Nanjing travel blog — The fullest Nanjing travel guide for first-timers

This building stands out because it is made of stone arches and now there are mannequins depicting Chinese history inside the hall. Linggu Temple was built in 1930 and is about 10 stories high and inside the Buddhist temple there is a shrine that is said to contain the skull of a Chinese monk who came to India to collect Buddhist scriptures long ago.

Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) (# nanjing city guide)

Located on Confucius Street on the north bank of the Qinhuai River in Nanjing City, the Fuzimiao is also known as the Temple of Confucius. This is a sacred place to worship the great thinker and cultural celebrity Confucius – the founder of Confucianism.

Confucius Temple is an ancient architectural complex, consisting of 3 architectural complexes: Confucius Temple, Gongyuan (Jiangnan Examination Hall) and Xue Gong (Imperial Academy). That is why the Temple of Confucius is one of the four largest literary temples in China.

Built to serve the worship of the great Chinese thinker and study the philosophy of Confucius, it is also called Fuzi Miao. Currently, this temple contains a large bronze statue of Confucius, 4.18 meters high and weighing two and a half tons.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum

Address: China, Jiangsu, Nanjing, Xuanwu, 石祥路7号 邮政编码: 210014
Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM/Monday: Closed

Not only famous for its ancient features, around Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum there is also a beautiful natural scenery that makes everyone captivated. From the vegetation, the perennial coniferous forest, the system of towering stairs,… Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum looks much more majestic, spectacular and larger.

Xuanwu Lake Park

Located in Xuanwu District, located near Nanjing Railway Station is Xuanwa Lake Park. The park was built at the end of the Qing Dynasty with a charming landscape of mountains and water. Especially the green willow trees flowing gracefully into the lake like the skirt of a lady’s dress. When stopping at the park, visitors definitely cannot miss Xuanwu Lake. The lake has an area of about 444 hectares where it is one of the most peaceful tourist place.

Xuanwu Lake has up to 5 small islands, each with statues, temples, pavilions and rows of weeping pine and willow trees. In the middle of the lake is the statue of Avalokiteshvara, surrounded by statues of happy children.

If you want to relax and learn about local culture, you can visit the Xuanwu Museum, located within the park’s grounds. This is a place to display unique historical and cultural artifacts about Nanjing.

Nanjing Museum

Nanjing Museum is one of the largest museums in China. The Nanjing Museum is storing and displaying more than 400,000 antiques dating back to the feudal period. The golden and heroic pages of history of the Chinese nation are meticulously recreated on past artifacts. The museum is a must-see destination for history enthusiasts.

The Nanjing Municipal Museum covers an area of about 70,000 square meters and is one of the largest museums in China. The museum preserves more than 400,000 antiques dating back to the feudal period of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Jiangnan Examination Hall

Jiangnan Examination Hall is located near the Confucius temple in the south of the city. This examination hall was built during the Song Dynasty and was the largest examination hall for royal competition in the ancient Chinese world.

This Nanjing tourist place is the only, most professional place that reflects the content of the ancient Chinese examination system. This is also a place for research on the exam and an agency that collects cultural relics and historical data about the royal exam.

Nanjing Underwater World

Coming to Nanjing, another exciting experience is the exploration of Nanjing Underwater World – the largest and largest aquarium in Nanjing. Coming here, you will admire countless rare marine life, along with the special structure of the aquarium, like a maze with no exit.

Presidential Palace

Address: 292 Chang Jiang Lu, Xuanwu, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210018
Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM/Monday: Closed

Once the capital of the Republic of China, the Presidential Palace is also a tourist  spot  not to be missed. Coming here, visitors will see the flags of the Republic proudly flying as evidence of a golden era of history.

In the Presidential Palace, there are many galleries displaying works of art, jewelry and historical artifacts, creating a special cultural and historical space. Visitors can tour the rooms and discover precious relics of the past.

The Presidential Palace is an attractive destination for tourists who want to explore the history and culture of Nanjing. This place not only has cultural and architectural value, but is also a symbol of China’s past and political power.

Nanjing City Wall

This work is highly appreciated for its ancient architecture, large scale, and rare length. Total length is up to 35km. The wall was built by Zhu Yuanzhang Emperor. From the city wall, you can see the ancient and poetic city of Nanjing.

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

Address: Pukou District, Nanjing, China, 210015

The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge is a double-decker railway bridge spanning the Yangtze River between Pukou District and Xiaguan District. Its lower level, with a double railway line, is 6,772 m long and belongs to the Beijing-Shanghai railway system.

