China

Nanjing

Ancient capital on the Yangtze, layered with dynasties and modern buzz.

Local time
UTC+8
Population
9.3M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Affordable
  • Food$$$$$About $17 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $46 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $1.2 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇨🇳 CNY =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

NKGNanjing Lukou International AirportMain gateway, about 36 km south of the centre.
HowCostTime
Metro S1Nanjing South Station¥630 min
Long walk between Line 1 and S1 at South Station.
Airport express busNorth or South Railway Station¥2060+ min
Runs about every 30 min; buy at arrivals kiosk.
TaxiDowntown¥90-11030-50 min
Similar time to metro but far pricier.
DidiDowntown¥80-11030-50 min
Use app pickup point at arrivals.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Nanjing

Getting around

Metro for most trips; Didi or taxi for late nights and door-to-door rides.

  • Metro ★Clean, cheap and fast. Single tokens cost ¥2–9 and run roughly 05:00–23:00. Line S1 links Nanjing South Station to the airport in about 30 min for ¥6.
  • BusCity buses cost a flat ¥2 (some ¥1). An IC card gives about 20% off.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★Taxis start at ¥9 plus a ¥2 service fee; most trips cost under ¥25. Didi works well, but drivers rarely speak English, so show Chinese addresses.
  • Rental carNot needed in the city; metro, buses and taxis cover the sights. Skip it unless you plan trips outside Nanjing.
  • WalkingGood in spring and autumn for Fuzimiao lanes, the city wall and lake paths. Hot and humid in summer, so walk early or late.
  • Shared bikesHello and Meituan bikes are everywhere. Handy for short hops between metro stops and sights.
  • TramTrams serve the southwest and Qilin Town. Useful only if your plans go that way.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights cover the Ming tombs, city wall and Fuzimiao food lanes without rushing; add a night for a day trip.

Best for
  • HistoryMing tombs, city walls and the old capital's museums.
  • CultureTemples, Confucius market lanes and riverside evenings.
  • FoodDuck, dumplings and cheap street snacks all day.

Weather by month

8°0°Jan🌧 9d
11°1°Feb🌧 8d
16°7°Mar🌧 9d
21°12°Apr🌧 9d
26°17°May🌧 10d
29°21°Jun🌧 12d
31°25°Jul🌧 17d
32°25°Aug🌧 13d
28°20°Sep🌧 10d
22°14°Oct🌧 8d
17°8°Nov🌧 8d
10°1°Dec🌧 6d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Four clear seasons: cold, fairly dry winters and hot, humid, rainy summers. Spring and autumn are the best times to walk.

  • Best time: April, May and OctoberHighs around 21–26°C and comfortable lows. Ideal for the city wall, Purple Mountain and lake walks.
  • Hot, humid summer (June to August)Highs near 29–32°C with muggy nights around 21–25°C. Do outdoor sights early morning.
  • Rain peaks in JulyAbout 17 rain days in July and 12–13 in June and August. Carry a light rain jacket or umbrella.
  • Cold winters (December to February)Highs around 8–11°C and lows near 0–1°C. Bring a warm coat, hat and gloves.
  • Dry, clear autumnOctober and November have fewer rain days and mild highs. Great for photos and long walks.
  • What to packLayers for spring and autumn, a warm coat for winter, breathable clothes and rain gear for summer. Comfortable shoes for cobbled lanes.

Landmarks 11

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

    The resting place of modern China's founding father, set at the top of a grand 392-step stairway on Purple Mountain. It is the city's most iconic sight and draws huge crowds. Go early in the morning to beat the queues, and note the site is free but closed on Mondays.

  2. 2

    Confucius Temple, Nanjing

    A restored temple and lively pedestrian quarter along the Qinhuai River, best known for its evening lights and boat rides. Come after dark when the lanterns are on, and combine it with a stroll through the surrounding snack streets.

  3. 3

    Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

    A sobering, deeply moving museum documenting the 1937 massacre, with powerful exhibits and architecture. It is free to enter but closed on Mondays; allow two hours and dress respectfully.

  4. 4

    Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

    The tomb of the first Ming emperor, reached along a beautiful spirit way lined with stone animals. It sits on Purple Mountain and pairs naturally with the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum; a combined scenic-area ticket saves money.

  5. 5

    Nanjing City Wall

    One of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, with walkable stretches and views over the old town and lakes. Walk a section near Zhonghua Gate in the late afternoon for cooler weather and good light.

  6. 6

    Presidential Palace

    A sprawling complex of gardens and government buildings that witnessed key moments of modern Chinese history. It is central and easy to reach by metro; book ahead online as tickets sell out on weekends.

