Nanjing Travel

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.

1. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

• History: Honors China’s founding father with grand architecture and symbolic staircases (392 steps).
• Nature: Surrounded by lush Zijin Mountain forests, ideal for hiking.
• Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds; free entry to the park (¥70 for mausoleum interior).

2. Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)

• Culture: Heart of Nanjing’s ancient education hub, with Ming-Qing style buildings.
• Food: Try duck blood vermicelli soup at nearby Qinhuai snack street.
• Nightlife: Stroll along Qinhuai River for illuminated boat rides (¥80).

3. Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

• Historical Significance: A sobering tribute to WWII victims; multilingual audio guides available.
• Design: Minimalist architecture amplifies the emotional impact.
• Note: Photography restricted in certain areas; allocate 2+ hours.

4. Xuanwu Lake

• Scenery: Expansive lake with cherry blossoms (March–April) and lotus blooms (summer).
• Activities: Rent paddle boats (¥60/hour) or cycle the 10km lakeside path.
• Free Access: Open ²⁴⁄₇; connects to Ming City Wall.

5. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

• UNESCO Site: Tomb of the Ming Dynasty’s first emperor, featuring the “Sacred Way” stone statues.
• Hiking: Combine with Zijin Mountain trails for panoramic views.
• Ticket: ¥70 (includes Xiaoling and nearby attractions).

6. Presidential Palace

• Modern History: Witness China’s political transitions from Qing Dynasty to 1949.
• Exhibits: Well-preserved offices and gardens; English captions available.
• Budget: ¥40 entry; less crowded on weekdays.

7. Zhonghua Gate

• Architecture: Largest surviving ancient city gate in China, with a 3-tiered fortress.
• Interactive: Walk through tunnels and climb walls for skyline views.
• Nearby: Explore Laomendong’s artsy alleys (5-min walk).

8. Nanjing Museum

• Collections: Over 400,000 artifacts, including a jade burial suit from Han Dynasty.
• Tech-Savvy: Digital exhibits and free English audio guides.
• No Fee: Free tickets (book online in advance).

9. Qixia Mountain

• Autumn Foliage: Famous for red maple leaves (October–November).
• Buddhist Heritage: Visit 1,500-year-old Qixia Temple (¥25).
• Transport: Metro Line 2 + taxi (¥30 from downtown).

10. Niushou Mountain

• Modern Landmark: Stunning Buddhist palace with a futuristic design (¥160).
• Views: Glass walkway overlooks the mountain valley.
• Family-Friendly: Light shows and cultural performances on weekends.

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing

• Location: Xinjiekou (downtown), adjacent to luxury mall Deji Plaza.
• Highlights:
  • Skyline views from floors 38–62; fusion of Art Deco and Chinese motifs.
  • Michelin-starred restaurants (e.g., Li Xuan for Cantonese cuisine).
• Ideal for: Luxury seekers; business travelers.

2. Hotel The Grand Mansion (颐和公馆)

• Location: Yijiang Road, a preserved Republic-era villa district.
• Highlights:
  • ²⁴⁄₁ butler service; private gardens with 1930s architecture.
  • Cultural activities: Calligraphy classes, vintage tea ceremonies.
• Ideal for: History/culture enthusiasts.

3. Nanjing GreenTree Inn (轻居酒店)

• Location: Near Nanjing South Station (high-speed rail hub).
• Highlights:
  • Budget-friendly (¥300–500/night); smart rooms with voice-controlled devices.
  • Free shuttle to Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River.
• Ideal for: Budget travelers; short stays.

4. The Langham, Nanjing

• Location: Xuanwu Lake, 5-minute walk to Ming City Wall.
• Highlights:
  • Afternoon tea with lake views; kids’ club for families.
  • Spa using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques.
• Ideal for: Families; relaxation-focused trips.

5. Han’s Boutique Hotel (花跡酒店)

• Location: Laomendong (old town), hidden in a Ming-dynasty alley.
• Highlights:
  • 19 minimalist rooms blending antique bricks with modern design.
  • Local tips: Staff arrange guided walks to hidden street food spots.
• Ideal for: Solo travelers; Instagrammable stays.

Comparison Chart

Key Notes:

• Booking Tip: Use platforms like 小树住店 for discounts (e.g., 50% off weekend rates).
• Avoid Scams: Pre-book airport transfers via hotel to avoid overcharging.

1. Nanjing Salted Duck (盐水鸭)

• History: Over 1,000 years old; dubbed “Duck Capital” for its mastery of duck dishes.
• Taste: Tender meat with crispy skin, lightly salted.
• Where to Try: Zhan Garden Restaurant (老瞻园面馆) for authentic versions.

2. Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (鸭血粉丝汤)

• Unique Ingredient: Cubes of duck blood with sweet potato starch noodles.
• Local Love: A street food staple; best at Yingshi Snack (尹氏汤包).
• Tip: Add chili oil for extra flavor.

3. Jinling Roast Duck (金陵烤鸭)

• Vs. Beijing Duck: Sweeter glaze, less fatty.
• Serving: Often paired with lotus-leaf pancakes.

