About Nanjing
What to see and do in Nanjing
Weather in Nanjing
Airport in Nanjing
Visa
Nanjing (Nan-ching (Wade-Giles), Nanking (Postal map spelling)) is the capital of China's Jiangsu Province, and a city with a prominent place in Chinese history and culture. Nanjing (literally: 'Southern capital') served as the capital of China during several historical periods and is listed as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Nanjing was the capital of the Republic of China (ROC) before the Chinese Civil War. Nanjing is also one of the fifteen sub-provincial cities in the People's Republic of China's administrative structure, enjoying jurisdictional and economic autonomy only slightly less than that of a province.
Located in the lower Yangtze River drainage basin and Yangtze River Delta economic zone, Nanjing has always been one of China's most important cities. Apart from having been the capital of China for six dynasties and of the Republic of China, Nanjing has also served as a national hub of education, research, transportation and tourism throughout history. With an urban population of over five million, it is also the second largest commercial center in the East China region, after Shanghai.
Nanjing means "southern capital" (versus Beijing meaning "northern capital".) It is a renowned historical and cultural city and was the capital of several dynasties over the course of Chinese history, including various relics including Ming tombs that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was most recently the capital of China under the Kuomintang, from 1927 until their retreat to Taiwan in 1949. With a current urban population of approximately 5 million people, Nanjing is an important center for commerce and trade in Eastern China.
Presidential Palace. Spend a day exploring the headquarters of past emperors and the Nationalist government. The Palace includes the former offices of many top governmental officials, including Chiang Kai-shek and Sun Yat-sen, as well as the former residence of Sun Yat-sen. It is one the few places in mainland China where the flag of the Republic of China still flies. Informational placards around the palace are printed in four languages.
Nanjing Museum, (inside Zhongshan Gate). Eleven exhibition halls contain a variety of ancient Chinese artifacts and lots of different culture murals, including the sailing of Zheng He (the eunuch admiral of the Ming Dynasty who explored at least to Africa, perhaps further). Be sure to take a look at the Jiangnan silk-making exhibition. It's a great place to spend either a hot or rainy day.
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. Memorializes the hundreds of thousands of Chinese who died at the hands of Japanese troops in Nanjing during World War II. The memorial features an excavated mass burial site, and newly opened tomb-like multimedia museum explains the entire history of the event in both English and Chinese. A harrowing, but worthwhile place to visit.
Confucius Temple. Once an imperial examination testing center for the entire Jiangsu region, this museum comprises a tiny fraction of the once-massive original buildings. The rest of the site is a massive, labyrinthine market; a top tourist draw in Nanjing and a place where you can get all your haggling out of your system. Get your picture taken with the Confucius sculpture and grab some tea on one of the gondolas on the canal. On the southern side of town next to Zhonghua Gate and the Taiping Museum.
The Gate of China (Zhonghuamen). The southern gate of Nanjing's city wall; this massive gate is one of the best preserved parts of Nanjing's city wall, and one of the best remaining examples of early Ming defensive architecture extant anywhere. The wooden castle at top was destroyed by fire, but the immense masonry (each complete with the mason's name and home province by order of the emperor) substructure remains. Two courtyards contain an archery range and vegetable gardens. The main gate has three immense depots within where, long emptied of provisions, you can find some scale models and exhibits about the gate. In one depot you can find an air raid siren used during the Japanese attack on the city.
Taiping Kingdom History Museum. A small museum focusing on a little-known historical event in the West (1843-68), the Taiping Rebellion. In addition to being one of the most sanguinary episodes in recorded history (some estimates put the loss of life higher than the dead from World War I), it was a crucial moment in China's relationship with the West, modernity, and its relationship to its own imperial history. The quasi-Christian, peasant-lead rebellion overran an area greater than Texas which it ruled, at one point threatening the Qing government in Beijing, from the old Ming capital ofNanjing. On exhibit are documents relating to Taiping history and the grinding reduction of their movement by enterprising Qing generals and their European auxiliaries, culminating in the siege of Nanjing. Next door are the beautiful Zhanyuan Gardens.
Jiangsu Province Kunqu Theatre. This highly-regarded theater company in Nanjing will give you a chance to see Kunqu Opera, a traditional Chinese art form, firsthand. Expect the dialogue to be sung in ancient Chinese, but LED subtitling in contemporary Chinese characters is provided.
