Nanjing is an ancient capital of China, predating Beijing.
Its location is in a fine and beautiful region.
The area features high mountains, deep waters, and vast plains..
These three natural wonders converge in one place, making it truly rare among the world’s great cities to find such a splendid setting.
— Sun Yat-sen, The International Development of China
September 14–16,
2017 Asia Bike Showwill kick off in this modern ancient city of Nanjing,
and what other sights can you enjoy besides visiting the exhibition?
Why not follow our guide and take a stroll around!
Friendly tip: Want to have an amazing time in Nanjing without breaking the bank? Check out the official website of the Nanjing Garden Annual Pass Management Center. With a valid ID, you can get an electronic garden annual pass for just 230 RMB per person to explore Nanjing!
There are high mountains
Purple Mountain / Zhongshan Scenic Area
Ticket: Free
Opening Hours: All day
Transportation: Near Metro Line 2, Xiamafang Station
Purple Mountain is located outside Zhongshan Gate in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, also known as Zhongshan Mountain. Rising abruptly from the ground, it covers an area of 31 square kilometers and is shaped like a coiled dragon, hence the name “Zhongfu Dragon Coil.” It has three peaks, with the main peak at an elevation of 448.9 meters. The trails are not too difficult, so bringing enough water and a comfortable pair of shoes is enough to conquer it. For those seeking a more challenging and thrilling experience, consider trying the off-trail routes. The paths are lined with lush vegetation — breathe in the fresh air as you hike and enjoy a relaxing workout!
Just hiking on Purple Mountain isn’t enough. As a place where Nanjing’s scenic spots and historic sites abound, don’t miss the sights along the way.
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Ticket: Free
Opening Hours: 8:30–17:00 (Tomb Hall and Memorial Chamber closed on Mondays)
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is the tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great pioneer of China's modern democratic revolution, along with its associated memorial complex. Blending the essence of ancient Chinese and Western architectural styles, the mausoleum is solemn, simple, and uniquely innovative.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
Ticket: 70 RMB/person
Opening Hours: 6:30–18:00
As the foremost of China’s imperial tombs from the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum represents the pinnacle of early Ming architecture and stone carving art, hence earning the reputation as the “First Imperial Tomb of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.” Despite over 600 years of history, its original grandeur remains. The famous Sacred Way lined with stone statues winds gracefully, forming an overall layout resembling the “Big Dipper,” flanked by ginkgo and maple trees, creating breathtaking scenery.
Meiling Palace
Ticket: 30 RMB/person
Opening Hours: Summer 7:30–18:00
Winter 8:30–17:30
At the heart of the once viral “Amber Necklace Planted by Chiang Kai-shek for Soong Mei-ling” lies this very place. Viewed from above, the palace’s mountain-hugging design resembles a pearl necklace adorned with a green gemstone pendant. Surrounded by lush forests and year-round floral fragrance, Meiling Palace is a perfect summer retreat.
Niushou Mountain
Ticket: 98 RMB
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (may vary on holidays)
Transportation: Take the Xinshan Line or Bus Route 10 from Jiangning District Passenger Transport Center
Located in Jiangning District, Nanjing, Niushou Mountain stands 248 meters tall and is named for its horn-like shape. Aside from the renowned Buddha’s Summit Palace, the mountain features the Zen Forest Road ecological trail, serving as a natural oxygen bar where visitors can enjoy nature, breathe fresh air, and unwind.
Nanjing Laoshan National Forest Park
Ticket: 33 RMB/person
Opening Hours: 8:00–17:30
Transportation: Take Bus 608 or 401 to Laoshan Forest Park Station
Nestled within the Laoshan Forest Farm in central Pukou District, Nanjing, the Nanjing Laoshan National Forest Park is hailed as the “Green Lung of Nanjing” and the “Pearl of Northern Jiangsu.” With over 80% forest coverage, the park boasts abundant negative oxygen ions and is home to egrets, herons, and azure-winged magpies. With such a pristine eco-environment, why not go for a bike ride through it?
There is deep water below
Xuanwu Lake
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 6:00~21:00 (the lakeside road is open all day)
Transportation: Take Nanjing Metro Line 1 to Xuanwumen Station
Xuanwu Lake, spanning nearly five li in circumference, is divided into five islets connected by causeways and bridges, forming a harmonious whole. With hills and waters everywhere, it is an extremely popular running route in Nanjing. Put on a pair of comfortable, durable running shoes, feel the lake breeze on your face, and jog along the lakeside path — one lap brings tranquility and comfort.
