Things to do in Nanjing

Activities, attractions and tours

Temple of Confucius showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements
Temple of Confucius showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements
Temple of Confucius which includes a statue or sculpture, a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
Nanjing Presidential Palace featuring heritage architecture
Temple of Confucius showing a city, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
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What to do in Nanjing

Popular places to visit

Temple of Confucius showing a city, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Temple of Confucius

Tour the temple complex where for many years imperial scholars would pray to the philosopher Confucius before sitting their tough examinations.

Temple of Confucius
Xuan Wu Lake Park which includes a garden and a lake or waterhole

Xuanwu Lake Park

Explore the islands, temples, bonsai museum and beautiful flower- and tree-filled gardens of a huge park with an ancient history.

Xuanwu Lake Park
Nanjing Presidential Palace featuring heritage architecture and château or palace as well as a small group of people

Nanjing Presidential Palace

From the Chinese Revolution to the nationalist government of the Kuomintang party, this palace has played a part in modern China’s dramatic political upheavals.

Nanjing Presidential Palace
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum as well as a large group of people

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum

Visit the majestic tomb of the man who ended China’s feudal monarchy and who is known as the father of modern China.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum
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Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

After visiting Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nanjing. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge
Nanjing Presidential Palace which includes heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Xu Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Xu Garden, a lovely green space in Nanjing. Wander the lakeside and gardens while you're in the area.

Xu Garden
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum showing heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

Zhongshan Mountain National Park

Explore the great outdoors at Zhongshan Mountain National Park, a lovely green space in Nanjing. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Zhongshan Mountain National Park

Nanjing University

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Nanjing University during your trip to Nanjing. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Nanjing University

Nanjing Museum

You can study the exhibits at Nanjing Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Nanjing. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Nanjing Museum

Areas of Nanjing

Temple of Confucius showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Xinjiekou

5/5(2 area reviews)

The restaurants and shopping are a few things visitors like about Xinjiekou. Check out Nanjing Library while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Daxinggong Station or Xinjiekou Station to get around town.

Xinjiekou
Maan Coffee. Quite possibly the coolest coffee shop atmosphere. #irunoncaffeine #willtravelforcoffee

Xuan Wu

Xuan Wu is well liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Nanjing City Wall and Xu Garden are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Mount Jiuhua Station or Jimingsi Station to get around.

Xuan Wu
My third Confucius Temple after Beijing and Shanghai, each one a little bit different.

Qinhuai Qu

You might enjoy the shopping while in Qinhuai Qu. Temple of Confucius is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Wudingmen Station or Yuhuamen Station to see more of the city.

Qinhuai Qu
Building of the museum of jiangning weaving bureau, in Nanjing, China.

Jiangning

5/5(1 area review)

Jiangning is well liked for its mountain views and restaurants. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Niushoushan Forest Park and Yangtze are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Mozhoudonglu Station or Zhengfang­zhonglu Station to get around.

Jiangning
Temple of Confucius which includes religious elements, a temple or place of worship and signage

Fuzimiao Area

Well liked for its museums and monuments, Fuzimiao Area is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Temple of Confucius and Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum, and jump on the metro at Fuzimiao Station to get around the city.

Fuzimiao Area
Cityscape of Drum Tower and Zifeng Building in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Gulou

4/5(6 area reviews)

Gulou is well liked for its mountain views and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Nanjing Drum Tower and Yangtze are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xinmofanmalu Station or Caochangmen Nanyi Second Division Station to get around.

Gulou
Urban scenery of Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China

Changzhou

Xijindu Historical and Cultural Block, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, China

Zhenjiang

Yangzhou Slender West Lake Wuting Bridge

Yangzhou

Calm before the storm

Chuzhou

Frequently asked questions

Is Nanjing worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor activities, there are loads of great things to do in Nanjing. Don't forget to experience the area's blend of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Nanjing?
Once you've visited major attractions like Ming Palace Ruins and Dragon Valley Theme Park, spend the rest of your day discovering Nanjing's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nanjing?
The top tourist attraction in Nanjing is Ming Palace Ruins, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Nanjing?
Three days will give you time to tick off many city attractions, such as Ming Palace Ruins, Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum and Tianfei Palace. The average stay in Nanjing is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Donghucun isn't far away.
Is Nanjing a walkable city?
Some top sights in Nanjing, including Ming Palace Ruins and Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Nanjing is Xuan Wu and Xinjiekou is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Nanjing with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all ages, have a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Nanjing with kids.

What to do in Nanjing for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Nanjing, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Nanjing Museum or Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
Are there free things to do in Nanjing?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Nanjing. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum is a must for anyone looking to save on their travelling adventures.

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