The upper level of the bridge is part of China’s National Highway 104. The bridge is an important transportation route of Nanjing city and is also a famous Nanjing tourist spot loved by many tourists.

Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre

The 869-hectare Nanjing Olympic Sports Center was the main venue for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics and the 2005 National Games of China.

This sports center includes many areas such as: Gymnasium, football field, swimming pool, slides… The city’s major sports activities almost all take place here, making it a tourist spot, attracting the curiosity of many tourists.

Qinhuai River

Qinhuai River is a branch of the Yangtze River, with a length of 110km, flowing through Nanjing city. This is considered the widest river and the lifeblood of Nanjing city. Coming to Nanjing, take some time to walk around this river in the early morning or late afternoon.

In the early morning, the Qinhuai River quietly flows by, entangled in clouds of smog overhead. At night, it changes to a new color, much more colorful and bustling than in the early morning. No matter what time you visit Qinhuai River, you will feel its beauty.

Qinhuai River is one of the tourist attractions in Nanjing, China. This river flows through downtown Nanjing and carries with it exceptional natural beauty and history. And this is considered the lifeblood of Nanjing city.

In the early morning, the Qinhuai River quietly flows through, the sunlight of dawn floods in, making the scenery around the river more poetic and beautiful. On the Qinhuai River, you can see scenic bridges, ancient houses and boats passing by. The peaceful and fresh atmosphere in the middle of the city will bring you a feeling of relaxation and enjoyment during your journey.

Qixia Temple

Qixia Temple is an attractive tourist place in Nanjing, especially for those who love Buddhism. This place currently holds a piece of relics – the skull of Shakyamuni Buddha, causing curiosity and interest for visitors. However, the temple is a sacred place, so when you come here to visit, remember to behave properly.

Nanjing University

Nanjing University has a history dating back to 1902. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and a member of the C9 League for the best universities in China. According to history, Nanjing University has contributed 877 outstanding scientists to the country, making it one of the most impressive Nanjing tourist place for tourists.

Zijin Shan Mountain (Purple Mountain)

Mount Zijin resembles a fairy forest. This place is famous for its mysterious and interesting firefly forest. In the evening, the forest becomes sparkling and shimmering with thousands of fireflies shining in the night. The scene is as beautiful as coming out of Chinese historical films, so beautiful it makes the heart sob. The mountain is often covered with light purple clouds – this is also the origin of the name Zijin. These purple clouds become even more dreamy and seductive as dusk falls. The mountain is only about 450m high, you can climb or take the cable car.

Nanjing Sport Institute

Address: 8 Linggusi Rd, Xuanwu, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210014

Nanjing Sport Institute was founded in 1956 and is located at the foot of Zijin Mountain east of Nanjing. The institute covers an area of 40 hectares and is close to famous Nanjing tourist attractions such as Sun Yat-sen Tomb and Linggu Temple.

Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders

Address: China, Jiangsu, Nanjing, Jianye District, 水西门大街418号 邮政编码: 210017

This is a place the Chinese people created to commemorate the heroes who fought against the Japanese army and what they did for the country during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937. It’s no wonder China produces so many movies. pictures of the history of war with Japan, they lost thousands of innocent people while fighting against Japanese invasion.

The museum captures the most painful memory for the Chinese people as well as the capital Nanjing. Today, it is also a symbol of peace and hope against war. The tours are all very well organized, from the parking lot to all the most gruesome details and artifacts of the massacre more than 80 years ago.

Nanjing Memorial Hall covers an area of about 120,000 square meters, including four different functional areas: Outdoor Exhibition, Jiangdongmen Square, Museum and Peace Park. Many documentary evidences are on display, including photos, diaries, contemporary newspapers, narrative support services that the museum intends to convey, etc. Most of the information is in English and they are also Provide translations of key documents for easy access for visitors.

Nanjing Folk Museum

Nanjing Folk Museum is the former residence of Ganxi, a famous scholar of the Qing Dynasty, also known as Gan Gan Family Mansion. This is the largest and best preserved private mansion in Nanjing city. Now it has been turned into a museum displaying traditional daily life and handicrafts of Nanjing city.

The museum covers an area of about 10,000 square meters, and has more than 300 rooms meant to contribute to local art and culture. Firstly, the mansion has great value in studying classical Chinese architecture. Second, at the Jindai Building in this mansion there is a large collection of precious ancient books, all of which provide important data for studying ancient folklore. Gan Gan’s family villa also served as a propaganda and publicity center for Kunqu Opera.

