Travel
Nanjing travel notes
From Shanghai by high-speed train in about 1-2 hours.
Overview
What this city feels like
Nanjing is a strong history-focused trip from Shanghai, with major museums, Ming city walls, tree-lined avenues, republican-era architecture, lakes, temples, and a deeper political and cultural past than a short visit can fully cover.
Why visit
The strongest reasons to go
The city has layers of Chinese history, from Ming imperial sites to republican-era landmarks and modern memorials.
Its city walls, lakes, and mountain areas make sightseeing feel spacious rather than only urban.
It is close enough to Shanghai for a quick trip but substantial enough to reward two or three days.
How to get there
Arrival notes
- High-speed trains from Shanghai reach Nanjing South or Nanjing Station, with Nanjing South handling many fast services.
- The metro is useful for major areas, though some sights around Purple Mountain are easier by taxi or ride-hailing.
- Distances can be larger than they look on a map, so group sights by area rather than crossing the city repeatedly.
Things to do
A focused route, not a checklist
- 1Visit the Nanjing Museum for a broad, high-quality introduction to the region's history and culture.
- 2Walk a section of the Ming City Wall, especially around Zhonghua Gate or Xuanwu Lake.
- 3Explore the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and nearby Purple Mountain sights if you have time for a larger scenic area.
- 4Spend an evening around the Qinhuai River and Confucius Temple area, then branch into quieter side streets.
Difficulty
Foreigner difficulty
The rating is practical, not dramatic: how much friction a first-time English-speaking visitor may feel on the ground.
Language
Major sights are clear enough, but English is limited in local food areas.
Transport
Good high-speed rail and metro coverage, with taxis useful for hill and wall areas.
Food ordering
Snack shops may move fast, but signature dishes are easy to identify.
Payment
Mobile payment is widely used; carry backup cash for small vendors.
Crowds
Museums, Qinhuai River, and Purple Mountain sights can be busy on holidays.