Nanjing Travel Guide: What to See, Local Food & Where to Stay

Nanjing is also one of China’s ancient capitals, though it is often less known internationally compared to Beijing or Xi’an. The city is filled with historical landmarks and scenic spots. You'll love it if you are interested in Chinese history. We've compiled all the essential Nanjing travel information into this guide, from must-see attractions and famous local dishes to suggested itineraries, all in one place.

The night view of Qinhuai River, Nanjing

Best Time to Visit Nanjing

Scenic autumn view of Nanjing

Nanjing has hot summers and cold winters, so the best time to visit Nanjing is Spring(March-May) and Autumn(September - November).

• Spring (March–May): As the weather warms up, the city comes alive with blossoms. One of the most beautiful sights is the cherry blossom avenue near Jiming Temple and Taicheng Wall, the trees bloom in full splendor in later spring.
• Autumn (September–November): This is when Nanjing is at its most picturesque time. Nanjing is famous for its plane trees lining many streets. In autumn, the plane tree avenues near Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Meiling Palace turn golden and dreamy. Another highlight is the maple forest at Qixia Temple, the fiery red leaves attract many photographers and tourists every year.
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Top 5 Places to Visit Nanjing

1. Nanjing City Wall

The view from Tai Cheng city wall

The Nanjing City Wall was first built during the Ming Dynasty, more than 600 years ago. Standing on the wall, you can overlook the city while also feeling its deep history. Each brick was carved with the name of its builder over six centuries ago, so if a brick was damaged due to poor quality, the emperor could trace who made it. We recommend visiting the Taicheng section and the Zhonghua Gate, both offering the most scenic and distinctive views.

2. Nanjing Confucius Temple

The Confucius Temple in Nanjing

The Nanjing Confucius Temple, or Fuzimiao, is a must-visit spot for every traveler to the city. There’s so much to see here, including the Temple of Confucius (Kong Miao), a Qinhuai River cruise, the China Imperial Examination Museum, a bustling shopping and food street, and the nearby Laomendong Historic District. Fuzimiao is especially stunning at night, when the lanterns and lights reflect on the river, it feels like stepping back into the bustling charm of ancient China.

3. Niushoushan Park

The Foding palace in Niushoushan park

Niushoushan is a new landmark in Nanjing, completed in 2015. The highlight of the park is the Usnisa Palace (also namded Foding Palace), it is an underground Buddhist palace with six levels.

The palace is richly decorated and magnificent, with the Ten-Thousand Buddha Hall on the 5th and 6th floors being the most breathtaking. Here, you will see countless Buddha statues in different forms adorn the walls and corridors, creating a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.

4. Qixia Temple

The gate of Qixia Temple

Qixia Temple has a history of more than 1,500 years and offers a serene, timeless atmosphere. It is especially stunning in autumn, when the surroundings are covered in fiery red maple leaves, attracting countless photography enthusiasts. A full visit to the temple usually takes about 3–4 hours. However, if you're short on time, you can just see the essential highlights in about 1–2 hours. After exploring, don’t miss the vegetarian restaurant next to the temple, which is famous for its delicious vegetarian dishes.

5. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders

The Memorial Hall is one of the most important historical sites in Nanjing. Walking through the halls, you’ll see photographs, relics, and survivor testimonies about the Nanjing Massarcre.

In 1937, more than 300,000 soldiers and civilians lost their lives during six weeks of unimaginable violence. Please remain quiet and respectful during the visit, and dress modestly.

Top Local Foods in Nanjing

Nanjing is not only known for its rich history but also for its delicious local cuisine. As part of the Jiangsu culinary tradition, Nanjing dishes emphasize preserving the natural flavors of ingredients and creating fresh, delicate tastes. Here are some of the must-try dishes that will give you a real taste of Nanjing.

Nanjing Roast Duck

Nanjing Roast Duck

You’ve probably heard of Peking Duck, but Nanjing has its own version that’s just as delicious. The Nanjing Roast skin is perfectly crispy, while the meat inside stays tender and juicy. This dish is widely available in restaurants across the city and usually costs about $4-7 USD per person. In addition to roast duck, we also recommend you don’t miss Nanjing Salted Duck, another highly recommended local dish.

