Asia · China
Nanjing
Ancient Yangtze capital with grand monuments, leafy parks and a lively riverside temple district to explore.
2–4 days
Chinese yuan 300–700
Best in spring and autumn when temperatures are mild and rainfall is lower, ideal for walking the city walls and visiting outdoor sites.
NKG
Why visit Nanjing?
Nanjing sits on the Yangtze River and was an important Chinese capital; it blends imperial history, museums and green spaces with lively riverfront markets and distinctive Jiangsu cuisine. Compact enough for a city break and well connected by high-speed rail, it makes a practical cultural stop between Shanghai and the central provinces.
Nanjing stands out for its layered history — from Ming-era city walls and mausoleums on Purple Mountain to memorials documenting 20th-century events. Visitors find world-class museums, scenic parks like Xuanwu Lake, and atmospheric riverfront neighborhoods along the Qinhuai. The city suits history and culture lovers, food-focused travelers curious about Jiangsu cuisine, and short-break visitors wanting a quieter alternative to megacities. Good transport links make it a convenient base for nearby water towns and regional day trips.
Quick overview
8500000
Chinese yuan
Mandarin Chinese
April, May, September, October
Medium
Is Nanjing right for you?
Choose Nanjing if you want
- You enjoy history, museums and well-preserved imperial sites within a compact city ideal for a 2–4 day break.
- You want a food-focused destination that showcases Jiangsu cuisine and riverfront dining without the scale of larger coastal megacities.
Consider another city if you want
- If you’re looking for tropical beaches or a warm seaside resort, Nanjing is inland and not suitable for sun-and-sand holidays.
- If you expect a nonstop party scene or top-tier clubbing, Nanjing’s nightlife is pleasant but comparatively low-key.
City ratings
Top things to do in Nanjing
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Purple Mountain)
A monumental memorial on Purple Mountain offering panoramic city views and a dramatic stairway; combine with nearby Ming tombs and forested trails for a full morning.
Ming City Wall and Zhonghua Gate
One of the best-preserved Ming-era walls with imposing gates; walk sections of the ramparts to appreciate historical defenses and glimpses of old city layout.
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
A solemn, well-curated museum and memorial documenting 1937 events, offering important historical context and reflective exhibits for thoughtful visitors.
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) & Qinhuai River
Lively riverside district with traditional architecture, night lanterns and boat rides; excellent for sampling local snacks, crafts and evening atmosphere.
Where to stay
Qinhuai / Confucius Temple
Historic, tourist-friendly riverside neighborhood ideal for first-time visitors who want easy access to night markets, boat rides and many temples and restaurants.
Xinjiekou (Central Business District)
Nanjing’s commercial heart with major hotels, shopping and transit links; suits business travelers and those wanting quick metro access to key sights and the train station.
What to eat in Nanjing
Salted Duck
A famous Nanjing specialty: tender, subtly seasoned duck with a silky texture, often enjoyed cold as a regional delicacy.
Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup
A comforting local street-food soup combining duck blood cake, vermicelli and savory broth, commonly found at morning stalls and small eateries.
Lion’s Head Meatballs
Large, tender pork meatballs braised or steamed in a light sauce—a Jiangsu classic reflecting the region’s delicate, umami-rich flavors.
Getting there and around
Getting to Nanjing
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) serves domestic and some international flights; high-speed rail links connect Nanjing to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing in one to three hours. Long-distance buses and regular trains also serve the central stations, making arrival by rail convenient from neighboring cities.
Getting around Nanjing
Central Nanjing is reasonably walkable, especially around Qinhuai and Xuanwu Lake. The metro network covers major sights and is affordable; buses and taxis are plentiful, and Didi ride-hailing works well. A car is unnecessary for a city break unless you plan rural excursions.
A two-day itinerary
Day 1: Start at Purple Mountain to visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling, then descend to the Nanjing Museum; afternoon walk or cycle around Xuanwu Lake and explore a stretch of the Ming City Wall; evening at Qinhuai River and Confucius Temple for dinner and lantern-lit streets.
Day 2: Morning at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall for historical context, then the Presidential Palace and nearby gardens; lunch in Xinjiekou, some shopping or a tea house visit, and finish with a relaxed riverside stroll or a short Yangtze viewpoint before departing.
Best day trip
Yangzhou
Historic Yangzhou is about 1–1.5 hours by fast train; it rewards visitors with classical gardens, canal-side streets and refined Huaiyang cuisine, making for a peaceful cultural day trip.
Similar cities
Suzhou
Xi’an
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