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Night Attractions
Top 20 Night Attractions in Nanjing [2025]
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Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone
4.7
/5
26381 reviews
8.7
From £15.03
Based on 52 reviews
Niushou Mountain/Ginkgo Lake Park | 15.7 km from downtown
Phone +864001656363
Address: No. 18 Ningdan Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.1 of Best Things to Do in Nanjing
Saved by 1757 users21367 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Buddha's Head Palace is magnificent, with exquisite Buddha statues inside. The overall scenery is beautiful and photogenic. Air conditioning is also available, providing a pleasant coolness. However, the main areas to visit are the Buddha's Head Palace and the Buddha's Head Pagoda. The interior of the Buddha's Head Pagoda is quite small, and you need to climb a narrow staircase to reach the top floor.
The main attractions are the Buddha's Head Pagoda and the Buddha's Head Palace.
The Buddha's Head Palace has one floor above ground and six floors underground. The sixth floor below ground isn't open yet, and the second and third floors below ground aren't fully finished, so the main attractions are the first floor above ground and the fourth and fifth floors below ground. The fourth and fifth floors below ground are quite spectacular.
The Buddha's Head Pagoda has seven floors, with very narrow steps. There's nothing much to see on all seven floors, so you just have to climb the stairs.
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Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area
4.7
/5
7031 reviews
7.6
Confucius Temple/Qinhuai River Scenic Area | 2.4 km from downtown
Phone +8602552209788
Address: No. 53, Gongyuan West Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Qinhuai Lantern Festival in February
Night cruise & historical tales
Saved by 1306 users4703 positive reviews
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The Qinhuai River scenery belt of Confucius Temple is really worth visiting! This is the historical and cultural treasure of Nanjing, with a deep cultural heritage. Confucius Temple and Jiangnan Gongyuan are all witnessing the glory of the past. Walking along the Qinhuai River, the Ming and Qing styles of architecture are simple and charming, which can make you feel the unique style of old Nanjing. It is even more beautiful at night. The lights are on at the beginning, the river is sparkling, and the paintings are shuttled in the river. The atmosphere of "Nightbo Qinhuai Near Restaurant" is directly full. Tired of shopping, there are various Nanjing specialty snacks on the street, such as duck blood vermicelli soup, plum cake, the taste is authentic, the price is OK. Whether it is to feel the history and culture, or to relax and taste food, this place will not disappoint you. It can be said to be a must-visit place for Nanjing tourism!
The Qinhuai River Scenic Area is a place I have longed for. It carries the former prosperity of Nanjing and witnesses the rise and fall of Nanjing and the dynasties. After all, Nanjing is the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties and was once a prosperous representative of Jiangnan. The Qinhuai River painted boat cruise along the Qinhuai River is more beautiful at night than during the day. There are crowds of people and an endless stream. It is worth the ticket price!
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Grand Baoen Temple Heritage and Scenic Area
4.7
/5
8246 reviews
7.5
From £9.02
Confucius Temple/Qinhuai River Scenic Area | 3.6 km from downtown
Phone +8602552009999
Address: No. 1 Yuhua Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
Dazzling night light show at Liu Li Pagoda
Taste local snacks from Bao'en Food Court
Saved by 748 users6282 positive reviews
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The ruins of Da Baoen Temple are well worth a visit. They're beautifully decorated, and the crystal Buddha head that impressed me most was truly stunning!
This temple was destroyed during the war, and while some parts haven't been restored, and the pagoda isn't exactly the same as it was, the new one is still beautiful!
From the top floor of Da Baoen Temple, you can gaze down at the entire city of Nanjing. At night, I went to Zhonghua Gate to see the Da Baoen Temple illuminated. It was truly beautiful! I was amazed at the beauty of our motherland!
Everything was good, except for the high ticket prices and the short performance! The so-called lantern lighting ceremony was also photographed from a distance by those queuing outside without tickets. Traffic at the entrance was extremely congested, making it difficult to get a taxi after the tour.
No.
4
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Jiming Temple
4.4
/5
1692 reviews
7.0
Based on 285 reviews
Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area/Jiming Temple | 2.4 km from downtown
Phone +8602557715595
Address: No. 1, Jimingsi Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.9 of Best Things to Do in Nanjing
Saved by 443 users646 positive reviews
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Nanjing Jiming Temple is located on Jilong Mountain by Xuanwu Lake. You can pray, check in, enjoy the scenery, and try out delicious food. It is said to be very popular. Going up the steps of Jiming Temple, you can see the beautiful scenery of the entire city of Nanjing and feel the cultural charm and historical heritage of the ancient capital. You can take photos of Jiming Temple and Zifeng Tower in the same frame in many places. One is ancient and the other is modern, and history intersects, spanning time and space. It is really shocking.
-Profound heritage: It was built in the first year of Yongkang in the Western Jin Dynasty, with a history of more than 1,700 years. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples and royal temples in Nanjing. It is known as the "First Temple of the Southern Dynasties" and the "First of the 480 Temples of the Southern Dynasties", and has witnessed many historical changes and cultural heritage.
