Explore Nanjing

📅 Best Time to Visit Nanjing

• Spring (March-May): Ideal for visiting the city's parks, gardens, and historical sites, with mild temperatures and vibrant flowers blooming.
• Autumn (September-November): Another great time to visit, with cooler temperatures and colorful fall foliage. It’s a fantastic time for exploring outdoor attractions.
• Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with temperatures rising above 30°C (86°F). It’s a good time to visit if you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and outdoor festivals.
• Winter (December-February): Cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F), but winter festivals and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge provide unique experiences during this time.

✈️ How to Get to Nanjing

• By Air:

  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is about 35 km (22 miles) from the city center and connects to major Chinese cities and international destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore.

• By Train:

  • Nanjing is well-connected by high-speed trains to cities like Shanghai (about 1.5 hours), Beijing (around 4 hours), and Hangzhou (approximately 2 hours). The Nanjing Railway Station is the main hub.

• By Bus:

  • Long-distance buses run from other cities within Jiangsu Province and nearby regions. The Nanjing Long-Distance Bus Station offers services to surrounding areas.

📍 Top Attractions in Nanjing

1. Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (南京长江大桥):

   • One of the first bridges to span the Yangtze River, this iconic structure is both an engineering marvel and a symbol of the city's development. It offers stunning views of the river and the city.

2. Nanjing City Wall (南京城墙):

   • Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, the City Wall is one of the longest and best-preserved city walls in China. Visitors can walk along the wall and explore its gates and towers.

3. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵):

   • The final resting place of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, this mausoleum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers panoramic views of the Purple Mountain.

4. Confucius Temple (夫子庙):

   • A historic temple dedicated to Confucius, located by the Qinhuai River. It’s a lively area with shops, restaurants, and traditional Chinese architecture.

5. Nanjing Museum (南京博物院):

   • One of China’s largest museums, it showcases the country’s ancient history and cultural heritage, with over 400,000 pieces in its collection.

6. Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖):

   • A scenic lake in the city, known for its islands, gardens, and walking paths. It’s perfect for a relaxing day out and offers a great view of Nanjing’s skyline.

7. Purple Mountain (紫金山):

   • A natural landmark in Nanjing, known for its historical sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, and Linggu Temple.

8. Nanjing Yangtze River Cruise:

   • A cruise along the Yangtze River, offering beautiful views of the city’s skyline, Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, and surrounding nature.

🎟️ Activities to Do in Nanjing

• Explore the Ancient City Wall:

  • Walk along or bike the ancient Nanjing City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. You’ll pass through historic gates, towers, and get a glimpse of the city’s past.

• Take a Yangtze River Cruise:

  • Take a leisurely cruise along the Yangtze River and admire the views of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and the city’s skyline.

• Visit the Confucius Temple Area:

  • Explore the Confucius Temple complex, enjoy the traditional architecture, and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs in the surrounding area.

• Tour the Nanjing Museum:

  • Discover China’s rich history and artifacts in the Nanjing Museum, which showcases over 400,000 pieces of ancient relics.

• Climb Purple Mountain:

  • Hike or take a cable car to the top of Purple Mountain for great views of the city and visit key sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Linggu Temple.

🏨 Accommodation in Nanjing

Luxury:

• InterContinental Nanjing: A luxurious hotel located in the city’s business district, offering modern amenities, an indoor pool, and stunning views of the Yangtze River.
• The Nanjing Yangtze River Hotel: Known for its scenic location by the Yangtze River, this hotel offers luxury rooms, excellent dining options, and easy access to the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge.

Mid-Range:

• Crowne Plaza Nanjing: Situated near Xuanwu Lake, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving international cuisine.
• Holiday Inn Nanjing Aqua City: This hotel is located near the Confucius Temple and offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and easy access to the city’s main attractions.

Budget:

• Ibis Nanjing Zhonghua: An affordable hotel in downtown Nanjing, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to public transportation.
• Nanjing Fuzimiao Youth Hostel: A budget-friendly option located near the Confucius Temple, ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.

🍜 Food and Restaurants in Nanjing

Must-Try Dishes:

• Nanjing Salted Duck (南京盐水鸭): A local delicacy, this dish features duck marinated in herbs and spices, then cooked and served with its own juices.
• Nanjing-style Dumplings (南京小笼包): Known for their delicate thin skin and savory fillings such as pork and shrimp.
• Qinhuai Rice Cake (秦淮年糕): A traditional rice cake dish served with a sweet red bean paste or savory pork filling.

Top Restaurants:

• Da Pai Dang (大牌档): A popular spot offering traditional Nanjing dishes in a lively atmosphere with a historic setting.
• Jiangnan Restaurant (江南饭店): Famous for its local specialties, especially the Nanjing Salted Duck and steamed dumplings.
• Qin Huai River Food Street: Located near the Confucius Temple, this area is filled with street vendors offering local snacks and specialties.

🏮 Local Culture in Nanjing

1. Historical Significance:

   • As one of China's ancient capitals, Nanjing has played a pivotal role in Chinese history, particularly during the Ming Dynasty. The city’s culture is rich with historical landmarks, ancient traditions, and architectural heritage.

2. Yangtze River Influence:

   • The Yangtze River, the longest river in China, has shaped Nanjing’s economy, culture, and development. The river is central to the city’s food culture, transportation, and tourism.

3. Confucianism:

   • Nanjing’s Confucius Temple area represents the city’s connection to Confucianism, with a rich cultural atmosphere reflecting Chinese traditions and philosophies.

4. Festivals:

   • Nanjing hosts several traditional festivals, including the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge Cultural Festival and the Nanjing Lantern Festival, offering visitors a chance to experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Booking information