Things To Do
in Nanjing
Nanjing, a prominent city in eastern China, serves as the capital of Jiangsu province and is steeped in history, having served as the capital for several Chinese dynasties and governments. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, it is home to significant historical sites such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Ming Dynasty-era Xiaoling Tomb.
Additionally, Nanjing's modern urban skyline, lush green parks, and the majestic Yangtze River running through it blend ancient traditions with contemporary vitality, making it a vibrant educational, cultural, and economic center in China.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the ancient Confucius Temple, exploring its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and learn about Confucian culture.
Visit the Jinghai Temple and take in its stunning pagoda views. Afterward, stroll through the local markets for some unique souvenirs.
End the day with a peaceful boat ride on the Qinhuai River. Admire the illuminated lanterns and the vibrant night market along the riverbank.
Visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can walk through the Sacred Way. The impressive stone sculptures make for a great photo opportunity.
Explore the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall to learn about this significant event in history. The museum offers poignant exhibits that provide insight into the past.
Have dinner at a local restaurant serving Nanjing salt duck, a famous dish in the region. Enjoy the bustling nightlife in the Xinjiekou shopping district afterwards.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage with attractions like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge.
- Vibrant cultural scene with museums, art galleries, and traditional festivals.
- Beautiful natural scenery with parks, rivers, and nearby mountains.
- Developed infrastructure, including public transportation and modern amenities.
- Culinary diversity, known for its unique Jiangsu cuisine, such as Nanjing salted duck and duck blood soup.
- Air pollution can be a concern, particularly in industrial areas.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other Chinese cities.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours can make commuting challenging.
- Limited English proficiency among locals may pose a communication barrier for foreigners.
- The summer heat and humidity can be uncomfortable for some residents.
Best Activities in Nanjing
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the observation deck for panoramic views of Nanjing.
Enjoy boating, walking, or cycling around the picturesque lake.
Explore the scenic area, visit Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, or hike to see the city from above.
Take a relaxing boat tour or stroll along the historic riverside area.
Walk or cycle along the ancient city wall for a historic outdoor experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Nanjing with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Nanjing
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Nanjing and the surrounding area.
Provides a historic backdrop and beautiful views of the city.
Scenic park with views of the lake and the city skyline.
Food in Nanjing
Nanjing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A specialty of Nanjing, salted duck is a preserved duck dish that boasts a delectable flavor and tender texture. It can be found in various local restaurants and food markets.
Must-Try!
This comforting and savory soup features the famous Nanjing salted duck as its primary ingredient, with a blend of herbs and spices. It is a must-try when visiting the city.
These large pork meatballs stewed with vegetables are a popular local dish and can be experienced at traditional Nanjing eateries.
A delicacy of the region, mandarin fish is skillfully prepared with a sweet and sour sauce, creating a balance of flavors and textures. It is a must-try dish at local restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Nanjing better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fuzimiao Market is a vibrant hub for street food in Nanjing, offering a variety of local delicacies such as potstickers, stinky tofu, and pan-fried buns. It's a perfect place to experience the city's culinary culture.
This bustling night market is renowned for its diverse street food options, including spicy crayfish, grilled skewers, and sugar-coated haws. Visitors can explore an array of traditional snacks and flavors here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Nanjing, it is important to show respect for age, authority, and social status. This includes using appropriate titles and showing deference to elders and those in positions of authority.
Politeness and formal greetings are valued in Nanjing. It is common to greet others with a handshake or a nod, and using honorific titles when addressing individuals, especially in business or formal settings.
Nanjing has a rich cultural heritage, and showing appreciation for local customs, traditions, and rituals is important. This includes being mindful of customs related to dining, religious practices, and festivals.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Nanjing with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Nanjing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Nanjing, China. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
In Nanjing, China, cash is widely used for transactions, especially in smaller establishments. However, major credit cards are accepted in many hotels, upscale restaurants, and large department stores. Mobile payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely used for various transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Nanjing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Nanjing, with pleasant weather, blooming cherry blossoms, and various cultural festivals.
Another great time to visit Nanjing, with mild temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, and clear skies.
Warm and humid weather, with occasional rain showers. Some outdoor activities may be affected by the heat.
Cold weather, occasional snowfall, and fewer tourist crowds. It's a good time for indoor sightseeing and experiencing traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.
Nanjing at Night
Hiking in Nanjing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent mountain area near Nanjing, featuring scenic trails, historical sites, and panoramic views of the city.
A famous landmark with surrounding areas suitable for walking and light hiking, offering beautiful views of the Yangtze River.
A large urban park with pathways suitable for hiking and walking, set around a picturesque lake.
A quiet and less crowded spot for hiking, with well-marked trails and scenic views.
A natural reserve featuring rugged trails, dense forests, and beautiful landscapes, ideal for more adventurous hiking.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Nanjing through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Nanjing by plane.
The main international airport serving Nanjing, located about 35 kilometers southeast of the city center.
The primary international airport serving Shanghai, located approximately 250 kilometers east of Nanjing.
The secondary international airport in Shanghai, which primarily serves domestic flights but also has some international service, about 220 kilometers east of Nanjing.
An international airport located in Hangzhou, about 200 kilometers south of Nanjing.
An international airport located in Wuxi, approximately 130 kilometers east of Nanjing.
An airport serving Changzhou, located around 110 kilometers east of Nanjing with limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Nanjing, making up over 90% of the population.
Includes groups like Hui, Manchu, and Zhuang, making up a small percentage of the population.
Includes expatriates from various countries, contributing to the international community in Nanjing.
The Soul of Nanjing
Discover the essence of Nanjing through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is extremely popular in Nanjing, with many local teams and schools participating in competitions.
Football enjoys a large following, with several clubs and a strong grassroots presence among youth.
As a national sport in China, table tennis is widely played in Nanjing, with many enthusiasts and clubs.
Badminton is a popular sport in Nanjing, played recreationally and competitively at various levels.
Running has gained popularity, with many parks and running clubs promoting health and fitness among residents.
Volleyball is widely played in schools and recreationally, with local tournaments held frequently.
Swimming is a popular leisure activity in Nanjing, with numerous pools and swimming competitions available.
Various forms of martial arts, including Tai Chi and Kung Fu, are practiced widely, reflecting traditional Chinese culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nanjing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Nanjing's cuisine is deeply rooted in meat dishes, many restaurants and street food stalls offer vegetable-based dishes such as stir-fried seasonal greens, tofu-based specialties, and vegetable dumplings. Buddhist temples in the city also provide vegetarian meals.
Finding gluten-free options may be challenging in traditional Nanjing cuisine due to the prevalent use of soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients. However, some modern cafes and international restaurants in the city may offer gluten-free menu items or accommodate special dietary requests.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Nanjing with these cultural adventures.