Nanjing
The Southern Capital. Home to the longest city wall on earth and the eternal rest of the Hongwu Emperor.
City Introduction
Nanjing was the first capital of the Ming dynasty, chosen by the Hongwu Emperor. It served as capital for multiple dynasties and the Republic of China.
地理位置
Lies on the south bank of the Yangtze River in the lower Yangtze delta.
行政级别
Capital of Jiangsu Province (省会).
最佳时节
March to May and September to November.
四季气候
Spring brings plum blossoms; summer hot and humid; autumn paints the mausoleum in gold; winter chilly and damp.
画中游 · Famous Attractions
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming dynasty.
Nanjing City Wall
The longest, largest, and best-preserved city wall ever built.
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)
A riverside district of lantern-lit waterways and scholarly tradition.
Presidential Palace
A historic complex spanning from imperial yamen to the Republic of China.
Nanjing Museum
One of China's largest museums, with exceptional Ming and Qing artifacts.
Famous Food
Salted Duck
Nanjing's signature dish — cold duck with a subtle salt cure.
Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup
A hearty local favorite of duck blood, offal, and glass noodles.
Sesame Pancakes
Crispy, layered pastries sold from street ovens.
Tangyuan
Glutinous rice balls filled with sesame paste in sweet soup.
Shiziqiao Food Street for snacks, and the Confucius Temple area for riverside restaurants.
Getting Around
- Nanjing Lukou International (NKG) — 45 minutes by metro S1 line.
- Nanjing South (major high-speed hub)
- Nanjing Railway Station (near Xuanwu Lake)
- Line 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, S1, S3, S7, S8, S9
- Line 1: Xinjiekou, Sanshanjie; Line 2: Minggugong, Xuanwu Gate; Line 3: Fuzimiao; S1: Lukou Airport
- Xinjiekou is the main interchange hub.
其他通途
- Bus — comprehensive but crowded.
- Taxi / Didi — affordable.
- Bike share — great around Xuanwu Lake.
Suggested Itineraries
Travel Tips
Booking
Nanjing Museum requires free reservation. Book online in advance.
Crowds
Autumn busiest at Ming Xiaoling for golden ginkgo.
Payment
Mobile pay dominates; international cards at larger hotels.
Language
Nanjing dialect distinct. Young people speak Mandarin.
Weather
June brings plum rain — constant drizzle. Pack an umbrella.
Common Pitfalls
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall closed Mondays and requires ID. Plan accordingly.