[2025 Nanjing Attraction] Travel Guide for Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area (Updated Mar)

❤Recommendation: Mid-March to early April is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Nanjing. Check out these 8 great places to see cherry blossoms in Nanjing! ▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽ ✅Jiming Temple Road - Xuanwu Lake Cherry Blossom Avenue (p1-p2) 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 3/4 to Jiming Temple Station, Exit 5, and walk to Jiefang Gate; Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area can be reached by Subway Line 1 to Xuanwu Gate Station. 👍Recommended photo spots: 1. Path east of the Pharmacist Pagoda: The best lighting is at 4pm, where the ancient walls and cherry blossoms intertwine to create a Zen aesthetic. 2. Night cherry blossoms: Shoot in the opposite direction of Jiefang Gate. The lights make the cherry blossoms look like a starry river, and there are fewer people at night. 3. Taicheng section of the city wall: Overlooking the cherry blossom avenue and the ancient temple, suitable for drone aerial photography. ---------------------------- ✅Mu Yan Riverside Scenic Belt (p3) 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Maigaoqiao Station, transfer to Bus No. 8 to Yanzi Ji Park Station. 👍Recommended photo spots: 1. West section of Yongji Avenue walkway: Capture the cherry blossoms and the Yangtze River Second Bridge with a telephoto lens, offering a wide view of the riverside. 2. Retro green train: Travel through the flowers along the riverbank. The final stop, Cliff Viewing Platform, is suitable for taking sunset silhouette photos. --------------------------- ✅Ming Xiaoling Cherry Blossom Garden (p4) 🌟Highlights: Take Subway Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, transfer to the scenic spot sightseeing bus or walk to the Stone Elephant Road. 👍Recommended photo spots: 1. Stone Elephant Road foreground composition: Frame the stone beasts with the cherry blossom-lined sacred path as the background. The morning mist creates a natural ink painting filter. 2. Classical pavilions: The cherry blossoms complement the red walls and black tiles, suitable for Hanfu photography. ---------------------------- ✅Sifang Art Museum (p5) 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to Liuzhou East Road Station, transfer to Bus No. 694 to Zhenzhuquan Terminal, and walk 1.5 km. 👍Recommended photo spots: Floating corridor and geometric architecture: The cherry blossoms clash with the minimalist art installations. A solid color long dress and a straw bag are recommended. ----------------------------- ✅Zhenzhu River Cherry Blossom Walkway (p6) 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to Fuqiao Station, Exit 1. 👍Recommended photo spots: Early cherry blossom reflections on the riverbank: Capture the reflection on the water surface in the soft morning light, paired with the ancient charm of the stone bridge. ----------------------------- ✅Nanjing Forestry University (p7) 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 3 to Nanjing Forestry University·Xinzhuang Station, and walk to the cherry blossom avenue in front of the old library. 👍Recommended photo spots: Cherry blossom classroom window view: Take photos overlooking the cherry blossoms and the youthful campus atmosphere from the upper floors of the teaching building. ----------------------------- ✅Jubaoshan Park (p8) 🚉Transportation: Take Bus No. 139 to Jubaoshan Park Station, or navigate to Xuanwu Avenue by car. 👍Recommended photo spots: Mountaintop viewing platform: Overlook the city skyline and the panoramic view of the cherry blossom forest, suitable for wide-angle lenses. --------------------------- ✅Yangshan Park (p9) 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Yangshan Park Station, Exit 1. 👍Recommended photo spots: Cherry blossom forest stream walkway: Capture the falling flowers and flowing water from a low angle, using a slow shutter speed to capture the dynamic petals. ▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽ ❤Recommendation: Follow my homepage for the latest flowering information and travel guides!

