Nanjing Travel Guide: Ancient Capital & Ming Dynasty Legacy
Best Time
Recommended
3 days
Daily Budget
Nanjing (南京, Nánjīng) — meaning "Southern Capital" — is one of China's most historically significant cities. As the capital of six dynasties, Nanjing has witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in Chinese history.
Why Visit Nanjing?
Walk along the longest ancient city wall in the world. Pay respects at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Eat soup dumplings at the Confucius Temple night market. Nanjing is a city where the grandeur of imperial China meets modern Chinese life.
Top Attractions
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵) — The grand tomb of the father of modern China, set in a forested hillside. 392 steps lead to the main hall.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵) — The tomb of the Ming Dynasty founder, with a beautiful stone path lined with animal statues.
Confucius Temple (夫子庙) — A bustling district of shops, restaurants, and teahouses along the Qinhuai River. Best at night when the lanterns are lit.
Nanjing City Wall (南京城墙) — The longest ancient city wall in the world — 35km of Ming Dynasty brickwork. Walk a section for panoramic city views.
Presidential Palace (总统府) — The former headquarters of both the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the Republic of China.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit: March-May (spring) or September-November (autumn). Summer is extremely hot.
Getting There: High-speed train from Shanghai (1 hour), Beijing (3.5 hours), or direct flights.
Getting Around: Metro, buses, and taxis. The old city is very walkable.
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY). Mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) is ubiquitous.
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What to see, eat and do
Each guide is self-contained — read it, then add it straight to your itinerary.
Confucius Temple (夫子庙)
Confucius Temple is Nanjing's most lively district — a riverside night market where lanterns reflect in the Qinhuai River and traditional snacks fill the air with fragrance.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵)
Ming Xiaoling is the tomb of the Ming Dynasty founder — a UNESCO World Heritage site where a Sacred Way lined with stone animals leads through a forested hillside to the imperial tomb.
Nanjing City Wall (南京城墙)
Nanjing City Wall is the longest ancient city wall in the world — 35km of Ming Dynasty brickwork that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
