[2025 Nanjing ] Travel Guide for Qinhuai River Boat Tour (Updated Jan)

My impression of Nanjing has always been that of an ancient capital through the dynasties. The region known as 'smoke-flowered Jiangnan' attracts a large number of tourists every year after March or April. The so-called 'small bridges over flowing streams' are just too beautiful❤️ Dusk is the best time to take a leisurely stroll or slow photo walk along the Qinhuai River's painted boats. Watching the sky transition from day to night, the brilliant lights shining as if traversing through time, is incredibly dreamy. Looking up, there's a bright moon🌙, and before I know it, I'm at Wuyi Lane, almost blurting out classical Chinese, quite marvelous👍 Nanjing is definitely a great place to visit, but be sure to avoid summer and winter. From personal experience, every visit ends up with either being frozen to tears or dizzy from the heat, a truly magical city!

The Confucius Temple in Nanjing was originally constructed in the year of 1034 in the Song Dynasty. It was a place to worship and consecrate Confucius, the great philosopher and educator of ancient China. It is also known as Fuzimiao in Chinese. This temple suffered repeated damage and has been rebuilt on several occasions since that time. 1937 was the most destruction when it was burnt to ruin by Japanese aggressors. In 1984 the temple was rebuilt under the support of the local government. During the long process, the original building expanded to be a complex building in the architectural style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, including the Confucius Temple itself, the Jiangnan Gongyuan (the place of imperial examinations) and the Xue Gong (the Imperial Academy). The complex is still called the Confucius Temple out of habit by locals and visitors. In front of the Confucius Temple, the Qin Huai River is flowing. On the south bank of the river, there is the longest screen wall in China which is 110-meter-long (about 120 yards) and piled with bricks.

📍 Getting There -  Cruise terminal is inside the Confucius temple area. The nearest metro station is Fuzimiao station (line 3). 🚇 📍 Attractions -  Boating through a river surrounded by ancient buildings. All the buildings and walls lights up at night. The guide will explain the history during the journey.Can see the lanterns reflection in the water. 🚤⛵️ #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

The Qinhuai River, a waterway that has flowed for thousands of years, carries countless poems and songs, as if it were the cultural artery of Nanjing. Riding on these antique painted boats, gently swaying with the water, it feels like traveling through time to an ancient world full of poetry. As the boat glides on the river, the ancient buildings, lights, and tree shadows on both sides weave into a beautiful picture, enchanting everyone. This river is not only the lifeline of Nanjing but also the source of inspiration for countless literati. From the ancient poet Meng Haoran to modern poets, their verses echo in this water, telling the story of Qinhuai's prosperity and decline. At night, the lights along the shore reflect in the water, creating a picturesque scene with the old bridges, as if the whole city is immersed in this soft light and shadow, making one feel the charm of history and romance intertwined. The Qinhuai River painted boats are not just a water journey but a cultural feast through time. Here, every drop of water and every ripple tells the story of Nanjing's past and future.

Taking a river boat along the Qinhuai river from Fuzimiao is a must do. It is a relaxing ride in Autumn looking at the different spots along the river to understand the culture behind many of ancient Chinese poetry. I would recommend going just before sunset to get a feel of river with some sunlight and in the dark. You will also see many ladies dressed in traditional hanfu taking photos. It felt surreal. . #nanjing ##rivercruise

🚣‍♀️Qinhuai River, leisurely boat ride, dream back to the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties! 🎟️Ticket strategy: Day tour 60 yuan, night tour 80 yuan, there may be discounts on holidays, remember to check! 📍Route highlights: Depart from the Confucius Temple Pan Pool Wharf, enjoy the Egret Island Park and the colorful water street along the way, return to the Zhonghua Gate, and enjoy the endless scenery along the way. 🍽️Recommended food: Confucius Temple Snack Street, duck blood vermicelli soup, small steamed buns, salted duck, authentic Nanjing flavor, don't miss it! 👀Must-visit places: Confucius Temple, feel the millennium culture; Zhonghua Gate Castle, witness the vicissitudes of history. When you travel at night, the lights on both sides of the strait are beautiful. 💡Tips: It is more romantic to travel by river at night, remember to bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. When there are many people, it is more worry-free to buy tickets online in advance. On the Qinhuai River, the boat is gently shaking, taking you through the past and the present, and tasting the unique charm of Nanjing!

"Smoke shrouds the cold water, the moon shrouds the sand, mooring at night by the Qinhuai River near a tavern," this poem depicts the night scene of the Qinhuai River, an experience not to be missed by any visitor to Nanjing. 💡 Boat Route Choices: Inner Qinhuai: Flowing through the Confucius Temple, it is the essence of the Qinhuai scenic belt and is recommended as the first choice for out-of-town tourists. Outer Qinhuai: The moat outside the Ming City Wall offers a different perspective for sightseeing. 🏮 Inner Qinhuai Boat Routes: Confucius Temple Inner Qinhuai River West Section Boat: Night tour 140 yuan/person, 50-minute journey, featuring light and shadow displays showcasing the scenic beauty of Jinling. Confucius Temple Inner Qinhuai River East Line - Painted Ancient Boat: Daytime 100 yuan/person, evening 120 yuan/person, 40-minute journey, experiencing the scenery of the ancient Qinhuai River. 🏮 Outer Qinhuai River Boat Routes: Bao'en Temple Broom Alley Boat Dock: Day tour starting at 45 yuan, night tour starting at 65 yuan, offering night tour services from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays. Shuimu Qinhuai Dock: Offers two routes, priced at 39 yuan and 59 yuan respectively, with durations ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. ⏰ Operating Hours: Inner Qinhuai boats usually operate from 18:00 to 22:00, while Outer Qinhuai boat times vary depending on the dock. 📍 Boarding Points: The main boarding points for Inner Qinhuai are Dock 1 and Dock 2 of the Confucius Temple boats, while for Outer Qinhuai they are at Bao'en Temple and Shuimu Qinhuai docks. 🎫 Prices and Tickets: There are special discounts for children's tickets, and some docks offer different prices for daytime and evening tickets. 📸 Special Experiences: Inner Qinhuai boats will showcase Nanjing's history and culture through light and shadow effects, while Outer Qinhuai offers different natural scenery perspectives. 🌟 The Qinhuai River is not only a symbol of Nanjing but also an excellent place to experience Nanjing's history and culture. Whether it's the tranquility of the day or the bustling night, the Qinhuai River has different charms waiting for you to discover.