4. Crab Roe Soup Buns (蟹黄汤包)

• Signature: Bursting with crab roe and pork broth.
• Eat Carefully: Pierce gently to sip soup first.

5. Beef Pot Stickers (牛肉锅贴)

• Texture: Crispy bottom, juicy filling.
• Best Spot: Liuji Beef Pot Stickers (刘长兴) since Qing Dynasty.

6. Duck Oil Sesame Cake (鸭油酥烧饼)

• Flavor: Flaky layers infused with duck fat aroma.
• Pairing: Ideal with Nanjing’s salted duck.

7. Plum Blossom Cake (梅花糕)

• Shape: Resembles plum blossoms; stuffed with red bean or fruit.
• Street Vendors: Abundant near Confucius Temple.

8. Sweet Osmanthus Taro Ball (糖芋苗)

• Dessert: Taro balls in osmanthus syrup, served chilled.
• Seasonal: Best in summer.

9. Pork Rind Noodles (皮肚面)

• Comfort Food: Chewy pork rind in rich bone broth.
• Local Chain: Sihai Pork Rind Noodles (四鹤皮肚面).

10. Nanjing Fried Dumplings (南京锅贴)

• Filling: Pork and shrimp; pan-fried to golden crisp.
• Breakfast Go-To: Served with vinegar dipping sauce.

Comparison Chart

Key Notes:

• Budget Eats: Street snacks (e.g., plum cake, sesame cake) under ¥10.
• Duck Specialties: Salted duck and roast duck differ in preparation—salted for preservation, roasted for glaze.
• Vegetarian Option: Osmanthus taro ball is plant-based.

1. Prioritize Duck Dishes

Nanjing is famous for its duck cuisine—don’t miss salted duck (盐水鸭) and duck blood vermicelli soup (鸭血粉丝汤).

2. Visit Key Historical Sites

Explore Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, and Xuanwu Lake for a mix of history and nature.

3. Learn Basic Mandarin Phrases

While English is spoken in tourist areas, simple phrases like “谢谢” (xièxie, thank you) enhance interactions.

4. Respect Memorial Etiquette

At the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, maintain solemnity; photography is restricted in certain sections.

5. Dress for the Weather

Nanjing has hot summers (June–September) and chilly winters. Pack sunscreen in summer and layers in winter.

6. Use Metro for Transport

The subway is efficient and English-friendly. Avoid unlicensed taxis; book rides via Didi (China’s Uber).

7. Explore Beyond Downtown

Venture to Qixia Mountain for autumn foliage or Tangshan Hot Springs for relaxation.

8. Bargain at Markets

At places like Confucius Temple bazaar, negotiate politely for souvenirs (start at 50% of the asking price).

9. Try Street Food Safely

Stick to busy stalls (e.g., Qinhuai snack street) where high turnover ensures freshness.

10. Carry Cash/WeChat Pay

Small vendors may not accept cards. Set up WeChat Pay or carry ¥100–200 in cash.

1. Affordable Accommodation

• Hostels/Guesthouses: ¥80–150/night near Confucius Temple or Xinjiekou.
• Budget Hotels: Chains like GreenTree Inn offer clean rooms for ¥200–300.

2. Cheap Eats

• Street Food: Duck blood soup (¥15), plum blossom cakes (¥5) at Qinhuai snack street.
• Local Cafeterias: Try Nanjing Da Pai Dong for meals under ¥30.

3. Free Attractions

• Xuanwu Lake: Free lakeside walks with city wall views.
• Yihe Mansions: Historic architecture exploration at no cost.

4. Transportation Savings

• Metro: ¥2–5 per ride; day passes for ¥15.
• Bike Sharing: HelloBike (¥1.⁵⁄₃₀ mins).

5. Discount Tickets

• City Pass: ¥120 for 3+ attractions (e.g., Ming Tomb, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum).

Cost Comparison Chart

Pro Tips:

• Visit off-peak (Sept–Nov) for lower hotel rates.
• Use WeChat Mini-Programs for discounted attraction tickets.

1. Metro System

• Coverage: 10+ lines connecting major attractions (e.g., Confucius Temple, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum).
• Cost: ¥2–5 per ride; day passes for ¥15.
• Pros: English signage, air-conditioned.

2. Public Buses

• Routes: Extensive but less English-friendly; use apps like Amap for navigation.
• Price: ¥1–2 (cash/WeChat Pay).

3. Taxi/Ride-Hailing

• Taxis: Flag-down fare ¥11; avoid unlicensed cabs.
• Didi (China’s Uber): Cheaper for groups; app supports English.

4. Bike Sharing

• Brands: HelloBike, Meituan (¥1.⁵⁄₃₀ mins).
• Best For: Short distances (e.g., Xuanwu Lake loops).

5. Tourist Shuttles

• Routes: Dedicated buses to Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area.
• Convenience: Fixed schedules; ¥10–20 per trip.

Comparison Chart

Tips:

• Peak Hours: Metro/buses crowded at 7:30–9:00 & 17:00–19:00.
• Payment: Use WeChat Pay for all options except some buses (cash needed).