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Nanjing · 南京

Nanjing Travel Guide

Imperial tombs, cherry blossoms, and Qinhuai River nights

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History & cultureFamily-friendlyFirst-time friendly

Overview

What it is

Nanjing was capital of China six times.

How to plan

The Ming Xiaoling tomb, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Confucius Temple on the Qinhuai River are the highlights. Cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple in March are viral.

When to go

Best time: March (cherry blossoms), October–November. Climate: Four seasons — hot summers, cold winters.

Best for

Best for first-time China travelers who want sights, food, and bookable experiences sequenced into one workable Nanjing trip.

Practical

Best timeMarch (cherry blossoms), October–November
ClimateFour seasons — hot summers, cold winters
BasicsUTC+8 · CNY (¥) · Mandarin
Sights5
Food4
Experiences1

Tips

Getting around

Metro (12 lines) covers all attractions.

Navigation

Didi cheap.

Pay

Metro, stalls, and rides mostly take Alipay or WeChat. Set up Alipay with a foreign card before you land.

Show this

Show the Chinese name “南京” to drivers and staff. It beats a long English explanation.

Location & how to go

Nanjing, China

MetroMetro (12 lines) covers all attractions. Didi cheap. High-speed rail to Shanghai (1h), Suzhou (1h), Hangzhou (1.5h).
BusCity buses serve the area, but routes change. Use Amap/Baidu for the live stop and last bus near Nanjing.
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “南京” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.

Experiences in this city

Bookable local experiences — add to trip or ask an advisor to confirm a slot.

Top sights

Tickets, duration, and transport notes — ready for your trip cart.

Local food

Nanjing hotels, transfers & popular bookings

Book tickets, transfers, and popular tours via partners first — then request deeper local experiences through ChinaPie.

Book Nanjing hotels →Partner link — same price for youBook airport transfer →Book train tickets →

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. ChinaPie may earn a commission on eligible bookings at no extra cost to you.

Prices shown are planning references only. Actual rates fluctuate with season, holidays, demand, and partner promotions — the price at checkout on the booking site is authoritative.

Nanjing travel FAQs

Is Nanjing safe for tourists?

Yes for typical tourist areas. Keep phones and bags secure on metro and in crowded night spots; use licensed taxis or Didi.

Do I need a visa to visit Nanjing?

Depends on your passport. Check ChinaPie Plan & Prep → Visa for 30-day visa-free and 240-hour transit options before booking.

Can I use Alipay in Nanjing?

Yes—foreigners can set up Alipay with passport + international card. See /prep/alipay-setup for the step-by-step guide.

When is cherry blossom season in Nanjing?

Late March (around March 20–31) is peak at Jiming Temple. The 400m cherry blossom avenue draws massive crowds. Go at 6am for photos. Jiming Temple itself opens at 7am.

Which countries are visa-free for China in 2026?

China offers unilateral visa-free entry to 40+ countries including France, Germany, UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, and more. Stay: up to 30 days. IMPORTANT: US passport holders are NOT on the unilateral visa-free list and need a visa. Check latest list at China Immigration official site before travel.

Do US citizens need a visa for China?

Yes. US passport holders need a visa to enter mainland China. The 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa (L visa) is common: $185 fee, processing 3-5 business days. You can also use the 240-hour transit visa-free if transiting to a third country. Apply at Chinese embassy/consulate or via authorized visa agencies. Many travel blogs incorrectly say US is visa-free — this is false.

Can I use my foreign credit card in China?

Major hotels, international restaurants, and large malls accept Visa/Mastercard. But most small shops, street food, taxis, and local experiences only accept Alipay or WeChat Pay. Link your foreign card to Alipay (Tour Card) for daily use. Carry some cash (¥500-1000) as backup.

Is China safe for foreign tourists?

China is consistently ranked among the safest countries for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. Common issues: pickpocketing in crowded areas (train stations, metro), taxi scams at airports, and fake goods at markets. Normal precautions apply: keep valuables secure, use licensed taxis/Didi, don't accept unsolicited tours. Women traveling solo generally feel very safe even at night.

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