Ming Xiaoling, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Confucius Temple Qinhuai, six dynasties of history.
Nanjing — 'Southern Capital' — was the seat of six dynasties and the Republic of China. Tree-lined avenues, a Ming tomb, a republican mausoleum and the lantern-lit Qinhuai River give it a stately, scholarly feel that pairs well with nearby Shanghai.
It is also a city of memory: museums here confront modern history head-on, which makes a visit more moving than in most Chinese cities.
Here are the highlights worth your time in Nanjing.
The Ming emperor's tomb in a sacred way lined with stone animals, inside a forest park.
Tickets ¥70 (incl. park)A white-marble hillside monument with sweeping steps and city views.
Free · climb the 392 stepsA restored river district of lanterns, snacks and old academies.
Free to stroll · boat ¥80One of China's best-preserved walls, ringing a calm lake north of the centre.
Wall section ¥30A stark, essential museum on the 1937 atrocities — expect to be moved.
Free (passport) · closed MonThe Republic-era government seat, now a museum of modern history.
Tickets ¥40Nanjing has its own kitchen — here are the dishes to try.
The city's signature — tender, lightly salted, eaten cold.
Delicate pork-broth buns, a Jiangnan staple.
A glossy taro dessert, mild and comforting.
A local noodle with puffed pork skin and greens.
A sampler of small bites along the river — sweet and savoury mixed.
Lantern-lit boats and snack streets at night.
Republican-era buildings turned bars and live-music venues.
The downtown mall-and-tower core, lively till late.
Lukou (NKG) — metro line S1 to town.
High-speed to Shanghai (1h), Hangzhou (1.5h), Beijing (~4h).
Bilingual; 10+ lines cover all sights.
Works with foreign cards.
High-speed ~1h north — easy day trip.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Three good bases:
Central, walkable, full range of hotels.
Atmospheric, good for evening strolls.
Quieter, green, near the wall.
Europe & US, Japan & Korea history lovers.
