Nanjing
Capital of Six Dynasties
Overview
Nanjing has served as China's capital multiple times across 2,500 years of history. From the Ming Dynasty city walls to the somber Nanjing Massacre Memorial, the city wears its complex history with dignity.
Today, Nanjing is one of China's most livable cities — green, cultured, and proud of its identity. The Confucius Temple area buzzes with lantern-lit evenings along the Qinhuai River, while the city maintains excellent museums and memorials.
This guide covers Nanjing's essential experiences — from walking the world's longest Ming city wall to cruising the Qinhuai River, from exploring Republican-era architecture to savoring the city's famous salted duck.
Best Time to Visit
March-May for spring blossoms. September-November for comfortable temperatures and clear skies. July-August is hot and humid.
Ideal Duration
2-3 days for the main historical sites and the Qinhuai River area.
Top Attractions
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Must SeeA grand memorial to the founder of modern China set in beautiful forest park. The 392 steps lead to a copper-roofed sacrificial hall with a white marble statue. The view from the top encompasses the entire Purple Mountain.
Ming City Wall
Must SeeThe longest, largest, and best-preserved city wall in the world at 35.3 km. The section from Xuanwu Lake to Taicheng offers the best views. You can walk or cycle along the top of the wall.
Confucius Temple
Must SeeA historic temple complex along the scenic Qinhuai River. The surrounding area is Nanjing's liveliest district, filled with shops, restaurants, and red lanterns reflecting in the water.
Nanjing Museum
Must SeeOne of China's largest museums with exceptional ancient artifacts. The Han Dynasty jade burial suits and Ming Dynasty porcelain are particularly noteworthy. Free entry.
Nanjing Massacre Memorial
Must SeeA powerful and moving memorial documenting the 1937 atrocities. The exhibition is comprehensive and emotionally heavy. Allow at least 2 hours. Not recommended for young children.
Presidential Palace
The former office of Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek, blending Chinese garden design with Western architecture. The complex includes museums on the Taiping Rebellion and the Republican era.
Cultural Experiences
Ming Wall Walking Tour
Walk the best-preserved section of the world's longest city wall with a historian guide. Learn about the wall's construction, its role in defending against invaders, and the stories carved into its stone bricks.
View ExperienceQinhuai River Night Cruise
Cruise the ancient Qinhuai River on a traditional painted boat, passing beneath stone bridges and alongside lantern-lit teahouses. Your guide recounts the river's role in Nanjing's literary and commercial history.
View ExperienceNanjing Yunjin Brocade Workshop
Learn about Nanjing Yunjin — a UNESCO-listed silk brocade once reserved for imperial robes. Watch weavers operate the complex drawloom and understand why a single piece can take months to complete.
View ExperienceRepublican Era Architecture Walk
Explore Nanjing's 1912 District and surrounding areas where Republican-era villas, churches, and government buildings reveal the city's cosmopolitan past. Includes stories of Sun Yat-sen and the 1911 Revolution.
View ExperienceWhat to Eat
Nanjing Salted Duck
The city's most famous dish — duck brined in a complex mixture of salt, spices, and aromatics, then air-dried. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a subtle spice fragrance. Eaten cold as an appetizer.
Where to try: Han Fu Ya or any reputable duck shop on Hunan Road
Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup
A hearty soup of duck blood cubes, intestines, liver, and rice vermicelli in a rich, spiced broth. Topped with cilantro and chili oil. More delicious than it sounds.
Where to try: Ya De Xing or street stalls near Confucius Temple
Jinling Dumplings
Thin-skinned dumplings filled with pork and a rich broth. Nanjing's version is subtler than Shanghai's xiaolongbao, with a lighter skin and gentler seasoning.
Where to try: Liu Chang Xing — a historic dumpling house operating since the 1930s
Sesame Pancakes
Crispy, layered pancakes sprinkled with sesame seeds and filled with savory pork or sweet red bean paste. A popular breakfast or snack sold at street stalls throughout the city.
Where to try: Morning stalls near Xinjiekou or Confucius Temple area
Suggested Itinerary
Imperial Nanjing
- Morning: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum — climb the 392 steps for panoramic views
- Lunch: Nanjing salted duck at Han Fu Ya
- Afternoon: Ming City Wall walk from Xuanwu Lake section
- Evening: Qinhuai River night cruise and Confucius Temple area exploration
History & Memory
- Morning: Nanjing Museum — exceptional artifacts from every era
- Lunch: Jinling dumplings at Liu Chang Xing
- Afternoon: Nanjing Massacre Memorial — powerful and moving
- Evening: 1912 District for Republican-era architecture and dinner
Crafts & Culture
- Morning: Yunjin brocade workshop — watch master weavers at work
- Lunch: Duck blood vermicelli soup at Ya De Xing
- Afternoon: Presidential Palace and surrounding gardens
- Evening: Farewell dinner with Qinhuai River views
Practical Tips
Massacre Memorial
The Nanjing Massacre Memorial is emotionally intense. Allow at least 2 hours. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience. Photography is restricted in certain areas. Not recommended for young children.
City Wall Walking
The best section to walk is from Xuanwu Lake to Taicheng — approximately 6 km. Wear comfortable shoes. The wall surface is uneven. Bring water as there are limited shops along the route.
Qinhuai River
The river is most atmospheric after dark when red lanterns illuminate the water. Avoid the main tourist boat and opt for smaller, traditional-style boats for a more authentic experience.
Transport
Nanjing's metro is clean and efficient, connecting all major sights. The high-speed rail from Shanghai takes just over an hour. Taxis are affordable but traffic can be heavy in the old city center.
Nearby Destinations
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