Nanjing Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Logistics & Planning
How many days do I need for Nanjing? Most travelers suggest 2–3 days for the main sites, but 5 days if you want to include Purple Mountain and Niushoushan.
Is Nanjing worth visiting over Shanghai? Many Redditors call it “the most underrated city in China,” offering more “authentic” history compared to Shanghai’s modern vibe.
When is the best time to visit? Autumn (late October to early December) is the consensus favorite for its yellow ginkgo leaves and cool weather.
Is it true Nanjing is one of the “Four Furnaces”? Yes. Avoid July and August; the humidity and heat are extreme.
How far is Nanjing from Shanghai? It’s about 1–1.5 hours via high-speed rail.
Which train station should I use? Nanjing Railway Station (the older one) is preferred for its view of Xuanwu Lake; Nanjing South is newer and further from the center but better for long-distance HSR.
Do I need a visa? Many nationalities qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit if flying through Nanjing Lukou International Airport to a third country.
Is the city walkable? The central areas like Xinjiekou are, but major sites are spread out, requiring the metro.
Can I use Google Maps? No, it’s unreliable. Use Amap (Gaode) or Apple Maps (which uses AutoNavi data in China).
How do I pay for the metro? Use the “Transport” QR code in Alipay; it’s the easiest way for foreigners.
Are taxis expensive? No, Didi (the Chinese Uber) is very affordable. A cross-city trip usually costs under $10–15.
Is English widely spoken? Less than in Shanghai. Have a translation app like Pleco or Baidu Translate ready.
Is it safe for solo female travelers? Reddit users consistently rate it as extremely safe, even late at night.
What should I pack for winter? Nanjing has “wet cold.” Even at 5°C, it feels freezing because of the humidity; bring thermal layers.
Is there a tourist pass? Yes, there is an annual “Nanjing Tourism Pass” for around 260 RMB that covers 50+ sites.
Top Sights & Attractions
What is the #1 must-see? The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum (be prepared for a heavy, sobering experience).
Is the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum free? Yes, but you MUST book a time slot in advance on their WeChat mini-program.
Why is Niushoushan so famous? For the Usnisa Palace, a staggering underground Buddhist architectural feat.
How do I get to the top of the City Wall? The most popular section is accessed near Xuanwu Lake or the Zhonghua Gate.
Is Xuanwu Lake better at day or night? Day for the gardens and boat rides; night for the skyline views.
What is “1912”? It’s a nightlife and dining district with Republic-era architecture next to the Presidential Palace.
Should I visit the Presidential Palace? Yes, if you are interested in the Kuomintang (KMT) and modern Chinese history.
Is the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) a tourist trap? A bit, but the night lights and river cruise are considered “essential” for first-timers.
Where can I see cherry blossoms? Jiming Temple in late March/early April.
What is the “most Instagrammable” spot? The Librairie Avant-Garde bookstore, located in a former underground parking garage.
Can I hike Purple Mountain? Yes, there are well-paved trails, or you can take a cable car.
What are the Ming Xiaoling Tombs? A UNESCO World Heritage site; the “Sacred Way” with stone animals is a highlight.
Is the Porcelain Tower real? The original was destroyed; the current one is a modern glass-and-steel reconstruction with a museum.
What is Laomendong? A restored historical district near the south gate; great for traditional snacks and crafts.
Where is the best city view? The 50th floor of the Golden Eagle (G Hotel) or the Zifeng Tower (one of the world’s tallest).
Is the Yangtze River Bridge worth seeing? It’s a point of national pride; it’s best seen from the park below or by walking across.
What is Qixia Mountain known for? Red maple leaves in November and its ancient Buddhist grottoes.
Can I visit John Rabe’s house? Yes, it’s a small museum dedicated to the “Oskar Schindler of China” on the Nanjing University campus.
Are the museums closed on Mondays? Generally, yes. Plan your schedule accordingly.
How do I visit the Nanjing Museum? It’s free but books out days in advance. It is considered one of the top 3 museums in China.
Food & Dining
What is the “national dish” of Nanjing? Salted Duck (Yanshui Ya).
What is Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup? A local favorite soup with savory broth, glass noodles, and cubes of duck blood (tastes like tofu).
Where is the best street food? Laomendong or the back alleys near Xinjiekou.
Where should I go for a “fancy” local dinner? Nanjing Impressions (Nanjing Dapaidang) is the most famous for its traditional decor and variety.
Are there Western food options? Yes, the Shanghai Road area (near the university) has many expat-friendly cafes and bars.
What is Tangbao? Nanjing’s version of soup dumplings; they are larger and sweeter than Shanghai’s Xiao Long Bao.
Can I drink the tap water? No. Always drink boiled or bottled water.
Is the food spicy? Generally no. It is part of Huaiyang cuisine, which focuses on fresh ingredients and light, sweet/savory flavors.
What are “Hairy Crabs”? A seasonal delicacy from nearby Gaochun; best eaten in October and November.
What is the best breakfast? Pan-fried beef potstickers (Beef Guotie) from a local street stall.
Is there a good craft beer scene? Master Gao is a famous local brewery based in Nanjing.
