Nanjing Metro Guide: Maps, Fares & Apps

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By Lily

June 13, 2026

Nanjing Metro Guide

How to get around Nanjing, one of the most important historic cities of ancient China. Nanjing boasts a modern metro system, which can take you to and from Nanjing Airport (NKG) and navigate the city.

In fact, you don't have to worry about not understanding the metro signs, since they're all clearly written in both Chinese & English.

Find practical information in this guide. I'll talk about its running hours, metro lines, nearby attractions, and how to use it with the recommended local apps.

Nanjing Metro Running Hours

✔️6:00 AM - 11:00 PM DAILY

Most of the lines will open around 5:30-6:00 am in the morning and end around 11:00 pm. Some of the lines start 30 minutes earlier, such as line 1 (which closes around 11:30 pm) and line 3.

Make sure you get the accurate time using Amap or the Nanjing Metro official site.

Nanjing Metro

Nanjing Metro | Source from Wikipedia

Notes:

  • Peak hours: 7:30–9:00 am and 5:30–7:00 pm, can be crowded, much like the Washington Metro or NYC Subway during rush hour.
  • Unlike some U.S. systems, Nanjing Metro does not run 24 hours.

Nanjing Metro Tickets & Payment Methods

In China, most people use QR-code ticketing system via Alipay or WeChat. Although seniors or students here use a traditional rechargeable metro card for discounts and convenience.

  • Option 1: Single-ride card – You can purchase it from ticket machines or counters.
  • Option 2: Rechargeable Metro Card (Jinlingtong) – It works on all metro lines and some buses.
  • Option 3: Mobile Payment Apps – Alipay or WeChat Pay can easily generate QR codes.

How to use Alipay to take metro in Nanjing

How to use Alipay to take metro in Nanjing
  • You should install it first and add a payment card.
  • Open it and tap "Transport'.
  • Choos the city you're in (e.g., Nanjing)
  • You'll get a QR code then.
  • After that, you can scan it at the fare gate.
  • When exiting, scan it again.
  • The fare then is charged automatically in Alipay!

✨To link a U.S. card in Alipay, sign up with your phone number, go to Me → Bank Cards → Add Card, enter your Visa/Mastercard/Discover, and complete the verification.

Tips:

  • If you visit Nanjing for a layover stay, a single-ride card is fast to operate!
  • If you plan to stay for more days, a rechargeable metro card will save you more!
  • By the way, using mobile payment apps is always the smartest way to get around Nanjing!

You can also buy a digital transport card on your Apple Wallet... but there's an extra card fee and you need to charge it to a certain amount at first.

📱 Get connected before you go with a fast & reliable China eSIM!

Map of Nanjing Metro Lines

Nanjing metro map

Nanjing metro map | Source from YoMetro

Nanjing Metro currently operates 12 lines, covering the city’s urban core and suburban districts.

You can expect these on the train:

  • Modern trains with air conditioning
  • Digital screens and audio announcements in both Chinese and English
  • Safety measures such as surveillance cameras and emergency call points

Popular lines for tourists include:

  • Line 1 – Ideal for visiting Confucius Temple, city center shops, and restaurants.
  • Line 2 – Connects Nanjing South Railway Station to the business district and museums.
  • S1 (Airport Line) – Perfect for travelers flying in or out.
✨ Book China high-speed rail from Nanjing to popular cities in China like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing.

How to Take the Nanjing Metro?

Nanjing metro carriage

Nanjing metro carriage | Source from X.com

  • Step 1: Plan your route in advance! Use Amap or Apple Maps to check your starting and ending stations.
  • Step 2: Purchase a physical card at the station or use mobile QR codes.
  • Step 3: Pass the security check. (If you have water bottles, please hold it in your hand in advance.
  • Step 4: Scan the QR code and enter the fare gate.
  • Step 5: Find the right direction and wait behind the safety line.
  • Step 6: After arrival, exit by scanning your QR code again!
🥰 Pay attention to English station announcements to avoid missing your stop.

Nanjing Metro Fares & Pricing

Most trips are very affordable compared with metro systems in the United States.

Typical fares include:

  • Short trips (3–6 km): about $0.30–$0.60
  • Medium trips (10–20 km): about $0.60–$1.00
  • Longer trips across the city: about $1.00–$1.40

For example, a ride from downtown Nanjing to the airport via the S1 line can cost around $1.20–$1.40.

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What Apps to Use When Taking Nanjing Metro?

Apps are widely used in China, especially in shoping and taking public transportation. Download these apps before you go. (Better learn how to use them first at home!)

  • Baidu Maps: This is a Chinese navigating app, which provides walking, driving, and public transit directions. It works with features like real-time traffic updates, street views, POI ratings, offline maps, and more.
  • Amap - The most popular Chinese navigation app particularly strong in real-time public transit planning and urban mobility.
  • DiDi – Useful for rideshare connections when metro stations aren’t close to your final destination.
All of these apps have English versions! Do not worry you can not find your way.
🧐 Read more about these popular apps in China. Travel like a local!

