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Nanjing, China

Destination Guide

Nanjing

China

Best things to do in Nanjing

28 curated attractions in Nanjing, China. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

March - June, September - November

Average temp

17°C/63°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Nanjing

Nanjing is a large city with a complicated history as a former capital of China, where the past is palpable in its historic sites and monuments. The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall stands as a sobering reminder of the city's darker chapters during World War II, while the impressive City Wall showcases ancient defensive architecture that once protected its inhabitants. The city is wrapped around the Yangtze River, and places like Xuanwu Lake and the Qinhuai River offer scenic spots amidst the urban sprawl. The local food scene is lively, with many visitors coming specifically to experience Nanjing's famous salted duck. Beyond that, the city's blend of history and contemporary life means there’s always more than meets the eye, but you might want to bring a sturdy pair of shoes for all the wandering.

Who it's for

History buffs and food enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate here. It’s less suitable for those seeking a casual beach destination or a city with modern skyscrapers. If crowds and the complexities of history in a city give you anxiety, you might want to look elsewhere.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city center is walkable, with major attractions within thirty minutes on foot from each other
  • Public transport is efficient, with buses and subways running frequently
  • Nanjing’s railway station connects to major cities like Shanghai in about two hours
  • Taxis are readily available but can be subject to traffic delays in peak hours
Jiming Temple

Jiming Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Niushou Mountain Forest Farm

Niushou Mountain Forest Farm

Forests & jungles
Yihe Road

Yihe Road

Cultural
Nanjing Museum

Nanjing Museum

History museums
Nanbin Park

Nanbin Park

City parks
Porcelain Tower of Nanjing Site

Porcelain Tower of Nanjing Site

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Nanjing City Wall

Nanjing City Wall

Forts & citadels
Qinhuai River

Qinhuai River

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace

Castles & palaces
Linggu Temple

Linggu Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Lingyuan Road

Lingyuan Road

Urban Attractions
Wutong Avenue

Wutong Avenue

Streets & neighbourhoods
Laomendong

Laomendong

Cultural
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

Bridges
Purple Mountain

Purple Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Historical
Qixia Mountain

Qixia Mountain

Nature
Xuanwu Lake

Xuanwu Lake

Lakes
Confucius Temple

Confucius Temple

Monasteries
Mochou Lake

Mochou Lake

Lakes
Niushoushan

Niushoushan

Natural Wonders
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

History museums
Deji Plaza

Deji Plaza

Shopping and Markets
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Cemeteries & tombs
Zhonghua Gate

Zhonghua Gate

Forts & citadels
Music Terrace

Music Terrace

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Zhongshan Scenic Area

Zhongshan Scenic Area

Natural Wonders
Nanjing Olympic Sports Center

Nanjing Olympic Sports Center

Stadiums & sports venues

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