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About Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province and a former capital of six dynasties, set on the south bank of the Yangtze River. Highlights include the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the 600-year-old City Wall, the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) area and Qinhuai River, and the Nanjing Museum. This guide covers hotels, attractions, restaurants and practical tips for Nanjing.
- Capital
- Nanjing
- Largest city
- Nanjing
- Population
- Approximately 9.5 million in the municipality
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua); Nanjing dialect (Jianghuai Mandarin) is spoken locally
- Currency
- Renminbi (Yuan)
- Time zone
- China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8, no daylight saving)
Explore Nanjing by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Nanjing
The 14 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
Nanjing City Wall at Zhonghua Gate
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) and Qinhuai River
Presidential Palace (Nanjing Presidential Palace and China Modern History Museum)
Nanjing Museum
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Nanjing Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Nanjing, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Nanjing
- Days 1-2Nanjing city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Nanjing
- Days 1-3Nanjing comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Nanjing, departure
Where to stay in Nanjing
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget CNY 250-380 (approx. $37-$57 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range CNY 700-1,100 (approx. $104-$164 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury CNY 2,000-4,000+ (approx. $299-$597+ USD)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing
Luxury tower hotel near Xuanwu Lake and the Presidential Palace area, with lake-view rooms; the Xinjiekou shopping district is a short taxi ride away. Typical rates ¥1,500-2,600/night (~$224-388); rates vary by season and booking site.
Check rates on Booking.comJinling Hotel Nanjing
Landmark five-star hotel on Xinjiekou Square in the middle of the city, connected to the Xinjiekou metro interchange (Lines 1 and 2). Typical rates ¥900-1,600/night (~$134-239); rates vary by season and booking site.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Nanjing
High-rise five-star hotel in the Gulou district in the Greenland Zifeng Tower complex with skyline views. Typical rates ¥1,300-2,400/night (~$194-358); rates vary by season and booking site.
Check rates on Booking.comShangri-La Nanjing
Five-star hotel on Zhongyang Road in the north of the old city, close to the Xuanwu Lake park and the Nanjing City Wall. Typical rates ¥1,300-2,400/night (~$194-358); rates vary by season and booking site.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Nanjing
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Nanjing Impressions (Nanjing Da Pai Dang), Fuzimiao
Qi Fang Ge (West Gongyuan Street)
Han Fu Xing (Laomendong)
Ma Xiang Xing
Jiang You Ji
Liu Chang Xing (Yixianqiao)
Book a food tour in Nanjing We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Nanjing
Nanjing is a major high-speed rail hub, with Nanjing South Station (Nanjing Nan) connecting to Shanghai in about 1-1.5 hours and Beijing in about 3.5-4 hours. Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is about 35 km south of the city center and linked by Metro Line S1. The city metro network is extensive, cheap, and the easiest way to reach most sights.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CNY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | CNY 80-150 (approx. $12-$22 USD) | CNY 350-600 (approx. $52-$90 USD) | CNY 1,200-2,800 (approx. $179-$418 USD) |
| Food (per day) | CNY 50-90 (approx. $7-$13 USD) | CNY 150-250 (approx. $22-$37 USD) | CNY 400-900 (approx. $60-$134 USD) |
| Transportation | CNY 10-25 (approx. $1.50-$4 USD) | CNY 40-90 (approx. $6-$13 USD) | CNY 150-350 (approx. $22-$52 USD) |
| Activities | CNY 30-90 (approx. $4-$13 USD) | CNY 100-200 (approx. $15-$30 USD) | CNY 250-500 (approx. $37-$75 USD) |
| Daily total | CNY 250-380 (approx. $37-$57 USD) | CNY 700-1,100 (approx. $104-$164 USD) | CNY 2,000-4,000+ (approx. $299-$597+ USD) |
Best time to visit Nanjing
Weather through the year in Jiangsu
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Jiangsu.
Nanjing has four distinct seasons. Spring (March-May) brings plum and cherry blossoms at 12-25C (54-77F) with occasional rain. Summer is one of the hottest in China, with humid heat and the June-July plum-rain season. Autumn (October-November) is clear and mild at 10-24C (50-75F), with golden ginkgo leaves and red maples on Purple Mountain. Winter is cold and damp at 0-8C (32-46F). Domestic crowds peak on public holidays.
Essential travel tips
- Download a VPN before arrival, as many Western websites and apps are blocked in mainland China
- Reserve Nanjing Museum and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum entry in advance through their official WeChat mini-programs or ticket counters, bringing a passport, as timed reservations are often required
- Take the metro toward Purple Mountain sights, then use the scenic-area buses between the sites
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card in advance, as cash is accepted less widely than mobile payment
Safety information
Install a reliable VPN before arriving in China; Google, Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram and most Western news are blocked without one
Carry a passport (or a photocopy plus a photo on a phone); it is needed for hotel check-in, train tickets, museum reservations and police ID checks
Set up Alipay (Tour Pass) or WeChat Pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB or Diners card before travelling; foreign-card payments are supported up to about ¥3,000 (~$447.76) per transaction with a limit of about ¥60,000 (~$8,955.22) per year
Save the hotel name and address in Chinese characters in a screenshot for taxi drivers
Take the metro rather than a taxi from Nanjing South Railway Station; it is safe, cheap and airport-style security screening is fast
In July and August, sightsee before 11:00 and after 16:00; drink water frequently and carry a portable fan or hat
Decline unsolicited tea, art or English-practice invitations near Confucius Temple
Book train tickets on the Trip.com or 12306 app in advance; Nanjing South Railway Station is one of China's busiest hubs and peak-day tickets sell out
Frequently asked questions
Is Nanjing safe to visit in 2026?
Nanjing has low rates of violent crime and is generally safe for tourists. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded areas such as the Confucius Temple district and Xinjiekou, and overcharging by unlicensed taxis. The US State Department places mainland China at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Emergency numbers: police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119.
What is the best time to visit Nanjing?
The best time to visit Nanjing is March-May and September-November, when temperatures are mild and skies are clear. Summer is very hot and humid, often above 35C (95F), and winter is cold and damp. Avoid the National Day Golden Week (October 1-7) and Chinese New Year if possible.
How do I get from Shanghai to Nanjing?
High-speed trains run from Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai stations to Nanjing South Station in about 1-1.5 hours, at roughly CNY 134-250 (approx. $20-$37 USD) one way. Book on the 12306 app, Trip.com, or at station counters with a passport.
What currency is used in Nanjing?
The currency in Nanjing is the Renminbi (Yuan), CNY. Mobile payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for most transactions and can be linked to a foreign bank card; setting up mobile payment before arrival is recommended. At 1 USD = 6.70 CNY, CNY 100 is about $15 USD.
What language is spoken in Nanjing?
Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the main language, and the local Nanjing dialect is a Jianghuai Mandarin variety. English signage exists at major attractions and hotels, but a translation app is useful elsewhere.
What are the top attractions in Nanjing?
The top attractions in Nanjing include the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River area, and the Ming-dynasty City Wall. The Nanjing Museum and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall are also major sites.