Where can I find vegetarian food? Many Buddhist temples like Jiming Temple serve excellent, affordable vegetarian meals.
Are international chains available? Yes, Starbucks, KFC, and McDonald’s are everywhere.
How do I order food? Most places use a QR code on the table. You scan it with Alipay or WeChat to see the menu.
Do people tip? No. Tipping is not part of the culture and may even be refused.
Cultural Context & Tips
Is Nanjing still the capital? No, it was the capital multiple times (the name literally means “Southern Capital”), but Beijing is the current capital.
Are people friendly to Westerners? Generally very much so; it’s a “student city” with a relaxed vibe.
What is the “Nanjing spirit”? Locals are often described as “Panzi,” meaning blunt, straightforward, and grounded.
Should I bring a gift for locals? If visiting a home, fruit or high-quality tea is standard.
Is it okay to talk about the Massacre? Locals are very aware of it, but it’s a somber topic. Be respectful at the memorial.
What is the significance of the ginkgo tree? It’s the official city tree; many are hundreds of years old.
Why are there so many plane trees? They were planted by the KMT in the 1920s; they form “green tunnels” over many streets.
Is there a “Nanjing dialect”? Yes, but everyone speaks Mandarin (Putonghua).
Is the air quality bad? It varies. It’s better than Beijing but can be hazy in winter. Check the AQI app.
What is the best way to spend a rainy day? Exploring the Nanjing Museum or the massive Deji Plaza malls.
Practical Shopping & Tech
Where is the main shopping district? Xinjiekou (it’s often called the “Times Square of Nanjing”).
Can I use a credit card? Only at high-end hotels and malls. Most places only take Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Cash.
Where can I buy electronics? Zhujiang Road is the historic electronics hub.
Are there fakes in the markets? Yes, especially in the touristy Fuzimiao area. Bargain hard.
Is there a local SIM card I should get? China Unicom or China Mobile are best. You need your passport to buy one.
How do I find a public toilet? Look for the “WC” signs; most malls have clean ones. Carry your own tissues.
Is there high-speed Wi-Fi? Yes, but you’ll need a VPN to access sites like Google, Facebook, or Instagram.
What is the best hotel area? Xinjiekou for convenience; near Xuanwu Lake for views.
Are hostels good in Nanjing? Yes, several highly-rated ones are located near the Confucius Temple.
Can I rent a bike? Yes, HelloBike or Meituan bikes are everywhere. You need an app to unlock them.
Specific Itinerary Questions
Is one day enough for Purple Mountain? Barely. It’s huge. Pick 2-3 spots (like Ming Xiaoling and the Observatory).
What should I do on a Friday night? Head to the Qinhuai River for the lights.
Is the Nanjing Forest Music Festival worth it? Yes, if you are there during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Where can I find a quiet park? Qingliangshan Park is much quieter than Xuanwu Lake.
What is the most unique temple? Wat Hong-style architecture at Niushoushan.
Can I visit the “Ghost Market”? There is a traditional early-morning market (Tangzi Street), but it’s fading.
Where can I see traditional opera? The Chaotian Palace sometimes hosts Kunqu Opera.
What’s a good day trip from Nanjing? Yangzhou (30 mins by train) or Zhenjiang.
Is the Botanical Garden worth it? Yes, especially the conservatory in spring.
Where is the best place for a morning jog? The path along the top of the City Wall or around Xuanwu Lake.
Miscellaneous FAQ
How do I say “Thank you” in the local way? “Xie xie” is fine, but locals are casual.
Is there a lot of construction? Yes, like most Chinese cities, Nanjing is always building.
What is the “Nanjing University” vibe? It’s the “Harvard of the South,” making the Gulou area very academic and leafy.
Can I fly a drone? Very restricted. You usually need a permit via an app like UOM.
Are there many stray cats? Yes, especially in the parks. They are often fed by locals.
Is the tap water safe for brushing teeth? Yes, but don’t swallow it.
How crowded is it? It’s a city of 9 million. Avoid “Golden Week” (Oct 1-7) at all costs.
What’s a “cool” hidden gem? The Yihe Road area—stunning old villas and very quiet.
Is there a zoo? Yes, the Hongshan Forest Zoo is highly praised for its conservation efforts.
Can I see the Milky Way? No, light pollution is too high.
What is the most famous souvenir? Nanjing Brocade (Yunjin)—it’s incredibly intricate.
Are there hot springs? Yes, Tangshan (East of the city) is one of China’s most famous hot spring resorts.
Is it okay to take photos of people? Usually yes, but always ask or gesture first.
What is the tallest building? The Zifeng Tower.
Is there a high-speed train to the airport? No, but there is a very fast Metro Line (S1).
How early should I get to the station? At least 45–60 minutes for security and ticket checks.
Can I use the local bus? Yes, they are 2 RMB, but the metro is easier to navigate.
Where can I find a pharmacy? Look for the green cross signs.
Is Nanjing expensive? It’s cheaper than Shanghai/Beijing but more expensive than rural China.
Will I regret going? Almost every Reddit thread ends with: “I wish I stayed longer.”