Nanjing’s Top 5 Tourist Attractions [Latest 2026 Edition]: A Deep Dive into History, Romance, and Nightscapes

Nanjing, renowned as the ancient capital of China’s Six Dynasties, is a city where modern skyscrapers intertwine with structures centuries and millennia old. It’s a place brimming with irresistible charm not only for history enthusiasts but also for travelers seeking stunning landscapes and mesmerizing night views.

In this article, we handpick and introduce Nanjing’s ‘must-visit tourist attractions’ that you absolutely cannot miss! Beyond just historical explanations, we’ll provide a wealth of practical information, including efficient ways to explore locally, often-overlooked deep sights, and even common booking and access pitfalls that travelers might encounter.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum

📍 Address: Shixiang Rd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210014

This colossal mausoleum is a symbol of Nanjing, serving as the resting place of Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), revered as the Father of the Chinese Revolution. Built on the slopes of Purple Mountain (Zijinshan) on a grand scale, it commemorates his accomplishments in founding the Republic of China, Asia’s first republican state.

The main highlight is the ‘392 steps’ leading up to the sacrificial hall. This number is said to symbolize China’s population at the time (392 million). While climbing each step is certainly tiring, the panoramic view of Nanjing city that unfolds when you look back from the top is absolutely spectacular! It’s a breathtaking reward that will make all your fatigue disappear.

Important advice for travelers: while admission is free, advance reservation via apps like WeChat and passport presentation are mandatory. Also, please note that the sacrificial hall and tomb chamber are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. The grounds are vast and have significant elevation changes, so a smart way to conserve energy is to utilize the paid electric carts available from the subway station.

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

📍 Address: Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210000

Located very close to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, this is the tomb of Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang), the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and Empress Ma. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this location is an extremely important historical site, serving as the basic model for later Ming and Qing imperial tombs, such as the ‘Ming Tombs’ in Beijing.

When you visit, you absolutely must walk along the ‘Sacred Way’ (Shixiang Road), the long path leading to the mausoleum. Giant stone animals like lions, camels, elephants, and Qilin (mythical creatures) line both sides of the road, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere as if you’ve traveled back in time to the ancient Western Regions.

The vast grounds are rich in nature, famous for plum blossoms in spring (Meihuagu) and vibrant ginkgo and maple leaves in autumn. The well-maintained footpaths are perfect for a stroll, but since walking the entire area can be time-consuming, it’s wise to either narrow down your points of interest or make good use of the electric carts. It’s a spot where the weight of history and the beauty of nature merge wonderfully, inviting visitors to take their time and explore.

Jiming Temple

📍 Address: 39 Beijing E Rd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210000

Founded in 300 AD during the Western Jin Dynasty, Jiming Temple is one of Nanjing’s oldest Buddhist temples, boasting over 1700 years of history. Praised as the ‘Premier Temple among the Four Hundred and Eighty Temples of the Southern Dynasties,’ this beautiful ancient temple is built in tiers along the slope of a small hill, characterized by its distinctive yellow walls.

The main highlight is the ‘Bhaisajyaguru Pagoda’ (Medicine Buddha Pagoda) soaring at the summit. From around the pagoda, you can enjoy panoramic views of Xuanwu Lake (mentioned later), the Nanjing City Wall, and a tapestry of modern buildings. In spring, the cherry blossoms lining the approach are in full bloom, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene, especially when illuminated at night.

Admission is 10 yuan (approx. 1.70 USD), and a nice bonus is that you receive three incense sticks upon purchasing a ticket. The temple grounds are one-way, and since there are many stone steps, it’s essential to wear comfortable walking shoes. After your visit, the most recommended classic tourist route is to head towards the entrance to the Nanjing City Wall (Jiefang Gate), located directly behind the temple.

Nanjing City Wall

📍 Address: Lanqi Jie, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210095

Built during the Ming Dynasty over approximately 30 years with the mobilization of over 10,000 laborers, this colossal city wall spans more than 35 km. Its distinctive winding structure, which ingeniously utilizes the natural terrain and river布局, reflects an advanced military strategy that minimized blind spots compared to straight walls.

To truly appreciate this city wall, pay attention to the ‘brick engravings.’ If you look closely, you’ll find the names of the craftsmen and supervisors who produced each brick. This is evidence of an extremely strict quality control system, where ‘if a brick cracked without meeting quality standards, the responsible party would face the death penalty.’ This explains why it has continued to robustly protect the city for over 600 years.

For travelers, the recommended route is to ascend the city wall from the ‘Jiefang Gate’ area, which is quite close to Jiming Temple. If you visit at dusk, the soft evening sun will paint the surface of Xuanwu Lake and the ancient bricks of the wall in golden hues, revealing a breathtaking spectacle that will leave you speechless. However, please be aware that there is very little shade on top of the wall, so take precautions against strong summer sun.

Nanjing Confucius Temple – Qinhuai Scenic Area

📍 Address: Fuzimiao Pedestrian Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210001

If you want to fully experience Nanjing’s nightlife, the ‘Confucius Temple – Qinhuai Scenic Area’ is an absolute must-visit. Centered around the ‘Confucius Temple,’ which honors Confucius, the God of Learning, this lively pedestrian street features traditional Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, food stalls, and souvenir shops lining both banks of the Qinhuai River.

While charming during the day, the true essence of this area comes alive with the night illumination. The scene of colorful lanterns and dragon-shaped lights reflecting on the river surface creates a romantic world, as if you’ve stepped into a Chinese historical painting. By taking a leisurely hour-long ‘sightseeing boat’ (Huafang), you can elegantly enjoy the nightscape all to yourself from the water.

Furthermore, this is one of Nanjing’s premier gourmet streets. You can enjoy a food tour of authentic local ‘xiaochi’ (small eats) such as Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup, juicy Beef Potstickers, and Jiangnan Hot Pot. It gets very crowded at night, so while being mindful of your valuables, immerse yourself in the ancient city’s vibrant energy and delicious aromas.

Local Tips to Enjoy Nanjing Tourism 120%

Nanjing’s individual tourist attractions are overwhelmingly large in scale, making it much more of a ‘walking city’ than you might imagine. In vast areas like Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the biggest tip for a successful trip is to conserve energy by making full use of electric carts or shared bicycles within the grounds. Absolutely choose comfortable, broken-in sneakers for your feet.

Furthermore, it’s generally true for travel within China: an increasing number of tourist facilities require ‘passport presentation’ and ‘advance booking’ for entry and ticket arrangements. Even for free admission facilities, real-name registration and time-slot booking via WeChat mini-programs are often necessary. Therefore, before your trip, remember to install WeChat, link your payment functions (WeChat Pay or Alipay), and always carry your passport.

The profound weight of history, breathtaking landscapes, and lively night market delicacies. With thorough preparation, you can fully savor the charm of Nanjing, an ancient capital full of attractions!