  7. 7

    Purple Mountain

    The wooded mountain that anchors eastern Nanjing, dotted with tombs, temples and trails. Take the cable car or a taxi up, and set aside a full day to combine several sights on its slopes.

  8. 8

    Nanjing Museum

    One of China's largest and finest museums, with strong collections of art, history and porcelain. Entry is free with advance reservation, and it is closed on Mondays.

1Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum2Confucius Temple, Nanjing3Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall4Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum5Nanjing City Wall6Presidential Palace7Purple Mountain8Nanjing Museum

Cultural

Other Religion 1

Modern History 1

Tomb 1

Ancient Site 1

Museum 2

University 1

Palace 1

Buddhist 1

Natural

Mountain 1

Activities

Amusement Park 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Nanjing

    Yangzhou · 58 min by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 87 km from Nanjing

    Best way: Direct high-speed trains take about an hour and the station links to the old town by local bus or taxi.

    High-speed trains run directly from Nanjing South to Yangzhou in about an hour, with the station connected to the old town by local bus or taxi.

    • Train ★58 min · from $8-$20
    • Car1 h 08 · taxi ≈ 230 CNY

    What to see

    • Slender West Lake
    • Daming Temple
    • Dongguan Street historic quarter
    • Ge Garden

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Book train tickets ahead for weekend and holiday travel
    • Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to walk the old town

    Zhenjiang · 22 min by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 73 km from Nanjing

    Best way: Frequent high-speed trains reach Zhenjiang in about 22 minutes, with a short local ride to the hill and temple sites.

    Frequent high-speed trains from Nanjing South reach Zhenjiang in about 30 minutes, then a local bus or short taxi ride goes to the temples and hill sites.

    • Train ★22 min · from $2-$10
    • Car58 min · taxi ≈ 190 CNY

    What to see

    • Jinshan Temple
    • Beigu Hill
    • Xijindu old street
    • Jiaoshan Hill

    Good to know

    • Jinshan and Beigu Hill sites are spread out, so plan local transport between them
    • Weekdays are quieter than weekends

    Chuzhou · 46 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 69 km from Nanjing

    Best way: High-speed trains take under an hour, then a local bus or taxi continues to Langya Mountain.

    High-speed trains from Nanjing South reach Chuzhou in roughly 20 minutes, then a local bus or taxi continues to Langya Mountain.

    • Train ★46 min · from $2-$8
    • Car57 min · taxi ≈ 180 CNY

    What to see

    • Langya Mountain
    • Zuiweng Pavilion
    • Langya Temple

    Good to know

    • Langya Mountain is a half-day outing, so start early
    • Autumn is a popular season for the mountain scenery

    Ma'anshan · 1 h 34 by train

    ★★☆☆☆ · Half day · 55 km from Nanjing

    Best way: Trains are the fastest option, though the listed rail time is longer than driving, so check schedules before committing.

    High-speed trains from Nanjing South take about 20-30 minutes to Ma'anshan, from where local buses reach the riverside and Caishi sites.

    • Train ★1 h 34 · from $4-$10
    • Bus2 h 04 · from $3-$12
    • Car43 min · taxi ≈ 150 CNY

    What to see

    • Caishi Rock
    • Taibai Tower
    • Pilgrimage to the poetry sites along the Yangtze

    Good to know

    • Caishi riverside sites need a local bus or taxi from the station
    • Check return train times in advance as services may be limited

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Nanjing rewards visitors with imperial tombs, lakeside walls and a lively food scene. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · History ★ Recommended length

    First-time visitors who want the Ming capital, the memorials and the city wall in two full days.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ CNY 155
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ CNY 131
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Ming tombs and the lake

    Tickets ≈ CNY 70 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 64
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      08:30–10:30 · Free · book a time slot online in advance

      Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Landmark quest

      Go early to beat the crowds. Closed Monday, check on the day.

      Open Tue–Sun roughly 08:30–17:00 · closed Monday (check on the day)

    2. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 15
    3. 2

      11:00–13:00 · ≈ CNY 70 · often bundled with other Purple Mountain sites

      Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Landmark quest

      Short ride or walk within the scenic area. Autumn trees are the highlight.

      Open Roughly 08:00–17:30 · check on the day

    4. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 24
    5. 3

      14:00–15:30 · Free · small fee for some inner gardens

      Xuanwu Lake Park

      Lunch nearby first, then a slow loop by the water.

      Open Roughly 06:00–21:00 · check on the day

    6. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 24
    7. 4

      16:00–17:30 · Free · reserve online with passport

      Nanjing Museum

      Closed Monday. Two hours covers the main galleries.