Attractions Around Nanjing Metro

The metro conveniently connects visitors to Nanjing’s top attractions:

Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) – Line 1

Confucius Temple

Fuzimiao, Nanjing

Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) is one of Nanjing’s most famous cultural and historical districts along Metro Line 1. The area combines ancient architecture with a lively commercial atmosphere.

Visitors can walk through traditional-style streets filled with souvenir shops, local handicrafts, and authentic Nanjing snacks. At night, the illuminated Qinhuai River adds a unique charm, offering river cruises and scenic views of historical buildings.

It is an ideal place to experience traditional Chinese culture while enjoying modern shopping and dining.

Qinhuai River Boat Tour
4.6/5
874 reviews
4/5
It was pretty, but I think the nighttime version uses lights and projection too much - it didn't really have that ancient Confucian "feeling". It would be better in the daytime, I think.
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4/5
In general it was a good trip.
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5/5
The surprises of travel are always unexpected. We were heading to popular tourist spots, but got stuck in traffic and had to change routes. We stumbled upon an old village hidden in the mountains. An elderly woman sat at her door weaving baskets, children chased dogs, and an old lady steamed corn, even generously offering us one. The sweet, sticky aroma mingled with the scent of firewood—it was far more comforting than any tourist attraction. This unexpected warmth is what makes travel so unforgettable.
review picture
5/5
Bamboo stalks blanket the hillside, rippling in the breeze like green waves, rustling softly like a gentle song. Sunlight filters through the bamboo, scattering golden rays across the ground. Walking along the stone path uphill, the air is filled with the fresh scent of bamboo, even breathing feels cool and refreshing. Resting at the bamboo pavilion halfway up the mountain, listening to the rustling bamboo, and sipping tea brewed with mountain spring water, all fatigue melts away, as if one's entire being is melting into this verdant landscape.
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5/5
Definitely worth a visit . Comfortable and relaxing river cruise with beautifully lit scenery
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Xuanwu Lake – Line 1

Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing

Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing | From Unsplash

Xuanwu Lake is a large scenic park located near Metro Line 1 and is considered one of the most beautiful urban lakes in eastern China. It offers a peaceful escape from the city’s busy environment.

The lake area features walking paths, cycling routes, and boating activities. Visitors can explore five connected islands, each with gardens, pagodas, and seasonal flowers. It is especially popular during spring and autumn when the scenery is at its best.

Whether for exercise, photography, or relaxation, Xuanwu Lake is a must-visit natural attraction in Nanjing. Some interesting spots like bookstores are scaterred in the park, waiting for you to discover.

Xuanwu Lake
4.8/5
535 reviews
5/5
Xuanwu Lake is the most enchanting urban oasis in the heart of Nanjing. Nestled against Zijin Mountain to the east and the Ming City Wall to the west, its harmonious blend of mountains, water, city, and forest is rare even in China. Each of the five lakes (Xuanwu, Xuanwu, and Xuanwu) offers its own unique scenery: Huanzhou is adorned with willows in the mist, Yingzhou is a sea of ​​flowers in spring, Liangzhou is bursting with chrysanthemums in autumn—each season offers something different to see. As a free-to-enter royal garden lake, the 10-kilometer lakeside path is perfect for walking and jogging. Boating on the lake, enjoying the breeze, picnicking, and camping along the shore are all suitable options. With its rich cultural heritage spanning millennia and vibrant everyday life, it's an absolute must-visit destination in Nanjing.
review picture
5/5
The best reward from travel is never the local specialties, but the authentic flavors etched on your palate. Wander into old alleys, find a small restaurant filled with locals, order their signature dish, and the first bite is a taste of the unique warmth of this place. It's the seasonings that embody centuries-old local customs, the owner's handcrafted skills passed down through generations—the flavor is etched into the daily lives of the locals, and it's also etched into your memory once you've tasted it. Later, when you think back on your trip, that's the first taste that comes to mind.
review picture
4/5
It's a place where you can relax in the afternoon. there are no Entry fee so you can enjoy your time here anytime. 👌
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5/5
One of my favourite hang out places in Nanjing. Wonderful nature where you can be alone in peace or come with a group of friends. It is great for anyone. Especially sunset time, against the lake it is a stunning view
review picture
5/5
It was a tranquil spot for a picnic and a lakeside stroll. Unfortunately, we visited a bit early for cherry blossoms, but the scenery was still beautiful.Can't wait to return next spring.
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Nanjing Museum – Line 2

Nanjing Museum

Nanjing Museum

Located near Metro Line 2, Nanjing Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in China. It showcases over 400,000 cultural relics spanning ancient to modern Chinese history.

The museum includes exhibitions on ancient ceramics, paintings, jade artifacts, and historical documents. It also features modern interactive displays that help visitors better understand China’s long cultural heritage.

For anyone interested in Chinese history and art, this museum provides a comprehensive and educational experience.

