8 things you can only to in Nanjing, China

The capital of six dynasties and a cradle of culture, Nanjing has long held a significant place in Chinese history. But while you could easily spend a weekend touring the city’s classic landmarks like the Presidential Palace or Confucius Temple, it’s not just historical prestige that draws visitors today. From charming city walls to trendy cafés and scenic walking trails, Nanjing has something to offer every type of traveller. To truly experience the city’s depth, here are eight uniquely Nanjing experiences to get you started.

Snack your way through China’s “duck capital”

Salted duck, roast duck, duck oil-fried rice, duck blood vermicelli… it’s no wonder Nanjing’s unofficial slogan is “No duck can fly out of Nanjing.” Head to the Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) area and you’ll find no shortage of restaurants offering their takes on the classics. Nanjing Impressions (3 Jiankang Road) is a favourite among visitors for its nostalgic décor and extensive menu of duck dishes. Queues can be long though, so plan accordingly. After your meal, stroll around the Qinhuai River to pick up souvenirs (or take a few duck snacks back home). 

Stroll the world’s largest surviving city wall

Built during the Ming dynasty, Nanjing’s 600-year-old city wall is the largest and best-preserved in the Chinese Mainland – look closely and you’ll spot bricks engraved with ancient Chinese characters. Initially stretching 35km, around 25km remain intact today, with several sections easily accessible from major city attractions. The stretch near Xuanwu Lake and Jiming Temple is a highlight, offering panoramic views from heights of up to 20 metres. Around sunset, the lakeside promenade comes alive, making it the perfect spot to people-watch and soak up Nanjing’s cultural charm. 

Climb through centuries of Chinese history in one place

Where else can you visit the tomb of a Ming dynasty emperor and the mausoleum of a modern history-maker in a single morning? Purple Mountain National Park is a forested expanse in eastern Nanjing that links two of the city’s most significant sites: the Ming Xiaoling Tomb, the resting place of Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, guarded by stone statues; and Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, reached by a grand stairway of 392 steps. Each site recollects a distinct chapter of Chinese history. The park gets crowded on weekends, so be sure to arrive early to beat the rush.

Immerse yourself in China’s scholarly past (and present) 

Once regarded as the educational centre of ancient China, and home to several top universities today, Nanjing honours its scholarly legacy with a standout museum scene. Highlights include the Jiangnan Examination Hall (now the Nanjing Imperial Examination Museum), where imperial hopefuls once sat for gruelling civil service exams. History aficionados can also hop between major institutions, such as the Nanjing Museum , which features rich collections of calligraphy, ceramics and classic literature. 

Visit a garden of repurposed factories

In the city’s northeast, Nanjing Garden Expo Park transforms a former quarry and industrial site into an Instagrammable lifestyle hub. Here, you’ll be able to wander around cafés, food tents and factory buildings which are now home to contemporary art exhibits and other innovative design spaces. Don't miss the Coca-Cola Experience Museum for a quirky photo op, or enjoy a picnic on the spacious open lawns.

Hit the books in China’s “Capital of Literature”

As a Unesco City of Literature, Nanjing is a book lover’s dream. The original branch of Librairie Avant-Garde (先锋书店), often dubbed the most beautiful bookshop in the Chinese Mainland, has been a premier cultural attraction since opening in a former bomb shelter on Guangzhou Road in 2004. Just steps from Nanjing University, this industrial-chic bookshop is affectionately known as “the second library of Nanjing University”. Photography is permitted but limited, creating a distraction-free reading haven. 

Unwind at a celebrated natural hot spring

After a few days spent exploring Nanjing’s must-see sights, there’s no better way to relax than soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Tangshan. Just a short drive from the city, this popular geothermal area has drawn hot spring enthusiasts for over 1,500 years. Today, it boasts numerous hot spring resorts catering to families, casual visitors and luxe travellers – all set against a scenic mountain backdrop, making it the ultimate day-trip escape.

Explore an underground Buddhist palace

Located south of the city, Niushoushan Cultural Park blends ancient heritage with futuristic design. Carved six storeys deep into the side of a mountain, the massive Usnisa Palace houses sacred Buddhist relics, hundreds of statues and immersive exhibits spread across vast, cathedral-like halls. With a striking blend of traditional carvings and bold, modern architecture, this shrine offers a spiritual experience unlike anything else in the Chinese Mainland.