Nanjing China Travel Guide: 13 BEST Things To Do In Nanjing Jiangsu
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Nanjing, China, with this guide to its top attractions. From ancient city walls and imperial tombs to serene lakes and bustling markets, Nanjing offers a captivating journey through time.
Nanjing City Wall
The Nanjing City Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty, is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in the world, stretching for 25 km, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Nanjing’s historic defense systems.
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum honors the father of modern China and features a blend of Chinese and Western architecture with sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Purple Mountain
Purple Mountain is a major natural and historical area in Nanjing with over 200 scenic spots, including the Ming Dynasty tomb and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, known for its purple mist at dawn and dusk.
Nanjing Museum
The Nanjing Museum houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts, including ancient pottery, calligraphy, and paintings, offering insight into Nanjing’s cultural and historical significance.
Xuanwu Lake
Xuanwu Lake, located in Xuanwu Park, is a peaceful retreat in the city with five islands connected by arched bridges, offering temples, pagodas, tea houses, and opportunities for boating.
Five Dragon Pond
Xuanwu Lake is surrounded by scenic walking paths, gardens and historical sites, including the Five Dragon Pond where visitors can relax by the water.
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)
The Confucius Temple, built in 1034, is dedicated to Confucius and includes a temple, study hall, and the largest Imperial examination hall, offering cultural significance and scenic beauty with nearby local snacks and shops.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperor, featuring stone carvings, grand gates, and pathways, offering a look into Ming Dynasty history.
Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace, a key center of Chinese politics from 1840 to 1949, now serves as China's largest modern history museum with traditional Chinese and Western-style architecture.
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge
The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge is an iconic bridge that spans the Yangtze River, offering great views of the river and surrounding areas, and is a popular spot for photography.
La Men Dong
La Men Dong is a restored historical area with pedestrian-only streets, traditional architecture, cafes, galleries, and a vibrant night market offering local street food.
Zixia Lake
Zixia Lake at Purple mountain is part of a major natural and historical area in Nan Jing.
Plum Blossom Hill
Plum Blossom Hill features 35,000 plum trees that transform Jong Shan Mountain into a sea of pink, yellow and white from February to March.
Jong Shan Mountain
Jong Shan Mountain transforms into a sea of pink, yellow and white when the 35,000 plum trees are in bloom from February to March.
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall commemorates the tragic events of December 1937, offering exhibits and artifacts related to the massacre, and a peace park for reflection.
Peace Park
After viewing the exhibits, visitors can reflect in the Peace Park a Serene space dedicated to remembrance and healing.
Nushan cultural park
Nushan Cultural Park is a modern spiritual and cultural attraction, famous for USA Palace, which holds a relic of sakuni's parietal bone, making it a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Jimming Buddhist Temple
Jimming Temple, dating back to 265 AD, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Nan Jing, located near Schwan Wu Lake Park.