Nanjing Museum
4.6/5
948 reviews
5/5
When traveling, I love visiting local markets. I skip the trendy shops and just wander among the bustling stalls. I listen to the vendors' calls in their incomprehensible accents, see the freshly picked vegetables glistening with dew, the fruit in baskets covered in dirt, and the steaming aroma of various unnamed snacks. I buy a few to try, chat with the old ladies squatting to pick vegetables, and the air is filled with the warmth of everyday life. This vibrant, everyday life is more touching than any tourist attraction. Returning home with that familiar, lived-in feeling makes life taste even better.
review picture
5/5
After being woken up by workday alarms for too long, it's time to pack your bags and go on a trip. Mute the work group chat, put aside housework, and step onto the unfamiliar asphalt roads—even the wind feels softer than at home. Just follow the signs, turn into any road bursting with wildflowers, find a shady spot to sit and watch the distant mountain breeze, buy a bunch of freshly picked fruit, and as the sweet aroma spreads, all the tension melts away. No rushing, no crowds—a few days of freedom are enough to get through the rest of the month's tedious tasks.
review picture
5/5
My first visit to the Nanjing Museum was immediately enveloped in a profound sense of history. Slowly strolling along the timeline of the history hall, from ancient jade ornaments depicting people, birds, and animals to the jade burial suit from the Han Dynasty, and the brick paintings of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove from the Southern Dynasties, each artifact carried the warmth of time, far more vivid than the words in textbooks. The biggest surprise was the Republic of China Hall, with its 1:1 scale recreation of old Nanjing street scenes. From rickshaws to the old post office, every detail was meticulously crafted, making me feel as if I had traveled back to Jinling a century ago. Being able to see so many national treasures for free, with both historical weight and interactive fun, left me feeling fulfilled and deeply impressed. It truly lives up to its reputation as one of the "Three Great Museums."
review picture
5/5
The terraced fields curve gracefully along the mountainside, the ripe rice carpeting the slopes in gold. A gust of wind creates ripples of golden waves, the heavy ears of rice bending low, releasing a delicate fragrance. Walking slowly along the paddy field ridges, your shoes feel the soft mud. In the distance, smoke rises from village chimneys, farmers carry bundles of rice home, their laughter carried on the breeze. Standing on the ridge watching the sunset, the golden waves are even brighter, the air itself carrying the sweet scent of harvest, a comforting feeling that stirs the soul.
review picture
5/5
As one of China's three major museums, the Nanjing Museum quietly unfolds 6,000 years of Jiangsu's cultural heritage before visitors. Its "one museum, six halls" layout is clearly defined. The History Hall traces the history from the Paleolithic era to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with its prized silver-inlaid bronze ox lamp showcasing Han Dynasty environmental wisdom, and a jade burial suit highlighting the grandeur of the Han Dynasty. The Republic of China Hall perfectly recreates the old streetscape, making visitors feel as if they've traveled back to Nanjing a century ago. The Digital Hall uses technology to bring ancient paintings to life, offering a highly interactive experience. With its rich collection, free admission, and professional explanations, the Nanjing Museum is a true cultural palace that allows visitors to immerse themselves in and understand Chinese civilization.
review picture
🎁 Explore the most popular attractions in Nanjing. Every stop contains a surprise in this historic city!
Top Attractions in Nanjing
Nanjing Confucius Temple
Nanjing Confucius Temple
4.6/5
1771 reviews
A very typical China commercial space packed with travelers basking in its night glory. Many food choices suitable for family. Just beware that it is very crowded at night, reasonably so as its afternoon scenery is nothing compared to after dark.
Nanjing Museum
Nanjing Museum
4.6/5
948 reviews
When traveling, I love visiting local markets. I skip the trendy shops and just wander among the bustling stalls. I listen to the vendors' calls in their incomprehensible accents, see the freshly picked vegetables glistening with dew, the fruit in baskets covered in dirt, and the steaming aroma of various unnamed snacks. I buy a few to try, chat with the old ladies squatting to pick vegetables, and the air is filled with the warmth of everyday life. This vibrant, everyday life is more touching than any tourist attraction. Returning home with that familiar, lived-in feeling makes life taste even better.
Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo
Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo
4.7/5
5547 reviews
Only by venturing out will you discover that the world is wider than you imagine. Different places have different customs and traditions, and people have different lifestyles. Some people prefer to work at sunrise and rest at sunset, while others enjoy going out at night to find fun. Once you've seen these differences, you won't be so fixated on how you should live your life. Your heart will become more tolerant, and many of the little things that used to bother you will suddenly become insignificant.

Wrap Up

The Nanjing Metro is the lifeline of this historic city, offering efficient, safe, and modern transportation for both locals and visitors.

For U.S. travelers, the bilingual signage, QR-code entry, metro cards, and supportive apps make navigating Nanjing intuitive and stress-free!

China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare

  • 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can enjoy a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit when traveling through 24 Chinese provinces, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
  • China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
  • Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use a China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!

Getting Around & Top Destinations in China

Must-Have Apps in China

FAQs about Nanjing Metro

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Lily

Lily

Travel Blogger

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Hey, I'm Lily from Chengdu. I'll constantly post my travel blogs here. I focus on sharing insights from living tips, transfer tricks, to how to get the best price for your international flights & hotels. You'll get the quick & valuable hints for your journey in the future. Stay tuned! Love u all!

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