      Open Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00 · closed Monday

    Day 2

    Memorial, palace and wall

    Tickets ≈ CNY 85 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 67
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      08:30–10:30 · Free · reserve a ticket online with your passport

      Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. Quiet, sobering, allow time. Free entry.

      Open Tue–Sun roughly 08:30–16:30 · closed Monday (check on the day)

    2. Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ CNY 26
    3. 2

      11:30–13:30 · ≈ CNY 35 · check on the day

      Presidential Palace of Nanjing

      Closed Monday. Lunch in Xinjiekou first if you are hungry.

      Open Tue–Sun roughly 08:30–17:00 · closed Monday

    4. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 25
    5. 3

      15:00–16:30 · ≈ CNY 50 · check on the day

      Ming City Wall (Zhonghua Gate)

      Zhonghua Gate. Walk the ramparts in late afternoon light.

      Open Roughly 08:30–17:30

    6. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 16
    7. 4

      18:30–19:30 · Free to walk

      Fuzimiao night street walk

      Dinner and a wander through the old lanes.

      Open Busy roughly 18:00–22:00

    Swap in instead

    • Add a half day at the Ming Xiaoling tomb and Purple Mountain area; combine with the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum if you have energy.
    • Take a day trip by high-speed train to Suzhou or Yangzhou; check times and prices on the day.
    • Spend an afternoon at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall; it is sobering and needs quiet time. Check opening hours and booking rules on the day.

    Getting around

    • Metro is clean, cheap and fast; single tokens cost ¥2-9 and run roughly 05:00-23:00.
    • Line S1 links Nanjing South Station to the airport in about 30 min for ¥6.
    • City buses cost a flat ¥2 (some ¥1); IC card gives about 20% off.
    • Taxis start at ¥9 plus ¥2 service fee; most trips cost under ¥25.
    • Ride apps like Didi work well; drivers rarely speak English, so show Chinese addresses.
    • Shared bikes (Hello, Meituan) are everywhere; trams serve the southwest and Qilin Town.

    Where to stay

    • Xinjiekou · ≈ CNY 300–800 a night
      City centre. Metro interchange, malls and easy rides to most sights.
    • Fuzimiao · ≈ CNY 250–650 a night
      Confucius Temple lanes, river views and snack streets on your doorstep. Livelier and noisier at night.
    • Xuanwu Lake · ≈ CNY 350–900 a night
      Quiet, green and near the lake, city wall and railway station. Good for walks and slower evenings.
    • Nanjing South Station · ≈ CNY 250–600 a night
      Best for early high-speed trains and the S1 airport line. Fewer sights within walking distance.

    Food & drink

    • Try Nanjing salted duck (yanshui ya) and duck blood and vermicelli soup. Both are local staples.
    • Fuzimiao and Laomendong lanes are good for snacking: dumplings, tangbao soup buns and sweet rice cakes.
    • Look for small local noodle and duck shops off the main streets; a simple meal often costs ¥15–40.
    • Book a proper sit-down dinner for Jiangsu cuisine; expect roughly ¥60–150 per person, more in hotel restaurants.
    • Drink tea at a teahouse near the Confucius Temple area. Check prices first; tourist spots can be pricey.

    Tips

    1. Visit the massive Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum situated on the scenic Purple Mountain
    2. Walk or cycle along the remarkably well-preserved Ming City Wall
    3. WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential for all transactions
    4. Try Nanjing salted duck, the city's most famous culinary specialty
    5. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre is a sobering but essential historical site
    Sources for prices and hours

      Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

      Tours & activities

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Presidential Palace
      • Explore the former presidential office and gardens
      • Get tips on the best route through the complex
      • 7 reviews · 4.5 rating
      Entry includedRoute tips

      Nanjing Presidential Palace: Entry Ticket & Route Tips

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (7)

      Souvenirs

      Yunjin brocade

      CNY 40–1501 small piece · estimate

      Yunjin is a traditional silk brocade woven in Nanjing for centuries. Small items are often made from leftover fabric scraps.

      Where: Shop at the Nanjing Yunjin Museum
      Buy a small item made from fabric scraps. It is an easy and affordable way to take home real Nanjing silk.

      Yuhua tea

      CNY 80–25050 to 100 g · shop prices

      Yuhua tea is a green tea grown in the hills around Nanjing. It is known for its fresh, delicate flavor.

      Where: Official sales point of Nongcui (Tea Research Institute, Nanjing Agricultural University)
      Check the prices by grade before you buy. A 60 g box is a good size to try first.

      Flights

      Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

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