Nanjing served as the capital of China for six dynasties, and was the seat of the early Republic of China — which gives the city a startling number of overlapping historical layers. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Ming Dynasty city wall are both UNESCO-recognized, while the Memorial Hall for the Nanjing Massacre is a place everyone should visit once to face the historical truth. A single day in Nanjing is nowhere near enough — set aside at least 2-3 days.
#1 Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum · Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
The mausoleum of the founding father of the Republic of China sits on the slopes of Purple Mountain across 133 hectares. Visitors have to climb 392 steps to reach the main hall, with views of pine forest and the city of Nanjing the whole way up. The architecture blends traditional Chinese and modern styles seamlessly, and it ranks as a site of national importance that every Chinese person comes to see at least once.
- Arrive early before 9.00 a.m. to avoid the crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you climb up and down 392 steps
- You can combine it with the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum on the same day, as they sit close together
#2 Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum · Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The tomb of the first Ming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, was built in the 14th century and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The highlight is the 'Sacred Way', a 1-kilometre path lined with large stone statues of mythical animals and court officials, reflecting the peak of stone carving in the early Ming Dynasty.
- Visit early to avoid the large tour groups that usually arrive in the afternoon
- It's very easy to walk back from the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum — about 20 minutes on foot
- Bring water, as the grounds are quite large
#3 Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) and Qinhuai River · Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) and Qinhuai River
The Confucius Temple is one of the four greatest Confucian temples in China, set along the Qinhuai River, 'the mother river of Nanjing'. This area was a rich district of culture and entertainment for thousands of years, and it's still full of old-style sweet shops, souvenir markets and food tables. You can take a boat to see the river at night, which makes for a memorable experience.
- Take an evening boat ride to see the night lights reflected on the water
- Try the local sweets, the 'Eight Delicacies of Jinling', in the streets around the temple
- During the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao), the atmosphere is especially good
#4 Nanjing City Wall and Zhonghua Gate · Nanjing City Wall and Zhonghua Gate
The Nanjing city wall was built by the first Ming emperor in the 14th century, with more than 200,000 labourers working over 21 years. With an original circumference of 35 kilometres, it is the longest circular city wall in the world. Zhonghua Gate to the south is a huge fortress with a four-tiered defence system, and it remains in excellent condition.
- You can walk up onto the wall at several points; the views of Xuanwu Lake from the northern section are stunning
- Zhonghua Gate has hidden tunnels and storage rooms you can explore
- Buying a combined wall + Zhonghua Gate ticket is cheaper than buying them separately
#5 Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan) · Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan)
Purple Mountain, or 'the purple-gold mountain', stands 448 metres tall and is the green lung of Nanjing, gathering several major historical sites in one place — the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the ancient astronomical observatory, and lush pine forest. It suits both light hiking and history sightseeing in a single trip.
- Use the park shuttle to save energy between the different sites
- The ancient observatory (Nanjing Observatory) is worth a stop too
- Renting an electric bike is a very comfortable way to take in the surroundings
#6 Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre · Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre
This memorial was built to remember those killed in the Nanjing Massacre in December 1937, in which China estimates more than 300,000 people died. The site sits on ground where an actual mass grave was found, and it presents an in-depth exhibition with displayed objects and powerful historical evidence.
- Free entry, but you must book a ticket online in advance
- Prepare yourself beforehand — the exhibition is deeply moving
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to walk through it fully
#7 Presidential Palace · Presidential Palace
The most important historical site of the Republic of China era. Sun Yat-sen was sworn in as provisional president here in 1912, and it later served as the seat of the Kuomintang government until 1949. Today it is open as a museum of modern Chinese history, with gardens, offices and exhibitions that reflect pivotal moments for the nation.
- Reading up on the Republic of China period before you come will make the visit more understandable and enjoyable
- The inner gardens are lovely and great for photos
- Allow about 2 hours to see it all
#8 Xuanwu Lake · Xuanwu Lake
Xuanwu Lake has 368 hectares of water right in the city centre, and it's the spot the people of Nanjing love most for relaxing. You can stroll, cycle, take a boat, or simply sit and watch the Ming city wall rising along the shore. The setting is calm and easygoing, unlike the other historical sites, and it's perfect for unwinding after a day of heavy walking.
- Rent a bike and ride a loop around the lake — it takes about 1 hour
- The best photo angle is the side that frames the city wall in the background
- Free entry and always open, ideal for early-morning exercise or sunset
Where to stay in Nanjing for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Nanjing — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Jinling Hotel Nanjing
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Central Hotel Nanjing
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voco Nanjing Oriental Pearl
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Novotel Nanjing Central Suning
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Tours, tickets & activities in Nanjing
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Before You Pack
Nanjing offers the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty, the sorrow of modern history, and the liveliness of riverside culture along the Qinhuai. Whether your interest is history or architecture, this city won't disappoint.