Nanjing travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Nanjing.
-
- relaxed urban lakeside, families and tai chi regulars
- Free park entry (check gate notices for any temporary ticketing)
- Boat rides to the lake islands (about ¥80-100 (~$11.94-14.93) per boat, seasonal)
- Lakeside walking and cycling paths beside the Ming city wall
- Cafes, toilets and kiosks near the main gates
Xuanwu Lake Park
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 8am for quiet paths and morning tai chi scenes
-
- quiet classical garden, romantic and unhurried
- Pavilions, willow-lined lake paths and small boat hire
- Rose and lotus gardens in season
- Toilets and a ticket gate (park admission is around ¥20 (~$2.99), confirm at the gate)
Mochou Lake Park
Editor’s tip. Visit in April-May for the flowering gardens and mild weather
-
- lively old-town evening scene with lanterns and tea houses
- Night boat cruises on the Qinhuai River (approx ¥80-100 (~$11.94-14.93) per person)
- Riverfront walkway with tea houses and snack stalls
- Confucius Temple and Zhanyuan Garden nearby
Qinhuai River, Confucius Temple
Editor’s tip. Go at dusk to see the lanterns come on, then take a night cruise
-
- open river views, quiet and scenic
- Waterfront walking path with wide Yangtze views
- Cliff-top Swallow Rock viewpoint
- Toilets and small snack kiosks
Yangtze Riverside at Yanziji
Editor’s tip. Take Metro Line 4 to Yanziji Station, then walk or take a short taxi ride
-
- spacious, green and quiet riverside island
- Cycling and riverbank walking paths
- Wetland viewing areas
- Picnic lawns
- Limited toilets and snack stalls; carry water
Jiangxinzhou Ecological Park
Editor’s tip. Use a taxi or Didi from Yunjinlu or Hexi, and confirm bus routes in Amap
-
- heritage sightseeing with wide river views
- Bridge tower observation platform (paid ticket, check the price at the ticket gate)
- Riverside promenade
- Bridge-history exhibits
- Toilets and small kiosks
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge Park
Editor’s tip. Check the observation platform ticket price at the gate
-
- restful resort spa, leisure-focused and calm
- Thermal spa pools at resort hotels (day tickets typically ¥150-300 (~$22.39-44.78), check the resort's booking page)
- Private hot spring rooms
- Hotel restaurants
Tangshan Hot Springs
Editor’s tip. Visit October-March when hot springs are at their best
-
- quiet rural lake, slow-paced countryside escape
- Lakeside cycling and walking
- Small boat trips (seasonal)
- Rural guesthouses and lakeside restaurants
- Water is not managed for swimming
Shijiu Lake
Editor’s tip. Consider a chartered car for the most predictable transport
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Nanjing memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Nanjing’s coast.
Can visitors swim in Xuanwu Lake?
No. The lake is not managed for swimming and has no lifeguards or bathing areas. It is used for boat rides, walking and cycling.
From the Xuanwu Lake Park editorial.
Is there an entry fee for Xuanwu Lake Park?
Park entry is generally free, though gate notices should be checked for temporary ticketing. Boat rides to the islands are charged separately, at roughly ¥80-100 per boat.
From the Xuanwu Lake Park editorial.
Is Mochou Lake suitable for swimming?
No. It is an ornamental garden lake that is not managed for swimming. Visitors walk the paths and hire small boats.
From the Mochou Lake Park editorial.
How much does Mochou Lake Park cost?
Admission is around ¥20, though the current price should be confirmed at the gate.
From the Mochou Lake Park editorial.
Can visitors swim in the Qinhuai River?
No. It is an urban canal used for boat cruises and riverside walking, not for swimming.
From the Qinhuai River, Confucius Temple editorial.
How much is a night cruise?
Night boat cruises cost approximately ¥80-100 per person. Confirm the current price at the pier.
From the Qinhuai River, Confucius Temple editorial.
Is swimming allowed at Yanziji?
No. The Yangtze here is fast and busy with ship traffic, and swimming is unsafe. The site is for walking and viewing.
From the Yangtze Riverside at Yanziji editorial.
How do visitors get to Yanziji?
Take Metro Line 4 to Yanziji Station, then walk or take a five-minute taxi ride.
From the Yangtze Riverside at Yanziji editorial.