Nanjing Tours

Nanjing Travel FAQs

• 1. What is Nanjing known for?  

  Nanjing is a city where ancient legacies and modern advancements harmonize beautifully. Serving as the capital of several Chinese dynasties since 229 AD, it boasts numerous historical sites, such as the UNESCO-listed Ming Xiaoling Tomb. During 1927 – 1948, as the capital of the Republic of China, it witnessed significant events, including the tragic Nanjing Massacre. Today, a stroll through the city will reveal countless cultural heritages that highlight its pivotal roles in Chinese history and literature.

• 2. How do I get to Nanjing?  

  Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing has been a key transportation hub since ancient times. Today, modern infrastructure makes it even more easily accessible. 
  By plane: Lukou International Airport (NKG) offers international flights to destinations like Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Los Angeles, Finland, Germany, and Australia.
  Domestic flights connect Nanjing with major Chinese cities, including Beijing (2 hours), Xi'an (2 hours), Hong Kong (2.5 hours), and Chengdu (3 hours).
  By train: Nanjing is a high-speed rail hub. Intercity trains connect it to Yangtze region cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou in about 1 hour. High-speed rail also links Nanjing to Beijing (4 hours), Xi'an (5.5 hours) and Huangshan (3 hours).
  By car: Driving from nearby cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Huangshan takes around 4 hours.

• 3. Can I visit Nanjing without a visa?  

  Yes, Nanjing participates in the new-released 240-hour visa-free transit policy, along with other cities in Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, and Shanghai. This jointly implemented policy allows travelers from eligible countries can enter via designated airports, including Nanjing Lukou International Airport and stay up to ten days without a visa.
  Check with the Chinese Embassy or consulate in your country for eligibility and documentation requirements.

• 4. What are the best times to visit Nanjing?  

  Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are the best seasons to visit Nanjing. In Spring, ancient city walls, temples, lakes, and imperial tombs are adorned with lush, colorful blossoms, while autumn transforms the city with stunning foliage at every turn. 
  For a unique seasonal experience, explore our Cherry Blossom & Autumn Routes and contact our expert travel consultants for more details.

• 5. What are the top things to do in Nanjing?  

  Nanjing's landscape seamlessly combines natural beauty with cultural depth. Based on recommendations, the top-10 destinations are:
  1. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: A 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring its sacred way lined with antique statues, cloaked in towering trees. 
  2. Sun Yat-Sen's Mausoleum: Majestic architecture honoring the "Father of Modern China" and offering commanding views of surrounding mountains and forests.
  3. Zhonghua Gate: A crucial component of Nanjing's 650-year-old City Wall, known for its four-layered defense system. 
  4. The Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River Scenic Area: Once a hub for ancient scholars, now showcasing Nanjing's elegant Jiangnan charm.  
  5. Taicheng: A scenic City Wall section offering sweeping views of the ancient fortification, picturesque lakes, modern skyscrapers, and historic pagoda and temples.   
  6. Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall:  A somber site educating visitors the horrors of war and promoting peace. 
  7. Qixia Temple: A Buddhist site boasting a thousand-year-old stupa, cliff grottoes, and stunning foliage in autumn.
  8. The President Palace and the National Government Chairman Residence: windows offering a glimpse into the republic of China era.
  9. Nanjing Museum: A prestigious national museum offering extensive historical collections. In case it's not available, the Six Dynasties Museum highlighting Nanjing's rise from the Three Kingdoms period (A.D. 220–280) to the 6th century. 
  10. Niushoushan Buddhism Theme Park: Housing the world's only parietal relic of Buddha (the skull bone of Shakyamuni), visitors here are awed by the magnificent domes, sculptures, frescoes, and artistic lighting of its Foding Palace.

• 6. Are there any local events or festivals I can partake in in Nanjing?  

