Location & How to Get There

The Presidential Palace Stone Boat sits in the southwest corner of the Presidential Palace complex in Xuanwu District, Nanjing. To find it, enter the main entrance of the Presidential Palace (No. 292 Changjiang Road) and head straight toward the back gardens. Look for a crowd gathered around a unique stone structure near Taiping Lake—that’s your cue you’ve spotted the Stone Boat!

By metro: Take Line 2 to Daqiao Station (大行宫站), exit towards Zhongshan Road, and walk 10 minutes.
By bus: Routes 34, 31, or 201 drop you near the palace gates.
Driving? There’s a parking lot nearby, but weekends get packed—arrive early!

Natural Magic: Taiping Lake’s Chameleon Trick

Here’s the fun part: the Presidential Palace Stone Boat isn’t just a static sculpture. Its appearance changes depending on Taiping Lake’s water level! When the lake is full, only the bottom 3–4 layers of its 10-tiered stone base peek out, like a ship floating low in the water. But after dry seasons or maintenance draining, all 10 layers emerge, revealing a towering 3-meter-high stone marvel.

Visit during different seasons to see its “transformation”—it’s like getting two attractions in one!

Human Craft: A Stone Ship Comes Alive

This isn’t just piled rocks—it’s art. Each layer of the Presidential Palace Stone Boat is carved from massive bluestone blocks, stacked perfectly to mimic a wooden boat’s hull. The edges are smoothed into gentle curves, making the whole structure look like it’s about to sail away.

But the real showstopper is the tail rudder. Can you spot the giant stone block carved to look like a ship’s steering gear? The rudder “handle” sticks out, and even the tiny details—like the rope holder—are chiseled with laser-like precision. It’s crazy to think this all came from a single rock!

More Than Just Photos: What to Do Here

  • Pose like a pro: Stand by the rudder and pretend to “steer” the boat (kids love this!).
  • Lakeside vibes: Rent a paddle boat on Taiping Lake for a contrasting experience—real vs. stone-made boats.
  • History buffs: Nearby signs explain how the Stone Boat symbolizes resilience (literally “a boat that never sinks”).

Tips for Your Visit

  • Best time: Morning light makes the stone glow warmly; afternoons bring soft shadows for photos.
  • Pair with: The Presidential Palace’s main exhibits (old government buildings) are a 5-minute walk away.
  • Stay hydrated: Bring water—there are cafes nearby, but the lakeview ones get busy.

The Presidential Palace Stone Boat isn’t Nanjing’s biggest attraction, but its clever design and playful water tricks make it a must-see. Drop by on your next trip, and you’ll leave wondering: How did they even lift those rocks?!