Ancient Capital • City Wall • Presidential Palace
Nanjing (南京), meaning "Southern Capital," is one of China's four great ancient capitals. This historic city served as the capital of multiple dynasties and holds immense cultural and historical significance.
🏯 Nanjing's Heritage: Ancient City Wall, Presidential Palace from three different governments, memorial halls, and beautiful lakes. The city perfectly blends imperial history with modern urban life.
Best For: History enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and anyone interested in understanding China's imperial and modern political history.
Travel Season:
💡 Getting Around: Nanjing has an excellent metro system. Most major attractions are accessible by Metro Line 1, 2, or 3. Get a Nanjing Tong card ( 南京通) for easy metro and bus travel.
One of the best-preserved ancient walls in China. Two main sections are open: Jiefangmen (解放门) and Zhonghuamen (中华门). Walk along the top for panoramic views of the city.
¥50-60800 years of history - served as base for Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, Sun Yat-sen's government, and Chiang Kai-shek's administration. Fascinating for history buffs.
¥40A sobering but essential visit. Free entry. The museum documents the 1937 Nanjing Massacre with dignity and historical accuracy.
FreeOne of China's largest city lakes. Beautiful parks, temples on islands, rowing boats, and cherry blossoms in spring. Perfect for morning exercise or evening stroll.
Free (island ferries ¥30)"Most Beautiful Temple in Nanjing." Famous for cherry blossoms in spring and观音 PETALS in summer. Located next to the City Wall.
¥15 (includes香火)Historic riverside area along Qinhuai River. Best visited at night when illuminated. Traditional architecture, street food, and boat rides on the river.
Free (some attractions extra)One of China's largest museums. Excellent collection of Chinese history, archaeology, and art. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. English audio guides available.
Free (ID required)Massive park area including Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (UNESCO), Lihuang Pagoda, and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Half-day to full day needed.
¥70-170 (varies by site)Imposing mausoleum at the top of Purple Mountain. 392 steps up, but worth it for the architecture and views. Beautiful in all seasons.
Free (requires advance booking)Historic district with traditionalarchitecture, boutique shops, and excellent local food. Less touristy than Confucius Temple area.
FreeBoat ride past the illuminated Confucius Temple area and traditional bridges. Best at dusk when buildings light up.
¥80-100重建的明代琉璃塔，夜晚灯光秀非常壮观。遗址公园范围内。
¥80Nanjing cuisine is part of Jiangsu style (淮扬菜), known for its delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and refined preparation. Here are the must-try dishes:
Nanjing's signature dish - pressure-cooked duck with salt and spices. Tender, juicy meat with subtle flavor. Available everywhere from upscale restaurants to street stalls.
¥30-80
Comforting soup with duck blood, vermicelli, and duck organs. A Nanjing breakfast classic. Best at local shops near Xuanwu Lake.
¥15-25
Famous "8 specials" of Qinhuai snacks including 小笼包, 鸭血汤, 牛肉锅贴, 蒸饺. Best experienced at清晨小笼包 shops near Confucius Temple.
¥20-50
Clay pot rice dishes with various toppings. Popular winter comfort food. Try 排骨砂锅 or 牛肉砂锅 at local restaurants.
¥20-40
Nanjing is famous for its软糯 rice cakes. Try 桂花糖藕 (osmanthus lotus root) or savory stir-fried versions at local markets.
¥10-20
Local brewery culture. Try 南京精酿 at trendy bars in 1912 District or Xianhe University.
¥20-40
Best for: Traditional snacks, evening atmosphere
Touristy but authentic evening food market
Best for: Modern restaurants, bars, nightlife
Trendy area near Presidential Palace
Best for: Cheap local food, young crowd
Great for authentic Nanjing breakfast
Best for: Mid-range local restaurants
Beautiful traditional setting
Located 40km from city center. Domestic flights and some international routes to Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Southeast Asia.
Nanjing South Station and Nanjing Station are major HSR hubs. From Shanghai (1h), Beijing (3.5h), Hangzhou (1h), or Wuhan (2.5h).
Excellent metro system with 12+ lines. Clean, air-conditioned, English signs. Covers most attractions.
¥2-8 per ride
Didi works well in Nanjing. Taxis are cheap and plentiful.
¥10-30 within city
Hellobike and Meituan bikes everywhere. Popular for short trips.
¥1-3 per use
Tourist bus Y1/Y2 connects major attractions. Scenic route through city.
¥2 per ride
Stunning new Buddhist cultural park with massive地下宫殿 (underground palace). About 45 min from city center by bus or taxi.
¥98Beautiful canals and gardens, plus famous 扬州炒饭 and 蟹粉狮子头. 1.5h by HSR or 2h by boat.
¥60-100 HSRAncient gold mountain, authentic Huaiyang cuisine, and the original 镇江香醋 (vinegar). 30 min by HSR.
¥50 HSRTaoist mountain with ancient temples and beautiful scenery. Popular for hiking and spiritual retreats.
¥70-120💰 Budget Example (2 days):
• Attractions: ¥150-200
• Meals: ¥150-300
• Accommodation: ¥200-500 (1 night)
• Transport: ¥50-80
Total: ¥550-1,080
📅 Booking: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum requires advance booking via "钟山风景区" WeChat mini-program. Book 1-2 days ahead, especially for weekends.
🕊️ Memorial Hall: This is a solemn place. Maintain respectful silence. Allow 2-3 hours. Bring tissues - it's emotionally heavy.
🏯 City Wall: The Jiefangmen section near Xuanwu Lake is most scenic. Go at sunset for best photos. The Zhonghuamen section is longer but less picturesque.
🦆 Duck Blood Soup: Try it at清晨小笼包 shops near Xuanwu Lake South Gate. It's a local breakfast tradition. Don't be intimidated by the ingredients!
⚠️ Subway during Rush Hour: Lines 1 and 2 are very crowded 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:30-7:00 PM. Plan accordingly or use Didi.
Best for: First visit, metro connections, shopping. Central location near major attractions.
Best for: Nightlife, proximity to Presidential Palace. Trendy bars and restaurants.
Best for: Scenic views, morning exercise, quieter stay. Good metro access.