https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/nanjing/best-things-to-do/100001406731
Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Nanjing [2025]
Table of contents
Show All Photos
Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone
4.7
/5
26377 reviews
8.7
From US$20.28
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 Night Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
The Reclining Buddha statue wall in Usnisa Palace is breathtaking
Breathtaking Buddha statue wall
Saved by 1757 users21363 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.
Show All Photos
Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo
4.6
/5
17818 reviews
8.3
From US$5.60
Nanjing Railway Station/Hongshan Forest Zoo | 5.8 km from downtown
Phone +8602585620178
Address: No.168 Heyan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Featured in 2025 Asia 100 – Family-Friendly Attractions
Highlights:
37 exhibits & diverse animals
Close encounter with Dudu (Monk monkey)
Saved by 516 users12280 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The 40 yuan ticket price is very cost-effective, but it's too hot and tiring. The cultural and creative shops at the North Gate are good to visit, and I can easily spend 300+ yuan hahaha. The long-skinned deer pavilion is currently being relocated and can't be seen. Dudu is nowhere to be found in the forest. The hippopotamus pavilion and wolf pavilion are not recommended. The distance is long and the wolves look lazy, like dogs. The other major pavilions in Fangniu Mountain and Dahongshan are also good.
I took my kids to Hongshan Zoo on a whim. We bought tickets on Ctrip, which was incredibly convenient and quick. We bought and used them right away, and the experience was fantastic! The zoo is so large that we couldn't see it all in five hours. We could only see a few animals that interested us. We'll save the rest for another visit.
Show All Photos
Zhongshan Mountain National Park
4.6
/5
9578 reviews
7.9
Zijin Mountain Scenic Area/Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum Area | 6.2 km from downtown
Phone +8602584437786
Address: No. 7 Shixiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
Unique astronomical observation experience
Overlooking Jongsan (Ropeway)
Saved by 772 users6453 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
🐬 (Tunchang Resignation Version)
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum - Wutong Avenue - Meiling Palace - Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum - Music Platform - Linggu Pagoda
The entire hike took about 30,000 steps, 20 kilometers, and 8.5 hours.
After the hike, I had no interest in humanities and history anymore. I just wanted to go home, shower, and lie down in bed.
The parking lot is too expensive, too expensive, too expensive. They could have just robbed me, but they still made me park for a few hours. However, the music station is very photogenic. There are too many people on Wutong Avenue, so forget it.
No.
4
Show All Photos
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:
Confucius Temple & Academy Complex
Chinese Imperial Examination Museum in Nanjing
Saved by 1306 users4703 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
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!
No.
5
Show All Photos
Grand Baoen Temple Heritage and Scenic Area
4.7
/5
8246 reviews
7.5
From US$12.17
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:
78.2m-high Glass Pagoda
China's second Buddhist temple
Saved by 747 users6282 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
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.
6
Show All Photos
Nanjing Museum
4.6
/5
3393 reviews
7.4
Based on 335 reviews
The Ming Palace and Nanjing Museum Area | 3.9 km from downtown
Phone +8602584807923
Address: No. 321, Zhongshan East Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Featured in 2024 Asia 100 - Family-Friendly Attractions
Highlights:
Nanjing Museum stamp & street view
The Silver Witch Hazel (Treasure-holding)
Saved by 766 users1889 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Is it worth going? Nanjing Museum is definitely worth your special trip to make a half-day! As one of the earliest comprehensive museums created in China, its huge collection system, distinctive special exhibitions and unique cloth exhibition ideas will take you through a journey spanning hundreds of thousands of years. Whether for history lovers or ordinary tourists, this is an indispensable hall for Nanjing. Highlights one by one: the "Treasure of the Town Courtyard" in the historical museum: step into this main exhibition hall, and the long river of time slowly opens. The majesty of the Bronze Age (the bronze of the West Zhou Dynasty is the sage), the magnificent burial ceremony of the Han Dynasty (the silver wisp of the still radiant jade coat), the wind bones of the famous people of the Southern Dynasty (the lifelike "Bamboo Forest Seven Xian and Rong Qiqi Period" molded brick painting)...every treasure is like a star to embellish the long river of Chinese civilization. The art gallery's calligraphy and painting feast: For calligraphy and painting fans, this is a paradise. The authentic paintings and paintings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties on regular displays are breathtaking, and the oriental aesthetics conveyed by delicate brush strokes are still alive in time. Time flow in the Republic of China Pavilion: step into this re-engraved exhibition hall in the Republic of China block and "cross" in an instant. The railway station, post office, foreign banks, old teahouses, and real old objects create a sense of living and fragrant atmosphere. Every shot is a blockbuster of the times, immersed in it to experience the floating light of Jinling's old dreams. The living heritage of non-legacy: the charm of Jiangsu's native non-legacy blooms here. The exquisite Su embroidery, elegant and pleasant purple sand, the gentle singing of Kunqu... You can immerse yourself in the live pulse and life temperature of traditional culture.
