· CN

Nanjing

Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Nanjing, the ancient capital of six dynasties in Chinese history, is a vibrant city situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Renowned for its rich historical heritage and scenic beauty, Nanjing offers a captiv…

#Historic city#Cultural landmarks#Yangtze River#Confucius Temple#Ming Dynasty history

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Nanjing.

Top Hotels in Nanjing

Top Flights to Nanjing

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Nanjing.

Tours

Visit the Nanjing Museum

Explore ancient Chinese artifacts and cultural displays at the Nanjing Museum.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Visit the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, a key figure in modern Chinese history.

Confucius Temple

Explore the Confucius Temple and its surrounding market area for a cultural experience.

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Discover the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor.

Zifeng Tower

View the city from the top of Zifeng Tower, offering panoramic views of Nanjing.

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

Visit this somber but essential site that commemorates the victims of the Nanjing Massacre.

Shopping

Xinjiekou Shopping District

Explore the bustling Xinjiekou area, one of Nanjing's premier shopping destinations.

Outdoor

Walk Along the Qinhuai River

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Qinhuai River, famous for its historic beauty and night views.

Hiking in Purple Mountain

Take a hike in the beautiful Purple Mountain area, known for its lush greenery and historic sites.

Xuanwu Lake

Relax by Xuanwu Lake, a beautiful urban park perfect for a leisurely day out.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Nanjing.

Currency

¥ | CNY | Chinese Yuan

Population

9.4 million

Languages

Mandarin, Mandarin, Wu

Average weather

Nanjing

Jan

7°0°

Feb

9°2°

Mar

14°6°

Apr

21°12°

May

26°17°

Jun

30°22°

Jul

33°26°

Aug

33°25°

Sep

28°20°

Oct

23°14°

Nov

16°8°

Dec

10°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Nanjing.

What people love

Nanjing, located in Jiangsu, China, is a historically rich city with a lot to offer travelers. Here are some pros of traveling to Nanjing:

Historical sites: Nanjing served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties, and as a result, it is home to numerous historical sites. The most famous of these is the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the burial site of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. Other historical sites in Nanjing include the Nanjing City Wall, the Presidential Palace, and the Confucius Temple.
Cultural experiences: Nanjing is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional Chinese arts such as calligraphy, painting, and opera. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending a traditional Chinese opera performance, trying their hand at calligraphy, or visiting one of the city's many museums.
Natural beauty: Nanjing is situated on the Yangtze River and surrounded by picturesque mountains. The city has several beautiful parks and gardens where visitors can relax and enjoy nature. One of the most popular parks in Nanjing is Xuanwu Lake Park, which offers stunning views of the lake and the city skyline.
Shopping and dining: Nanjing is a great destination for shopping and dining. The city has a wide range of shopping options, from modern malls to traditional markets selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. In terms of dining, Nanjing is famous for its delicious local cuisine, including dishes such as Nanjing salted duck, duck blood soup, and steamed buns.

Overall, Nanjing is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Chinese history and culture, enjoy beautiful natural scenery, and indulge in delicious food and shopping experiences.

What to know

Some possible cons of traveling to Nanjing, China could include:

Language barrier: Many locals in Nanjing may not speak English fluently, which could make communication difficult for travelers who do not speak Mandarin Chinese.
Air pollution: Nanjing, like many cities in China, can experience high levels of air pollution, especially during certain times of the year. This could potentially impact travelers with respiratory issues.
Crowded tourist attractions: Popular tourist spots in Nanjing, such as the Confucius Temple and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, can get very crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. This may result in long wait times and difficulty in fully enjoying the attractions.
Traffic congestion: Nanjing is a large city with a dense population, which can lead to heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Navigating the city by car or public transportation may be challenging at times.
Cultural differences: Travelers may experience cultural differences that could lead to misunderstandings or discomfort. It's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions while visiting Nanjing.

Please note that these are general considerations and individual experiences may vary. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead when traveling to a new destination.

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province in China, has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. Here’s a detailed overview:

Ancient and Early History

Prehistoric Period: Archaeological evidence suggests that the area around Nanjing has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The area was part of the ancient Yangtze River civilization.
Spring and Autumn Period (771–476 BCE): During this time, the region was under the control of the State of Wu. The city of Yecheng was established in 495 BCE, laying the foundation for future developments.
Three Kingdoms Period (220–280 CE): Nanjing, then known as Jianye, was the capital of the Eastern Wu, one of the Three Kingdoms. This era was marked by significant cultural and economic growth.

Imperial China

Eastern Jin and Southern Dynasties (317–589 CE): Nanjing served as the capital for several southern dynasties, including the Eastern Jin and the Southern Liang. It became a center of culture and learning.
Tang and Song Dynasties (618–1279 CE): Under the Tang and Song dynasties, Nanjing was an important regional city. It was known for its prosperity and as a hub for the arts and literature.
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): Nanjing was declared the capital of the Ming Dynasty by its founder, Zhu Yuanzhang (the Hongwu Emperor), in 1368. The city saw the construction of its famous city walls, which are among the longest in the world. The capital was later moved to Beijing, but Nanjing remained a significant cultural and political center.

Modern Era

Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864): Nanjing became the capital of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, a revolutionary state established by the Taiping rebels. The city was captured in 1853 and served as their capital until it was retaken by Qing forces in 1864.
Republic of China (1912–1949): After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Nanjing was designated as the capital of the Republic of China in 1912. Sun Yat-sen, a key figure in the overthrow of the Qing, is buried in Nanjing at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
Nanjing Massacre (1937): During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Nanjing was the site of a horrific event known as the Nanjing Massacre or Rape of Nanking. Japanese forces captured the city and committed widespread atrocities against civilians and prisoners of war.
People's Republic of China (1949–present): After the Chinese Civil War, the People's Republic of China was established in 1949, and the capital was moved to Beijing. Nanjing continued to develop as a major economic and cultural center in eastern China.

Significant Landmarks

Nanjing City Wall: Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is one of the longest surviving city walls in China.
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: A monument dedicated to Sun Yat-sen, regarded as the father of modern China.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: The tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty.
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge: An iconic double-decked road-rail truss bridge that symbolizes Chinese engineering prowess.
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao): A historical temple and cultural area that has been a site of Confucian worship since the Song Dynasty.

Nanjing's history is marked by periods of prosperity and tragedy, making it a city of significant historical and cultural importance in China.