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
    5772.3
    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 2217 users󱨠23782 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Niushou Mountain is a large scenic area with magnificent architectural designs, especially the Buddha Palace. Its unique shape and exquisite interior details are breathtaking. Whether it's the reflection in the pool or the arched corridors of the Buddha Palace, every shot is a masterpiece, making it well worth a visit!

  • Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zootop_2
    󰺂8.3
    2388.54
    Nanjing.Nanjing Railway Station/Hongshan Forest Zoo5.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHongshan Squirrel Monkey Family Welcomes New Member, Niudebao Becomes a Playground on its Back
    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 649 users󱨠13925 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M50***70M50***70

    Hongshan Zoo: A Healing Journey to Reconcile with Nature In this fast-paced urban life, Hongshan Zoo is like a carefully nurtured oasis, providing a rare haven for weary souls. It's more than just a simple visit; it's a profound dialogue about life, respect, and coexistence, inspiring a deeper reverence and love for nature. Upon entering the park, one is immediately struck by its "human-centered, animal-first" design philosophy. Unlike the fenced layout of traditional zoos, Hongshan Zoo cleverly utilizes the terrain to create a near-natural habitat for the animals. Whether it's the giant pandas leisurely basking in the depths of a dense bamboo forest or the African lions running freely in a simulated grassland environment, every detail reveals a deep concern for animal welfare. This "immersive" viewing experience makes one feel as if they are in a vivid nature documentary, experiencing the most primal charm of life. Particularly noteworthy is Hongshan Zoo's efforts in animal conservation and education. The park features multiple science education exhibition areas, conveying rich ecological knowledge to visitors through illustrated panels, interactive installations, and regular animal behavior explanations. Children can not only observe various rare animals up close but also learn the importance of protecting biodiversity, planting seeds of love for nature in their hearts from a young age. Furthermore, Hongshan Zoo's innovative practices in animal welfare are truly admirable. From providing a wide variety of enrichment toys to implementing scientific feeding and management programs, every detail reflects meticulous consideration of the animals' psychological and physiological needs. Seeing animals that were injured or rescued in the wild regain their health and vitality here evokes a warm feeling, a sense of awe at the tenacity and miracle of life. Of course, the beauty of Hongshan Zoo lies not only in its animals but also in its beautiful natural scenery and humanized service facilities. Strolling along tree-lined paths, breathing in the fresh air, and listening to the distant birdsong provides an unprecedented sense of relaxation. The well-equipped rest areas, clean restrooms, and thoughtful guided tours make the entire visit more comfortable and convenient. What's most moving is that Hongshan Zoo is more than just a place to exhibit animals; it's a platform advocating for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Through its actions, it tells us that every life deserves respect, and every piece of nature deserves to be cherished. Here, we not only witness the cuteness and wisdom of animals, but also humanity's responsibility and commitment to nature. In short, Hongshan Zoo is a spiritual cleansing, a healing journey of reconciliation with nature. It allows us to find a moment of tranquility in our busy lives and gives us a deeper understanding and love for the world. If you're also looking for a place where your mind can relax and your horizons can broaden, then Hongshan Zoo is undoubtedly your best choice.

  • 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 1007 users󱨠6901 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    苏苏的旅途苏苏的旅途

    Zhongshan Scenic Area combines nature and culture. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is solemn and ancient, with lifelike stone statues standing silently along the Sacred Way; the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is magnificent, and climbing to the top offers panoramic views of Nanjing. The Wutong Avenue stretches with lush greenery, and Linggu Temple is serene and tranquil. The misty rain of the Six Dynasties and the turbulent history of the Republic of China intertwine here, making it a must-visit scenic and cultural landscape in Nanjing.

