Reserve suitable accommodation at a local hotel that accepts foreigners.
Download and set up useful apps for making mobile payments, such as Alipay.
Check the validity of your passport and China visa.
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and communication with locals.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn is considered the best time to visit Nanjing, with cool and dry weather.
March is also a good time for botany fans when plum blossoms bloom.
Summer is hot but special due to the lotus flowers at Xuanwu Lake.
Winter may be a good choice for those wanting to avoid crowds.
Must-See Attractions
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall: A poignant memorial commemorating the victims of the Nanjing Massacre. The exhibitions are in Chinese, Japanese, and English, but may not be suitable for very young children.
Nanjing City Wall: One of the world’s longest and best-preserved city walls. You can walk along the wall and enjoy the contrasting views between the ancient site and the modern city.
Xuanwu Lake: A beautiful scenic area surrounded by gardens and temples. You can walk around the lake or take a boat ride.
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: A grand mausoleum nestled in the purple mountains, offering a serene and majestic atmosphere.
Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple): A historic site with traditional architecture, featuring a large statue of Confucius. The surrounding area has many food and drink options.
Nanjing Presidential Palace: A significant site in China’s modern history with rich cultural connotations and historical value, showcasing a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles.
Local Cuisine
Nanjing is famous for its duck dishes, with salted duck and duck blood vermicelli soup being popular choices.
Try the local noodles at restaurants on Qingdao Road, where a large bowl of steaming broth and noodles costs around ¥15.
For a more upscale dining experience, check out Tairro in the 1912 district, which offers good Japanese teppanyaki for around ¥120.
Transportation Tips
Nanjing has an efficient public transport system, including buses and subways, which is easy and affordable to use.
Acquire a local transportation card upon arrival to save money and time while navigating the city.
To reach popular attractions like the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, take Line 2 to Yunjin Road Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
For the Nanjing City Wall, take Line 1 to Zhonghua Gate Station and walk to the entrance.
To visit Fuzimiao, take Line 3 to Fuzimiao Station.
Additional Tips
Visit historical sites early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy peaceful exploration with perfect lighting for photographs.
Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical context of the sites.
Nanjing combines classic and modern elements, offering a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary vibrancy. Take time to explore both aspects during your visit.