Nanjing is a truly captivating city! Rich in history yet infused with modern energy, it offers a complete travel experience. This guide covers everything from food and accommodation to transportation and entertainment in Nanjing. Give it a like and save it before you embark on your journey! Best Time to Visit Nanjing experiences four distinct seasons, with spring and autumn being the most ideal for travel. Spring (March-May) offers stunning plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and roses. Autumn (September-November) paints the city with vibrant ginkgo and maple leaves. Summers are hot, and winters are cold and damp, so be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip. Transportation Guide - Airport: Nanjing Lukou International Airport. Airport buses connect to various parts of the city. You can also take subway line S1 and transfer to other lines. - Train: Nanjing Railway Station and Nanjing South Railway Station. Both stations offer convenient access to subway and bus lines. - City Transportation: The subway is highly recommended. It has extensive coverage. Download the "Nanjing Metro" app in advance for easy QR code scanning and payment. The bus network is also well-developed, offering scenic views along the way, but be prepared for potential traffic jams during peak hours. Must-See Attractions 1. Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River Scenic Belt: An iconic Nanjing landmark, featuring ancient architecture and dazzling lights at night. Cruise along the Qinhuai River on a traditional boat, and feel transported back to ancient Jinling. Enjoy a variety of local Nanjing snacks and experience the city's vibrant atmosphere. 2. Nanjing Museum: "One museum, six branches," housing a rich collection of artifacts from ancient times to modern history, providing a comprehensive overview of Jiangsu's history and culture. Remember to book your free visit in advance through their official WeChat account. 3. Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum: A magnificent and solemn architectural masterpiece. Climb the 392 steps for a panoramic view of Nanjing and a profound sense of history. 4. Xuanwu Lake Park: A former imperial garden lake, offering diverse scenery throughout the year. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake, go boating, admire the picturesque landscape, and enjoy a relaxing time. Local Specialties 1. Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup: A Nanjing must-try! Savory duck broth with smooth vermicelli noodles, duck liver, and duck intestines, topped with fresh cilantro and spring onions. Xiaopanji and Yadebao are highly recommended. 2. Beef Guotie (Pan-fried Dumplings): Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch. The aroma of beef fills your mouth with each bite. Li Ji Halal Restaurant's guotie are incredibly popular. 3. Nanjing Roast Duck: Different from Beijing roast duck, Nanjing roast duck features crispy skin, tender meat, and savory gravy. You can't go wrong with roast duck from any local deli. Buy half a duck to enjoy with rice. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Xinjiekou: Nanjing's city center, offering convenient transportation, numerous shopping malls, and a wide variety of restaurants. It's a great location for travel, shopping, and dining, with hotels and guesthouses available at various price points. 2. Near Confucius Temple: Choose this area if you want to immerse yourself in Nanjing's historical and cultural atmosphere. Enjoy the night view of the Qinhuai River, but be aware that prices are relatively higher and the area is more crowded with tourists. Suggested Itineraries 3-Day Trip - Day 1: Nanjing South Railway Station → Hotel check-in → Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River Scenic Belt (night view and snacks) - Day 2: Nanjing Museum → Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum → Music Stage (watch the doves) → Laomendong (local Nanjing cuisine) - Day 3: Xuanwu Lake Park → Jiming Temple (pray for love, admire cherry blossoms, best time to visit is March-April) → Departure 5-Day Trip - Day 1: Arrive in Nanjing → Check in to hotel in Xinjiekou → Explore Xinjiekou for shopping and food - Day 2: Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River Scenic Belt (visit Confucius Temple and Zhan Garden during the day) → Qinhuai River cruise (night view) - Day 3: Nanjing Museum → Jiming Temple → Xuanwu Lake Park - Day 4: Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum → Music Stage → Linggu Temple → Nanjing Impression (local Nanjing dishes) - Day 5: Niushou Mountain (visit Foding Temple, Foding Pagoda, and other scenic spots) → Departure Travel Budget - Accommodation: CNY 300-1,000/day. Xinjiekou and areas near Confucius Temple are more expensive, while other areas are relatively cheaper. - Food: CNY 100-300/day. Diverse choices of snacks and restaurants. - Entrance Fees: CNY 200-500. Some attractions are free. - Transportation: CNY 100-300. Mainly for city transportation and round-trip train/plane tickets. Overall, a 3-day trip budget is around CNY 2,000-4,000, and a 5-day trip is around CNY 3,000-6,000. Adjust according to your personal spending habits. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Book your Nanjing Museum visit in advance. Queuing on-site may result in not being able to enter. 2. Prices at the Confucius Temple snack street are relatively high, and some snacks may not be worth the price. Compare prices before buying. 3. Nanjing summers are hot, so take precautions against sun and heat. Winters are cold and damp, so pack warm clothes. Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to Nanjing!

I have returned from Nanjing after two days and one night. The guide is attached below. |||There is always an autumn left for Nanjing. Please remember this 2-day 1-night guide. You can have a lot of fun and fulfillment. Day 1: From various cities to Nanjing Lukou International Airport or Nanjing Station. Wutong Avenue-Linggu Temple Road-Music Station-Confucius Temple-Nanjing Food Stalls for dinner-KTV (unlimited drinks). Day 2: Sleep until you wake up naturally-Laomendong-Ancient Jiming Temple-Nanjing City Wall-Xuanwu Lake-Salted Duck for dinner-Return trip. Overall, this trip to Nanjing is OK. However, the weather is not good, it is the kind of foggy sky. The leaves are not yellow. There are also a lot of people. It is true that the photos are not good. But you can see that the real scene is beautiful. Fortunately, we are a group of six this time, so we are happy all the way. So it doesn’t matter where to go, what matters is who you go with. Recommended Nanjing food: salted duck, soup dumplings, wontons. Suggested clothing: Direct winter clothes, the weather is very cold, Wutong Avenue recommends wearing a coat for better photos. Recommended souvenir: A beautiful jasmine flower, the gift box is beautiful, tastes good, and can be delivered by express. Note: The weather has been bad recently, the leaves are not yellow yet, and there are many people. If you want to see the yellow leaves, it is recommended to wait and choose a good weather to come, and try to come on weekdays.

