Nanjing Tour Guide
Qinhuai River Scenic Area night tour
Zhan Garden
Known as “The No.1 Garden in Jinling”, this classical garden of the Ming Dynasty was once the private garden of Xu Da, the Prince of Zhongshan. It is famous for its rockeries and now serves as the Museum of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History.
If you weren't thinking or planning on doing that much, you can also email me (sam@nanjingtourguide.com) about what kind of places you would like to visit, such as:
Places that are more historical?
Good places to hike in Nanjing?
Places that you can see local Nanjing peoples' life?
Where to try Nanjing local food?
Just let me know and I will give you the answer and take you there.
Old Mendong Historical Block
Streets and alleys preserving the Ming and Qing architectural styles. More artistic than the Confucius Temple area, it gathers delicacies, cafes, and cultural and creative shops, making it an ideal place to experience “old Nanjing” life.
Confucius Temple Ancient Architectural Complex
A thousand-year-old complex dedicated to Confucius, integrating the Confucian Temple, the Imperial Academy, and the Jiangnan Examination Hall. It was the cultural and educational center of Nanjing during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and one of China’s largest traditional ancient market towns.
Zhonghua Gate Castle
The southern gate of Nanjing’s Ming Dynasty City Wall, and one of the best-preserved and most structurally complex ancient castles in the world. Its unique “catching turtles in a jar” defensive design is unparalleled.
Dabao’en Temple Ruins Park
A museum and park complex built on the site of the Dabao’en Temple, a royal temple from the Ming Dynasty. The Buddha's Skull Relic: Most famously, the “True Bone of the Buddha” (佛顶真骨) was discovered here. It is one of the most important Buddhist relics in the world and is reverently enshrined in the park.
One of the most iconic historical and cultural spots in Nanjing, centered around the famous “Ten-Li Qinhuai” (about three miles) river stretch. It combines the charm of the Six Dynasties, the bustle of the Ming and Qing markets, and modern night scenery. A mix of scholarly history by day and lantern-lit romance by night, often called the “mother river” of Nanjing.
• Best time: Evening to night, when the lights turn on. (Summer: 6pm to 10pm; Winter: 5pm to 9pm)
• Must-do: Night boat ride, visit temple fairs, try local snacks like duck blood vermicelli soup and osmanthus sweet taro.
• Note: Very crowded during holidays; plan your route in advance.
Bailuzhou Park
A river-island park on the Qinhuai River, once the private garden of Ming general Xu Da. It features beautiful lakes and hills, with scenic spots such as “Spring View of Egret Islet”.
Jiangnan Examination Hall and Imperial Examination Museum
The largest imperial examination venue in ancient China, with more than 20,000 examination cells. It now houses the Imperial Examination Museum of China, a must-visit site to learn about the ancient “national civil service exam” system.
Wuyi Lane/Wuyi Ally
Famous for Liu Yuxi’s poem: “旧时王谢堂前燕，飞入寻常百姓家。Where swallows once nested in the halls of Wang and Xie, now fly into common people’s homes”. It was once the residence of the powerful Eastern Jin aristocrats Wang Dao and Xie An.