南京

南京Nanjing240-hour transit visa-freeAncient Capital of Six Dynasties

Nanjing City, referred to as "Ning", was formerly known as Jinling and Jiankang. It is the capital of Jiangsu Province. As one of the four ancient capitals of China, Nanjing is known as the "ancient capital of six dynasties and the capital of ten dynasties". Its history of city construction can be traced back to more than 2,500 years ago. The temperament of this city is heavy and complex. It has both the majestic atmosphere of the imperial capital and the gentle elegance of the Jiangnan water town. It has also tempered a calm and tenacious character in the ups and downs of history.

Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in eastern China, Nanjing is a hub city connecting the east and the west. The Yangtze River runs through the city, bringing a wide river view; the Zhongshan (Purple Mountain) scenic area on the east side is a dragon and a tiger, and the mountains, waters, cities and forests are integrated, forming Nanjing's unique urban style. It has a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct four seasons and hot summers. It is one of China's "furnace" cities, and the falling leaves of the sycamores in autumn and winter add a different charm to the city.

Nanjing's charm is deeply rooted in its historical sites throughout the city. The solemn and majestic Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the world cultural heritage Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum are both located in the Zhongshan Scenic Area, recording important chapters in China's modern history and the history of the founding of the Ming Dynasty. Strolling in the Confucius Temple-Qinhuai River Scenic Area, between the sound of oars and the shadows of lights, it seems that you can hear the chanting and sighing of ancient literati. The well-preserved Ming Dynasty city wall is the longest and largest existing city wall in the world, silently guarding this ancient city.

Nanjing has been a cultural and educational center in China since ancient times, and has the reputation of "the world's literary hub". The profound cultural heritage has shaped the gentle, introverted, and culture-loving character of Nanjing people. In their spare time, Nanjing people like to stroll in the old streets under the sycamore trees, or taste a salty and delicious salted duck. This unhurried pace of life complements the city's heavy sense of history.

As an important central city in the eastern region and a megacity in the Yangtze River Delta, Nanjing is strong in modern science and technology and higher education. In recent years, it has developed rapidly in emerging industries such as software, information technology and intelligent manufacturing. Today, Nanjing is working hard to transform its rich scientific and educational resources into innovative advantages, so that this ancient capital, which has experienced many vicissitudes, can radiate strong scientific and economic vitality in the new era.

Nanjing Attractions

What is there to do in Nanjing China?

南京博物院
National first-class museum
南京博物院
Nanjing Museum
Explore Jiangsu's historical and artistic treasures from ancient times to the Republic of China in one of China's three museums.
Tickets: Free (reservation required)
Suitable season: Year round
Recommended duration: quite a while
明孝陵
National AAAAA level
明孝陵
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
Stroll through the World Heritage Site and admire the spectacular Shinto stone carvings in front of the mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
Tickets: 70 yuan
Suitable season: autumn
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆
National first-class museum
侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆
The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre
Remember history, cherish peace, and feel the heavy historical warning in a memorial of "life" and "death".
Tickets: Free (reservation required)
Suitable season: Year round
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
总统府
National AAAA level
总统府
Presidential Palace
Travel through a century of wind and clouds and witness the place where major events in modern Chinese history took place.
Tickets: 35 yuan
Suitable season: spring and autumn
Recommended duration: 3-4 hours
玄武湖公园
National AAAA level
玄武湖公园
Xuanwu Lake Park
Take a boat ride or stroll on China's largest royal garden lake, and admire the scenery of the lake and mountains surrounded by the Purple Mountain and the Ming City Wall.
Tickets: gratis
Suitable season: Summer and autumn
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
牛首山文化旅游区
National AAAAA level
牛首山文化旅游区
Niushoushan Cultural Park
Visit the modern Buddhist art palace dedicated to the Buddha's parietal bone relics, and feel the shocking spectacle of the fusion of technology and faith.
Tickets: 98 yuan
Suitable season: Year round
Recommended duration: quite a while
中山陵
National AAAAA level
中山陵
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum
Pay homage to the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the forerunner of China's modern democratic revolution, and feel its solemn architectural style.
Tickets: Free (reservation required)
Suitable season: spring and autumn
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
夫子庙-秦淮风光带
National AAAAA level
夫子庙-秦淮风光带
The Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River Scenic Area
Take a night tour of the Qinhuai River and experience the prosperity of "Ten Miles of Qinhuai" and the charm of the ancient capital of Jinling.
Tickets: Free (Some attractions and cruises are subject to additional charges)
Suitable season: Year round
Recommended duration: 3-4 hours

