Xuanwu Lake Shoreline and City Wall Circuit

The Xuanwu Lake Shoreline and City Wall Circuit is a largely flat loop of about 10 km around the lake in Xuanwu Lake Park, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. The park lies beside the Xuanwumen area at the northeast corner of the old city, and it is one of the largest urban lakes in China. Access is simple: Metro Line 1 or Line 4 stops at Xuanwumen (Xuanwu Gate) station, a short walk from the park gates. City buses and taxis also serve the area, and there is paid parking near several gates. The park is free to enter, and no permit is needed. The circuit takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours at a walking pace and involves under 40 m of gain, mostly where the route climbs onto sections of the Ming city wall that run along the lake's western side. It is easy and suitable for first-time hikers, families and runners. The surface is paved lakeside promenade, stone causeways and, on the wall, old brick paving with stairs. Shade is patchy, with willow and plane trees along much of the shore but open stretches on the causeways. Exposure is minimal apart from the wall top, where parapets give views over the lake and the Zijin Shan ridge. Landmarks include the five islands of the lake connected by bridges and causeways, the wall sections near Jiuhuashan and Jiming Temple to the east, and pavilions and gardens along the shore. Turn-around points are frequent, since the path circles the water and gates open to the city at many points, so the circuit can be shortened at will. Kiosks and cafes sell water and snacks near the main gates and on the islands, and pavilions provide shelter from rain. There are no refuge huts. Early morning is the busiest time for local walkers and runners, while evenings bring lighting and cooler air in summer.