Nanjing travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Nanjing locals speak Mandarin with a Jianghuai (Nanjing) accent; standard Mandarin is understood everywhere, but a translation app (Baidu Translate, Pleco or Apple Translate) helps with taxi drivers and small restaurants where English is rare
Mobile payment dominates: Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign-issued Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex and Diners cards once linked in the app before arrival. Carry ¥200-300 (~$30-45) in cash as a backup because a few vendors still refuse foreign cards
Most attractions and all train stations require a passport to buy tickets or enter; carry the passport (or a photo of it plus the original when the hotel keeps it) at all times
Nanjing was the capital of six dynasties and of the Republic of China (1927-1949); visitors who show interest in the Ming city wall, Republican-era buildings on Zhongshan Road and the Sun Yat-sen legacy are met with warm local pride
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and many Western apps are blocked without a VPN; install a VPN or an eSIM with roaming before arrival, since they cannot be set up once inside China
Large metro stations (Xinjiekou, Nanjing Railway Station, Nanjing South) run bag X-ray checks; allow 5-10 extra minutes and do not carry lighters or large liquid containers
Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, and Nanjing is nicknamed one of China's 'furnace' cities; plan outdoor sites like the Ming Xiaoling Tomb and Zhongshan Scenic Area for early morning
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Use both hands when giving or receiving cards, gifts, or money
- Address people by title and surname (for example 'Manager Li' or 'Teacher Wang') until invited to use first names
- Learn a few Mandarin words: ni hao (hello) and xie xie (thank you) are always appreciated
- Dress modestly and speak softly at temples such as Jiming Temple and Qixia Temple, and at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
- Reserve entry in advance where required: the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre is free but usually requires a booking via its official WeChat mini program or website with a passport; it is closed on Mondays
- Carry tissue paper: public toilets often lack paper and soap
- Download DiDi (with an English interface), Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode), and the Nanjing Metro app for transit
Don't
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice; it resembles incense sticks burnt for the dead
- Do not discuss politically sensitive topics such as Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang or Tiananmen with strangers, and avoid provocative comments about Japan-related history at the Nanjing Massacre sites
- Do not photograph military installations, police, or government compounds
- Do not tip; tipping is not customary in restaurants or taxis and is often politely refused
- Do not pass or receive items with only one hand, or point with a single finger; use an open hand
- Do not smile, pose or shout for photos inside memorial halls and mausoleums, especially the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial
- Do not accept unsolicited 'tea tasting' or 'art student exhibition' invitations near Fuzimiao and Xinjiekou; these are known tourist scams with inflated bills
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Overview
- Nanjing blends the reserved courtesy of Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze) culture with the direct habits of a large modern city. Politeness, respect for elders and modest behavior in public are valued. Business and government dealings emphasize punctuality and hierarchy, while everyday social life is relaxed and friendly toward curious visitors.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
你好
Hello
谢谢
Thank you
不客气
You're welcome
请
Please
对不起
Excuse me / Sorry
多少钱？
How much is this?
地铁站在哪里？
Where is the metro station?
我听不懂
I don't understand
不要辣
No spicy, please
买单
The bill, please
盐水鸭
Salted duck
附近有厕所吗？
Is there a toilet nearby?
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Nanjing.
Overview: China is officially secular, but Nanjing's temples, mosques and churches reflect centuries of Buddhism, Confucian tradition, Taoism, Islam and Christianity. Most residents describe themselves as non-religious or follow a mix of folk, Buddhist and Taoist customs around festivals and ancestor veneration.
Items:
- Religion
- Buddhism
- Info
- Nanjing is one of China's historic Buddhist centres. Jiming Temple (Jiming Temple Road, Xuanwu District) and Qixia Temple (at the foot of Qixia Mountain, Qixia District) are active places of worship open to visitors for an entrance fee. Dress modestly, remove hats, and do not point at statues.
- Religion
- Confucianism
- Info
- The Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) complex on Gongyuan Street, Qinhuai District, was a state temple and scholarly hub. It functions as a cultural site rather than a place of active worship, and the adjacent Jiangnan Examination Hall preserves the memory of imperial-era examinations.
- Religion
- Islam
- Info
- Nanjing has a Hui Muslim community with several mosques. Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes if asked, and ask permission before photographing worshippers.
- Religion
- Christianity
- Info
- Nanjing has historic Protestant and Catholic churches; services are held in Chinese. Visitors should observe quietly and not proselytize.
- Religion
- Folk and ancestral practice
- Info
- Families visit tombs at Qingming (early April) and burn paper offerings. Lantern displays at Fuzimiao for Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn are among the city's main seasonal events.