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge. This 6km bridge over the Yangtze has sculptures that are classics of Chinese socialist art; with workers and farmers carrying tools, soldiers carrying weapons, and all of them holding books, most likely Quotations of Chairman Mao Zedong (better known as The Little Red Book). The bridge was built after Soviet advisors left China during the Sino-Soviet Split of the 1960's, and is therefore the first major project built entirely by Chinese, without foreign help. A new town is currently being constructed on the other side, which may include a direct subway connection in the future.
Purple Mountain or Zijin Mountain, (From Nanjing take bus 9 or Y1). Contains the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperor and his consorts, the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (leader of the 1911 revolution), the tomb of Sun Quan from the Three Kingdoms period and other impressive historical stuff. Plan an entire day just exploring the mountain and surrounding areas. The park has a shuttle "train" you can ride and is included in the price of certain tickets. There is also a cable car going up the hill for RMB 25 one-way and RMB 45 round-trip. If you have the right shoes, feel free to walk back down (or up) the hill. RMB 100 (approx.).
If you are staying in Nanjing for an extended period of time and want to visit a number of scenic parks then it may be worth buying a Purple Mountain pass for ''100 and/or a city pass for RMB 120. The Purple Mountain pass can be bought at the entrance to Sun Yat-sen's Memorial (and possibly at any of the ther parks on the mountain) and provides you with free entry to nine parks on the mountain. If you are going to visit more than 2 or 3 of the parks on the mountain you will save money with the pass. The city pass can be bought at the entrance to any of the big parks in the city, such as the zoo or Yuhuatai Memorial Park and provides you with free entry to 21 different locations. You need to provide a passport photo for each pass and they are valid for one calendar year.
Sun Palace. Between Xuanwu Hu and Purple Mountain is a hotel resort with an indoor waterpark and a nice wavepool (activated on the even hours), and a lazy river around the perimeter, a fantastic children's area, a high-dive, and of course some great slides. RMB 60.
Xuanwu Hu. One of Nanjing's lakes has three islands in the middle all linked by causeways, complete with an amusement park for kids, a small zoo, and lots of great views of the city and Purple Mountain. Paddle boats can be rented as well. The picturesque nature of this lake is a nod to the high esteem held within China of Nanjing's beauty.
Zhongshan Hill Scenic Area
Situated in the eastern suburb of Nanjing, it is the most prestigious sightseeing
area of the city, covering more than 50 major sites such as Dr. Sun Yat-sen's
Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, Plum Blossom Hill,
Purple Mountain Observatory, Nanjing Botanical Garden, Lingu Temple,
Xuanwu Lake Park, Tiacheng Wall, Jiuhuashan Park and Jiming Temple.
Qinhuai Scenic Area Situated in the south of Nanjing, the area, covering the Qinhuai River's inner strip from Dongshui Pass in the east to the Xishui Pass in the west, has many scenic spots including Confucius Temple-Qinhuai Scenic Zone, Zhanyuan Garden, and the Urn City of Zhonghua Gate.
Stone City Scenic Area
This area is in downtown Nanjing with mostly cultural sites, including the Stone City,
Presidential Palace, Mochou Lake, Ganjia Lane Stone Sculptures of the
Southern Dynasties, Chaotian Palace, Villa Area on Yihe Road built during the time
of the Republic of China, Jinling Sutra Printing House and the Former Residence of
Ganxi.
The Great River Scenic Area
Nanjing bestrides the Yangtze River, showcasing a string of magnificent riverbank
views that consist of Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Yuejiang Tower,
Yanzi (Swallow) Rock, Jiangxinzhou Island, Jinghai Temple, Tianfei Palace, and
Ruins of Baochuan Shipyard at Longjiang.
Qixia Scenic Area
Situated in the northeastern suburb of Nanjing, it is famous for its red maple
view and the 1000-year-long Qixia Temple. "Niushou Mountain for spring outing
and Qixia Mountain for autumn hiking" has been a common saying since ancient
times.
Scenic Area in Southern Suburbs
There are beautiful sceneries and numerous historic sites such as the Yuhuatai
(Rain Flower Terrace), the Niushou Mountain, Two Tombs of Southern Tang King,
the Leaning Tower of Fangshan Hill and the tomb of the King of Brunei.
Scenic Area around the Gucheng Lake and Shijiu Lake Situated in Gaochun County and Lishui County, this area has main scenic sites such as Yanzhi (Rouge) River, Tiansheng Bridge, Gucheng Lake, Gaochun Ancient Street and Fujiabian Ecological Agriculture Garden.
Scenic Area in Jiangpu and Pukou
With the laurel of "Nanjing's Backyard Garden", this area faces Nanjing City
across the Yangtze River. There are sites like Pearl Spring and Laoshan National
Forest Park.