Squirrel Fish

Squirrel Fish

This sweet-and-sour fish dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It is a classic of Jiangsu cuisine, and popular among international travelers. It’s a bit pricier, usually around $14-28 USD per fish, but well worth it for the taste.

Jiming Soup Dumplings

Jiming Soup Dumplings in Nanjing

This is a popular snack suitable for all ages. We usually enjoy these soup dumplings by poking a small hole, sipping the rich chicken broth firstly, and then savoring the tasty meat filling.You can find these snack in a lot of restaurants across the city and typically cost $2-4 USD per portion.

Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup

The famous Duck Blood Soup in Nanjing

This comforting soup is a must-try for food lovers, especially if you’re visiting Nanjing in the cold winter. It features a rich and savory broth, served with silky duck blood and springy rice noodles. As a classic Nanjing dish, it is both hearty and inexpensive, usually costs about $2–3 USD per bowl.

Porkskin Noodles (Pidu Noodles)

Pidu Noodles in Nanjing

If you love noodles, don’t miss this unique Nanjing dish. It’s a dish full of history and flavor, made with fried pigskin and noodles served in a rich, savory broth. This local food can be found at small street eateries or well-known restaurants like Xiangji Noodle Shop and Qijia Noodle Shop, usually costing $2–4 USD per bowl.

Where to Stay in Nanjing?

An elegant hotel in Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province, so it offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs. Here are some recommended areas to consider for your stay:

Xinjiekou Area: The Heart of Modern Nanjing

This area is Nanjing’s busiest commercial center, offering plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It’s also very convenient to reach major attractions by subway. If you stay in this area, we recommend a visit to Deji Plaza, it is famous for having one of the most expensive restrooms in China, which reportedly cost 20 million RMB ($2.8 million USD) to build.

The Confucius Temple Area: Historic Charm

Unlike the modern buzz of Xinjiekou, this district immerses you in traditional architecture and culture. Some hotel are renovated from heritage buildings, offering unique charm reflective of the early Republican era.

Xuanwu Lake Area: Scenic & Well-Connected

This area balances convenience with tranquility. Located near Xinjiekou and the Nanjing Railway Station, it offers easy access to the free Xuanwu Lake Park and historic sites like the ancient City Wall (Taicheng) and Jiming Temple.

Our travel experts have personally visited most hotels across Nanjing.We will hand-pick comfortable options and create customized itineraries based on your interests and budget.

How Many Days to Spend in Nanjing?

The Qinhuai River Cruise in Nanjing

Nanjing is very well-connected, it is just 1.5-2 hours from Shanghai and 3.5-4 hours from Beijing by high-speed train.

• For a highlights tour: 2-3 days is sufficient to see the core attractions of Nanjing.
• For a more in-depth experience: 4-5 days is ideal to fully explore the city's history and culture.

Below is just a sample itinerary for your reference. We can customize a personal itinerary based on your available time and interests.

Day 1: Arrival & Niushou Mountain

We suggest you try to arrive in Nanjing during the daytime to make the most of your visit. After arrival, we will head to the beautiful Niushou Mountain Park.

Day 2: Explore the Imperial History of Nanjing

Today we will visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Then pay respects at the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.

Day 3: Ancient Culture & Scenic River Cruise

Discover ancient Nanjing. Today we will visit the Qixia Temple, Zhonghua Gate, and the charming Confucius Temple. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing Qinhuai River cruise.

Day 4 & Day 5: Modern History & Nanjing Museum

Step into China’s modern history at the Presidential Palace of Nanjing, then admire the extensive collections at the Nanjing Museum. On the last day, enjoy some free time and our private guide will transfer you to the airport or train station for departure.

Discover Nanjing with China Odyssey Tours

Nanjing is a beautiful city with a rich history. Our team knows the city inside out, and our knowledgeable, experienced guides will bring its stories to life for you.

If you’re planning a trip to Nanjing, simply leave us a message or email us at trip@odynovotours.com. One of our travel experts will get back to you within 24 hours to help you plan a personalized journey.