Nanjing can be explored through different highlights: the historic Qinhuai Scenic Area, the cultural sites on Zhongshan Mountain and Xuanwu Lake. The attractions are located in different parts of Nanjing; the information below will help you understand what each area offers.
Qinhuai: temples, river and scenic area
The Confucius Temple is at the heart of the Qinhuai Scenic Area, with the “Ten Miles of Qinhuai” section as its central axis. The area also includes Chaotian Palace and Xinanli. The Qinhuai River and the character of the waterfront landscape on both banks are protected. Qinhuai thus brings together a specific cultural heritage site and a protected river and waterfront area.
The “Ten Miles of Qinhuai” section also has a historical connection with sightseeing boats: a municipal account from 2023 listed them as an offering at that time. Sightseeing boat services had been restored in the 1980s and 1990s. This timing matters if you are planning a boat trip: check before travelling whether it is available when you visit.
Zhongshan Mountain: cultural sites in a vast parkland
Zhongshan Mountain National Park covers about 31 square kilometres, around 80 percent of which is forested. The scenic area includes more than 200 historical and cultural attractions. Its four core areas are the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Ming Tombs area, the Linggu area and the open-air music hall. The figures on its size and the wide range of cultural sites illustrate two different aspects of the area: extensive woodland and numerous historical destinations.
Ming Xiaoling is the mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming dynasty, and his wife, Empress Ma. Its significance extends beyond its function as a tomb: the Xiaoling Mausoleum departed from earlier traditions and established the basic layout for later imperial tombs. The examples cited for comparison include the Xianling Mausoleum in Zhongxiang and the Western and Eastern Qing Tombs. Those interested in the development of imperial tomb architecture can therefore consider Ming Xiaoling in the context of these later complexes as well.
The Ming Tomb Museum is an archaeological site museum that presents the World Heritage site of Ming Xiaoling. A visitor guide dated June 19, 2025, gives Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station for the Ming Tombs area; from there, you can continue on foot or take a sightseeing bus. Check this connection again before travelling.
The Nanjing Ming City Wall offers another perspective on the city’s history. It is about 22 kilometres long and has 25 visitor access points along its route. Specific operating rules may vary by section, so plan according to the access point you intend to use.
Xuanwu Lake: a distinct scenic highlight
Xuanwu Lake is located in Nanjing’s Xuanwu District and covers 3.78 square kilometres. It offers a variety of recreational and entertainment activities. This makes it distinct from places focused on tombs, temples and historic architecture. If, when planning your trip, you would rather prioritise lakeside scenery and leisure activities over individual cultural sites, this description is a useful starting point.
Plan your stay around your interests
The places mentioned offer different highlights: Qinhuai brings together temples, a river and waterfront scenery; Zhongshan Mountain combines woodland and numerous cultural sites; and Xuanwu Lake focuses on leisure activities amid an expansive lake landscape. When choosing accommodation in Nanjing, you can first decide which focus you would like to shape your stay, then look for suitable hotels for your trip. This does not imply any ranking of the places—the differences simply help you make your choice based on your interests.
Discover more destinations: Yancheng, Huai'an, Wuxi, Lianyungang, Kunshan, Zhenjiang, Taizhou, Nantong
For the broader travel overview: Jiangsu.
