The Best Things To Do In Nanjing

Some cities in China are known for their modern architecture and glistening skylines.

Some cities are known for their historical sights and slow pace of life.

But what does Nanjing have going for it?

Well, it is the ideal combination of old and new. 

Known as one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, Nanjing is a name that has been stamped into Chinese history books countless times over the last thousand years, but it is not done making its mark yet. 

These days, it is rapidly morphing into a megacity that’s comparable to the size of London. 

It offers a blend of historical landmarks, vibrant modern attractions, and scenic landscapes - you won’t want to miss a thing! So, here is your guide to the best things to do in Nanjing.

The Nanjing Wall 

When Nanjing became the capital of China the wall was built to protect the city and has remained intact for over 600 years. The wall stretches around the city centre and took over 21 years to build. You can access and even walk along the wall from different parts of the city and it offers incredible views and plenty to explore. One of the most popular stretches is the section of the wall that borders Xuanwu lake.

Xuanwu lake 

A popular green space in the centre of the city is the area of Xuanwu lake. The area surrounding the lake is home to numerous pagodas, gardens and temples. You can explore by foot, golf cart or even take to the water on one of the paddle boats that are available to rent from various outlets around the lake. The most famous temple in the area is the Jiming Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in Nanjing. It is also unique in that all of the resident Buddhist monks are female!

Purple Mountain 

One of Nanjing’s main draws is the scenic area of Purple Mountain which is right in the heart of the city. As well as boasting breathtaking views over the city, there are numerous sites to explore, from the steep steps leading up to the Sun Yet Sen Mausoleum to the tree-lined avenues of the Ming-era tombs. Each area offers a treat for the senses throughout the seasons, with the blossoms of Spring and spectacular autumnal foliage being particular annual highlights.

Confucius Temple 

There is a temple dedicated to the cherished Chinese philosopher, Confucius, in the bustling tourist hot spot of Fuzimiao. The temple itself is a spectacular complex made up of various buildings of significant interest and is very popular among Chinese tourists. The area of Fuizimiao as a whole is a great place to explore and, as well as numerous food outlets. It is one of the best places in Nanjing to pick up some souvenirs and art for the folks back home. The Qin Huai River splits the area in two and I would highly recommend taking a cruise along the water to get a feel for the local area.

Museums  

Nanjing has no shortage of museums, so there are many opportunities to reflect on the diverse nature of Nanjing’s history. 

The Nanjing museum

The Nanjing Museum is one of the largest museums in China and houses a mammoth collection of artifacts from throughout Chinese history. 

The Nanjing Massacre Memorial

Is a haunting museum that seeks to preserve the memory of the victims that died at the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army during the occupation of Nanjing during WWII. The memorial hall uses a combination of historical records, sculptures, and videos to illustrate what happened. 

Porcelain tower  

If you had a bucket list back in the 15th century to hit all of the seven wonders of the world, then Nanjing’s porcelain tower would have been on it. Unfortunately, the original does not still stand, but a replica has been built in its place with a weird and wonderful museum inside. It is definitely worth a visit and if you walk up to the top of the tower, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Olympic stadium 

Built in 2002 and used as part of the 2014 Youth Olympic games, the world-class Olympic stadium with its distinctive sweeping red arches is now home to Jiangsu Suning football club. This stadium is spectacular whether viewed from inside or out.

Nanjing Eye  

A visit to the futuristic Nanjing eye pedestrian bridge which crosses the famous Yangtze river will offer you a great opportunity for an Instagram photo - it comes alive every night with a multi-coloured light show.

Zifeng tower

At the epicentre of the city stands the monolithic Zifeng tower. With a whopping 89 floors and proudly listed as one of the tallest buildings of the world (currently joint 23rd), it stands watch over the rest of the city. You too can take an elevator to the top to soak up some incredible views of Nanjing from the comfort of its sky bar.

Librairie Avant-Garde  

The Libraire Avant Gard, which is housed in a disused car park, is regularly voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful bookshops in the world. Whether you like books or architecture it’s a great place to spend the afternoon.

Nightlife:

1912

However you choose to spend your day in Nanjing, follow the crowds to 1912, which is a whole pedestrianised block devoted to food and drink. You will find delicious food from across the world which you can then wash down with a craft beer or a fancy cocktail from one of the many bars or clubs which stay open until the early hours.

Location

Nanjing has excellent transport links: you can easily access all areas of the city by Metro, fly to a range of destinations throughout China and beyond from the airport and experience the high-speed rail link that stops off in Nanjing en route from Shanghai to Beijing.

The surrounding cities are equally enchanting - you can explore the peaceful canals of Suzhou, The beautiful West Lake of Hangzhou and the dazzling city lights of Shanghai - all within a couple of hours from Nanjing. 

Accommodation

Even though Nanjing isn’t quite as big as Shanghai or Beijing it has a wide variety of hotels at a much more affordable price point. The best areas to stay are Xinjiekou and Gulou as they are the most central and have an abundance of skyscraper hotels and easy access around Nanjing. If you are looking for a more traditional hotel then head to the Fuzimiao area. If you are looking for hotels with views then head to Xuanwu Lake you will find many hotels overlooking the beautiful lake area. No matter your price point you will be able to find something in Nanjing.

Check out our video about the city

If you need some help planning your itinerary for your Nanjing (and China) trip then get in touch I can help you!