Top 10 Nanjing Attractions: Best Things to Do & Travel Tips

If you're interested in Chinese history, especially the modern history, then you shouldn't miss Nanjing. Located just two hours from Shanghai by high-speed train, Nanjing combines a rich history with beautiful natural scenery. Keep reading to discover the top 10 things to do in Nanjing, compiled by our experienced travel guide.

Cherry blossoms in Nanjing

1. Niushoushan Forestal Park

The usnisa palace in Niushoushan

• Keywords: Buddhist culture, stunning architecture
• Suggested time: 2-3 hours

Niushoushan is a popular Buddhist cultural park in Nanjing. The highlight here is the Usnisa Palace, a breathtaking underground complex that extends six levels below ground. The palace's design is magnificent and has even won two top national architecture awards: the Luban Prize and the Zhan Tianyou Award.

Inside, you'll find the world's only Buddha's parietal relic, along with dazzling golden halls, and corridors lined with countless Buddha statues. The entire park costs over 4 billion RMB to build in 2015. It is one of the most impressive landmarks in Nanjing.

Tickets are ¥160 per person, you may get a discount if you book it in advance. The site is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, with last entry at 4:30 pm.

Travel tips:

1. Niushoushan park is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Nanjing and also from Nanjing Lukou Airport. If you arrive in the morning, you can easily visit it in the afternoon.

2. Summer (July–August) can be crowded and hot. For a more comfortable experience, we recomended to visit it in spring or autumn.

2. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

The sacred way in Ming Xiaoling

• Keywords: History, peaceful park scenery
• Suggested time: 2-3 hours

Ming Xiaoling is the first imperial tomb of the Ming Dynasty, and is regarded as one of the largest royal mausoleums in China. The main highlights here are the Ming Tower and the Sacred Way.

After climbing up the Ming Tower, you'll get a full view of the tomb's layout. The ancient walls and bricks still stand firm after more than 600 years.

The Sacred Way is another must-see. Along the path, you'll find 12 pairs of stone animals (lions, elephants, camels, and more) and 6 pairs of stone officials, all standing guard for centuries. When walking along this road, you will feel like stepping back in time. Tickets are 70 RMB per person, and admission is free if you enter before 6:30 am.

Travel tips:

1. If you love photography, autumn is the best season to visit Ming Xiaoling Tomb. The ginkgo trees and red maples along the Sacred Way create some of the most beautiful autumn scenery in Nanjing.

2. Wear comfortable shoes, as the mausoleum area is large and requires a lot of walking.

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

Picture of the memorial hall

• Keywords：History
• Suggested time: 1-2 hours

This solemn memorial hall documents the tragic events of the Nanjing Massacre in 1937 during World War II. The exhibits (photos, relics, and survivor testimonies) can be very heavy and emotional. Most Chinese visitors find it difficult to leave without tears. The memorial is not only a reminder of this painful chapter in history, but also a monument of warning for the future, urging us to cherish peace.

The museum is free to visit, but advance reservation is required. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm), with extended hours until 6:00 pm during summer vacation and public holidays.

Travel tips:

1. Keep silent during the visit and avoid wearing revealing clothing out of respect.

2. It is not recommended to bring children under 3 years old to visit it.

4. Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen

Scenery of the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen

• Keywords: History, landmark of Nanjing
• Suggested time: 1-2 hours

The Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen is also one of the most iconic landmarks in Nanjing. It is the tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the “Father of Modern China,” and an important symbol in China's modern history. From the top of the mausoleum, you can enjoy panoramic views of Nanjing city.

The site is free to visit, but you should make the reservation inadvance. Opening hours are 6:30 am to 9:00 pm. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. In summer, it can be quite hot and sunny.

Travel Tips:

1. To reach the top, you'll need to climb 392 stone steps. If mobility is an issue, you can still enjoy the site without going all the way up.

2. The Mausoleum is close to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Meiling Palace, you can combine these attractions in the same day.

5. Confucian Temple Area (Fuzi Miao)

Night view of Confucius Temple

• Keywords: Confucian museums, shopping street, Qinhuai River cruise
• Suggested time: 2-3 hours

The Confucian Temple Area, or Fuzimiao, is a vibrant cultural district in Nanjing. Here you'll find not only traditional-style streets but also rich cultural sites, such as the Imperial Examination Museum of China, the Confucius Temple (Dacheng Hall), the ancient entertainment houses and the scenic Qinhuai River.

The Imperial Examination Museum of China is particularly interesting. Built underground with four levels, it tells the story of China's ancient education and examination system.

One of the most unforgettable display is the exam conditions of the Qing Dynasty. Scholars had to stay in a tiny 1.5 m² cubicle for nine days and six nights. Visitors can even step inside the small cubicle to experience the cramped space firsthand.

Travel Tips:

1. I recommend taking a Qinhuai River cruise to enjoy the night views of the Confucian Temple area and the riverside scenery. It's a relaxing experience, and usually less crowded.

