Nanjing 南京
Ming city walls and modern Chinese history
Good forHistory, Culture, Food
Suggested stay2–3 days
Best timeApril–May and October–November
A former capital under the early Ming and the Republic of China. Visitors come for the Ming city wall, the Purple Mountain sites and museums covering 20th-century history. It is less visited by foreigners than Shanghai or Beijing.
Highlights
- Ming City Wall — long walkable sections, including at Zhonghua Gate
- Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum on Purple Mountain — reservation required
- Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and its Sacred Way
- Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall — free; reserve ahead, closed Mondays
- Nanjing Museum — reserve ahead with your passport
- Confucius Temple area and the Qinhuai River at night
Food to try
- Salted duck
- Duck blood and vermicelli soup
- Tangbao (soup dumplings)
- Pan-fried dumplings
Getting there
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG). About 1–1.5 hours by high-speed train from Shanghai; about 3–4 hours from Beijing.
Train times are typical; check current timetables on 12306 or Trip.com.
When to go
Best: April–May and October–November. Avoid or plan for: Very hot, humid July–August; June plum-rain season.
Good to know
- The Massacre Memorial is a sombre site; allow 2–3 hours.
- Nanjing South is the main high-speed station.
Visa notes
- Visa-free entry: citizens of 79 countries can visit China for up to 30 days or more without a visa. Check your passport →
- 240-hour transit: Nanjing is inside the area you may visit on China's 240-hour visa-free transit (for 57 nationalities, flying on to a third country).