Nanjing 南京
Capital-city history, wooded monuments, museums, and Qinhuai evenings.
Why visit
Nanjing layers Ming monuments, republican-era history, major museums, university neighborhoods, lakes, and a lively Qinhuai riverfront.
How to plan your time
Use one day for Purple Mountain and another for the museum, city wall, presidential history, or Qinhuai area. Keep sensitive memorial visits unhurried and respectful.
Good route pairings
Nanjing is an easy high-speed rail stop between Shanghai and Beijing and combines well with Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Huangshan.
How to Get There
Nanjing has a major airport and two principal rail stations with extensive high-speed service across eastern China.
Don't Miss
- Purple Mountain
- Nanjing Museum
- City wall & Qinhuai
Must-See Attractions
Purple Mountain
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming tombs, and wooded paths.
Tip: Use shuttle routes and expect substantial walking.
Nanjing Museum
One of China’s strongest provincial museum collections.
Tip: Reserve ahead and allow several hours.
City wall & Qinhuai
Ming fortifications and an evening river district.
Tip: Choose a quieter wall section before the night crowds.
Where to Eat
Salted duck
A delicately seasoned local specialty.
Duck-blood vermicelli soup
Savory soup with noodles and duck offal.
Where to Stay
Xinjiekou
Central transport, dining, and shopping.
Confucius Temple area
Best for Qinhuai lights and old-city walks.
Tips & Practical Information
Getting around
Use metro or rail inside major cities and a private car for outlying heritage or nature sites. Keep station names and addresses saved in Chinese.
Book ahead
Reserve headline attractions and intercity trains early, especially for weekends, school holidays, and the May and October holiday periods.
Avoid the traps
Avoid overloading arrival and departure days. Allow time for security checks, station transfers, weather changes, and the walking level of your group.
What to pack
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a portable battery, a light rain layer, and clothing suited to the season and local elevation.