Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. As the former capital of six Chinese dynasties, it boasts imperial palaces, ancient city walls, and poignant historical sites. At the same time, Nanjing is a vibrant university city with tree-lined boulevards, lively food streets, and a relaxed atmosphere.
This guide covers the best attractions, food, and travel tips for foreign visitors.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms at Mochou Lake and Nanjing University.
- Autumn (September-November): Cool weather, golden ginkgo trees at Xiaoling Mausoleum.
- Avoid summer (June-August)—it’s hot and humid.
Top Attractions
1. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵)
- Why visit? A tribute to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the “Father of Modern China.” Climb 392 steps for panoramic views of Purple Mountain.
- Tip: Free entry, but arrive early to avoid crowds.
2. Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River (夫子庙 & 秦淮河)
- Why visit? Nanjing’s cultural heart, with lantern-lit streets, river cruises, and street food.
- Must-try: Duck blood vermicelli soup (鸭血粉丝汤) and salted duck (盐水鸭).
3. Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall (南京大屠杀纪念馆)
- Why visit? A sobering but important museum documenting the 1937 Nanjing Massacre.
- Tip: Photography is restricted—visit with respect.
4. Presidential Palace (总统府)
- Why visit? A mix of Chinese imperial and Republican-era architecture, once the HQ of Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek.
5. Xuanwu Lake & City Wall (玄武湖 & 明城墙)
- Why visit? A scenic lakeside park with remnants of the 600-year-old Ming Dynasty wall. Rent a paddleboat for great views.
6. Purple Mountain (紫金山)
- Why visit? A green escape with hiking trails, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Linggu Temple.
7. Nanjing Museum (南京博物院)
- Why visit? One of China’s best museums, with artifacts from 5,000 years of history. Free entry!
Food & Dining
Nanjing is famous for its duck dishes and Jiangsu-style cuisine (slightly sweet, less spicy than Sichuan).
Must-Try Dishes
- Nanjing Salted Duck (盐水鸭) – The city’s signature dish.
- Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (鸭血粉丝汤) – A local favorite.
- Lion’s Head Meatballs (狮子头) – Braised pork balls in savory broth.
- Pan-Fried Beef Buns (牛肉锅贴) – Crispy and juicy.
Where to Eat
- Laomendong (老门东) – Historic food street with traditional snacks.
- Confucius Temple Area – Bustling night market.
- Xiaopanji Restaurant (小潘记鸭血粉丝汤) – Best duck blood soup.
Transportation Tips
- Metro: Cheap and efficient (lines cover most tourist spots).
- Taxis: Use Didi (China’s Uber) or flag one down (ensure the meter is on).
- Bikes: Shared bikes (Meituan, HelloBike) are great for short trips.
Useful Tips for Foreigners
- VPN Needed: Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked—set up a VPN before arrival.
- Cashless Payments: Use Alipay TourPass or WeChat Pay (some places don’t accept cash).
- Language: Few English speakers—use Google Translate (download Chinese offline).
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Historical Nanjing
- Morning: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum + Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
- Afternoon: Presidential Palace
- Evening: Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River night cruise
Day 2: Culture & Nature
- Morning: Nanjing Museum
- Afternoon: Xuanwu Lake + City Wall
- Evening: Laomendong food street
Day 3: Day Trip Options
- Qixia Mountain (Autumn ginkgo leaves)
- Zhongshan Scenic Area (More hiking & temples)
Final Thoughts
Nanjing offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and food—without the overwhelming crowds of Beijing or Shanghai. Whether you’re climbing ancient steps, tasting duck delicacies, or cruising the Qinhuai River, this city will leave a lasting impression.
Happy travels! 🇨🇳✈️