Things To Do
in Nanjing
Nanjing, the ancient capital of six dynasties, seamlessly blends imperial history with modern urban development. Its tree-lined boulevards, classical gardens, and restored city walls reflect a rich cultural legacy. The city sits along the scenic Yangtze River, offering riverside promenades and vibrant night markets.
Four distinct seasons bring cherry blossoms in spring, sultry summers, crisp autumns, and cool winters.
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 |
|---|---|
| 🍜Bowl of street noodles | $2-5 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Cafe coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30 |
| 🚕Taxi start tariff | $2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich imperial history and cultural heritage
- Extensive metro and high-speed rail connections
- Delicious, affordable local cuisine
- Scenic riverside and mountain views
- Summer humidity can be oppressive
- Air quality varies, especially in winter
- Crowds at major tourist sites during holidays
- Limited English signage outside central districts
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问洗手间在哪里？" - Where is the restroom?
- "我不吃肉" - I don't eat meat
Places to Visit in Nanjing
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic city views, ancient temples and misty forested trails ideal at sunrise.
Nighttime lantern reflections, historic bridges and riverside architecture provide colorful long-exposure opportunities.
Zhonghua Gate’s massive brickwork and battlements make a dramatic backdrop during golden hour.
Five-island lake with pavilions, willow trees and swans—perfect for reflections and nature shots.
Food in Nanjing
Nanjing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local specialty with tender meat and crispy skin. Best found at Jinling Salted Duck restaurants near Fuzimiao.
Must-Try!
Rich, savory soup with congealed duck blood and vermicelli at roadside stalls around Confucius Temple.
Giant pork meatballs stewed in broth. Try them at historic Jinling Hotel.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling pedestrian street with stalls selling dumplings, sesame cakes, stinky tofu and candied hawthorn.
Open after sundown, offering spicy crayfish, grilled skewers and fresh fruit smoothies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet senior family members first and avoid interrupting raised-voice conversations.
Wait for the host to start eating. Use communal chopsticks for shared dishes and avoid tapping chopsticks on the bowl.
Standing close is common in crowds; smile and keep calm even in busy markets.
Decline a gift once or twice before accepting. Avoid clocks or white flowers, which symbolize funerals.
Safety
Tipping in Nanjing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in China; small service fees may be added at upscale hotels but are not expected in restaurants.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate. Carry some cash (RMB) for street vendors and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings cherry blossoms on Purple Mountain and mild temperatures; pack a light jacket.
June–August is hot and humid, often above 35°C with afternoon thunderstorms—stay hydrated and plan indoor breaks.
September–November offers clear skies, comfortable 15–25°C weather and colorful foliage in parks.
December–February can dip to 0°C with occasional frost; bring a warm coat and sturdy boots.
Nanjing at Night
Hiking in Nanjing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple routes ranging from easy loops around Linggu Temple to summit hikes past Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
Forested ridges and tea plantations about 30km east, offering quiet trails and waterfalls.
Airports
How to reach Nanjing by plane.
Main airport 35km south of the city. Accessible via metro line S1 or airport shuttle buses.
About 300km by high-speed rail (roughly 2 hours). Convenient for international flights not serviced by Nanjing.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Make up over 95% of the population; local dialect is Jianghuai Mandarin.
Home to dozens of universities; student population brings youthful energy to nightlife and cafés.
Well-established community with halal restaurants near Confucius Temple.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Street courts and university leagues are everywhere; NBA culture is popular among youth.
A national pastime, with ping-pong tables in parks and community centers.
Local teams play at Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre; amateur matches are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nanjing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Temple cuisine halls near Jiming Temple offer Buddhist vegetarian set meals. Look for sautéed seasonal greens and tofu dishes; inform servers to avoid hidden meat stocks.