚇 Within Nanjing: Nanjing has 12 Metro lines (as of 2026) covering most attractions. Single-ride tickets ¥2–9 depending on distance, use "Nanjing Metro App" or Alipay/WeChat QR code. Taxis start at ¥11/3km, then ¥2.4/km. DiDi available (wait 2–5 minutes). Buses ¥2 per ride (air-conditioned ¥2, non-AC ¥1). To Purple Mountain attractions: Metro Line 2 to "Muxuyuan Station" (苜蓿园站) + tourist bus #1 (¥10) or taxi ¥10–15. To Confucius Temple: Metro Line 3 to "Fuzimiao Station" (夫子庙站, 5-minute walk). To Nanjing South Station: Metro Lines 1, 3, S1, S3.
- 🚗 Getting to attractions: To Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum/Ming Xiaoling: Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station + tourist bus #1 (¥10, 10 minutes) or taxi ¥15–20 from the station. To Confucius Temple: Metro Line 3 to Fuzimiao Station (5-minute walk) or taxi ¥10–15 from city center. To Niushou Mountain: Metro Line 1 to "Tianlongsi Station" (天隆寺站) + taxi ¥15–20 (15 minutes) or direct taxi from city ¥30–40 (30 minutes). To Qixia Temple: Metro Line 2 to "Xianlin Center Station" (仙林中心站) + bus #138 (¥2, 20 minutes) or taxi ¥40–50 (30 minutes). To Memorial Hall: Metro Line 2 to "Yunjin Road Station" (云锦路站, 5-minute walk).
- 🏨 Taxi/DiDi tips: DiDi is the main ride-hailing app (English version available). Taxis accept Alipay/WeChat Pay. A full-day taxi charter for Purple Mountain (Sun Yat-sen + Ming Xiaoling + Linggu Temple) costs ¥150–200. A taxi from the city center to the airport costs ¥80–120 (45 minutes). Traffic in Nanjing can be heavy 7:30–9:00am and 5:00–7:00pm on weekdays — allow extra time.
🍜 What to Eat in Nanjing
🍜 Nanjing Specialties — Salted Duck, Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup, Qinhuai Eight Delicacies
- Nanjing Salted Duck (南京盐水鸭): Nanjing's most famous dish, duck brined in salt, spices, and ginger for 24 hours, then boiled. Must-try: ¥25–35/half duck at 调鼎居 or 鸭得堡.
- Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (鸭血粉丝汤): Nanjing's soul food — duck blood cubes, duck intestine, and glass noodles in rich duck broth. Must-try: ¥12–18/bowl at 鸭得堡 (Fuzimiao branch).
- Beef Potstick Dumplings (牛肉锅贴): Crispy-bottomed dumplings filled with juicy beef. Must-try: ¥12–15/8 pieces at 李记清真馆.
- Nanjing Soup Dumplings (南京汤包): Steamed buns with hot soup inside. Must-try: ¥8–12/steamer at 鸡鸣汤包 (Jiming Si branch).
- Qinhuai Eight Delicacies (秦淮八绝): Eight traditional snacks including osmanthus sugar taro (桂花糖芋苗), chives dumplings (韭菜饺子), and more. Must-try: ¥15–25 set at 南京大牌档.
📍 Recommended Restaurants (with detailed addresses)
- 调鼎居淮扬菜·老字号 (Tiaodingju Huaiyang Cuisine): 218 Shigu Road, Qinhuai District (near Hanzhongmen Metro Station, Exit 2, 5-minute walk). Signature: Salted Duck (¥58/half), Lion's Head Meatball (¥38), Steamed River Fish (¥68). Average ¥60–100/person. Open 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00. A 70-year-old Huaiyang cuisine restaurant, famous for authentic Nanjing salted duck.
- 李记清真馆 (Liji Halal Restaurant): 1 Dading Lane, Pingshi Street, Qinhuai District (near Fuzimiao, 10-minute walk from Confucius Temple). Signature: Beef Potstick Dumplings (¥12/8 pcs), Beef Soup (¥10), Lamb Skewers (¥5/stick). Average ¥20–35/person. Open 6:00–20:00. A 30-year-old halal restaurant, consistently rated Nanjing's best beef potstick dumplings.