2. The area is full of restaurants and shops. You can sample authentic Nanjing food and buy some souvenirs here.

3. If you are interested in a traditional handicrafts, there's an intangible cultural heritage workshop just 10 minutes walk from Fuzimaio.

6. Nanjing Museum

The most precious artifact of the Nanjing Museum

• Keywords: Culture & history exhibts
• Suggested time: 2-3 hours

Nanjing Museum is one of China's three major museums (the other two are the Beijing Palace Museum and the National Palace Museum in Taipei). It houses a wide variety of fascinating exhibits.

In the Republic of China Gallery, you'll find a recreated street that's perfect for taking photos. You can also sit down with a cup of tea and enjoy traditional Nanjing folk performances there.

The History Gallery displays numerous imperial treasures, including the Western Han dynasty gold beast and porcelains in different dynasties. In the Digital Gallery, you can experience high-tech AR interactive exhibits. This gallery is especially fun for children.

Travel Tips:

1. The museum is very busy in summer (July–August), and tickets can be difficult to reserve. It's best to avoid this period if possible. If your travel dates fall within this time, we will make every effort to help you book the ticket.

7. Nanjing City Wall

Zhonghua Gate city wall in Nanjing

• Keywords: History & Beautiful city view
• Suggested time: 1 hour

Nanjing's City Wall once had 13 gates. Because of wars, the wall is no longer connected in a full circle, but the remaining parts are still incredibly solid. When you walk along the wall, you'll notice many bricks carved with the names of the builders and their departments, this is the quality-control system in Ming dynasty.

I suggest you check out two of the most iconic sections: Zhonghua Gate and Taicheng. Zhonghua Gate stands out with its massive design and 12-meter-thick walls, plus there's a small museum right on top. At Taicheng, you'll be rewarded with scenic views of Xuanwu Lake and Jiming Temple. If you visit in spring, you'll also see cherry blossoms along the road, absolutely beautiful.

Travel Tips:

1. There's no shade on top of the wall. If you travel in summer, remember to bring sunglasses, a hat, and a bottle of water.

2. Tickets: Zhonghua Gate cost 50RMB per person; Taicheng cost 30RMB per person.

8. Qixia Temple

Scenery of Qixia Temple

• Keywords: Ancient temple, peaceful natural scenery
• Suggested time: 2-3 hours

If you want a break from the busy historical sites in Nanjing, Qixia Temple is a perfect escape. Just about an hour from downtown, this ancient temple (founded in 484 AD, with over 1,500 years of history) is surrounded by tranquil nature and a peaceful atmosphere.

The highlights of this temple including the Qianfo Cliff grottoes, the Pagoda of Relics, and the elegant wooden halls inside the temple. I recommend slowing down your pace here, wander leisurely through the grounds, and if you have time, take a light 1–2 hour hike on the hill behind the temple.

Travel Tips:

1. Autumn (late November to early December) is the most beautiful time to visit, when the hills are covered with fiery red maple leaves.

2. After your visit, don't miss the vegetarian restaurant around the temple. The food here is not only delicious but also served in a serene setting.

9. Presidential Palace of Nanjing

The Presidential Palace of Nanjing

• Keywords: Historical site
• Suggested time: 1-2 hour

If you're interested in China's modern history, I highly recommend visiting the Presidential Palace of Nanjing. With over 600 years of history, this place has been the workplace of many famous politicians, including Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek. Walking through the complex, you'll see a fascinating mix of architecture: quiet Jiangnan-style gardens alongside Western-style presidential offices.

Travel Tips:

1. The Presidential Palace is close to the Nanjing Museum and the Six Dynasties Museum, so it's easy to plan them together in one trip.

2. Nearby, you'll also find a lively street - 1912 Block, a trendy street full of restaurants and cafes, perfect for a meal or a coffee break after your visit.

10. Meiling Palace

The Meiling Palace in Nanjing

• Keywords: Historical site, luxury villa
• Suggested time: 1-2 hours

Meiling Palace was once called the “No. 1 Villa in the Far East” back in the Republic of China days. It used to be the home of Song Mei ling and Chiang Kai-shek, and walking through house really feels like stepping into their private life.

What I love most, is the whole villa is wrapped in tall plane trees, and when you walk down the tree-lined road in autumn, it feels super romantic and almost like a scene from an old movie.

Travel Tips:

1. Don't just explore the villa itself, the plane tree avenue around it is also stunning, especially in autumn.

2. Summer holidays (July–August) and the National Day holiday(Oct.1-7) are peak travel times with heavy crowds, so it's better to plan your visit outside these periods.

Explore Nanjing with China Odyssey Tours

Beyond these highlights, Nanjing has so much more waiting for you, such as tasting local Nanjing food, enjoying a leisurely bike ride under the shade of plane trees. Our travel experts are here to design a customized itinerary that suits your interests. Simply leave us a message, and we'll be in touch within 24 hours.