Tangshan Scenic Area
Located in Jiangning County, it has famous hot springs and the Yangshan Hill Stele.
Nanjing Tangshan Ape-man was also discovered here.
Jinniu (Golden Ox) Lake Scenic Area Located in Luhe County, this area features rain flower pebbles, Stone Pillar Forest and jasmine. Major scenic spot here is the Stone Pillar Woods of Guizi Hill.
Historical Sites in the Ancient Capital
Taicheng Wall, Jiming Temple, Xuanwu Lake - Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, Linggu Temple - Qingliang Hill, Stone City - Mochou Lake - Chaotian Palace - Confucius Temple, Ancient Residence of Wang and Xie - Qixia Mountain - Two Tombs of Southern Tang King
Famous Relics of the Ming Dynasty
Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, Linggu Temple ''Ming Dynasty Culture Village - Ming Dynastic City Walls -Zhonghua Gate, Taicheng Wall, Qingliang Gate, Shence Gate, Dongshui Pass, Wuchao Gate, etc. Confucius Temple, the Former Residence of Li Xiangjun - Zhanyuan Garden, White Egret Park - Yuejiang Tower, Jinghai Temple, Tianfei Palace - Ruins of Baochuan Shipyard - Mochou Lake Park - Chaotian Palace - Tiansheng Bridge
Places of Interest Related to Zheng He's Trip
Jinghai Temple, Tianfei Palace - Ruins of Baochuan Shipyard - Zhenghe Park - Jingjue Temple - the Tomb of the King of Brunei '' the Tomb of Zheng He at Niushou Mountain
Buildings in the Time of the Republic of China
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, Linggu Temple, Meiling Palace - Nanjing Museum, Nanjing Geological Museum -Presidential Palace, Meiyuan Xincun, 1912 Culture and Leisure Block, Pilu Temple - Villa Area on Yihe Road, Nanjing University, Nanjing Normal University, Southeast University - Chiang Kai-Shek's Villa in Tangshan
Temples and Churches
Qixia Temple - Linggu Temple - Jiming Temple, Xuanzang Temple - Pilu Temple Jinling Sutra Printing House, the Mosque on South Taiping Road, St Paul's Church on South Taiping Road - Jingjue Temple - Hongjue Temple on Niushou Mountain - Zhenru Temple on Youzi Hill - Huiji Temple in Tangquan.
Folk Customs
Nanjing Museum - Nanjing Brocade Museum of China - Confucius Temple, Folk-custom Garden of Confucius Temple - Chaotian Palace (Nanjing Municipal Museum) - Ancient Lanes in South City, the Courtyard of Ganxi - Jiangning Gold Foil Plant - Jinling Sutra Printing House - Gaochun Ancient Street - Jinniu (Golden Ox) Lake of Luhe
Waterscape of Qinhuai
Tour in a painted pleasure-boat along the outer Qinghuai River (sites along the route - Ruins of Dabao'en Temple -Changgan Bridge, Wuding Gate Park, Stone City Park, Jiangsu Television Tower, Shuimu Qinhuai, New Landscape of West City, etc. Tour in a painted pleasure-boat along the inner Qinghuai River (sites along the route - Dongshui Pass, the Former Residence of Wu Jingzi, Taoye Ferry, White Egret Park, Jiangnan Examination Office, Dacheng Palace, the Former Residence of Li Xiangjun, Ancient Residence of Wang and Xie, Zhanyuan Garden, Zhonghua Gate Citadel, etc.
Scientific and Educational Places
Purple Mountain Observatory, Zhongshan Botanic Garden - Nanjing Museum, Nanjing Geological Museum - Nanjing Municipal Museum - Ming Dynasty City Wall Museum, Nanjing Paleontology Museum - Museum of Modern History in China (Presidential Palace), Meiyuan Xincun Memorial Hall - Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum - Yuhuatai (Rain Flower Terrace) - Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders - Nanjing Urban Construction Exhibition Hall - Nanjing National Defense Park, Dacheng Palace, Jiangnan Examination Office
Landscape Gardens
Xuanwu Lake - Mochou Lake - Zhanyuan Garden, White Egret Islet - East and West Gardens of Presidential Palace - Zhongshan Botanic Garden, Plum Blossom Hill - Qiangliang Hill Park - Pearl Spring - Nanjing Greening Exhibition Park
Riverside View
Jiangnan Naval School - the Monument in Memory of Crossing the Changjiang River Successfully - Yuejiang Tower, Jinghai Temple, Tianfei Palace - Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge - The 2nd Yangtze River Bridge - The 3rd Yangtze River Bridge - Ruins of Baochuan Shipyard - Nanjing Greening Exhibition Park - Jiangxin Island - Yanzi (Swallow) Rock - Bagua Island
Known as one of the three hottest cities in China, Nanjing's scorching summer period is to be avoided. The average ground temperature can reach 35 C (95 F) and the extreme highest point could reach 40 C (104 F) sometimes. The city's location at the lower river valley of the Yangtze River make thing worse as nearby mountains hold the hot air in. The government has launched a tree planting campaign throughout the city hoping to ease the sweltering situation.