- 鸭得堡 (Yadebao Duck Blood Vermicelli): 134-4 Fulu Road, Qinhuai District (near Sanshan Street Metro Station, Exit 3, 3-minute walk). Signature: Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (¥15), Salted Duck (¥28/half), Duck Gizzard (¥12). Average ¥15–25/person. Open 7:00–21:00. A beloved local chain specializing in duck dishes, the go-to spot for authentic duck blood vermicelli soup.
- 南京大牌档 (Nanjing Grand Restaurant, Shiziqiao Branch): 2 Shiziqiao, Hunan Road, Nanjing (near Hunan Road, 10-minute walk from Nanjing Station). Signature: Osmanthus Sugar Taro (¥15), Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (¥18), Salted Duck (¥48/half), Nostalgia Meatball (¥28). Average ¥50–80/person. Open 11:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00. Famous chain recreating 1920s Nanjing ambiance with live folk music, ideal for trying "Qinhuai Eight Delicacies" in one meal.
- 章云板鸭 (Zhangyun Salted Duck, Pingshi Street Branch): 78 Pingshi Street, Qinhuai District (near Fuzimiao, 8-minute walk from Confucius Temple). Signature: Nanjing Salted Duck (¥25/half), Duck Gizzard (¥15), Duck Wings (¥12). Average ¥20–35/person. Open 7:00–19:30. A 40-year-old takeaway shop, famous for the most authentic Nanjing salted duck — locals queue 30+ minutes during holidays.
- 项记面馆 (Xiangji Noodle Shop): Mingwalang, Qinhuai District (near Xinjiekou, 5-minute walk from Zhangfuyuan Metro Station, Exit 2). Signature: Pidu Noodles (¥18, noodles with crispy pork skin and rich broth), Spicy Beef Noodles (¥16). Average ¥15–25/person. Open 7:00–20:00. A tiny 20-year-old noodle shop, famous for "pidu mian" (皮肚面) — Nanjing's unique noodle dish with fried pork skin.
- 鸡鸣汤包 (Jiming Soup Dumplings, Taipingmen Branch): 10 Taipingmen Street, Xuanwu District (near Jiming Temple, 3-minute walk from Jiming Temple Metro Station, Exit 1). Signature: Soup Dumplings (¥10/steamer of 8), Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (¥14), Soy Milk (¥4). Average ¥12–20/person. Open 6:00–19:30. A 25-year-old local chain, best known for soup dumplings with thin skin and hot, flavorful broth — perfect after visiting Jiming Temple.
💰 Budget Planning
Nanjing is moderately priced — Jiangsu's capital offers world-class historical sites at reasonable costs. All prices verified as of 2026.
🎒 Budget Travel ¥200–400/day
Budget hotels near Nanjing Station or Fuzimiao (¥100–150/night). Breakfast: soup dumplings (¥8–12) or duck blood noodles (¥12–15). Lunch/dinner: local restaurants (¥20–35/meal) or street food at Fuzimiao (¥15–25). Attractions: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (free) + Confucius Temple (free) + Xuanwu Lake (free) + City Wall Zhonghua Gate (¥50) = ¥50. Nanjing Museum (free) + Jiming Temple (¥10) = ¥10. Metro/bus ¥3–6 per trip. The two paid attractions (Ming Xiaoling ¥70 + Niushou Mountain ¥98) add ¥168 if you include them.
🏨 Mid-Range Travel ¥500–1,000/day
Mid-range hotels (¥250–450/night) near Xinjiekou or Fuzimiao. Dining: breakfast ¥15–25, lunch at Tiaodingju (¥60–100), dinner at Nanjing Grand Restaurant (¥50–80). Attractions: Sun Yat-sen (free) + Ming Xiaoling (¥70) + Confucius Temple (¥40 museum + ¥80 cruise) + City Wall (¥50) + Nanjing Museum (free) + Jiming Temple (¥10) + Niushou Mountain (¥98) = ¥348. Metro/taxi ¥20–40 per day. A private taxi for a full day of Purple Mountain attractions (Sun Yat-sen + Ming Xiaoling + Linggu Temple) costs ¥150–200.