-Cultural fusion: The architecture, religious rituals, and cultural activities in the temple integrate a variety of cultural elements, such as Han and Tibetan cloisonné craftsmanship, which reflects the exchange and integration of different cultures.
No.
5
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Nanjing City Wall
4.6
/5
1592 reviews
6.9
From £4.88
Based on 481 reviews
Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area/Jiming Temple | 2.8 km from downtown
Phone +8602586625435
Address: Lanqi Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Nanjing snacks at Laomendong
Illuminated city wall with traditional Chinese lanterns
Saved by 775 users1099 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I climbed the city wall twice at Jiefang Gate. Twelve years ago, there weren't as many tourists as there are now. There were plenty of wild vegetables growing on the ground along the wall toward Taiping Gate, and locals came to pick them. Much of the writing on the bricks is still very clear. Today, the renovations are more regular, and the lighting is more ornate than it was back then, but the historical weight has diminished.
Nanjing Wall is one of the largest and most complete ancient city walls in China and is also a world cultural heritage (as an important part of the "China Ming and Qing City Walls" project). Here is a detailed introduction to Nanjing Walls 1. Historical background - **Construction time**: Founded in 1366 (Yuan to Zheng 26 years), 28 years, in 1393 (Ming Hongwu 26 years) basically completed. - **Construction purpose**: Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanxu to consolidate the defense of the capital, Nanjing as the Beijing division (after Ming Chengzu moved to Beijing, Nanjing as the capital of the stay). - **Historical status**: Nanjing City Wall is the core project of the capital construction in the early Ming Dynasty, reflecting the superb skills of ancient Chinese military defense and urban planning. 2. Building characteristics - **Scale**: the original city wall is about 35.3 kilometers long, and the existing 25.1 kilometers. The wall is14-26 meters high, the top width 4-14 meters, and the base width 10-20 meters. Materials**: Granite or limestone-based, walls are made of specially made city bricks, bricks burned by 152 prefectures in 5 provinces in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, engraved with the names of craftsmen and officials (responsibility traceability system). -**Structure**: -**City Gate**: The original 13 city gates, existing Jubaomen (China Gate), Qingliang Gate, Xuanwu Gate, etc. China Gate is the largest city, composed of four city gates and Tibetan soldiers' caves. - **Moat**: Relying on the combination of natural water systems (such as Qinhuai River and Xuanwu Lake) and artificial excavation, forming a three-dimensional defense system. 3. Important paragraphs and attractions**- **China Menyu City**: China's largest city, with 27 Tibetan caves, can host 3,000 troops. - **Taicheng Section**: Adjacent to Xuanwu Lake, it is a great location to enjoy the landscape of the "Landscape City Forest". - **Jiefangmen to Taipingmen Section**: overlooking Jiming Temple and Zijin Mountain. - **Shenzemen (Peace Gate)**: The city gate that preserves the original style of the Ming Dynasty. *4. Cultural Value**-**World Heritage**: In 2012, Nanjing City Wall (partial paragraphs) was included in the Preparation List of China's World Heritage Sites as an extension of the "China Ming and Qing City Walls". - **Architectural art**: Combined with military, feng shui, architectural aesthetics, representing the peak of ancient China's city building technology. - **Historical memory**: The brick text of the city wall records the household registration and craftsman system of the Ming Dynasty, and is a "living archive" for the study of Ming history. 5. Protection and utilization**-**Protection measures**: 1956 was listed as a cultural relics protection unit in Jiangsu Province, and in 1988 was upgraded to a key cultural relics protection unit in the country. In recent years, protection has been strengthened through repairs and digital monitoring. - **Open tour**: Most paragraphs have been opened as parks, such as: - **Nanjing City Wall Museum** (near China Gate): Display of city wall history and cultural relics. - **Night tour project**: Ministry
No.
6
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Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area
4.7
/5
6830 reviews
6.6
Based on 684 reviews
Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area/Jiming Temple | 3.5 km from downtown
Phone +8602558869797
Address: No. 1 Xuanwu Lane, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Nanjing
Highlights:
Light & music fountain(nightly) | Stunning sunset
Royal-garden lake(historical sites) | Boat rowing
Saved by 583 users2685 positive reviews
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This place has a long history and rich cultural heritage. It is very popular. There is also a dating market under the city wall, but it is more crowded with elderly people. It is suitable for everyone. It is a must-visit historical, cultural, leisure and entertainment venue in Nanjing. It is free and comprehensive.
Upon arriving at Xuanwu Lake, I was captivated by the scenery. The water shimmered in the sunlight, like a giant blue gem. The weeping willows by the lake swayed in the breeze, their soft branches gently brushing the water, creating ripples. Several pleasure boats slowly glided across the lake, their passengers laughing and enjoying a leisurely time.
Wandering along the lakeside path, I came across a variety of flowers. Some were in bud, like shy little girls, while others were already in full bloom, beaming with smiles and emitting a delicate fragrance, attracting bees and butterflies to flit among the blossoms.
