Location & Geography
Nanjing, the capital of China’s Jiangsu Province, sits along the Yangtze River in eastern China. It’s about 300 kilometers west of Shanghai and 1,000 kilometers south of Beijing, making it a strategic hub connecting northern and southern China. The city is surrounded by low mountains, lakes, and the mighty Yangtze, giving it a mix of urban energy and natural calm. Historically, it served as the capital for six different dynasties, earning nicknames like the “City of Emperors.”
Getting There & Around
By Air: Nanjing Lukou International Airport offers direct flights to major Asian cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore, plus domestic routes. From the airport, taxis or the metro (line S1) take about 40 minutes to downtown.
By Train: The high-speed rail network links Nanjing to Shanghai (1.5 hours), Beijing (3.5 hours), and Hangzhou (2 hours). Nanjing South Railway Station is the main hub.
Local Transport: The metro system (6 lines) covers most tourist spots. Buses are cheap but can get crowded. For short trips, try bike-sharing apps like HelloBike or Didi (China’s Uber). Taxis are affordable—just show drivers the Chinese name of your destination.
Natural Landscapes
Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan): This sprawling park combines hiking trails, forests, and historic sites. Walk or bike to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (a UNESCO site with stone animal statues) or Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum (a grand staircase offering mountain views).
Xuanwu Lake: A peaceful escape in the city center, this lake has walking paths, paddle boats, and cherry blossoms in spring. The nearby Ming-era city wall adds a historic vibe.
Qinhuai River: Best visited at night, this canal area glows with lanterns. Take a boat ride or stroll along the water, snacking on local street food.
Cultural Highlights
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao): Built in 1034, this temple honors the ancient philosopher Confucius. Today, it’s a lively area with shops, tea houses, and street performers. Don’t miss the “Imperial Examination Museum” nearby—it explains how students in old China competed for government jobs.
The City Wall & Zhonghua Gate: Nanjing’s 600-year-old wall stretches 35 kilometers. Zhonghua Gate, the largest ancient gate complex in China, includes hidden tunnels and a museum about its defense history.
Presidential Palace: This complex blends Chinese and European architecture. It served as a government center during the Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty, and early 20th-century Republic of China. Wander through gardens, offices, and exhibits about modern Chinese history.
Food & Accommodation
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Fairmont Nanjing (near Xinjiekou shopping district) or InterContinental Nanjing (modern rooms with lake views).
- Mid-range: Jinling Hotel (historic property with classic charm).
- Budget: Hostels like Nanjing Time International Youth Hostel (social vibe, near Fuzimiao).
What to Eat:
- Duck Dishes: Nanjing is famous for salted duck (like prosciutto, but duck) and duck blood vermicelli soup (mildly spicy, with tofu and noodles).
- Xiao Long Bao: Soup dumplings at local chains like Nanjing Da Pai Dong.
- Sweet Treats: Try “tanghulu” (candied fruit skewers) along the Qinhuai River.
Experiences & Tips
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) for flowers or autumn (September–November) for cool weather. Summers are hot and humid; winters can be chilly.
Hidden Gems:
- Qixia Temple: A quiet Buddhist temple with autumn maple leaves.
- Nanjing Massacre Memorial: A sobering but important museum about WWII history.
- Laomendong: A trendy area with cafes, art studios, and restored traditional houses.
Local Life: Join morning tai chi sessions at Xuanwu Lake or shop for antiques at Chaotian Palace Market on weekends.