✨ Luxury Travel ¥1,200–2,500+/day
Luxury hotels (Shangri-La Nanjing, ¥600–1,200/night; InterContinental Nanjing, ¥800–1,500/night). Fine dining (¥100–200/person) at high-end Huaiyang restaurants. All attractions: Sun Yat-sen (free) + Ming Xiaoling (¥70) + Confucius Temple (¥120 for museum + cruise) + City Wall (¥80 for multiple gates) + Nanjing Museum (free, VIP guided tour ¥200) + Jiming Temple (¥10) + Niushou Mountain (¥98) + Qixia Temple (¥50) + Memorial Hall (free) + Xuanwu Lake (free) = ¥428. Private car hire (¥500–800/day) or luxury van (¥800–1,200/day). The "Nanjing Imperial Experience" — a full day with a private guide visiting Ming Xiaoling + Sun Yat-sen + City Wall + Confucius Temple (¥400 guide fee) is the premium cultural experience in Jiangsu.
🌤️ Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (March–May) — Cherry blossoms & perfect weather: Spring (10–22°C) is Nanjing's most beautiful season. The "Cherry Blossom Season" (mid-March–early April) transforms Purple Mountain and Jiming Temple's "Cherry Blossom Avenue" into a pink wonderland — 3,000+ cherry trees at Zhongshan Botanical Garden and 300+ at Jiming Temple attract 50,000+ daily visitors during peak bloom (best viewing: March 20–April 5). Xuanwu Lake's "Yingzhou Island" also has 1,000+ cherry trees (free entry). The Ming Xiaoling Sacred Way is surrounded by 600-year-old cypress trees with new green shoots (perfect for photography 8:00–10:00am). The Qinhuai River cruise is especially pleasant (18–20°C evening temperatures, no summer heat or winter chill). Spring is also the best season for hiking Purple Mountain (the South Slope Trail to the 448m summit takes 2 hours, with wild azaleas blooming April–May). The best spring strategy: morning Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (8:00–10:30am, 2 hours) → late morning Cherry Blossom Avenue at Jiming Temple (10:30am–12:00pm, 45 minutes) → lunch at nearby restaurant (¥20–40) → afternoon Ming Xiaoling Sacred Way (1:30–3:30pm, 2 hours) → evening Qinhuai River cruise (6:00–7:00pm, ¥80).
☀️ Summer (June–August) — Lotus flowers & city buzz: Summer (25–35°C) is the peak season — Nanjing is one of China's "three furnaces" (三大火炉, with Wuhan and Chongqing), with temperatures often reaching 35–38°C in July–August. However, summer also brings Xuanwu Lake's spectacular lotus bloom (July–August, 50+ hectares of pink and white lotus flowers, best viewed from the lake's north shore or on a paddle boat ¥60/hour). The Nanjing Museum is a perfect summer retreat (air-conditioned, free, 3–5 hours of cool exploration). The Confucius Temple night market is most vibrant in summer (6:00pm–11:00pm, 100+ stalls, evening temperatures 25–28°C). Niushou Mountain's underground Usnisa Palace is naturally cool (20–22°C year-round, 40 meters below ground). The Qinhuai River cruise is best at 7:00–8:00pm (sunset, 28–30°C, cooler on the water). The best summer strategy: 8:00am Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (2 hours, beat the heat) → 10:00am–12:00pm Nanjing Museum (air-conditioned, 2 hours) → 12:30–1:30pm lunch → 2:00–4:00pm Niushou Mountain underground palace (cool) → 6:00–8:00pm Qinhuai River cruise + Confucius Temple night market.