Ah, Nanjing – a city where history and modernity dance under the moonlit sky! If you're looking to experience the best of Nanjing after sundown, I've got some must-see spots that will fill your evenings with magic and memories. 🌌 🚤 Qinhuai River Boat Tour Set sail on the Qinhuai River and immerse yourself in a 40-minute journey through the heart of Nanjing's nightlife. From the comfort of your traditional painted boat, witness the bustling Confucius Temple area, the charming Colorful Water Street, and the historic East Water Gate. The riverside's twinkling lights and the gentle evening breeze create a time-traveling experience back to the city's grandeur past. Pro tip: Book your tickets 4-5 days in advance to avoid the crowds and secure the best seats for panoramic views! 🛶 🏛 Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenery Belt The Confucius Temple area by night is a vision to behold, with its stunning riverside views and cool breezes on the boat tour. Remember to bring a light jacket though, as the air conditioning on board can be a bit chilly. With a passionate and patient guide, you'll enjoy a purely delightful tour, free of shopping detours, and packed with scenic charm. It's an unforgettable slice of the Jiangnan region's spirit. 🎎 🌸 Jinling Xiaocheng A new attraction reminiscent of the quaint Nianhua Bay, Jinling Xiaocheng offers a picturesque evening with performances and beautiful night lights. Don your Hanfu for some Instagram-worthy shots, or simply enjoy the ambiance. The underground circular screen cinema is a unique feature not to be missed. Best visited at night for a serene and comfortable experience, it's a cozy spot for a leisurely stroll. 🏮 🛳 Nanjing Yangtze River Legend Series Cruise Embark on a scenic cruise along the Yangtze River and discover the beauty of Nanjing from a different perspective. With three floors of diverse experiences, including entertainment, historical insights, and stunning views, this cruise offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. Sip on tea, enjoy the breeze, and soak in the panoramic vistas of the mighty river and the iconic Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge. It's a luxurious journey that's worth every penny. 🚢 🌳 Xuanwu Lake Xuanwu Lake is the perfect spot to unwind, with no entry fee and open access round-the-clock. Whether you're seeking solitude or a fun outing with friends, the lake's natural beauty is captivating, especially at sunset. Take a leisurely walk around the lake to fully appreciate its vastness and tranquility. At night, the illuminated trees in the center create a mesmerizing, romantic atmosphere that's simply enchanting. 🌲 🏰 Laomendong Historic District Step back in time in the vibrant Laomendong Historic District, where the past meets the present in a lively display of culture and commerce. With its traditional architecture, bustling streets, and proximity to the magnificent Porcelain Tower, Laomendong is an essential part of any Nanjing night tour. Indulge in local delicacies at the food street, and let the area's rich history and bustling energy captivate you. 🍜 From river cruises to historic streets, Nanjing's nights are alive with experiences that cater to every traveler's taste. These attractions are just the beginning of what this city has to offer when the sun goes down. 🌟 #Nanjing #NanjingAttractions #China #ChinaTravel

【Qinhaui River】 "The Qinhuai River is the mother river of Nanjing and an important carrier of Nanjing's history and culture." Qinhuai River(秦淮河) is a tributary of Yangtze River that flows through Nanjing. You may be wondering what makes it special! Yangtze or Changjiang(长江) is the largest river in Eurasia and third largest in the world to flow through one country. I highly suggest visiting at night when the lights are out and the scenery is most breathtaking. You can go for a boat ride, where you can learn a lot about the history of Qinhuai river and it's cultural significance to the town of Nanjing. 【Confucius Temple】 The temple is a commercial ancient 'town' with lots delicious food and traditionally decorated stalls and stores. You can buy a lot of ancient souvenirs and stamp them for free, as well as Hanfu, which I highly recommend wearing on your tour here. Lastly, take photos! Lots and lots of photos. #nanjing #china #asiatrip

#wecreate #gthatguy1 Embarking on a Qinhuai River tour is an enchanting way to experience the beauty and history of Nanjing. As you cruise along the gentle waters, you're greeted by picturesque scenes of ancient bridges, charming riverside buildings, and traditional boats adorned with colorful lanterns. The riverbanks come alive with vibrant street vendors, bustling markets, and captivating performances. Admire the architectural splendor of landmarks like the Confucius Temple and Zhonghua Gate, which offer a glimpse into Nanjing's rich cultural heritage. Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling city, while the soothing rhythm of the river creates a serene ambiance. As night falls, the river transforms into a magical realm illuminated by countless shimmering lights. A Qinhuai River tour offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Nanjing.