Top 20 Best Things to Do in Nanjing
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Nanjing

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zonetop_1
    󰺂8.7
    345239
    Nanjing.Niushou Mountain/Ginkgo Lake Park15.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoTwo Attractions, One Ticket: Niushoushan and Nan Tang er Ling
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱨜The Reclining Buddha statue wall in Usnisa Palace is breathtaking
    󱨜Breathtaking Buddha statue wall
    󱨠Saved by 2156 users󱨠23549 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M33***13M33***13

    A taxi ride from Nanjing South Railway Station to Niushou Mountain costs about 20 yuan; it's not far. The scenic spot is upscale and grand. Although it was late November, the autumn leaves were still incredibly vibrant, making the mountains look like a spilled palette of colors. Highly recommended.

  • Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zootop_2
    󰺂8.3
    142858
    Nanjing.Nanjing Railway Station/Hongshan Forest Zoo5.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoStanley the wolf's weight soars to 40 kg
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    37 exhibits & diverse animals
    󱓊Close encounter with Dudu (Monk monkey)
    󱨠Saved by 621 users󱨠13675 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    CP狗狗CP狗狗

    I went there specifically to see the famous monkey Dudu, and it certainly didn't disappoint! I saw Dudu, along with many other fun little monkeys. I also saw Kapibala and koalas; they looked like a lot of fun, and I had a great time.

  • Zhongshan Mountain National Parktop_3
    󰺂7.8
    Nanjing.Zijin Mountain Scenic Area/Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum Area6.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoNanjing Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Rouge Snow Pavilion Red Leaf Season | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
    Highlights:
    Unique astronomical observation experience
    󰋄Overlooking Jongsan (Ropeway)
    󱨠Saved by 981 users󱨠6815 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    _cm***31_cm***31

    The scenic area is huge! Even after mentally preparing for at least 20,000 steps, I was still shocked to find myself racking up 30,000 steps in a day! The bald cypress trees at Yanque Lake were mesmerizing, like an oil painting, in the autumn morning light. At Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, listening to history was overwhelming. The music stage was so romantic; I sat down, slowed down, and enjoyed a moment of relaxation. Time was too short; I didn't get to visit Meiling Palace yet. Maybe another time!

  • Grand Baoen Temple Heritage and Scenic Area
    4
    󰺂7.5
    207143
    Nanjing.Confucius Temple/Qinhuai River Scenic Area3.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoFree admission day at Bao'en Temple, 5,000 tickets available for reservation | Dec 12, 2025-Dec 16, 2025
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󱨜78.2m-high Glass Pagoda
    󱓊China's second Buddhist temple
    󱨠Saved by 914 users󱨠6398 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    浪淘沙carol浪淘沙carol

    Presenting historical themes in a novel way makes it easily accessible to audiences of different backgrounds. The sound, lighting, and audiovisual effects are very modern and magnificent; from afternoon to evening, it's beautiful and provides a great experience.

  • Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area
    5
    󰺂7.5
    Nanjing.Confucius Temple/Qinhuai River Scenic Area2.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Confucius Temple & Academy Complex
    󱓊Chinese Imperial Examination Museum in Nanjing
    󱨠Saved by 1490 users󱨠4711 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Nanjing Confucius Temple is located on Gongyuan Street on the north bank of the Qinhuai River in Qinhuai District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, west of Jiangnan Gongyuan. It is located in the core area of ​​the Nanjing Confucius Temple-Qinhuai River Scenic Belt. It is also known as Nanjing Confucius Temple, Nanjing Confucian Temple, and Wenxuanwang Temple. It is a place dedicated to Confucius and is China's first national highest institution of learning, one of China's four major Confucian temples, a hub of ancient Chinese culture, and a gathering place for the history and culture of Jinling. It was not only the cultural and educational center of Nanjing during the Ming and Qing dynasties, but also the most prestigious cultural and educational architectural complex in the southeastern provinces.

  • Nanjing Museum
    6
    󰺂7.3
    Nanjing.The Ming Palace and Nanjing Museum Area3.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2024 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Nanjing Museum stamp & street view
    󱓊The Silver Witch Hazel (Treasure-holding)
    󱨠Saved by 919 users󱨠1888 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    yxj003yxj003

    The Nanjing Museum effectively functions as the Jiangsu Provincial Museum. It is one of the earliest museums established in China, comprising a history hall, an art hall, a special exhibition hall, a digital hall, a Republican era hall, and an intangible cultural heritage hall. Admission is free and by reservation only; audio guides are available for a fee. The exhibition showcasing the Republican era is quite unique and unlike any other provincial museum I've seen.

