Nanjing, having been called Jinling in ancient times, now serves as the capital of Jiangsu Province. As one of Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, this city is reputed as the Ancient Capital of the Six Dynasties or the Ten Regimes. It has served as the capital of multiple dynasties for approximately 450 years, but it has been recognized as a city for 2,500 years. Today, ancient city walls stand alongside modern high-rises, blending profound historical heritage with dynamic innovative energy. Mountains, rivers, the city, and forests integrate harmoniously, with natural landscapes and historical culture complementing each other, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for every visitor. With an efficient and convenient public transportation network, you can easily reach every wonderful corner of the city from the conference venue.

Here are 5 must-see attractions in Nanjing to explore in your spare time:

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

As the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great forerunner of China’s democratic revolution, it is one of Nanjing’s landmark attractions. The entire architectural complex is built along the mountain slope, ascending from south to north along a central axis. From the Bo’ai (Fraternity) Archway to the Sacrificial Hall, there are 392 steps. It blends elements of traditional Chinese and Western architecture, creating a solemn and magnificent atmosphere. It is not only an important site for reflecting on history but also boasts the beautiful scenery of Purple Mountain. From the top, you can overlook the panoramic view of Nanjing, making it a must-visit spot.

Copyright: Zhongshan Mountain National Park

Copyright: Zhongshan Mountain National Park

Xiaoling Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty

The Xiaoling Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), which was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 2003, contains the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming, and Empress Ma and is one of China’s biggest imperial tomb sites and a perfect example of the architectural and stone carving achievement of that age. Built against the mountainside, the mausoleum is grand in scale. It has an 800-meter-long Sacred Way leading to the main structure, with 12 pairs of stone animals such as elephants, lions and horses on both sides of the road and four pairs of warriors and ministers to guard the tomb, remarkably well-preserved for over 600 years. It is especially picturesque surrounded by red leaves and ginkgo leaves in autumn. It is not only a significant testament to Ming history but is also adjacent to attractions like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Meiling Palace, allowing for combined tours to deeply appreciate Nanjing’s historical heritage.

Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone

Niushoushan, one of China’s famous Buddhist mountains, is themed by Buddhist culture especially Buddha’s Relic. The world’s only parietal relic of Buddha (the skull bone of Shakyamuni) is enshrined in the palace of the mountain, which makes that a sacred place for Buddhists. Since ancient times, it has been a scenic spot in Jinling. The Tang Dynasty monk Farong founded the Niutou (Ox-head) sect here, and literati throughout the ages have composed poems about it.

The core structures built in recent years—Usnisa Palace, Usnisa Pagoda, and Usnisa Temple—deeply integrate contemporary architectural art with Buddhist culture. The golden dome of the Usnisa Palace resembles the Buddha’s topknot. Inside, the dome-shaped Thousand-Buddha Hall is resplendent, and Usnisa Worshiping Palace houses only parietal relic of Buddha. Overlooking the landscape of Niushou Mountain, Usnisa Pagoda boasts 9 floors in total. Usnisa Temple, built in Tang-style imitation architecture, is serene and solemn. The entire complex, built against the mountain, blends natural landscape with religious culture, making it a new landmark for Buddhist culture in Nanjing and China.

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Copyright: Nanjing Tianque Cultural Development Co., Ltd

Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple)-Qinhuai River Area

This area is a core landmark of Nanjing’s historical culture, rooted in Confucian culture and connecting historical districts like the Confucius Temple, Jiangnan Examination Hall, Wuyi Alley, and Laomendong.

The scenic area, centering on the ancient architectural complex of the Jiangnan region during the Ming and Qing dynasties, retains the charm of it while blending local Nanjing folk customs and food culture. Taking a boat tour on the Qinhuai River at night allows for an immersive experience of the thousand-year charm of the Qinhuai Ten Miles. It is also an excellent place to taste Nanjing specialties like Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup and Salted Duck, making it the top choice to experience Nanjing’s local atmosphere.

Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area

This area is one of the largest imperial garden lakes in China and the only surviving imperial garden south of the Yangtze River. Bordered by Purple Mountain to the east, the Ming Dynasty City Wall to the west, and Nanjing Railway Station to the north, it serves as Nanjing’s “green lung.” The park features a picturesque blend of lake and mountain scenery. Five islets include Huanzhou, Yingzhou, Liangzhou, Lingzhou and Cuizhou, offering different landscapes in each season: Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in spring, lotus flowers in summer… You can stroll along the lakeside path, take a boat ride on the lake, or climb the Ming dynasty city wall for a bird’s-eye view. It is a perfect place to relax and appreciate the natural and cultural beauty of Nanjing after busy conferences

Copyright: Nanjing Xuanwu Lake Park Management Office