Nanjing

Understand

Nanjing, meaning "Southern Capital," is the capital of Jiangsu province and one of China's most historically significant cities. It has served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties and the Republic of China. Located along the Yangtze River, Nanjing is known for its rich cultural heritage, tree-lined streets, beautiful lakes, and poignant historical sites. The city is home to numerous universities and has a vibrant, youthful energy alongside its ancient monuments.

Get in

By train

Nanjing is a major high-speed rail hub with excellent connections. The Beijing-Shanghai HSR passes through Nanjing South Station, with trains to Beijing (3.5-4 hours), Shanghai (1-1.5 hours), and other major cities. Nanjing Railway Station serves additional routes.

By air

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) offers domestic and international flights, with metro and airport shuttle connections to the city center.

By bus

Long-distance buses connect Nanjing with cities throughout Jiangsu, Anhui, and beyond.

By water

Nanjing is a major port on the Yangtze River, though passenger river travel is now limited.

Get around

Nanjing has an extensive metro system with over 10 lines covering the city and suburbs. Public buses are plentiful and affordable. The city center is relatively compact and walkable, with many attractions near Xuanwu Lake and along Zhongshan Road.

See

Historical Sites

• Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵) — The final resting place of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, located on the slopes of Purple Mountain. Free entry.
• Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵) — The tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Nanjing City Wall (南京城墙) — One of the longest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China, built during the Ming dynasty.
• Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao / 夫子庙) — A historic temple complex and bustling pedestrian area along the Qinhuai River, especially beautiful at night.
• Presidential Palace (总统府) — The former office of the President of the Republic of China, with beautiful gardens and historical exhibitions.
• Qinhuai River (秦淮河) — Take a traditional boat ride along this historic river, especially enchanting in the evening when the surrounding buildings are lit up.

Memorials

• Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall (侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆) — A powerful and moving museum documenting the atrocities committed during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. Free entry, but emotionally intense.

Parks and Nature

• Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖) — A large urban park and lake with gardens, islands, and walking paths, adjacent to the city wall and Nanjing Railway Station.
• Purple Mountain (紫金山) — A forested hill east of the city with hiking trails, temples, and the observatory.
• Qixia Mountain (栖霞山) — Famous for its autumn foliage and the Qixia Temple with its collection of Buddhist stone carvings.

Museums

• Nanjing Museum (南京博物院) — One of China's largest museums, with collections spanning from ancient bronze vessels to Ming and Qing dynasty art. Free entry.

Eat

Nanjing cuisine is known for its duck dishes and delicate flavors.

• Salted Duck (盐水鸭) — Nanjing's signature dish, a delicately seasoned boiled duck.
• Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (鸭血粉丝汤) — A popular local snack made with duck blood, vermicelli, and offal in a flavorful broth.
• Soup Dumplings (汤包) — Steamed dumplings with rich, savory broth inside.
• Qinhuai Snacks (秦淮小吃) — A variety of traditional street foods available along the Qinhuai River, including sweet osmanthus dumplings and pan-fried beef potstickers.
• Nanjing-style Roast Duck (南京烤鸭) — Different from Beijing roast duck, with a focus on the tender meat and rich sauce.

Sleep

Budget

• Hostels and budget hotels near Xinjiekou and Confucius Temple offer rooms from ¥80-150 per night.

Mid-range

• Chain hotels and local boutique hotels in Xuanwu, Gulou, and Qinhuai districts range from ¥200-500 per night.

Splurge

• International luxury hotels along Zhongshan Road and near Xuanwu Lake offer premium experiences from ¥600+ per night.

Go next

• Shanghai — 1-1.5 hours by high-speed rail
• Suzhou — 1.5-2 hours by high-speed rail
• Hangzhou — 1.5-2 hours by high-speed rail
• Yangzhou — 1-1.5 hours by bus
• Wuxi — 1 hour by high-speed rail