  • Nanjing Presidential Palace
    7
    󰺂7.2
    Nanjing.Xinjiekou Area/Presidential Palace1.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Classical garden beauty & tranquility
    󰋄Combines Chinese & Western elements
    󱨠Saved by 822 users󱨠31047 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    海边观潮人海边观潮人

    The Presidential Palace in Nanjing, located in Xuanwu District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, has witnessed the changes of multiple historical periods, from the Han Prince's Palace of the Ming Dynasty to the Viceroy of Liangjiang Office of the Qing Dynasty, then to the Heavenly Kingdom Palace of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the Presidential Palace of the Republic of China. It is an important witness to modern Chinese history. The architecture of the Presidential Palace blends Chinese and Western elements, with the exquisite elegance of classical Chinese gardens such as Xuyuan Garden, and Western-style buildings such as the Presidential Palace Gate Tower. It is one of the largest and best-preserved architectural complexes among the modern architectural relics in China.

  • The Oriental Metropolitan Museum
    8
    󰺂7.1
    64286
    Nanjing.Xinjiekou Area/Presidential Palace1.5 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󱨜Designed by Mr. Bei Jianzhong | 4 exhibition halls
    󱓊Archaeological excavation activities
    󱨠Saved by 256 users󱨠3193 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The set design was fantastic, and there were plenty of rest areas within the exhibition area. Including the B1 archaeological site hall, there were four floors in total, making it quite a fun place to explore. I learned a lot, and most of the exhibits were actual unearthed artifacts. There were also many children at designated points for guided tours, which was excellent.

  • Jiming Temple
    9
    󰺂7.0
    Nanjing.Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area/Jiming Temple2.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Cherry blossoms & lotus views
    󰋄Filming site of Legend & White Snake
    󱨠Saved by 530 users󱨠653 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Jiming Temple is a gentle imprint of time on Nanjing, possessing the solemnity of an ancient temple and the vitality of modern life. Red walls reflect Zen, eaves bear the marks of time; every brick and tile exudes the warmth and solemnity of years gone by.

  • Qixia Mountain Scenic Area
    10
    󰺂6.9
    Nanjing.Xingang Development Zone21.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoQixia Tourist Shuttle Bus Returns with Free Rides | Nov 29, 2025-Dec 28, 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Famous for maple views (Autumn)
    󱨜Birthplace of Sanlun Sect of Buddhism
    󱨠Saved by 455 users󱨠4711 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    As expected of one of the four major autumn foliage viewing spots, the red, orange, yellow, and green hues intertwine and blanket the entire mountainside, like stepping into a dreamscape permeated with autumn colors. A truly worthwhile trip and a must-visit!

Best things to do in Nanjing (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Nanjing? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Nanjing offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Nanjing

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Nanjing experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone

• Nanjing.Niushou Mountain/Ginkgo Lake Park | 15.7 km from downtown

• : The Reclining Buddha statue wall in Usnisa Palace is breathtaking,Breathtaking Buddha statue wall

Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo

• Nanjing.Nanjing Railway Station/Hongshan Forest Zoo | 5.8 km from downtown

• : 37 exhibits & diverse animals,Close encounter with Dudu (Monk monkey)

Zhongshan Mountain National Park

• Nanjing.Zijin Mountain Scenic Area/Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum Area | 6.2 km from downtown

• : Unique astronomical observation experience,Overlooking Jongsan (Ropeway)

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Nanjing

If you want to explore attractions just outside Nanjing, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Nanjing, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Nanjing special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Nanjing

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Nanjing

Ready to explore the best of Nanjing? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Nanjing?
These are all Best Things to Do in Nanjing:Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone, Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo, Zhongshan Mountain National Park, Grand Baoen Temple Heritage and Scenic Area, Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Nanjing?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Nanjing include:Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone:4.7, Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo:4.6, Zhongshan Mountain National Park:4.6, Grand Baoen Temple Heritage and Scenic Area:4.7, Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area:4.7
At what locations in Nanjing can Best Things to Do in Nanjing be found?
The Best Things to Do in Nanjing are mainly located in:Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone:Nanjing, Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo:Nanjing, Zhongshan Mountain National Park:Nanjing, Grand Baoen Temple Heritage and Scenic Area:Nanjing, Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area:Nanjing
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