  Qinhuai International Lantern Festival: Held in February/March, with vibrant lanterns illuminating the Confucius Temple area.
  Nanjing International Plum Blossom Festival: Late February to March, celebrating the city's flower on Purple Mountain.
  Dragon Boat Festival: In June at Mochou Lake Park, featuring boat races and traditional rice dumplings.
  Rain Flower Stone Festival: With striking patterns and swirls of color, rain flower stones are a special Nanjing treasure. Every September, the Festival celebrates this unique sedimentary stone with exhibitions, stone-picking tours and traditional performances.

• 7. How to choose between the Ming Tombs in Nanjing and Beijing?  

  While both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they reflect different aspects of the Ming Dynasty's history:
  Ming Xiaoling Tomb (Nanjing): This is the resting place of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. It is renowned for its serene atmosphere, harmonious integration with nature, and grand architectural design. The tomb is magnificent in spring and autumn, when vibrant flora enhances its tranquil and historic setting. The perfect combination of the natural landscape and the low-key simplicity makes the stroll here more pleasurable and memorable.
  Ming Tombs (Beijing): This tomb complex houses multiple Ming emperors and offers a broader exploration of imperial architecture. Visitors can admire intricately designed structures and descend into the underground palaces for a closer look at burial chambers. It's more favorable for history or architecture buffs.

• 8. How to choose between the West Lake in Hangzhou and the Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing?  

  Both lakes are beautiful but offer distinct experiences:
  West Lake (Hangzhou): A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its poetic landscapes, classical Chinese gardens, and cultural significance. As one of China's iconic destinations, it's a must-visit for those interested in ancient Chinese poems.
  Xuanwu Lake (Nanjing): One of China's largest imperial lakes, it provides a more tranquil, local vibe. Surrounded by historic city walls, the lake features islands, scenic trails, and peaceful spots, Xuanwu Lake offers more dynamic and multi-layered landscapes.

• 9. What sets Nanjing's City Wall apart from Xi'an's City Wall?  

  Nanjing's City Wall: Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is notable for its integration with the natural landscape and vast scale, being more than twice as long as Xi'an's wall. Highlights include panoramic views of Xuanwu Lake and Jiming Temple, making it a unique blend of history and nature.
  Xi'an's City Wall: One of the most well-preserved ancient city walls in China, it features a grand and symmetrical layout. Visitors can walk or bike along the wall and enjoy views of historic architecture and the vibrant city below.
  Both walls offer fascinating insights, with the former focusing on scale and natural harmony while the latter emphasizing preservation and accessibility. In terms of scale, landscape, or historical uniqueness, the Nanjing City Wall is superior.

• 10. Should I visit all of the four ancient capitals of China?  

  China's four great ancient capitals - Beijing, Xi'an, Luoyang, and Nanjing - offer unique historical insights. Your decision depends on what you wish to explore:
  Beijing: Known for imperial landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, Beijing is a must for anyone first to China.
  Xi'an: Famous for the Terracotta Army and its rich legacies from the Han and Tang Dynasties, Xi'an also embraces Muslim culture. It's perfect for those fascinated by Chinese history.
  Nanjing: With sites like the Ming Xiaoling Tomb, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Republic of China's vibrant history, Nanjing presents a blend of historical depth and scenic beauty, with changing seasons that enhance its charm.
  Luoyang: Known for its stunning Buddhist stone grottoes and temples, Luoyang offers a glimpse into Chinese Buddhist art.

• 11. What are the most famous temples in Nanjing?  

  Nanjing is home to several revered temples, each with its own cultural and historical significance:
  Jiming Temple: Established in the 4th century, Jiming Temple is one of the busiest temples in Nanjing. It offers beautiful views of cherry blossoms and nearby lakes, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors.
  Linggu Temple: Completed in the 6th century, Linggu Temple is located within the scenic Purple Mountain. It houses the Buddhist relics of the famous monk Xuanzang, offering a peaceful and historically rich environment.
  Qixia Temple: Known for its status among Buddhist scholars, Qixia Temple is particularly famous for its stunning crimson foliage in autumn, adding to its spiritual and natural appeal.