Best time to visit Nanjing

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The best time to visit Nanjing isspring (March to May)andautumn (September to November).

In spring, plum blossoms on Plum Blossom Hill and cherry blossoms in various parks bloom competitively, and the climate is mild, making it a good time for outings and flower viewing.

In autumn, the weather is cool and the sky is clear. The maple leaves on Qixia Mountain and ginkgo trees along the Shinto of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum form a beautiful painting, making it the best period to experience Nanjing's “Golden Autumn Scenery”.

These two seasons offer pleasant weather, avoiding the summer heat and winter dampness and cold, allowing visitors to explore the historical city's outdoor attractions and cultural heritage more comfortably.

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Nanjing History & Culture

  1. Establishment of Wu Kingdom Capital

    Sun Quan established the State of Wu here, making Jianye (present-day Nanjing) its capital, initiating Nanjing's glorious history as the 'Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties'.

  2. Establishment of Ming Dynasty Capital

    Zhu Yuanzhang established the Ming Dynasty, making Yingtianfu (present-day Nanjing) its capital, and built the magnificent Nanjing City Wall, which remains China's largest ancient city wall to this day.

  3. Capital of the Republic of China

    The Nationalist Government established Nanjing as its capital, making it the political center of China, witnessing a series of major events in modern Chinese history, and leaving behind numerous Republic of China-style buildings.

  4. Nanjing Massacre

    The Japanese invading army captured Nanjing and carried out the horrific Nanjing Massacre, which became a painful chapter in the history of the Chinese nation.

Nanjing World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nanjing

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
2003-07Enter

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

In July 2003, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an extension of the 'Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties' project. It is the joint burial tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and Empress Ma. The architecture is magnificent, and the stone carvings are exquisite, especially its winding Sacred Way, which is considered a classic among Chinese imperial mausoleums.

Nanjing Intangible Cultural Heritage

Explore Nanjing's rich intangible cultural heritage and learn about traditional crafts and cultural essence

Nanjing Yunjin Brocade Weaving Skills

Nanjing Yunjin Brocade Weaving Skills

2009-09Included

Nanjing Yunjin (cloud brocade) is a traditional Chinese silk craft, known as 'an inch of brocade is an inch of gold'. It still retains traditional characteristics and unique skills, maintaining the traditional 'flower-picking and warp-tying' and 'flower-digging and pan-weaving' techniques. Its history can be traced back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and it was an imperial tribute item during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Jinling Sutra Carving and Printing Techniques

Jinling Sutra Carving and Printing Techniques

2006-05Included

Jinling Sutra Carving Office is the first private Buddhist scripture publishing institution in modern China, integrating scripture collection, carving, printing, circulation, and research. Its block printing and printing techniques are exquisite, and the typeface is elegant, representing the highest level of Chinese block printing.

Guqin Art (Jinling Qin School)

Guqin Art (Jinling Qin School)

2003-11Included

The Jinling Qin School is a guqin (a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument) genre formed in the Nanjing area. Its style balances rigidity and flexibility, with precise rhythm. The performance can be quiet at times and passionate at others, possessing profound historical and cultural heritage and unique artistic charm.

Jinling Paper-cutting

Jinling Paper-cutting

2008-06Included

Nanjing paper-cutting, also known as 'Jinling Paper-cutting', is an ancient folk art. Its works feature a style of 'flower within flower, theme within theme, rough yet detailed, clumsy yet ingenious', and are deeply loved for their unique artistic charm.

