Nanjing Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Temple of Confucius featuring a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and a statue or sculpture
China’s old imperial city sits on the lower reaches of the fabled Yangtze River and is filled with cultural treasures, both historic and contemporary.

Nanjing is a modern metropolis steeped in centuries of history. Once a seat for imperial power, Nanjing has developed into a centre for trade, commerce and education. The city charms with its wide boulevards, exciting nightlife and a well-preserved cultural heritage.

In the 14th century Nanjing was the imperial capital of the Ming dynasty, an era associated with great stability and cultural achievement. In Wuchaomen Park, see the ruins of the old Ming Palace and explore the remains of the Nanjing City Wall, which took 200,000 labourers 21 years to build. See the final resting place of the Ming dynasty’s founding emperor at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a vast and extravagant complex worth visiting for its animal sculptures alone. It’s located on Zhongshan Mountain, which is also where you can visit Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Mausoleum.

Explore one of the world’s largest collections of Ming and Qing dynasty treasures at the Nanjing Museum. Spend some time of quiet reflection at the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre, which documents the sacking and occupation of the city by the Japanese in 1937. Pay your respects to China’s greatest philosopher at the Confucius Temple. Take a cruise or stroll along the banks of the picturesque Qinhuai River to see the Zhonghua Gate and the exquisite Zhanyuan Garden.

Nanjing may be rich in cultural heritage but it is also a dynamic, youthful city, thanks to its large student population. Gastronomes will find no shortage of outstanding five-star restaurants, while those on a budget can enjoy local specialties like duck blood noodles and thin skin dumplings from small vendors everywhere. After 9 p.m., the 1912 entertainment district lights up, offering bars and clubs to suit all tastes.

Nanjing is located on the Yangtze River and is connected by regular passenger liner services to Shanghai and Wuhan. Buses, trains and planes all connect the city to the rest of China. Once you’ve arrived, explore Nanjing by metro, bus, taxi and bicycle.

Where to stay in Nanjing

Temple of Confucius showing religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Xinjiekou

5/5(1 area review)

The restaurants and shopping are a few things visitors like about Xinjiekou. Check out Nanjing Library while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Daxinggong Station or Xinjiekou Station to get around town.

Xinjiekou
Nanjing showing night scenes, a river or creek and a sunset

Xuan Wu

5/5(1 area review)

Xuan Wu is well liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Presidential Palace are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Mount Jiuhua Station or Jimingsi Station to get around.

Xuan Wu
Default Image

Gulou

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Gulou is well liked for its mountain views and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Nanjing Drum Tower and Jiangsu Nanjing TV Tower are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xinmofanmalu Station or Caochangmen Nanyi Second Division Station to get around.

Gulou
Default Image

Jiangning

3/5(1 area review)

Jiangning is well liked for its mountain views and restaurants. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Niushoushan Forest Park and Nanjing Gingko Lake are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Mozhoudonglu Station or Zhengfang­zhonglu Station to get around.

Jiangning
Default Image

Jian Ye

5/5(1 area review)

Get to know Jian Ye and its many features like its bars and monuments. You might want to explore sights like Nanjing Olympic Sports Center and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, and you can jump on the metro at Xinglongdajie Station or Mengdu Street East Station to get around the city.

Jian Ye
Temple of Confucius featuring signage, religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Fuzimiao Area

Well liked for its museums and monuments, Fuzimiao Area is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Temple of Confucius and Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum, and jump on the metro at Fuzimiao Station to get around the city.

Fuzimiao Area
Jinling Hotel Nanjing
Jinling Hotel Nanjing
5 out of 5
No.2 Han Zhong Road, Xin Jie Kou Square, Nanjing, Jiangsu
Fully refundable
The price is AU$115 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$115
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Nanjing. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Chaotian Palace and Nanjing Library are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (712 reviews)
Happy stay
"Great location! The room is very nice and clean, bed is comfortable. Front desk staff Duncan Zeng is very welcoming and helpful. We would stay there again."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Jinling Hotel Nanjing
Hilton Nanjing
Hilton Nanjing
5 out of 5
No. 100 Middle Jiangdong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu
The price is AU$148 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$148
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Nanjing. Enjoy free parking, 3 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (96 reviews)
"Took too long for checking in. Other aspects are all okay."

Reviewed on 1 Jan. 2021

Hilton Nanjing
The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing
The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing
5 out of 5
No 18 Zhongshan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
The price is AU$495 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$495
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Nanjing. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Nanjing Library and Nanjing Presidential ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"这次近一个月的中国之行,我们待了几家高档酒店,其中,上海璞丽、南京Ritz Carlton,以及两家Waldorf Astoria - 北京和上海,我们印象深刻。他们各部门员工服务热诚,带给我们温暖的回忆,我们很感谢。除了整体品质出众之外,我们最喜欢璞丽的装饰风格和专业服务,南京RC的温暖服务,特别值得一提的是早上自助餐经理Bella Chen给我们优质印象,以及WA一流的建筑和装饰。我们希望能有机会再来一趟中国行,再能待在这几家酒店。除此之外,若是我還能有些要求的话,我希望北京WA早上自助餐厨房工作人员能在我享用早餐时,稍稍安静点!另外,就是能在RC、WA多听到些播放的合适中国音乐。"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2023

The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Nanjing Kaibin Apartment-Xinjiekou Kairun Branch
Nanjing Kaibin Apartment-Xinjiekou Kairun Branch
3 out of 5
No.132 Zhongshan Rd, 6th Flr, Rm 606, Xuan Wu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Nanjing. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions Nanjing Library and Nanjing Presidential ...
7.2/10 Good! (48 reviews)
Not bad at all
"Good value for money but could do with some renovations. Location was good but quite difficult to find."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

Nanjing Kaibin Apartment-Xinjiekou Kairun Branch
Kaibin Apartment Nanjing University branch
Kaibin Apartment Nanjing University branch
3 out of 5
No.132 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Nanjing. Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Nanjing Library and ...
7/10 Good! (33 reviews)
Clean the room!
"Kaibin apartment is located at the good location - close to( probably 10-15 minutes walk) the center of the city. Subway is just a few minutes' walk as well. The service is a bit slow but ok if you are patient. If you request something, they will do to meet your need. Some rooms has the washer and ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2018

Kaibin Apartment Nanjing University branch
Nanjing Kaibin Apartment Zhujianglu Muma
Nanjing Kaibin Apartment Zhujianglu Muma
3 out of 5
No.100 Zhongshan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Nanjing. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Nanjing Library and Nanjing Presidential ...
5.2/10 (8 reviews)
Incredible Value!!!
"My first time here and I can’t believe how good and what an amazing location. It is literally in the heart of Nanjing. Just a block or 2 from the Ritz and most glamorous shopping mall. Large room which is actually like an apartment with full kitchen and large fridge. Huge bed was pretty soft. Large ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jan. 2021

Nanjing Kaibin Apartment Zhujianglu Muma
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Nanjing

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 57.142857142857146%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 14.285714285714286%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
19 Sep 2019

Pretty boring town. I wouldn't go here unless you had to.

Cities near Nanjing