Nanjing travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Nanjing's nightlife is more relaxed than Shanghai's. The best-known districts are the lantern-lit Qinhuai River area around Fuzimiao (bars, night cruises and street food), the Laomendong lanes, the Republican-era 1912 Block entertainment quarter, and Hunan Road with Lion Bridge snack street. Most venues wind down between 01:00 and 02:00.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Fuzimiao / Qinhuai River
Lantern-lit riverside promenade with bars, cafes, snack stalls and evening boat cruises from the Fuzimiao piers
Laomendong
Restored Ming-Qing lanes with cafes, tea houses and cocktail bars, quieter than Fuzimiao
1912 Block
Republican-style courtyard quarter on Taiping North Road with bars, clubs and restaurants
Hunan Road / Lion Bridge
Pedestrian street and snack lanes with beer bars and late-night food in Gulou District
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Laomendong Bar and Cafe Lanes
Known for: Cocktail bars, tea houses and live-music cafes in restored Ming-Qing lanes
Laomendong, Qinhuai District, Nanjing 210001
Qinhuai River Riverside Bars (Fuzimiao)
Known for: Riverside bars and lantern-lit cafes along the Qinhuai River near Fuzimiao
Gongyuan Street and Qinhuai River waterfront, Fuzimiao, Qinhuai District, Nanjing 210001
Lion Bridge Snack Street and Hunan Road Bars
Known for: Late-night street food stalls plus casual beer bars around Lion Bridge
Hunan Road and Lion Bridge Snack Street, Gulou District, Nanjing 210009
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Nanjing 1912 Block
Cover: Varies by venue; some clubs charge ¥50-150 (~$7-22)
Hours: Bars 18:00-02:00; clubs until about 03:00 on weekends
Xinjiekou Hotel Lounge Scene
Cover: Varies; cocktails ¥70-130 (~$10-19)
Hours: Most venues 18:00-01:00
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.