🍂 Autumn (September–November) — Golden season & red leaves: Autumn (12–22°C) is widely considered Nanjing's best season. Qixia Mountain's "Red Leaf Festival" (late October–mid-November) is the highlight — 100,000+ maple and tallow trees turn brilliant red, orange, and gold, attracting 50,000+ daily visitors (best viewing: November 1–15, arrive by 7:00am to avoid crowds). The Ming Xiaoling Sacred Way's 600-year-old cypress trees turn golden-brown (spectacular 3:00–5:00pm photography light). Xuanwu Lake's lotus flowers fade but the lakefront walk is perfect (15–20°C, golden autumn sun). The Nanjing City Wall Taicheng Section offers the best autumn panoramic view (Purple Mountain's slopes turn patchy red/gold, 8:00–10:00am or 4:00–5:30pm). The Qinhuai River cruise is magical in autumn (crisp 18–20°C evenings, the lanterns reflect more vividly on the calmer water). The best autumn strategy: morning Qixia Temple + Red Leaves Mountain (7:00am–12:00pm, 5 hours) → lunch → afternoon Ming Xiaoling Sacred Way (1:30–3:30pm) → evening Qinhuai River cruise (5:30–6:30pm).
❄️ Winter (December–February) — Snow on ancient sites & fewer crowds: Winter (0–8°C) is very quiet. Nanjing's occasional snow (5–10 days/year, usually January–February) transforms the Ming Xiaoling Sacred Way into a winter wonderland — the 600-year-old stone animals dusted with snow are iconic (best photography 9:00–11:00am after a snowfall). The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum's 392 steps and surrounding cypress forest are spectacular in snow (the white marble statue inside the hall contrasts beautifully with the snowy landscape viewed through the windows). The Memorial Hall is most solemn in winter (fewer visitors, 2,000–3,000/day vs. 10,000+ in summer). The Confucius Temple district is decorated with 10,000+ red lanterns for the Chinese New Year period (January–February, the "Qinhuai Lantern Festival" 秦淮灯会, the most spectacular lantern display in Jiangsu). Nanjing's salted duck and duck blood vermicelli soup are warming winter comfort foods (¥12–25/bowl, the hot broth is perfect in 0–5°C weather). Bring a warm winter coat (down jacket), hat, and gloves — Nanjing at 0°C feels colder due to humidity. The best winter strategy: morning Nanjing Museum (warm, 3 hours) → lunch → afternoon Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum + Ming Xiaoling (2–3 hours) → evening Confucius Temple lantern viewing (6:00–8:00pm).
💡 Practical Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: Spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms and perfect 15–22°C weather. Autumn (October–November) for Qixia red leaves and comfortable 12–20°C temperatures. Summer (June–August) for lotus flowers at Xuanwu Lake but be prepared for 35°C+ heat. Winter (December–February) for snow photography and fewer crowds.
- Recommended 1-day itinerary (from Shanghai): Morning (7:00am): HSR from Shanghai Hongqiao (1–1.5 hours, ¥90). 9:00–11:30am: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (2.5 hours, free, reservation required). 11:30am–12:30pm: lunch near the mausoleum (¥20–40). Afternoon (1:00–3:00pm): Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum + Sacred Way (2 hours, ¥70). 3:30–5:00pm: Confucius Temple + Imperial Examination Museum (1.5 hours, ¥40). 6:00–7:00pm: Qinhuai River cruise (¥80). 8:00pm: HSR back to Shanghai. Total cost: ¥90+¥70+¥40+¥80 = ¥280 (excluding food).
- Recommended 2-day itinerary — "Nanjing Imperial Capital Experience": Day 1: Morning HSR → Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (8:30–11:00am) → Ming Xiaoling (11:30am–1:30pm) → lunch → Confucius Temple + Qinhuai cruise (2:30–6:00pm) → stay overnight near Fuzimiao (¥200–400/night). Day 2: Morning Nanjing Museum (8:30am–12:00pm, 3.5 hours, free, reservation required) → lunch → Afternoon City Wall Zhonghua Gate (1:30–3:00pm, ¥50) + Jiming Temple (3:30–5:00pm, ¥10) → 6:00pm HSR back to Shanghai or continue to Suzhou (45 minutes, ¥40). Day 2 is relaxed — or add Niushou Mountain (8:00am–12:00pm) instead of Nanjing Museum for a more nature-focused day.
- Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum strategy: 1) RESERVATION REQUIRED — book via WeChat mini-program "中山陵园风景区" up to 7 days in advance (free, but quota fills up during cherry blossom season and October holidays). 2) Arrive by 8:00am (opening time) to beat the crowds and enjoy the 392-step climb in cool morning air. 3) The climb takes 20–30 minutes — pace yourself, there are 10 platforms with benches to rest. 4) The view from the top platform (before the main hall) is spectacular — on clear days you can see the Yangtze River 15km north. 5) Combine with Ming Xiaoling (10-minute walk or ¥10 tourist bus) and Linggu Temple (free, 15-minute walk) for a full Purple Mountain day.
- Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River tips: 1) The district is FREE to enter (24 hours), but the Temple (9:00am–9:00pm) and Museum (¥40, 9:00am–9:00pm) charge admission. 2) The night cruise (¥80, 6:00–10:00pm) is the highlight — book tickets at the "Qinhuai Painting Boat Ticket Office" (秦淮画舫售票处) near the Confucius Temple entrance, or online via WeChat. 3) Weekends and holidays are very crowded (20,000+ evening visitors) — weekdays are much quieter. 4) The "Qinhuai Eight Delicacies" set (¥15–25) at Nanjing Grand Restaurant is the easiest way to try multiple local snacks in one meal. 5) During the Lantern Festival (January–February, Chinese New Year period), 10,000+ lanterns illuminate the entire district — arrive by 6:00pm for the best experience.
- Nanjing Museum tips: 1) RESERVATION REQUIRED — book via WeChat mini-program "南京博物院" up to 7 days in advance (free, 20,000 daily visitor limit). 2) The museum is HUGE (85,000 square meters) — arrive by 9:00am (opening time) and prioritize the "Republic of China Hall" (民国馆, the most popular, 1 hour), "History Hall" (历史馆, 1.5 hours), and "Art Hall" (艺术馆, 1 hour). 3) The "Republic of China Hall" is a reconstructed 1920s–1930s Nanjing street — perfect for photos (best natural light 10:00am–2:00pm). 4) Free English audio guide available at the entrance (deposit ¥200 or passport). 5) The museum has a café (9:00am–4:30pm) and a souvenir shop with Nanjing cloud brocade scarves (¥80–200) and jade replicas (¥50–300).
- Getting around Nanjing: 1) Nanjing has 12 Metro lines (as of 2026) — buy a "Nanjing Public Transport Card" (金陵通, ¥50 deposit + top-up) or use Alipay/WeChat QR code scanning at the gates. 2) Metro Line 1 connects Nanjing Station, Xinjiekou (city center), and Nanjing South Station. Line 2 connects to Purple Mountain (Muxuyuan Station). Line 3 goes to Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao Station). 3) DiDi is the main ride-hailing app — all drivers accept Alipay/WeChat Pay. 4) For Purple Mountain, take Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station + tourist bus #1 (¥10, runs 8:00am–5:00pm, every 15 minutes) — the most convenient way to visit Sun Yat-sen + Ming Xiaoling + Linggu Temple. 5) A full-day taxi charter for Purple Mountain attractions costs ¥150–200 (bargain with the driver at the Muxuyuan Station taxi stand).
- Payment & practicalities: 1) WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted everywhere in Nanjing (restaurants, shops, Metro, even street stalls). 2) Carry ¥100–200 cash for: small temples (Jiming Temple accepts cash only for incense), traditional snack stalls at Laomendong (some are cash-only), and taxi drivers who prefer cash for round-trip fares (¥150–200 for a full day). 3) Nanjing dialect is a variant of Jianghuai Mandarin (similar to Yangzhou dialect) — but everyone speaks standard Mandarin, and English is spoken at major hotels and tourist sites. 4) The best area to stay is Xinjiekou (city center, Metro Lines 1 & 2, walking distance to Nanjing Museum and Xuanwu Lake) or Fuzimiao (near Confucius Temple, great for evening Qinhuai River cruises). 5) Nanjing has excellent 4G/5G coverage — China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all have strong signals throughout the city and Purple Mountain.