Things To Do
in Nanjing

Nanjing is a historic city in eastern China that served as the capital during several dynasties and retains abundant cultural landmarks, museums and classical architecture. It's set along the lower Yangtze River with scenic spots like Purple Mountain and Xuanwu Lake providing green space inside the city. The city blends deep traditional culture—Ming tombs, Sun Yat‑sen and presidential sites—with a lively modern university and tech scene.

Visitors can expect rich food traditions, riverside promenades, and a compact central area anchored by the Qinhuai River and Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao).

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Nanjing City Wall and Zhonghua Gate
morning
:

Begin at the ancient City Wall at dawn, breathing in the cool air as you walk along the ramparts. Observe the intricate stonework and expansive views over the city awakening below. Capture photos of the imposing Zhonghua Gate in the soft morning light.

afternoon
:

Descend into the labyrinth of the gate's inner chambers and passageways, imagining the soldiers who once defended these walls. Learn about the strategic design and clever defensive features with a local guide. Stop at a nearby teahouse for a refreshing jasmine tea amidst rustic surroundings.

evening
:

Return to the City Wall for sunset to witness the walls bathed in warm golden hues. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the adjacent park as lanterns begin to glow along the pathways. Finish with a street food dinner sampling savory steamed buns and sweet rice cakes under the illuminated gate.

day 2
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Purple Mountain
morning
:

Start your day climbing the Spirit Way lined with stone animals leading to the grand Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Feel the calm atmosphere as you pass the elegantly carved guardian statues and ascending steps. Reflect on the legacy of the Hongwu Emperor amid towering cypress trees.

afternoon
:

Continue exploring Purple Mountain by visiting the Linggu Pagoda, where intricate brickwork rises above lush greenery. Wander through the ancient Buddhist temple grounds, listening to the soft chime of temple bells. Pause at a mountain-side café for a bowl of local red bean soup.

evening
:

Head to the Purple Mountain Astronomy Observatory for a twilight astronomy tour under a velvet sky. Learn about the stars and constellations that have guided travelers for centuries. Complete the evening with a hot pot dinner at a mountain-view restaurant overlooking the city lights.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant (two people)$20-40
Coffee$2.5-5
🚇Public transport single fare (metro/bus)$0.30-0.80
🚕Taxi start and short ride$1.5-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich historical and cultural attractions concentrated in a compact area.
  • Good combination of parks, riverside scenery and museums—great for varied photography and walks.
  • Relatively affordable food and transportation with many local specialties.
  • Strong public transport network and close connections to other major Chinese cities by high-speed rail.
  • Hot, humid summers and a damp winter can be uncomfortable for some travelers.
  • English signage and English-speaking staff are limited outside major hotels and tourist spots.
  • Mobile payments dominate—visitors without WeChat/Alipay or local SIM may find small purchases inconvenient.
  • Certain historical topics may be sensitive—avoid political discussions without local context.
  • "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
  • "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
  • "请问… (Qǐngwèn...)" - Excuse me / May I ask...
  • "多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
  • "在哪儿? (Zài nǎr?)" - Where is ...?
  • "我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
  • "对不起 (Duìbùqǐ)" - Sorry / Excuse me
  • "我需要帮助 (Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù)" - I need help

Places to Visit in Nanjing

Visit one of these nice places.

Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan)

Offers temples, mausoleums, forested trails and panoramic city views—excellent for sunrise, cherry blossoms and fall foliage.

Sun Yat‑sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Tomb

Architectural stone stairways, historical monuments and forest backdrops provide dramatic heritage shots in varied light.

Qinhuai River and Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)

Picturesque riverside alleys, ornate bridges and nighttime lantern-lit reflections—ideal for street and night photography.

Xuanwu Lake Park

Calm water, pavilions and city skyline views—good for tranquil landscapes and local life photography.

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

An iconic industrial landmark spanning the Yangtze—striking at dusk and with urban-river contrast.

Nanjing Presidential Palace and Old City Walls

Historic Republican-era buildings and stretches of preserved city walls offer architectural and historical subjects.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nanjing

Nanjing cuisine is part of Jiangsu (Jinling) culinary tradition: it emphasizes fresh seasonal ingredients, gentle sweetness or savory balance, with notable river and duck dishes. Street snacks and temple‑market specialties sit alongside refined banquet cooking; expect soups, braised items and delicate dim sum-like snacks.

Nanjing Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Nanjing Salted Duck (盐水鸭)

A signature dish: tender, lightly salted and fragrant duck with a mellow flavor. Commonly found in local restaurants and specialty shops around the city.

Must-Try!

Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup (鸭血粉丝汤)

A warm, savory street‑food soup featuring duck blood curd, vermicelli and broth—ubiquitous at snack stalls and small eateries, especially around Fuzimiao.

Jinling Style Steamed Buns / Xiaolong Bao

Local variations of steamed buns and soup dumplings are available in markets and small restaurants; expect fine, delicate dough and rich fillings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Snack Street

Historic market area with countless stalls selling salted duck snacks, sesame pancakes, sweet soy‑glazed dumplings and local sweets—great for evening strolls and sampling small bites.

Shiziqiao and Local Wet Markets

Neighborhood wet markets and produce markets are where locals buy fresh ingredients; some stalls sell ready-to-eat specialties and are good for immersive experiences.

Climate Guide

Weather

Nanjing has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. Rainfall peaks in late spring and early summer (monsoon season), while autumn delivers the clearest and most comfortable weather. Temperature extremes are moderate compared with interior China, but humidity makes summers feel hotter and winters chillier than thermometer numbers alone might suggest.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Respect

A simple nod or handshake is fine; address elders and officials with respect and use polite language. Avoid overly loud behavior in public places.