Maples on Zijinshan ObservatoryThe short and comfortable autumn time from October to mid-November is the best travel period for the city. Unlike other southern cities in China, in December, it sometimes snows in the city. If fortunately, (may not be fortunate for some people), you will have an opportunity to appreciate the enthralling white snow world of Nanjing. In the coldest month - January, the temperature could be as low as -7 C (19 F).
January 6 C to -2 C
February 7 C to -1 C
March 13 C to 3 C
April 19 C to 9 C
May 24 C to 15 C
June 28 C to 19 C
July 31 C to 23 C
August 31 C to 23 C
September 27 C to 18 C
October 21 C to 12 C
November 15 C to 5 C
December 8 C to -1 C
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (IATA: NKG, ICAO: ZSNJ) is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, over 35km from the downtown area in the southeast outskirts of the city.
In 2008, Nanjing airport handled 8.88 million passengers and ranked 10th busiest by cargo traffic, 13th busiest by passenger traffic and 14th busiest by traffic movements in China.
CAAC have regular air connections to all major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Jinan, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Guilin, Wuhan, Xian, Zhengzhou, Lanzhou, Shenyang and Dalian.
The flight time from Beijing to Nanjing is a little less than two hours and one hour by air from Shanghai.
Airport Lu Kou International Airport (NKG) in Nanjing is located to the southeast of the city, 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the city center. Getting there by the 29-kilometer (18-mile) Airport Highway takes about 45 minutes. The AH is also connected with several main intercity expressways, which connect to nearby cities. A taxi driver from the airport to the city area costs more than RMB 100.
Airport Transport
Airport to City
Airport shuttle buses leave from the Arriving Building and take passengers to the
Zhonghuamen Distance Passenger Station (address: No.88, Jihecun Lu).
The first bus departs 30 minutes after the first flight arrival. The interval depends
on the amount of passengers and flights.
Route: Airport Arriving Building --> Yuhua Square --> Zhonghuamen (Jinyu Hotel after 19:00)
--> Shuiximen --> Hanzhongmen --> Guofangyuan - Shanghai Lu
Tip: Taxi service is available on the first floor of the Arriving Building in the airport.
There are also regular buses to the nearby cities:
Airport to Changzhou
Route: Entrance of the Arrival Hall in the airport --> Changzhou Grand Hotel
(Address: No.65, Yanling Road (West), Changzhou City)
Starting Time: 13:00
Changzhou to Airport
Route: Changzhou Grand Hotel --> Entrance of the Departure Hall in the airport
Starting Time: 07:30
Airport to Huaian
Route: Entrance of Arrival Hall in the airport -->Huaihai Square in Huaian City
Starting Time: 12:30, 15:30, 18:00
Huaian to Airport
Route: Huaihai Square in Huaian City --> Entrance of Departure Hall in the airport
Starting Time: 07:50, 11:00, 13:30
Airport to Maanshan
Route: Entrance of Arrival Hall in the airport --> No.35 in Jiefang Road of Maanshan City
Starting Time: 10:30, 12:00, 14:30, 15:30, 17:30, 20:30
Maanshan to Airport
Route: No.35 in Jiefang Road of Maanshan City --> Entrance of Departure Hall
in the airport
Starting Time: 06:30 08:00, 09:00, 12:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:00
Airport to Wuhu
Route: Entrance of Arrival Hall in the airport --> Liangzhan Square of Wuhu City
Starting Time: 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, 20:00
Wuhu to Airport
Route: Liangzhan Square of Wuhu City City --> Entrance of Departure Hall in the
airport
Starting Time: 08:00, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00
Airport to Yixing
Route 1: Entrance of Arrival Hall in the airport --> Dazhong Road in Yixing City
Starting Time: 11:00, 18:00
Route 2: Entrance of Arrival Hall in the airport --> Yixing South Bus Station
Starting Time: 15:00
Yixing to Airport
Route: Dazhong Road in Yixing City --> Entrance of Departure Hall in the airport
Starting Time: 08:00, 13:30
City to Airport
Airport shuttle buses leave from Zhonghuamen Distance Passenger Station daily
with an interval of half an hour from 06:00 to 20:30. Meanwhile, most three-star and
above-rating hotels in the city have special bus services to the airport.
