Visiting Nanjing: Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re planning a trip to China, you’ll no doubt have heard of Nanjing. As the capital of Jiangsu Province and the country’s sixteenth-largest city, it has a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or modern city life, there’s something for everyone in Nanjing. In this post, we’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about Nanjing to help you plan your trip.

1. What is the best time to visit Nanjing?

The best time to visit Nanjing is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters can be cold, so it’s best to avoid those seasons if you can. The cherry blossom season in April is a particularly popular time to visit Nanjing, but be prepared for crowds.

2. What are the must-see sights in Nanjing?

There are many sights to see in Nanjing, but some of the most popular include:- The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum- The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum- The Nanjing Museum- The Nanjing City Wall- The Qinhuai River- Confucius Temple- Xuanwu Lake

3. How do I get to Nanjing?

Nanjing is easy to reach by plane, train, or bus. It has its own international airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport, which has flights to and from many major cities around the world. The city is also well-connected by train, with high-speed trains running to and from Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities. Buses are another option, but they are slower and less comfortable than trains.

4. What is the local cuisine like in Nanjing?

Nanjing has a rich culinary tradition, and there are many local dishes to try. Some of the most popular include:- Duck blood and vermicelli soup (鸭血粉丝汤)- Salted duck (盐水鸭)- Nanjing Salted Duck Soup (盐水鸭汤)- Nanjing style pan-fried dumplings (锅贴)- Osmanthus flower cake (桂花糕)- Furu (fermented tofu)

5. What are the local customs and etiquette in Nanjing?

As in many parts of China, it’s important to be aware of local customs and etiquette in Nanjing. Some things to keep in mind include:- It’s polite to greet people with a handshake or nod of the head.- When visiting temples or other religious sites, it’s important to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.- Tipping is not common in China, so don’t feel obligated to tip in restaurants or hotels.- When giving gifts, it’s best to avoid giving anything in sets of four, as the number four is considered unlucky.

6. What is the currency used in Nanjing?

The currency used in Nanjing, as well as the rest of China, is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as the yuan. You can exchange money at banks or exchange offices, or withdraw cash from ATMs using your credit card.

7. What language is spoken in Nanjing?

The local dialect in Nanjing is Nanjinghua, but Mandarin Chinese is the official language and is spoken by most people. English is not widely spoken, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic Chinese phrases before you go.

8. What is the nightlife like in Nanjing?

Nanjing has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular areas for nightlife include Fuzimiao, which is known for its street food and night market, and 1912, which has many trendy bars and clubs.If you’re planning a trip to Nanjing, we hope this post has answered some of your most pressing questions. With its rich history, beautiful sights, and delicious food, it’s a city that’s well worth a visit.

Insider’s Guide to Visiting Nanjing

Are you planning a trip to China and considering a visit to Nanjing? This historic city, which served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties, is a fascinating destination for travelers interested in culture, history, and architecture. In this insider’s guide, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about visiting Nanjing and give you some tips on what to see and do.

Local Attractions

Nanjing has no shortage of attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the most popular:

– The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: This impressive and well-preserved mausoleum complex is the final resting place of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. It’s located in the Purple Mountain scenic area, which is a beautiful place to take a walk.
– The Nanjing City Wall: This ancient wall, which dates back to the 14th century, is the longest city wall in the world. You can walk or bike along the wall and enjoy great views of the city.
– The Confucius Temple: This temple, which was first built in 1034, is a tribute to the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius. It’s a great place to learn about Chinese culture and history, and there are some lovely gardens to explore as well.
– The Presidential Palace: This former presidential residence is now a museum showcasing the history of the Republic of China. The complex includes beautiful gardens and several historic buildings.
– Zhongshan Scenic Area: This park, located near the city center, is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It features several scenic lakes, pavilions, and gardens.

Dining Spots

Nanjing is known for its delicious local cuisine. Here are a few places to try:

– Da Pai Dang: This restaurant is famous for its duck blood soup, a Nanjing specialty. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s delicious!
– Jinling Roast Duck: Another great place to try roast duck, which is a local delicacy. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and excellent service.
– Gao You Ji: This is the place to go for traditional Nanjing cuisine, including “lion’s head” meatballs and “duck blood vermicelli soup.” The décor is beautiful and the food is delicious.
– Ma Xiang Xing: If you’re looking for street food, head to Ma Xiang Xing for some famous Nanjing salted duck. Don’t miss the crispy skin!

Cultural Experiences

Nanjing has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several experiences that will give you a taste of the city’s history and traditions:

– Take a guided tour of the city: A knowledgeable guide can help you navigate the city and learn about its history and culture.
– Attend a traditional Chinese opera performance: The Nanjing Yunjin Opera Troupe is one of the finest in China, and attending a performance is a great way to experience Chinese culture.
– Visit a tea house: Nanjing is famous for its tea, and there are several lovely tea houses where you can sample different varieties and learn about the tea-making process.
– Take a calligraphy class: Calligraphy is an important part of Chinese culture, and you can learn this ancient art form at several schools in Nanjing.

Local History

Nanjing has a long and fascinating history, from its days as a capital during the Ming Dynasty to its role in modern Chinese history. Here are a few sites to explore:

– The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall: This museum commemorates the victims of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, when Japanese troops killed an estimated 300,000 Chinese civilians and prisoners of war. It’s a sobering but important place to visit.
– The Nanjing Museum: This extensive museum covers the history, art and culture of the region with exhibitions ranging from beautiful bronzes to ancient pottery to elaborate silk robes.
– The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: This grand mausoleum is the final resting place of Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China.
– The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum: The Taiping Rebellion was one of the bloodiest conflicts in Chinese history, and this museum tells the story of the movement that sought to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

Looking for something a little more unusual? Here are a few ideas for getting off the beaten track in Nanjing:

– Explore the Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery: This peaceful cemetery honors the heroes of the Chinese Revolution, and is a lovely place to wander through the sculpted gardens, learn about China’s revolutionary history and to relax.
– Visit the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty: Located in a serene mountain setting, this is the burial site of the first Ming emperor and is a chance to explore some spectacular temple and palace buildings well away from the tourist crowds.
– Take a stroll down Ganxi Road: Locals and connoisseurs alike know that Ganxi Road is the place to go for street art and alternative culture. You’ll find graffiti-covered buildings, live music venues, and quirky cafes.
– Explore the Xuanwu Lake Park: A beautiful park spanning 4.8 square kilometers, Xuanwu Park is a great place to take a stroll and features landscaped gardens, a pagoda and some lovely lakes.

Now that you know more about what Nanjing has to offer, we hope you’ll add it to your list of must-see destinations in China. Happy travels!