🍂 When the autumn breeze blows, Nanjing transforms into the ancient city of Jinling 🍂 When the ginkgo leaves on Liangzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake turn golden, the autumn scenery of Nanjing unfolds. The breeze blows, and the ginkgo leaves dance like golden butterflies, scattering all over the ground. The sunlight shines through the sparse branches and leaves, casting mottled shadows on the golden ground. It's a breathtaking sight. 📍 Travel tips: • Location: Liangzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake. This is the top ginkgo spot in Nanjing, and it's free! • Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Xuanwumen Station, Exit 3. It's convenient and direct. • Tickets: No tickets are required. Enjoy this gift from nature. 📸 Best photo spot: The end of the ginkgo avenue, Lansheng Tower, is the best place to capture the beauty of autumn. 🍂 Morning and evening: • In the morning, when the first rays of sunlight shine on the ginkgo forest, the whole world seems to be bathed in a soft golden glow. There are few tourists at this time, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. • In the afternoon, although there are more people, the tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle and the lively swaying of the ginkgo leaves in the wind are equally captivating. 🍁 Nanjing, the autumn of this city: • Nanjing is not just a city. It carries a rich history and culture, and in autumn, it becomes even more poetic and romantic. • Xuanwu Lake, a shining pearl of Nanjing, is made even more beautiful by the ginkgo leaves on Liangzhou Island. 🍂 Blessings: • May you find your own peace and beauty in the autumn of Nanjing. • May the ginkgo leaves on Liangzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake bring you endless warmth and memories. • Nanjing is a place worth visiting countless times. May you encounter the most beautiful scenery on every trip.

The guide to seven photo check-in spots in Nanjing is here.✅ 【Route Recommendation】 P1: Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake in the same frame The shooting location is inside a nearby building. Another check-in spot is on the Ming City Wall 200 meters ahead when you turn left at the exit of Jiming Temple. Transportation: Exit from Jiming Temple Station on Subway Line 3, about 1 kilometer walk. P2: Sunset of Xuanwu Lake There is a viewing platform 50 meters ahead after entering from the Lovers' Garden. This is a better place to watch the sunset and evening glow of Xuanwu Lake. Transportation: Exit from Nanjing Forestry University Station on Subway Line 3, about 500 meters walk. P3: Zifeng Tower and the streets and lanes in the same frame Located in Nanjing West Bridge, navigate to the north gate of Ninghai Middle School. Transportation: Exit from Yunnan Road Station on Subway Line 4, about 800 meters walk. P4: Nanjing Wutong Avenue Located on Lingyuan Road, Wutong Avenue is very long, with two main check-in points, one is the Lingyuan Road section, and the other is on the overpass to Ming Xiaoling, enter from the south gate of Ming Xiaoling, walk to the 5th gate, tickets are required. Transportation: Exit from Muxuyuan Station on Subway Line 2, turn left and walk to see Wutong Avenue. P5: Nanjing Yihe Road Beautiful in all seasons, the fallen leaves of Wutong in autumn blend with the ancient buildings, creating a better atmosphere. Transportation: Exit from Yunnan Road Station on Subway Line 4, walk and navigate. P6/P7: Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River The camera position in the picture is in the central location of the Confucius Temple scenic area, and you can see it after walking for a few minutes in the scenic area. Transportation: Exit from Confucius Temple Station on Subway Line 3. P8: Zifeng Tower The horticultural landscape of Gulou Square and Zifeng Tower are in the same frame. Transportation: Exit from Gulou Station on Subway Line 1, about 200 meters walk.

Went to Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing with my family and stumbled upon Hula Shave Ice. The lady who helped us was really nice, and the service was excellent. We decided to try a few things, and out of everything, I absolutely loved the rainbow shave ice – it's a flavor explosion! Definitely recommend trying it if you're in the area. Besides the delicious shave ice, there are also lots of shops around, and the lake itself is beautiful to explore. It's a perfect place to spend a relaxing day, enjoying tasty treats and the lovely surroundings. #nanjing #HulaShaveIce #Xuanwu Lake

#timetotravel A peaceful oasis moments from Nanjing's heart, greeted us with open shores. 🍃 🧺 Our morning unfolded with a serene picnic by the lakeside, the tranquil waters reflecting the sky's calm. While our leisurely walk revealed amusement parks, cafes, and inviting restaurants, we chose to save boat rides and city tour buses for another day. 🎡 ☕️ Although we left some stones unturned, our time at Xuanwu Lake gifted us a morning of tranquility and cherished memories. 💕 📍 No.1 Xuanwu Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210042, Jiangsu, China 🚘 Just a few minutes' drive from downtown and the train stations. 🛍️ Explore nearby shopping options. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #nanjing #xuanwulake #watersidecharm #parkandlakelife

Getting There: Xuanwu Subway Station, 2 stops from Nanjing Railway Station. Attractions: Lake and Park. Food and Restaurants: Various restaurants in Splendor Mall which is about 10 minutes away from the park. You can take a walk around the park for free or pay for the tour bus ride around the park. You can also enjoy other attractions, such as taking a boat ride on the lake. Great place to relax and have a picnic. #urbanexplorer #nanjingtravel #xuanwulake

#tripblazers #couplestrip #nanjing There are lots of things to in the Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area. Whilst this place is usually a quiet place for a walk and contemplation, during March, or Sakura season, it is bustling with activity as people come from all over the country to view they beautiful blossoms. I really enjoyed taking a stroll on the old Nanjing wall within the scenic area. There we could see a view over the whole lake, as well as nearby Jiming temple. A really great family activity on a warm afternoon.

A nice place to go specifically on night which you can see the beauty of Lightning reflected on Lake. For those who like photography this place is a must to visit when you stay Nanjing. Xuanwu Lake is located in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, adjacent to the city wall in the east, Nanjing Station in the north and Zhoushan in the south. Recommended also to explore during Day time. Local People are walking around and other tourist from different places.

Location: Xuan Wu Hu (Xuan Wu Lake) in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Getting there: Take the metro or get a didi. It's in the center of the city. The lake is huge and part of the city wall of Nanjing surrounds it. A super place for an afternoon picnic. You can also sail a boat in the lake and enjoy the scenery. We enjoyed walking around it at sunset time to take wonderful photos of the classic Nanjing skyline. #nanjing #jiangsu #xuanwulake

Located in Xuanwu district near Jiming temple, Xuanwu lake is the perfect Saturday date! The lake is surrounded by a beautiful park filled with people playing outdoor sports, skating, and having picnics but most importantly you can rent the cute boats and have a romantic ride in the sunset. Getting There - You can take a cab or the subway as the station is not too far. Attractions - Canoeing, boats, temples, the City Wall of Nanjing, Ziiin Mountain and pop up stores. Hotels - you can find hotels in the city and nearby. Food & Restaurants - there’s plenty of food available and of course a KFC and McDonalds for the fast food lovers.

No matter which time you visit the lake, it's always magnifecent. The lake is spacious enough, a lot of people are jogging mostly in late afternoon till evening. Views are nice with lots of tress and different flowers. You can even hear the birds chirping. It's a peaceful place good to calm your mind. Picnic is recommended too, I even see people singing , bringing their own Karaoke. Definitely one of the nice places you should visit in Nanjing. The place is free of charge. A whole day stay with friends and family is worthwhile. 📍Location : No. 1 Xuanwu Lane, Xuanwu District, Nanjing #awesomepic #naturalwonders #themepark #lakes

Weather's just perfect today, I went to the lake and spent the whole day there. Though a lot of peole but the lake is spacious for the crowd. The beauty of this lake is timeless. Every season has something to be proud of. Now's spring time, different flowers are all over the lake. You'd expect to see cherry blossoms, tulips, roses, and many more. There are small motor powered boats that you can rent 140rmb/hour + 500 deposit, can accommodate 6 people. The are a lot of shops too where you can buy snacks and souvenirs. KFC/McDonalds and other snack bars are present. And the place is free of charge. Good for a picnic, sightseeing, taking photos, hangout with friends and family. Definitely worth your time~

Xuanwu lake is located in Xuanwu District, Nanjing. It is near to Ji Ming Temple and Nanjing Railway station. The lake is pretty huge, the 444 hectare lake is 15 kilometers in circumference. 📍No entrance fee 📍A lot of shops where you can buy snacks and souvenirs. There is the KFC and McDonald's too. There are many places you can rent small motor powered boats on the lake for 140 RMB an hour + 500 RMB deposit , good for 4 to 6 people. The duck and swan boats were nice because you can have 4 to 5 people seated facing each other but the bird head will block the beautiful view. At Xuanwu lake, you can spend the whole day by walking and resting for a while.