What to eat in Nanjing? (# nanjing city guide)

Because of the rich culture and long-standing traditions, the cuisine here is an issue worth discussing. Because it is truly the mecca of food, where there are countless delicious dishes, such as: Dimsum, Egg Sushi, Salted Duck, Tangbao,…

Egg shumai

When traveling to Nanjing, egg shumai is worth trying. The dish has a delicate and beautiful way of cooking and presentation. The way to make egg shumai is to use thin shell and fresh shrimp filling. When you eat this dish, you will feel like you are enjoying a seafood omelet, with a very special flavor.

Taobao

When talking about Nanjing cuisine, how can we forget this delicious Taobao dish? It looks simple but the delicious taste is hard to resist. The outer crust of the cake is extremely fragrant, naturally white and smooth. The filling inside is pork and chicken broth. This hot cake becomes an attractive breakfast and dinner for tourists.

Nanjing Style Beef Potstickers (Niu Rou GuoTie)

If you want to learn about traditional Nanjing cuisine, you must definitely taste this Nanjing Style Beef Potstickers. Although it’s just cheap street food, the taste is truly excellent. Fried dumplings are fragrant and shiny yellow. The rich beef soup makes the dumplings even more delectable.

Dimsum

Nanjing is famous as the land of many delicious Dimsum. The breakfast dishes here are all small and beautiful, with eye-catching shapes. You can find breakfast dishes everywhere: luxury restaurants, popular eateries, night markets. Nanjing has many types of traditional breakfast, some new flavors are also very impressive.

Jinling Roast Duck

Although not as famous as Beijing roast duck, the perfection and flavor of Jinling roast duck is equally top-notch. As a gourmet, you will definitely see new and attractive things that other roasted duck dishes cannot compare to Jinling roasted duck.

Yanshuiya (Nanjing salted duck)

Besides roast duck, Nanjing cuisine also has delicious salted duck. To be delicious, salted duck must be enjoyed in the fall. The duck at this time has a lot of meat, moderately lean fat, and very delicious meat. The duck is marinated with spices using the traditional method and then steamed.

Nanjing Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup

Although it is not a delicacy, this dish is loved by many people. Duck blood vermicelli soup uses frozen blood to cook. In addition to blood, there are also internal organs and gizzards of ducks. Nanjing vermicelli noodles are small, chewy, clear white, and very fragrant.

Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish

Sweet and sour fish is a dish that is easy to eat, has a delicate flavor, and suits many tastes. The ingredients for cooking the dishes are very diverse and carefully selected. The chefs who cook this dish must have good skills and extensive experience to bring out the soul of the dish. The fish meat is firm and fragrant. Rich sauce, balanced sweet and sour. Delicious dishes are even more delicious thanks to their eye-catching presentation. Just looking at it is enough to make me crave it.

Yangzhou Dazhu Gansi (Simmered Tofu Noodles)

Gansi tofu is finely chopped tofu boiled in chicken broth along with many other dishes. The unique flavor of Gansi tofu makes it unforgettable for any diner who has ever tasted it.

Tangbao (soup dumplings)

Dumplings are a popular dish of Chinese people in general and Nanjing in particular. In Nanjing, Tangbao is prepared with a unique flavor that only this place has. Tangbao is a type of cake with a thin crust and filling inside. You just need to take a small bite then eat it with broth and dip it with soy sauce, the taste will definitely be unforgettable.

Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Pullman Nanjing Lukou Airport (Agoda, Booking)
• Kempinski Hotel Nanjing (Agoda, Booking)
• Jinling Hotel Nanjing (Agoda, Booking)
• Holiday Inn Nanjing Qinhuai South Suites, an IHG hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• InterContinental Nanjing (Agoda, Booking)
• Shangri-La Nanjing (Agoda, Booking)
• Marriott Nanjing South Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• Grand Metropark Hotel Nanjing (Agoda, Booking)

Check out more top & best hotels in Nanjing on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Nanjing you can refer to

• Porcelain Tower of Nanjing
• Nanjing Presidential Palace Ticket
• Nanjing City Private Car Charter
• Daming Mansion Zhanyuan Garden Ticket in Nanjing
• Chaotian Palace Ticket in Nanjing (For Mainland China ID Holders)
• Nanjing Zhouyuan Ticket
• Yufa Ecotourism Area Ticket in Nanjing
• Ziqinghu Hotspring Ticket in Nanjing
• Hongshan Forest Zoo Ticket in Nanjing (For Mainland Chinese Citizens Only)
• Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Ticket

Read more China guide here.