Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing, Jiangsu | Green Corridor Swaying in the Spring Breeze

Located in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Xuanwu Lake is the largest urban lake in China and is known as the Pearl of Jinling. The lake's surface shimmers with blue waves, surrounded by lush trees, creating a picturesque scene of harmonious beauty. The scenic area is rich in historical sites, including five islets: Liangzhou, Yingzhou, Lingzhou, Huanzhou, and Cuizhou. Each islet boasts unique scenery and historical and cultural significance. 🌟 Quick Info 📍Address: No. 1, Xuanwu Lane, Xuanwu District (Subway Line 1 Xuanwumen Station/Line 3 Nanjing Station) 🎫 Tickets: Free! However, the Huangceku Site Exhibition Hall costs CNY 20, and boat tours start from CNY 40. ⏰ Best time to visit: 6:30-22:00 (Night cherry blossoms are stunning after 19:00) 📸 Must-see spots 1️⃣ Yingzhou Cherry Blossom Avenue 4,300 cherry blossom trees form a pink corridor, and the early-blooming cherry blossoms are already in bloom! Recommended route: Jiefang Gate - Xuanwumen Lakeside Road. This is the best spot to take ancient-style photos in Hanfu. 🌸 ✨Hidden spot: Take photos of the reflection in the Fangqiao Waterside Pavilion. The scenery is even more evocative of a misty Jiangnan on rainy days. 2️⃣ Ming City Wall Ruins Climb the city wall for a panoramic view of the lake and mountains, touch the 600-year-old inscriptions on the bricks, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea of clouds over Zijin Mountain to the east. 📸 🎫Combined ticket discount: Get a 10% discount at the cultural and creative store with your arrival train ticket to Nanjing (valid until Mar 31). 3️⃣ Huangceku Immersive Experience Become a Ming Dynasty guard and participate in the patrol (weekends at 10:30/14:30), create Ming Dynasty household registration archives, and immerse yourself in the mystery of the "National Archives." 4️⃣ Heart-shaped Basketball Court A newly popular spot! The pink heart-shaped basketball court + container block is perfect for taking sporty and girly photos. 🎭 Spring-exclusive activities 🌸 Spring Flowers Route Early cherry blossoms (early March) → Plum blossoms (until mid-March) → Magnolias (late March) → Bigleaf hydrangeas (April). The Jinling Bonsai Garden in Liangzhou is currently hosting a spring orchid exhibition (300 rare varieties). 👩‍❤️‍👨City Walk Route Xuanwumen → Yingzhou → Liangzhou → Lovers' Garden → Zifeng Tower Observation Deck (4 km in total) - 08:00 Morning jog at Xuanwumen to chase the light - 10:00 Visit the Ming Dynasty Huangceku exhibition in Liangzhou - 15:00 Take Instagram-worthy photos at the heart-shaped basketball court - 18:00 Watch the sunset and evening glow at Lovers' Garden - 20:00 Enjoy the night view and starry sky at Yunxin Island 🍜 Foodie Radar ✅ Lakeside Snack Trio - Madam Chiang's congee at Jinling Restaurant (Xuanwu branch exclusive lake view seats) - Jiming Tangbao + Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (Liangzhou Tea House, approx. CNY 25 per person) - Lan Laoda Sugar Taro Miao (traditional sugar water) 🚫 Things to avoid ▫️The cartoon boats in the scenic area are not cost-effective at CNY 120/hour. We recommend taking the sightseeing bus (CNY 30/full route). ▫️Peak visitor hours are from 10:00 to 16:00 on weekends.