Temple and Memorial Etiquette

At mausoleums, memorials and temples, dress modestly, keep voices low, and avoid climbing on monuments or places marked off-limits; follow signs and staff instructions.

Queuing and Personal Space

Queuing at transport hubs is expected though not always strictly enforced—be patient and polite; personal questions (age, salary, politics) may be sensitive—avoid invasive topics.

Photography Courtesy

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in quiet residential or religious settings; some museums limit photography—look for signs or ask staff.

Safety Guide

Safety

Nanjing is generally safe for travelers with low violent crime rates; common concerns are pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and scams targeted at tourists. Keep an eye on personal belongings, use reputable taxi apps or official taxis, be cautious with unlicensed tour offers, and avoid political demonstrations. Carry emergency contact numbers and a copy of your passport.

Tipping in Nanjing

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in most everyday situations in China and is generally not expected in restaurants or taxis; some high-end hotels and international restaurants may accept or include a service charge—check the bill. For exceptional service you can tip discreetly, but it’s not required.

Payment Methods

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate local transactions; cash (RMB) is still accepted and helpful in markets. International credit cards are accepted at major hotels, larger restaurants and tourist sites, but smaller shops and taxis may prefer cash or mobile pay—consider installing mobile payment apps or carry small bills.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

March–May brings mild temperatures and blooming cherry and plum trees, especially on Purple Mountain and around Xuanwu Lake—pleasant for walking and photography but occasional rain.

Summer

June–August is hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms; bring light breathable clothing, sun protection and plan indoor activities during the hottest afternoon hours.

Autumn

September–November is the most comfortable season with clear skies, cooler temperatures and colorful foliage—ideal for outdoor exploring and festivals.

Winter

December–February is cool to cold and often damp rather than snowy; temperatures can drop below freezing—pack layers and a warm, water-resistant coat for windy riverside areas.

Nightlife Guide

Nanjing at Night

Nanjing's nightlife mixes historic evening markets along Qinhuai River with modern bars and clubs around 1912 district and Xinjiekou. You'll find lively snack streets and late-night eateries near tourist areas plus cocktail bars and live-music venues catering to students and expats. Evenings are pleasant for riverside walks and night photography; licensed clubs tend to stay open late on weekends.

Hiking in Nanjing

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan) Trails

A network of trails with cultural sites like the Ming Xiaoling Tomb and pagodas—options for short walks or longer hikes with forested scenery.

Qixia Mountain

East of the city, known for maple viewing in autumn and scenic temple walks—popular in fall for foliage.

Tangshan National Forest Park

A larger green area northwest of the city with varied trails, viewpoints and less crowded hiking options compared to Purple Mountain.

Yangtze Riverside Trails

Flat walking and cycling routes along the riverbanks, suitable for long easy hikes and sunset photography.

Airports

How to reach Nanjing by plane.

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)

The city's main airport with domestic flights across China and international connections; about 40–60 minutes from downtown by airport express train, taxi or airport shuttle.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

International hub about 1.5–2.5 hours by high-speed train plus taxi or by car—an alternative for some international flights with rail connections between Shanghai and Nanjing.

Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX)

Smaller regional airport within an hour by car from Nanjing outskirts—useful for some domestic and limited international routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Nanjing—especially areas around Xinjiekou, Fuzimiao and Xuanwu Lake—is very walkable with pedestrianized streets, parks and river promenades. Some attractions (Purple Mountain, outlying museums) require public transport or a short taxi ride, but inner-city sightseeing can be done on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students and Young Professionals

Nanjing is home to major universities (e.g., Nanjing University) and colleges, creating a large student population and a lively youth culture.

Local Han Chinese Majority

The majority population is Han Chinese with strong local Jiangsu cultural traditions and dialect influences.

Older Generations and Retirees

Many retirees frequent parks and tea houses in the mornings and evenings, contributing to active community life in public spaces.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Very popular among students and young people; many public courts and amateur leagues are active across the city.

Football (Soccer)

Local clubs and school teams enjoy strong support; matches and grassroots play are common in parks and school fields.

Rowing and Dragon Boat Racing

Given the river and lakes, paddlesports and seasonal dragon-boat events are traditional and popular on the Yangtze and local lakes.

Transportation

Traffic

Rush-hour traffic can be heavy—morning and evening commutes see congestion on major arteries and bridges. Nanjing's metro system is efficient and often the fastest way to bypass surface traffic; buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps (Didi) are widely used. Plan extra time for travel during peak hours and public holidays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nanjing.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Pure vegetarian options are available but can be limited in traditional restaurants which often use meat-based broths—look for Buddhist vegetarian restaurants, larger hotel restaurants, or menus marked 素 (vegetarian). Use the phrase “我不吃肉” (I don't eat meat) and carry a translation card listing what you avoid.

Halal / Muslim

Halal restaurants exist but are less common; seek out Muslim eateries or international chains, and locate halal food via apps or near university districts. Always ask for 清真 (qingzhen) if you need halal certification.

Allergies and Gluten-Free

Cross-contamination and wheat-based sauces are common—carry Mandarin notes explaining allergies and show them when ordering. Big hotels and international restaurants are more allergy-aware.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Nanjing has well-equipped hospitals and clinics, including international and private facilities near major hotels and business districts. For serious medical issues, go to a major hospital where English-speaking staff are more likely; carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, and bring copies of prescriptions and a list of medications in Chinese if possible.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide