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
    󰺂8.6
    17.51
    Nanjing.Niushou Mountain/Ginkgo Lake Park15.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoNiushou Mountain New Year's Eve Celebration: A 2,026-Drone Show to Welcome the New Year and Pray for Blessings | Dec 31, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
    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 2183 users󱨠23660 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    虎子妈1599虎子妈1599

    The night view of Jinling Town is stunning, with brightly colored buildings and elegant interiors. The ever-changing animated series showcasing the four seasons of Jinling Town is vibrant and colorful, making for a very enjoyable experience and well worth a visit. However, some security personnel responsible for maintaining order during the performances were rude and unfriendly, yelling at the audience and displaying a severe lack of manners and professionalism. This severely damaged the experience and clashed with the town's refined and beautiful environment. It is recommended that security personnel receive enhanced training in etiquette and manners.

  • Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zootop_2
    󰺂8.3
    7.25
    Nanjing.Nanjing Railway Station/Hongshan Forest Zoo5.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoAdorable Baby Gorilla at Hongshan Zoo Caught Daydreaming in Bed
    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 629 users󱨠13772 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M49***08M49***08

    It's definitely worth a visit, very fun! The animals there are all very content, and you get a feeling of being moved by the harmony between humans and nature. They are quite respectful of the animals, making you feel very comfortable, without any pity. The animals are well-fed, and many are sleeping. They seem to be among the happiest animals in the zoo. I saw the famous water monkey and the red panda Dudu. The place is huge, so I recommend going early. Also, there's a lot of climbing involved, so bring less stuff.

  • 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 994 users󱨠6855 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    387***98387***98

    Staying next to the International Conference Center, right next to Gate 5, is very convenient. The scenic area is quite large, and walking around can be tiring, but it's definitely worth a visit in autumn. It has historical significance, beautiful scenery, and fresh air. A visit to the entire Zhongshan Scenic Area should ideally be done over two days, otherwise it can be quite tiring.

  • Grand Baoen Temple Heritage and Scenic Area
    4
    󰺂7.5
    10.49
    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 927 users󱨠6402 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
    󰺂7.4
    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 1501 users󱨠4713 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 925 users󱨠1889 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
    118.1
    Nanjing.Xinjiekou Area/Presidential Palace1.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Classical garden beauty & tranquility
    󰋄Combines Chinese & Western elements
    󱨠Saved by 823 users󱨠30979 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    娴雅小溪娴雅小溪

    The Presidential Palace in Nanjing: Located on Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, it was originally built in the Ming Dynasty as the residence of the Prince of Han. During the Qing Dynasty, it served as the office of the Viceroy of Liangjiang. During the Taiping Rebellion, Hong Xiuquan built the Heavenly King's Palace here. In the Republic of China era, it became the Presidential Palace, where Sun Yat-sen took office as the Provisional President of the Republic of China. Subsequently, it became the office of the Beiyang Government and the Nationalist Government.

  • The Oriental Metropolitan Museum
    8
    󰺂7.1
    3.26
    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 257 users󱨠3203 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Six Dynasties Museum boasts an exquisite design, seamlessly blending history and modernity. Its rich collection of artifacts, from celadon to gold ornaments, each tells a story of the Six Dynasties' prosperity. The interplay of light and shadow creates a tranquil atmosphere, making visitors feel as if they have traveled through time. Interactive installations add fun and are suitable for visitors of all ages.

  • 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 534 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 456 users󱨠4781 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    fatt1234fatt1234

    The room was spacious, bright, clean, and tidy. The service was excellent, and the breakfast was very diverse and plentiful. The price was great value for money and I would recommend it. It's very close to Qixia Mountain Scenic Area, making it convenient to set off early for the attraction.

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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