Discover Nanjing
Top sights, stays, dining, and experiences — curated for every type of traveller.
Nanjing on the Map
All major destinations plotted — click any pin for details.
History of Nanjing
Over 2,500 years of civilisation — from feudal kingdoms to the Republic of China.
Why Nanjing Matters
Nanjing — literally the "Southern Capital" — has served as the imperial seat for six dynasties over 450 years, including the Eastern Wu, Eastern Jin, the Southern Dynasties, and the early Ming. Its name "Jinling" still resonates in poetry and art. The city witnessed the founding of China's Republic in 1912 under Sun Yat-sen, the brutal Japanese occupation and Massacre of 1937–38, and the final defeat of the Nationalist government in 1949. Today it is the capital of Jiangsu Province and one of China's most intellectually and historically rich cities.
Essential Travel Information
Everything you need before and during your visit.
🌤 When to Go
Best: Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Oct). Temperatures are mild (10–22°C) and cherry blossoms bloom magnificently around Jiming Temple and Purple Mountain in late March/April.
Avoid: July–August, when Nanjing earns its nickname "one of China's Three Furnaces" with temperatures exceeding 38°C and very high humidity.
🌡 Climate by Month
| Month | °C | Rain | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2–8 | Low | Coat needed |
| Mar–Apr | 10–20 | Moderate | ✓ Ideal |
| May | 18–26 | Rising | ✓ Good |
| Jul–Aug | 30–38 | High | ✗ Avoid |
| Sep–Oct | 16–26 | Low | ✓ Ideal |
| Dec | 3–10 | Low | Layer up |
🚇 Getting Around
- Metro: 14 lines, one of China's top-10 longest networks. Most attractions are metro-accessible.
- Didi: Ride-hailing app (like Uber). Requires a Chinese phone number.
- Bike share: Meituan/Hello bikes available citywide.
- Bus: Extensive network but slower; use metro where possible.
- Key interchange: Xinjiekou (Lines 1 & 2) is the city's commercial heart.
✈ Getting There
- By Air: Nanjing Lukou Int'l Airport (NKG), 35km south. Subway Line S1 links it to the city.
- By High-Speed Rail: 1 hr from Shanghai Hongqiao; 3.5 hrs from Beijing South. Use Nanjing South Station (not the older Nanjing Station).
- From Shanghai Pudong: Train to Hongqiao, then high-speed rail.
- From Hong Kong: Direct high-speed rail or flights available.
💡 Practical Tips
- Pre-book free tickets via WeChat for the Massacre Memorial and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
- Foreigners need a passport for many attractions requiring ticket purchase.
- Download a VPN before arrival — Google Maps & many apps are blocked.
- Use WeChat Pay or Alipay — cash is accepted but mobile payment is the norm.
- Temperatures outside summer are very pleasant for walking the City Wall.
- Many museums are free but require advance reservation.
🍜 Food Highlights
- Salted Duck (盐水鸭): Nanjing's signature dish — aromatic, tender, served cold.
- Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (鸭血粉丝汤): A beloved street food breakfast.
- Xiaolongbao: Soup dumplings widely available.
- Huaiyang cuisine: Delicate, slightly sweet Eastern Chinese cooking.
- Best districts: 1912 District, Fuzimiao, Laomendong, Xinjiekou underground mall.
Transport & Getting Around
Nanjing has one of China's most comprehensive transit networks.
| Method | Best For | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (地铁) | Most sights, cross-city travel | ¥2–8 per trip | 14 lines, very reliable and clean |
| High-Speed Train | Arriving from Shanghai, Beijing | ¥75–550 | Use Nanjing South Station; book on Trip.com |
| Didi (滴滴) | Door-to-door, late night | ¥15–50 | Requires Chinese phone number; international now available |
| Bike Share | Shorter distances, lakeside rides | ¥1–2/hour | Meituan & Hello Bike; requires Chinese app |
| Tourist Bus | Purple Mountain scenic area | ¥2–10 | Lines connect major Purple Mountain sights |
| Ferry / Boat | Qinhuai River cruise | ¥40–120 | Especially beautiful at night with lantern lights |
| Airport Shuttle | NKG Airport transfer | ¥25–30 | Multiple bus lines; or Metro Line S1 |
| Long-Distance Coach | Suzhou, Hangzhou day trips | ¥30–100 | 8 coach stations; Jiangsu Coach Station largest |
Travel Blogs & Resources
Handpicked guides, planning tools, and booking platforms for your Nanjing trip.