Highlights
- A lantern-lit riverside bazaar — imperial exam halls, snacks and boats on the Qinhuai
- Nanjing Confucius Temple shines at night — go up before sunset and stay for the lights.
- Use the metro for transfers; city sights are usually 2–3 stops apart.
Skyline circuit
3–4 hours — Sunset at the tower, dinner in the old district, night lights from the riverside.
1h
Observation deck / landmark tower — daytime & sunset views
1h
Old district or cultural quarter — street food & architecture
1h
River promenade or night cruise — the skyline in lights
0.5h
Metro back; rooftop bar or dessert to finish
What to know
Getting there
Nanjing is a major hub — fly or take high-speed rail; the metro covers almost every sight.
Insider tips
- Book observation-deck tickets online to skip long queues, especially Friday–Sunday.
- Combine the night view with a river cruise — most cities sell deck + cruise combos.
Where to stay
Stay in Nanjing (mid-range ¥300–600; luxury from ¥800) — see the hotel map layer.