  • Grand Baoen Temple Heritage and Scenic Area
    4
    󰺂7.5
    2348.73
    Nanjing.Confucius Temple/Qinhuai River Scenic Area3.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Porcelain Tower of Nanjing will be open for night climbing for the first time on New Year's Eve | Dec 31, 2025-Jan 3, 2026
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󱨜78.2m-high Glass Pagoda
    󱓊China's second Buddhist temple
    󱨠Saved by 943 users󱨠6396 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    APPLECiciAPPLECici

    Teacher Zhang Jun, our guide at the Great Bao'en Temple, patiently and meticulously sent us the meeting point and route in advance. The tour consisted of three sessions, but due to the extensive content, it went on for an extra half hour. He didn't even have time for a sip of tea! From the art of the Jetavana sculptures to the history of the Great Bao'en Temple Pagoda, to the excavation of the Buddha's skull relic and the historical and artistic value of the artifacts, he eloquently explained everything, captivating us and leaving us wanting more. This trip to the Great Bao'en Temple was just a beginner's guide; we'll definitely meet again!

  • 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 1514 users󱨠4718 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 TravelHotspot logoNanjing Museum exhibits the earliest fossilized egg to date, drawing crowds of visitors
    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 935 users󱨠1886 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
    39012.74
    Nanjing.Xinjiekou Area/Presidential Palace1.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Classical garden beauty & tranquility
    󰋄Combines Chinese & Western elements
    󱨠Saved by 825 users󱨠30850 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    踏浪寻景人踏浪寻景人

    Highlights 1. Rich History: The Museum of Modern Chinese History is a key site witnessing the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the rise of the Republic of China. Its architecture blends Chinese and Western styles, featuring opulent designs from the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and office buildings from the Republic of China era. 2. Three Zones: The central area recreates historical scenes along the central axis; the western area features a cluster of Republican-era buildings; and the eastern area combines gardens with exhibition halls, suitable for segmented, in-depth visits. 3. Nearby Attractions: Within walking distance of the 1912 Street (Republic of China atmosphere, food and shopping), Nanjing Library, and easily accessible. [Helpful Tips] 1. Tickets: Online discounted tickets start from approximately 37 RMB (20 RMB for students/seniors), 40 RMB on-site; annual passes will be discontinued after December 31, 2025, so advance ticket purchase is recommended. 2. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are best, avoiding the October Golden Week (sold out easily). Arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid peak crowds. 3. Transportation: 5-minute walk from "Daxinggong Station" or "Presidential Palace Station" on Metro Line 2; Bus routes 29/55/9 to Daxinggong Station. 4. Food: Must-try dishes in the 1912 Street area include salted duck, duck blood soup with vermicelli, and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings); also recommended are Lugang Town and Wu Laotai Wonton. 5. Note: Free for active duty/retired military personnel, disabled persons, and minors; guided tours are charged by area (NT$80 for the central axis, NT$100 for the entire route).

  • The Oriental Metropolitan Museum
    8
    󰺂7.1
    1074.85
    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 263 users󱨠3222 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    可爱的猫ovou可爱的猫ovou

    This museum was truly a hidden gem, discovered by chance. While its collection may not be as extensive as the Nanjing Museum's, its exhibition layout and lighting are absolutely stunning! Plus, it was less crowded and quiet, making for a wonderful visitor experience! It's incredibly photogenic, and I'll definitely bring my kids back.

  • 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 541 users󱨠655 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    M63***86M63***86

    Jiming Temple, located on the eastern slope of Jilong Mountain in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, is also known as Ancient Jiming Temple. Founded in the Western Jin Dynasty, it is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nanjing, historically renowned as the "First Temple of the Southern Dynasties" and the foremost of the "Four Hundred and Eighty Temples of the Southern Dynasties," serving as a Buddhist center in China during that period. While the existing historical sites are few, the newly constructed buildings are quite impressive, with a harmonious and well-arranged layout and exquisitely carved Buddha statues. Although the existing historical sites are few, the newly constructed buildings are quite impressive, with a harmonious and well-arranged layout and exquisitely carved Buddha statues.

  • 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󱨠4830 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    An autumn trip to Qixia is a great choice, especially from early to mid-December when the mountains are ablaze with red leaves – stunning views everywhere! However, it can be very crowded. I also suggest including this attraction in the Nanjing Tourism Annual Pass; that would be even better.

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:4.7, 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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