The Zhonghuamen Passenger Station can be reached by the subway and Bus No.2, 38, 16, 39, 49, 111 and 116 at the stop of Xi Jie or Runtai Market.
There are other seven domestic airports in Wuxi, Suzhou, Lianyungang, Xuzhou, Changzhou, Nantong and Yancheng, which allow tourists to take a quick trip between these areas inside Jiangsu Province.
Ticket Booking: 025 - 86602902 (city area) or 025 - 52480482 (airport) 24 hours flight inquiry and ticket booking service.
Airlines and other destinations of Nanjing
International/Hong Kong/Macau
Air Macau (Macau)
Asiana Airlines (Seoul-Incheon)
China Eastern Airlines (Hong Kong, Osaka-Kansai, Seoul-Incheon, Tokyo-Narita)
Dragonair (Hong Kong)
Lufthansa (Frankfurt)
Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
Cross-strait charter
China Airlines (Taipei-Taoyuan)
China Eastern Airlines (Taipei-Songshan)
Domestic
Air China (Beijing-Capital, Chengdu, Chongqing)
China Eastern Airlines (Baotou, Beijing-Capital, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dunhuang, Fuzhou, Ganzhou, Guangzhou, Guilin, Guiyang, Harbin, Haikou, Hohhot, Ji'an, Jinan, Lanzhou, Lianyungang, Kunming, Nanchang, Nanning, Ningbo, Qingdao, Sanya, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Urumqi, Wenzhou, Wuhan, Wuyishan, Xi'an, Xiamen, Xining, Xuzhou, Yancheng, Yantai, Yinchuan, Zhangjiajie, Zhengzhou)
China Southern Airlines (Beijing-Capital, Changchun, Changsha, Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Guilin, Guiyang, Haikou, Nanchang, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Urumqi, Wuhan, Xiamen, Yinchuan, Zhangjiajie, Zhengzhou)
China West Air (Chongqing)
East Star Airlines (Shenyang, Wuhan)
Hainan Airlines (Beijing-Capital, Haikou, Lanzhou, Shantou, Shenyang, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Urumqi, Xi'an, Zhengzhou)
Okay Airways (Quanzhou-Jinjiang, Tianjin)
Shandong Airlines (Fuzhou, Jinan, Kunming, Nanning, Ningbo, Qingdao, Wenzhou, Yantai)
Shanghai Airlines (Beijing-Capital, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Xi'an)
Shenzhen Airlines (Changchun, Guangzhou, Guilin, Harbin, Nanning, Qingdao, Shenzhen)
Sichuan Airlines (Chengdu, Chongqing, Harbin)
United Eagle Airlines (Chengdu, Kunming, Wuhan)
Xiamen Airlines (Fuzhou, Harbin, Shenyang, Shijiazhuang, Xiamen)
To be able to travel to Nanjing you need to have a valid China Visa, issue from your local government at the China Embassy, Chinese visa fall into four types: diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa and ordinary visa. Ordinary visa is further divided into the following 8 categories each marked with a letter: (1) Tourist and family visit visa (L-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for tourist purpose, family visit or other personal affairs.
(2) Business Visa (F-visa ) is issued to a foreign citizen who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, exchanges in the fields of science, technology, education, culture and sports, or attending various kinds of trade fairs or exhibitions, or short-term study, intern practice for a period of no more than 6 months.
(3) Student Visa (X-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for the purpose of study or advanced study for a period of six or more months.
(4) Work Visa (Z-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China to work and his or her accompanying family members, or to give commercial performances in China.
(5) Transit Visa (G-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who is to transit through China on his or her way to a third country (or region).
(6) Crew Visa(C-visa)is issued to crew member performing his/her duties on board an international train, or on an international airliner, to a sailor on board an international ocean-liner or freighter, and also to their accompanying family members..
(7) Journalist Visa (J-visa)is issued to foreign journalists. J-visa has two categories: J-1 visa and J-2 visa. J-1 visa is issued to resident foreign journalists in China and their accompanying spouses and under-age children, J-2 visa to foreign journalists who visit China for temporary news coverage.
(8) Permanent Residence Visa(D-visa)is issued to a foreign citizen who has been approved by China's public security authority to reside in China permanently.
for Language guide please refer to: http://www.china-city-guide.com/beijing/pages/localguide.php for
free download of basic survival Chinese conversation in China.