The Nanjing Museum, one of China's three major museums, boasts a rich historical heritage. Its "one academy and six museums," each with its own distinct characteristics, boasts a rich and diverse collection of cultural relics covering a wide range of fields. Its unique architectural style blends tradition with modernity. Here, visitors can journey through time and space to experience the charm of history and culture, a vital venue for the inheritance and promotion of Chinese culture.
No.
7
Show All Photos
Nanjing Presidential Palace
4.7
/5
57532 reviews
7.4
Based on 812 reviews
Xinjiekou Area/Presidential Palace | 1.3 km from downtown
Phone +8602584578888
Address: No. 292, Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Classical garden beauty & tranquility
Combines Chinese & Western elements
Saved by 688 users33363 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Presidential Palace, a grand palace, feels like home. The location is excellent. Metro lines 2 and 3 run through the area. The Presidential Palace 1912 is right next to it. The Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake are also nearby. Nanjing is truly stunning.
[Scenery]
The Presidential Palace is where Mr. Sun Yat-sen worked and lived. It is fully functional and a classic attraction that must be visited in Nanjing. It is very suitable for bringing children to learn about history and increase their knowledge. The entire park is relatively large, so it is recommended that you reserve more time to visit it in detail.
No.
8
Show All Photos
The Oriental Metropolitan Museum
4.6
/5
4185 reviews
7.2
From US$3.78
Based on 21 reviews
Xinjiekou Area/Presidential Palace | 1.5 km from downtown
Phone +8602552326032
Address: No. 302, Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.5 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
Designed by Mr. Bei Jianzhong | 4 exhibition halls
Archaeological excavation activities
Saved by 214 users3068 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
🐬 (Tuchang Resignation Version)
The exhibition hall is divided into four floors.
On the first floor, after entering and passing security, there's free luggage storage on the right-hand side before ticket check. After entering and exiting, the ticket checker let me in. 👍
-1F is a rammed earth building.
The 1F is the Dalí exhibition, very thoughtfully arranged, and I really like Dalí's works.
The 2F features porcelain from the Six Dynasties period, similar to those exhibited at the Jingdezhen Museum and the Taiyuan Northern Qi Museum. The exhibits are largely familiar to everyone I've seen.
The 3F is mostly filled with calligraphy, which is a bit of a rip-off.
Overall, it doesn't feel worth the 30 yuan.
It's worth a visit. It's hard to make an appointment at the NMB, but it's easy here. Especially the free guided tours, which explain each floor in detail. It's definitely worth a visit! Highly recommended. Be sure to listen to the guides and take your time to explore! I won't accept any negative reviews from those who just rushed through. The exhibits may not be as valuable as those in other large museums, but who cares? History isn't just about value; the lives of ordinary people are also worth celebrating.
No.
9
Show All Photos
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.4 of Night Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
Cherry blossoms & lotus views
Filming site of Legend & White Snake
Saved by 443 users646 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
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.
10
Show All Photos
Qixia Mountain Scenic Area
4.7
/5
5737 reviews
7.0
From US$6.72
Based on 73 reviews
Xingang Development Zone | 21.4 km from downtown
Phone +8602585766979
Address: No.88 Qixia Street, Qixia District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Fall Viewing Attractions
Highlights:
Famous for maple views (Autumn)
Birthplace of Sanlun Sect of Buddhism
Saved by 351 users4536 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Qixia Mountain's vibrant red maple leaves attract crowds every November and December. It's a truly remarkable place, worthy of being one of Nanjing's signature attractions. It's a great choice for family outings or for burning incense and praying for blessings.
Key Features and Attractions
1. Qixia Temple
- One of the "Four Great Monasteries" of Buddhism, it was first built during the Southern Qi Dynasty. The temple's stupa is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. Participate in morning prayers and enjoy a vegetarian meal.
2. Thousand Buddha Rock
- A complex of Southern Dynasties grotto sculptures, boasting 294 existing niches and 515 statues, it is known as the "Yungang of Jiangnan."
3. Red Leaf Valley and Maple Ridge
- Autumn (November) is the best time to view the red leaves, while the lush greenery in summer makes for a great hike to escape the heat.
4. Longtan Lake and Peach Blossom Stream
- The lake and mountains complement each other. In August, stroll along the plank path and enjoy the cool breeze of the stream.
1
2
