Things to do in Nanjing

Activities, attractions and tours

Temple of Confucius which includes religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Nanjing
Nanjing
Temple of Confucius showing a sunset, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Nanjing Presidential Palace which includes a pond

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What to do in Nanjing

Popular places to visit

Temple of Confucius showing a sunset, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Temple of Confucius

Tour the temple complex where for many years imperial scholars would pray to the philosopher Confucius before sitting their tough examinations.

Temple of Confucius
Xuan Wu Lake Park featuring a garden and a lake or waterhole

Xuanwu Lake Park

Explore the islands, temples, bonsai museum and beautiful flower- and tree-filled gardens of a huge park with an ancient history.

Xuanwu Lake Park
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum as well as a large group of people

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum

Visit the majestic tomb of the man who ended China’s feudal monarchy and who is known as the father of modern China.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum
Nanjing Presidential Palace featuring heritage architecture and château or palace as well as a small group of people

Nanjing Presidential Palace

From the Chinese Revolution to the nationalist government of the Kuomintang party, this palace has played a part in modern China’s dramatic political upheavals.

Nanjing Presidential Palace
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

You can study the exhibits at Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Nanjing. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

After visiting Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nanjing. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge
Nanjing Presidential Palace showing heritage architecture

Xu Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Xu Garden, a lovely green space in Nanjing. Wander the lakeside and gardens while you're in the area.

Xu Garden

Nanjing Museum

You can study the exhibits at Nanjing Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Nanjing. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Nanjing Museum

Nanjing Olympic Sports Center

Catch an event at Nanjing Olympic Sports Center during your trip to Shangxinhe. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the temples in the area.

Nanjing Olympic Sports Center

Areas of Nanjing

Temple of Confucius which includes religious elements and a temple or place of worship

Xinjiekou

5/5(2 area reviews)

The restaurants and shopping are a few things visitors like about Xinjiekou. Check out Nanjing Library while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Daxinggong Station or Xinjiekou Station to get around town.

Xinjiekou
Nanjing which includes a sunset, a river or creek and night scenes

Xuan Wu

Xuan Wu is well liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Nanjing City Wall and Nanjing Presidential Palace are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Mount Jiuhua Station or Jimingsi Station to get around.

Xuan Wu
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Jiangning

5/5(1 area review)

Jiangning is well liked for its mountain views and restaurants. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Niushoushan Forest Park and Nanjing Gingko Lake are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Mozhoudonglu Station or Zhengfang­zhonglu Station to get around.

Jiangning
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Qinhuai Qu

You might enjoy the shopping while in Qinhuai Qu. Temple of Confucius is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Wudingmen Station or Yuhuamen Station to see more of the city.

Qinhuai Qu
Temple of Confucius featuring religious elements, signage and a temple or place of worship

Fuzimiao Area

Well liked for its museums and monuments, Fuzimiao Area is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Temple of Confucius and Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum, and jump on the metro at Fuzimiao Station to get around the city.

Fuzimiao Area
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Gulou

4/5(6 area reviews)

Gulou is well liked for its mountain views and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Nanjing Drum Tower and Yangtze are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xinmofanmalu Station or Caochangmen Nanyi Second Division Station to get around.

Gulou
Zhenjiang

Zhenjiang

Yangzhou

Yangzhou

Frequently asked questions

Is Nanjing worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor activities, there are loads of great things to do in Nanjing. Don't forget to experience the area's blend of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Nanjing?
Once you've visited major attractions like Ming Palace Ruins and Dragon Valley Theme Park, spend the rest of your day discovering Nanjing's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nanjing?
The top tourist attraction in Nanjing is Ming Palace Ruins, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Nanjing?
Three days will give you time to tick off many city attractions, such as Ming Palace Ruins, Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum and Tianfei Palace. The average stay in Nanjing is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Donghucun isn't far away.
Is Nanjing a walkable city?
Some top sights in Nanjing, including Ming Palace Ruins and Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Nanjing is Xuan Wu and Xinjiekou is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Nanjing with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all ages, have a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Nanjing with kids.

What to do in Nanjing for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Nanjing, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Nanjing Museum or Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.
Are there free things to do in Nanjing?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Nanjing. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum is a must for anyone looking to save on their travelling adventures.