Yuhua Tea Making Techniques

Yuhua Tea Making Techniques

2014Included

In 2014, it was inscribed as part of the 'Traditional Tea Processing Techniques and Associated Social Practices in China'. Yuhua Tea is a needle-shaped green tea specialty of Nanjing. Its meticulous production techniques result in a product shaped like pine needles, with a verdant color, elegant aroma, and mellow taste. Its name is intended to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs of Yuhuatai.

Nanjing Transportation Guide

Transportation you must know when visiting Nanjing

Plane

Nanjing Lukou International Airport is the main airport of Jiangsu Province, withMetro Line S1andLine S7providing convenient access to the city center and surrounding areas.

Airport shuttle bus routes cover major transportation hubs in Nanjing and neighboring cities, with fares starting from20CNY.

High-speed Rail/Train

Major railway stations in Nanjing include: one of Asia's largest high-speed rail stations,Nanjing South Railway Station, andNanjing Railway Station, located in the city center.

By high-speed train, it takes only about1hour to reach Shanghai, making transportation extremely convenient.

Subway

Nanjing Metro currently operates over10lines, with a network covering the entire city.

Passengers can pay using "Yu Ning Tong Xing" App, Alipay, and Transit Union Card, with fares ranging from2-10CNY.

Bus

Nanjing's bus system is well-developed,400routes served by5000vehicles spread across urban and rural areas. Some routes support mobile payments and public transport cards.

Multipletourist special lineshave also been opened in the city, making it convenient for visitors to reach major attractions.

Taxi

The starting fare for Nanjing taxis is11CNY(within 3km). After 3km, the per-kilometer rate is2.4CNY/km.

Using "Didi Chuxing" and other ride-hailing platforms is also very convenient.

Shared Bicycle

Nanjing's public bicycle system (Changxing Nanjing) and shared bike services like Hello Bike and Meituan are very popular, making them an excellent choice for short-distance travel.

The average cost for shared bikes is approximately1.5CNY/30 minutes.

Nanjing Foods

What to eat in Nanjing, you need to know

盐水鸭

盐水鸭Yánshuǐ yā

Nanjing Salted Duck

¥50-70/duck

Nanjing's most famous specialty, often said that 'no banquet is complete without duck'; with tender white skin and lean meat, fragrant and delicious, not greasy; 'Osmanthus Duck' made during the osmanthus blooming season is of the best quality.

Main ingredientsMade from local lake ducks, meticulously prepared through multiple processes including salting, brining, and boiling.
鸭血粉丝汤

鸭血粉丝汤Yā xuè fěnsī tāng

Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup

¥15-25/bowl

An iconic snack popular throughout Nanjing's streets; with fresh and delicious broth, smooth vermicelli, and rich ingredients; a must-try to experience Nanjing's 'duck culture'.

Main ingredientsMade by simmering duck blood, duck liver, duck intestines, vermicelli, fried tofu puffs, coriander, and other ingredients.
牛肉锅贴

牛肉锅贴Niúròu guōtiē

Pan-fried Beef Dumplings

¥10-15/liang

Golden crispy skin, tender and juicy beef filling; long and slender in shape, with a unique texture; a representative of Nanjing's halal cuisine.

Main ingredientsDough wrapper filled with seasoned beef, pan-fried.
皮肚面

皮肚面Pídù miàn

Pidu Noodles

¥20-35/bowl

Nanjing's unique large bowl of noodles; with exquisite broth, rich ingredients, and generous portions; the 'pidu' (fried pork skin) absorbs the soup for a unique texture.

Main ingredientsNoodles, pidu (fried pork skin), sausage, pork liver, tomatoes, vegetables, etc.
赤豆元宵

赤豆元宵Chìdòu yuánxiāo

Red Bean Lantern Festival Dumplings

¥8-12/bowl

A classic Nanjing dessert; soft, glutinous, and sweet, with a faint osmanthus fragrance; available year-round and much loved.

Main ingredientsMade by simmering red bean paste, small tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), lotus root starch, rock sugar, and osmanthus syrup.