#summervacation One of the famous lakes in Nanjing. It is located in Xuanwu District. You can take subway Line 1 and get off at Xuanwu station. take exit 3 and walk few metres you can see the entrance gate. It is free to get in the lake. Usually you can different species of plants in this park. There is also a boating area. You can take the shuttle bus to tour you around the area and it cost 10rmb.

Xuanwe lake area is so big so that it's difficult to cover in one day. If you're visiting this city 🏙 for short days it's better to go for the train so that you can easily cover a part of the park 📸. This is one of the beautiful lake Park in Nanjing and the main highlight is there is no entrance fee 💴. Still they maintained the park so clean and beautiful. #summervacation#urbanexplorer

Seasonal Beauty 🌺 Every time when I go to xuanwu lake I am so excited to explore the new seasonal flowers 🌹🌺🌷 which is adding an extra beauty to the park as well as our hearts 💕. A nice place for an evening stroll and relaxation. The nearest metro station to this scenic spot is Nanjing forestry university (exit 2). 🚇 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

Seasonal flowers give xuanwu lake an added beauty 🌷🌺🌻. This is a place were both adults and kids enjoy equally. Kids playing with kites , bubbles and bicycles 🚴🏻 are a very common view during summer 🌞. This area of the lake is near Nanjing exhibition Centre and can easily reach from the metro station Nanjing forestry university (exit 2). 🚇 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

After a long walk through xuanwu lake this area (entrance to kids park) have a very beautiful food booth 🍱🍖. Before it was only for the ones coming to the park but now they opened it for every one. They have some ready to eat foods, some Chinese cuisine and drinks shop. 🍤🍲🌯🌭🍳🍧🍡. Sunset time is the best time to spend there to get an aesthetic ambiance. 🌄 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

Xuanwu lake is a place which never fails to impress.🌟 It's a big area and maintained very beautifully. Each time it's of different beauty. With seasons it's beauty is also changing. Walking in this park with bird's chirping is a feeling. Good place for relaxation as well as walking. 🌞🌿🎍🌺 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

📍 Getting There -  Nearest subway station is NFU/XINZHUANG. Take exit 2 and walk to the destination (around 500m) 🚝 📍 Hotels -  Lot of hotels nearby and some of them have the lake view. 🏨 📍 Food & Restaurants -  Small snack shops can seen while walking. KFC and. McDonald's are also inside but bit away from entrance. 🍧🍡🍔🍟 📍 Shopping -  Kites, bubbles, fishing nets for kids can buy from inside stalls. 🎈🛍 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

The best time to visit Nanjing is the spring time.🌺🌷🌹🌸💐 Starting from March last to may First ❤️ These are some pictures that I took in Xuanwu lake 🌅 I am not sure how many entrances this lake have. I have lived in 3 areas of Nanjing and from all these areas it has entrances . it's a big lake and they maintained each area very beautifully. ✨ Bus number 304 can take you to this area where I click these pictures. 🚌 #xuanwulake #springblossoms #spring #lake #jiangsu #nanjingtravel #urbanexplorer

Visited Nanjing around the end of March, which is the best timing for cherry blossom viewing, we headed to the most famous site for such and it didn’t let us down. XuanWu Lake (玄武湖) used to be the largest royal garden lake and it’s still a very important leisure spot for people who live in the city. It’s free to walk around the lakeside and islands on the lake. Be noted that there are only a few designated entrance to the park and it can be quite a walk if you started from a wrong spot (that’s what happened to me, walked for like 30mins to find the entrance). Cherry trees were blooming all over the park, very pleasant to enjoy the color of spring. #urbanexplorer #nanjing #nationalpark

Meanwhile in Nanjing, China.😘🥰🤩 #holidayvacation#merryxmas

spring 2020

Xuanwu lake is the bestest place to choose if you like for a long walk. The main attraction is how they maintained the park. it's so neat and clean. They also have lot of areas to relax. you can also bring your tent and relax. They also have a park for kids inside. which we have to pay. but it's worth for kids. #triplocal

Something local and great to do in Nanjing! I love to go to Xuanwu Lake with friends to enjoy a walk during sunset. It is really an amazing place to just relax and enjoy something cold on a hot day - We LOVE getting on the little peddle boats - #triplocal #triplocal

Such a great day to just relax and enjoy the nature, fresh air and good company ... 😊☺️🌾🦋🍂💐 btw... its all me (cant find the pictures of my friends lol) 😂 opsss 😆😂 #dayoffbelike #nature #xuanwulake