Nanjing / 南京
Self-guided travel guide
Build a self-guided Nanjing break around historic walls, temples, and wooded hills. Leave time for neighborhood walks between the landmarks.
City overview · Reference-based AI imagery
Discover Nanjing
Nanjing history
Nanjing served as a capital during several periods of Chinese history, including the early Ming dynasty and the Republic of China. Surviving city walls, former government buildings, and museums help connect these different chapters.
Culture and everyday life in Nanjing
Qinhuai River traditions, temple visits, and tree-lined streets give Nanjing a character that mixes history with daily life. Explore the riverfront for a lively evening, or head toward the wooded hills for a quieter change of pace.
Nanjing food: what to eat
Salted duck is a signature dish, valued for its delicate flavor rather than a rich sauce. Duck-blood vermicelli soup and small steamed buns are other familiar choices; local snack shops make it easy to try a few different tastes.
Things to see in Nanjing
The Ming City Wall and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum are defining landmarks, with very different urban and hillside settings. The Qinhuai River area suits an evening stroll, while Qixia Temple is particularly associated with autumn foliage.
Getting around Nanjing independently
Group nearby sights together. Qixia Mountain lies away from the central city, so allow a separate outing.
Plan your stay in Nanjing
Plan a self-guided stay with nearby sights grouped into relaxed daily routes, budget estimates in US dollars, Chinese address and ordering cards, and booking guidance. Your itinerary comes as an interactive HTML page and a print-friendly A4 PDF.
Plan your self-guided tripThis is a general city introduction. Opening hours, prices and booking rules should be checked before travel.