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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜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.
Offers temples, mausoleums, forested trails and panoramic city views—excellent for sunrise, cherry blossoms and fall foliage.
Architectural stone stairways, historical monuments and forest backdrops provide dramatic heritage shots in varied light.
Picturesque riverside alleys, ornate bridges and nighttime lantern-lit reflections—ideal for street and night photography.
Calm water, pavilions and city skyline views—good for tranquil landscapes and local life photography.
An iconic industrial landmark spanning the Yangtze—striking at dusk and with urban-river contrast.
Historic Republican-era buildings and stretches of preserved city walls offer architectural and historical subjects.
Food in Nanjing
Nanjing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
A warm, savory street‑food soup featuring duck blood curd, vermicelli and broth—ubiquitous at snack stalls and small eateries, especially around Fuzimiao.
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
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.
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.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple nod or handshake is fine; address elders and officials with respect and use polite language. Avoid overly loud behavior in public places.
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 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.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in quiet residential or religious settings; some museums limit photography—look for signs or ask staff.
Safety
Tipping in Nanjing
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
June–August is hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms; bring light breathable clothing, sun protection and plan indoor activities during the hottest afternoon hours.
September –November is the most comfortable season with clear skies, cooler temperatures and colorful foliage—ideal for outdoor exploring and festivals.
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.
Nanjing at Night
Hiking in Nanjing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails with cultural sites like the Ming Xiaoling Tomb and pagodas—options for short walks or longer hikes with forested scenery.
East of the city, known for maple viewing in autumn and scenic temple walks—popular in fall for foliage.
A larger green area northwest of the city with varied trails, viewpoints and less crowded hiking options compared to Purple Mountain.
Flat walking and cycling routes along the riverbanks, suitable for long easy hikes and sunset photography.
Airports
How to reach Nanjing by plane.
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.
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.
Smaller regional airport within an hour by car from Nanjing outskirts—useful for some domestic and limited international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Nanjing is home to major universities (e.g., Nanjing University) and colleges, creating a large student population and a lively youth culture.
The majority population is Han Chinese with strong local Jiangsu cultural traditions and dialect influences.
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.
Very popular among students and young people; many public courts and amateur leagues are active across the city.
Local clubs and school teams enjoy strong support; matches and grassroots play are common in parks and school fields.
Given the river and lakes, paddlesports and seasonal dragon-boat events are traditional and popular on the Yangtze and local lakes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nanjing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.
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.