Destination

Nanjing南京

Six-dynasty ancient capital on the Yangtze — Ming city walls, Confucius Temple canals, and a sobering WWII memorial.

Best time

Mar–May, Sep–Nov (autumn foliage on Purple Mountain is spectacular)

Recommended

2–3 days

Why visit Nanjing

Nanjing was the capital of ten Chinese dynasties and briefly the Republic of China. It wears its history openly: the world's longest surviving city wall (25 km of Ming ramparts), the Ming Xiaoling tomb, the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) pleasure quarter, and the deeply moving Nanjing Massacre Memorial. It's 1.5 hours from Shanghai by bullet train and makes a natural East China add-on.

Purple Mountain highlights

Zijin Shan (Purple Mountain) clusters three major sights: the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (392 granite steps), the Ming Xiaoling Tomb (spirit way lined with stone animals), and Linggu Temple. Budget a full morning and wear walking shoes — the shuttle between sights saves time.

Getting there

Nanjing South (南京南) is one of Asia's largest rail hubs: 1.5 hr from Shanghai, 3.5 hr from Beijing, 1 hr from Hangzhou.
Lukou Airport (NKG) connects to downtown by metro line S1 (~35 min).

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Useful Chinese address cards

Tap "Copy 中文" and hand your phone to a taxi driver or hotel front desk.

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Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)

夫子庙

江苏省南京市秦淮区贡院街84号

Best at dusk when the Qinhuai River lanterns light up. Take a short boat ride.

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Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆

江苏省南京市建邺区水西门大街418号

Free with passport; solemn — allow 1.5 hr. Closed Mondays.

Itineraries

Plan your days

2 days · balanced

Nanjing History 2-Day

Purple Mountain tombs, the Ming city wall, Confucius Temple canals, and a reflective visit to the Massacre Memorial.

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