Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
The blue-roofed memorial to the founding father of the Chinese republic, reached by a long stair climb on the slopes of Purple Mountain.
China
Nanjing
Nanjing is one of the four great ancient capitals of China, a Yangtze River city that has served as the seat of dynasties from the Six Dynasties to the Ming and the Republic of China.
Its landmarks are on a grand scale: the blue-roofed Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum climbing the slopes of Purple Mountain, the Ming Xiaoling tomb with its avenue of stone animals and the great fourteenth-century city wall with the vast fortress gate of Zhonghua. Down in the old south, the Confucius Temple district glows with lanterns beside the Qinhuai River, while Xuanwu Lake, Jiming Temple and the Presidential Palace fill out a layered picture of imperial and republican history. Visitors come to walk the ramparts, cruise the lantern-lit river, taste salted duck and duck blood soup, remember the victims at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and make day trips to Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Wuxi and the Tangshan hot springs. Spring brings blossom, autumn brings golden avenues and red maples, and the city is greener and calmer than many of its neighbours. This guide gathers the best sights, hotels and practical advice for planning a trip.
Don't miss
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
The blue-roofed memorial to the founding father of the Chinese republic, reached by a long stair climb on the slopes of Purple Mountain.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming dynasty, with a famous avenue of stone animals and a quiet woodland setting.
Confucius Temple and Qinhuai Old Town
Nanjing's liveliest old-town district, a pedestrian quarter of temple halls, lantern-hung lanes, snack stalls and river views.
Ming City Wall and Zhonghua Gate
The vast fourteenth-century wall that still wraps much of old Nanjing, with the huge Zhonghua Gate fortress and nearby Chaotian Palace.
Things to do in Nanjing
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming dynasty, with a famous avenue of stone animals and a quiet woodland setting.
Qinhuai River Cruise
A short, inexpensive boat ride along the outer Qinhuai River beside the old city wall, one of the easiest ways to enjoy Nanjing's historic waterfront.
Qinhuai River Night Cruise with Dinner
An evening river cruise through the lantern-lit Qinhuai district, paired with a local dinner, for a more complete taste of Nanjing after dark.
Confucius Temple and Qinhuai Old Town
Nanjing's liveliest old-town district, a pedestrian quarter of temple halls, lantern-hung lanes, snack stalls and river views.
Laomendong Old Quarter Night Tour
An evening tour through the restored lanes of Laomendong, the Confucius Temple area and the lit-up Ming city wall.
Ming City Wall and Zhonghua Gate
The vast fourteenth-century wall that still wraps much of old Nanjing, with the huge Zhonghua Gate fortress and nearby Chaotian Palace.
Xuanwu Lake and Jiming Temple
A large lakeside park with islands and causeways beside the city wall, paired with the hilltop Jiming Temple.
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
A sombre and important memorial and museum recording the events of December 1937, visited with quiet respect.
Purple Mountain Scenic Area
The forested ridge east of the city that holds Nanjing's great mausoleums, temples, lakes and walking trails.
Linggu Temple and Purple Mountain Ropeway
A ropeway ride over the forest, the Linggu Pagoda and the Ming beamless hall, finished with tea at the temple.
Niushoushan Buddhist Cultural Park
A modern Buddhist cultural park on a wooded hill south of the city, built around temples, pagodas and a hall for sacred relics.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
The Ritz-Carlton Nanjing
Central Nanjing
A luxury city hotel for travellers who want polished service, large rooms and a restful base between long days of sightseeing.
Check rates →
$$$The Westin Nanjing Xuanwu Lake
Xuanwu Lake
An upscale hotel beside Xuanwu Lake, with park walks, the old city wall and the Jiming Temple area close at hand.
Check rates →Glarun Jinling Hotel Nanjing
Xinjiekou
A long-running landmark hotel in the busy Xinjiekou commercial heart of Nanjing, close to shopping, restaurants and metro lines.
Check rates →Mercure Nanjing Downtown
Downtown Nanjing
A comfortable mid-range downtown hotel with a practical location and reliable international-brand standards.
Check rates →Holiday Inn Nanjing Xuanwu Lake
Xuanwu Lake
A dependable, family-friendly hotel near Xuanwu Lake, close to the park, the city wall and Jiming Temple.
Check rates →UrCove by Hyatt Nanjing Confucius Temple
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)
A modern, design-minded hotel in the Confucius Temple area, close to lantern-lit lanes, food stalls and the Qinhuai River.
Check rates →The Hotel V Confucius Temple
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)
A stylish boutique-style option in the Confucius Temple district, close to the Qinhuai River and the old lanes.
Check rates →Hampton by Hilton Nanjing Confucius Temple
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)
A simple, good-value international-brand hotel in the Confucius Temple area, convenient for food, lanterns and the river.
Check rates →Yebo Qinhuai SSAW Hotel Grand Theater
Qinhuai District
A design-led hotel in the Qinhuai district near the Grand Theater, offering a relaxed, local base close to the river and old lanes.
Check rates →Courtyard by Marriott Nanjing Jiangning
Jiangning District
A modern business-style hotel in Jiangning district, handy for the airport side of the city and the Tangshan hot springs.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Sun Yat-sen MausoleumStay
UrCove by Hyatt Nanjing Confucius TempleConfucius Temple (Fuzimiao)
Do
Ming Xiaoling MausoleumStay
The Westin Nanjing Xuanwu LakeXuanwu Lake
Do
Confucius Temple and Qinhuai Old TownStay
The Hotel V Confucius TempleConfucius Temple (Fuzimiao)
Nanjing guides
First Time in Nanjing: What to Know Before You Go
A practical first-timer guide to Nanjing: how the city is laid out, what to see first, how to get around, what to eat and how to handle payments, language and weather.
Where to Stay in Nanjing: Best Areas and Hotels
Choose the best area to stay in Nanjing: the Confucius Temple old town, Xinjiekou, Xuanwu Lake and Jiangning, with hotel ideas for each and tips on noise and transport.
Nanjing in Three Days: A Practical Itinerary
A three-day Nanjing itinerary covering the Purple Mountain mausoleums, the city wall, the Confucius Temple area, Xuanwu Lake, a food tour and an optional day trip.
Eating and Drinking in Nanjing: Salted Duck, Dumplings and More
A guide to Nanjing food: salted duck, duck blood soup, soup dumplings, street snacks, seasonal dishes, tea and where and how to eat well as a visitor.
Best Time to Visit Nanjing: Weather, Seasons and Festivals
Find the best time to visit Nanjing: comfortable spring and autumn, hot humid summers, cold winters, plum rain, blossom and maple seasons and holiday crowds.
Day Trips from Nanjing: Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Wuxi and More
Plan day trips from Nanjing: Yangzhou's gardens, Zhenjiang's Jinshan Temple, Wuxi's Lingshan Grand Buddha, Qixia Temple and the Tangshan hot springs, with travel times and tips.