Mochou Lake
Admission: 35 yuan/person
Opening hours: Summer: 6:00~22:00
Winter: 6:00~23:00
Transportation: Nanjing Metro Line 2 to Mochouhu Station
Mochou Lake is located in Jianye District, Nanjing. It is a classical garden in the Jiangnan region with a long history of 1,500 years and rich cultural heritage. The exhibition period is the best time to admire the lotuses at Mochou Lake, as nearly a hundred varieties of premium lotus flowers are in full bloom, competing in beauty — don’t miss it~
Jinniu Lake
Admission: 40 yuan/person
Opening hours: All day
Transportation: S8 Line Jinniu Lake Metro Station
Jinniu Lake is located in the northeast of Luhe District, Nanjing. It is the largest artificial lake in Nanjing and is known as a "natural oxygen bar." The sailing and other events of the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games were held here. Sailing enthusiasts, come show your skills at Jinniu Lake~
With plains in between
Photographer: Yuan Qiming
Nanjing Eye
Admission:Free
Opening Hours:6:00~23:00
Transportation:Nanjing Hexi Tram Line 1
Nanjing Eye is located on the central axis of the Youth Olympic Games axis in the Hexi New Town of Jianye District, Nanjing. It is the first sightseeing pedestrian bridge over the Yangtze River. The diagonal steel cables, like wings, soar upward like harp strings, and pedestrians walking across them feel like musical notes dancing on the strings—truly delightful. If you're heading to the Forest Park for camping, why not cross the sightseeing bridge and enjoy the scenery of Nanjing along the way?
Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt
Admission:Free
Opening Hours:All day
Transportation:Nanjing Metro Line 1 to Sanshanjie Station, or Nanjing Metro Line 3 to Confucius Temple Station
If “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man,” then it’s a great pity not to explore the Qinhuai Scenic Belt when visiting Nanjing. The Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt is situated in Qinhuai District, Nanjing. Centered around the ancient architectural complex of the Confucius Temple, aligned along the ten-li-long Qinhuai River, and connected by the Ming city wall, it links numerous attractions and is a hub of Nanjing’s historical and cultural heritage.
The Confucius Temple is a grand complex of ancient buildings imbued with the essence of Jinling culture. The structures near the Qinhuai River are rather quaint, and taking a night cruise on the river under the night sky offers a feeling of traveling back in time.
Zhan Garden
Zhan Garden is located in the core area of the Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt in Qinhuai District, Nanjing. It is the oldest existing classical garden from the Ming Dynasty in Nanjing. With its elegant and exquisite layout, it paints a beautiful picture where “every view, forward or backward, is wonderful, and both nostalgia and novelty are equally delightful.”
Ganxi Former Residence
Ganxi Mansion is located in Qinhuai District, Nanjing. It is the largest private residence in China and, together with the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Ming city wall, is known as one of Nanjing’s three major Ming and Qing scenic sites, boasting high historical, scientific, and tourism value.
Nanjing Museum
Admission:Free
Opening Hours:Monday 9:00~12:00
Tuesday to Sunday 9:00~17:00
Transportation:Nanjing Metro Line 2 to Minggugong Station
The Nanjing Museum is a must-visit attraction in Nanjing. Bring your ID and wear a good pair of walking shoes to experience this “3D history book.” There’s food, fun, learning, and more—you can even rent an audio guide for free on the first floor. The editor highly recommends the Republic of China Pavilion, where the replica architecture from that era is simply fascinating. Fashion-loving ladies, don’t miss your chance for some great photos here.
Remember how in the Nanjing Food Guide article we encouraged you to explore Nanjing’s cuisine on your own? While searching for delicious eats, don’t overlook the surrounding scenery—Nanjing food plus Nanjing charm is the perfect combination.
Xinjiekou Business District
Transportation:Nanjing Metro Line 1, Nanjing Metro Line 2
Xinjiekou boasts high-end shopping malls such as Deji Plaza, youth-oriented shopping destinations like Dayang Department Store, premium department stores like Golden Eagle International Shopping Center, and Nanjing Xinbai, the first listed company in Nanjing. The area has an extremely high commercial density. Among Nanjing’s major business districts, Xinjiekou stands out nationally in terms of facilities, merchandise, pricing, and services, forming a comprehensive commercial zone integrating shopping, dining, accommodation, and leisure entertainment.
Zifeng Tower
Admission to the observation deck:80 RMB per person
Transportation:Near subway Line 1, Gulou Station
As the tenth tallest building in the world, Zifeng Tower is the central landmark of Nanjing's main urban area and the city’s highest vantage point, offering panoramic views: to the east lies Purple Mountain, to the west the Yangtze River, to the south Yuhuatai, and to the north Mufu Mountain. The tower houses a variety of facilities including shopping malls and hotels—perfect for sightseeing and shopping all in one go~
Fall in love with a city, starting with an independent journey.
From September 14–16,
Let’s go, we’re heading to Nanjing!
We’re going to the 2017 Asian Bicycle Exhibition!
Free admission to the exhibition
1. PC-end registration link:http://www.asiabike-show.com/index.php?m=Visitor&a=login
2. Mobile registration:Follow the official WeChat account below[Asian Bicycle Exhibition]and reply “Registration” orthe number 1to get free entry to the exhibition
coffee coffee beans espresso geisha coffee latte cappuccino arabica robusta pour over cold brew