Nanjing
南京
The Southern Capital's elegance
Six dynasties called it capital, and it shows. Tree-lined boulevards, epic city walls, and a food scene that rivals any Chinese city, all without the tourist hordes.
Nanjing wears its history heavily but gracefully. The Ming city wall wraps around lakes and parks, university districts buzz with youth, and the food markets serve duck blood soup to locals who wouldn't dream of living anywhere else. This is sophisticated China - educated, historical, and surprisingly green. The museums are world-class, the temples are active, and the Confucius Temple area at night is pure magic.
Xuanwu Lake at sunrise
Join locals for morning exercises on the ancient city wall overlooking the lake
Laomendong historic district
Newly restored old quarter with local crafts and food, few tourists
Purple Mountain hiking trails
Beyond Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, find quiet temples and city views
Nanjing University area
Student districts with bookshops, cafes, and authentic cheap eats
Ming Palace Ruins park
Locals fly kites and practice calligraphy among ancient foundations
Confucius Temple area is prettier at night but eat elsewhere. Skip the Massacre Memorial if you're not prepared for heavy content. The city wall is best accessed at lesser-known gates like Taiping Gate.
- →Try duck blood vermicelli soup - sounds weird, tastes amazing
- →Rent bikes to explore the city wall - 14km of history
- →Plum blossom season (February-March) at Plum Blossom Hill is spectacular
- →The best xiaolongbao are at small shops, not fancy restaurants
- →Stay near Xinjiekou for central location and metro access