What I remember most was the lotus pond at Xuanwu Lake. Many of the lotus flowers had already bloomed, some with their petals fully unfolded, revealing tender yellow pods; others were still buds, seemingly swollen and about to burst. The lotus leaves were packed together, like large, emerald green discs, their water droplets rolling and glittering.
The beauty of Xuanwu Lake is so innumerable that I can't help but linger. This trip made me feel the beauty of nature and made me love our city even more.
No.
7
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Yuejiang Tower
4.7
/5
5031 reviews
6.6
From £3.63
Based on 72 reviews
Hexi/Golden Eagle World/Wanda Plaza | 6.7 km from downtown
Phone +8602558590298
Address: No.202,Jianning Road, Xiaguan District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
No.11 of Best Things to Do in Nanjing
Saved by 327 users2535 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Nanjing's Yuejiang Tower, located atop Lion Mountain on the south bank of the Yangtze River, is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Construction began in 1374, and it became famous for Zhu Yuanzhang's "Yuejiang Tower Record." It opened in 2001. Standing 52 meters tall, it boasts seven floors, four exterior floors and three underground. It exudes a distinctly Ming Dynasty imperial style and offers stunning views of the Yangtze River and Jinling. It's a must-see for not only a deeper understanding of history but also panoramic views of Nanjing!
Lazy route: Enter from the south gate, admire the stone lions along the way, go up to the building to visit the "Yuejiang Tower Record" pavilion and the Ming Dynasty emperors, go downstairs to visit the back garden, and finally exit the scenic area from the east gate.
In-depth tour route: Enter from the south gate, see the bronze relief of "Shiling Xiongguan" and the Shizishan Yuejiang Tower tripod, take the elevator to the mountainside after ticket inspection and then go upstairs. See Zhu Yuanzhang's dragon throne and Kangxi's golden plaque on the first floor, see the portraits of Ming Dynasty emperors on the second floor, see the giant porcelain painting of Zheng He's voyages to the West on the third floor, rest on the fourth and fifth floors, go downstairs to visit the white marble stele, ancient artillery, etc., and exit the scenic area from the east gate.
No.
8
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Nanjing Happy Valley
4.5
/5
1734 reviews
6.5
From £19.39
Xingang Development Zone | 24.2 km from downtown
Phone +8602583091666
Address: 江苏省南京市栖霞区经济技术开发区欢乐谷北路8号
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.8 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Nanjing
Saved by 282 users1521 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Although it rained when I went there in the morning, it cleared up later. I played a few projects, but they were too exciting and I didn’t dare to play more. My body couldn’t handle it. The scenic area is very large and it’s a bit tiring to walk. Overall, it’s still very good and worth a visit.
We went during the off-season, and were able to ride both the rapids and the large roller coaster twice, with minimal lines. The downside is that there aren't many activities, as they might be undergoing maintenance. There's a lot to see. I didn't stay until dark, so I'm not sure if there are any nighttime activities.
No.
9
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The Garden Expo Park
4.4
/5
1059 reviews
6.4
Tangshan Hot Spring Resort | 21.8 km from downtown
Phone +8602552766789
Address: 江苏省南京市江宁区汤山街道圣湖路8号
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.11 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Nanjing
Saved by 169 users887 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Jiangsu Garden Expo Park is a dance of time and craftsmanship. A former mining pit has been transformed into a cliffside garden, with a glass plank walkway suspended at the edge. Beneath the emerald waters, above, lush greenery graces the landscape. Thirteen urban gardens, each showcasing its own unique charm, showcase Su-style pavilions and Hui-style black tiles. Cherry blossoms scatter along the path in spring, and the fragrance of osmanthus permeates the garden in autumn. Step through the charm of Jiangnan, and gaze through the emotions of the past and present.
The overall environment and design style of the hotel are good. You can also take a hot spring bath in the courtyard, which makes people feel quiet and relaxed. The staff are very professional, especially Miss Yana, who is super nice and helps us properly handle related issues.
No.
10
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The Legend of Yangtze RIver of Nanjing
4.8
/5
1220 reviews
6.3
From £2.07
Nanjing Railway Station/Hongshan Forest Zoo | 9.5 km from downtown
Phone +8602586551688
Address: No. 18 Yongji Avenue, Gulou District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
No.12 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
Sunshine bar: drinks & snacks
Yangtze River night views & overlook landmarks
Saved by 172 users1175 positive reviews
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Before boarding, let your child preview the second-grade text "Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge"!
Choose a seat on the open-air deck on the 3rd floor, and watch the train and car passing through the bridge hole in parallel. It's super shocking🚢.
There is a bridge science exhibition in the cabin, and collecting stamps for postcards is super rewarding~
Nice trip, not too much to see except the Yangtze River Bridge. A pleasant cruise lasting about two hours. Snacks and tea are extra to the booking fee. On the 3rd deck it was pretty much first come first served for a table. If you don’t take a table they won’t allow you to sit down at any that are vacant.
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