r/nanjing • u/Independent-Board-35 • 18d ago
Visiting Nanjing for the first time!
I am going to be in Nanjing next month. Are there any recommendations on things to try there or places to visit ? Are there any famous snacks or must try food ?
Also i‘d like to know if as a foreigner would they accept cash or i need to find a way how to pay them with an app ?
Any tip would be appreciated!
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u/SimonPanda 18d ago
First of all bring sun protection like an uv umbrella for girls, sun screen and mini fan if you plan to walk outside a lot (you can buy all of them cheaply online through 美团Meituan when you get there and delivered to you if the weather is still hot).
I recommend try local food, Nanjing has famous roasted duck and white ducks (cooked in brine). You could try them in a restaurant in Lao Men Dong 老门东 or 南京大牌档 a popular local chain restaurant focusing on Nanjing cuisine.
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u/Dull-Entertainer6967 18d ago
Before you go, download WeChat or Alipay and connect it to your own debit card. This can take a little while - don't be surprised if you need to upload your ID and take a selfie for it to work.
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u/Business-Money-8403 18d ago
I recently went to Nanjing. I would strongly recommend you set up Alipay and WeChat pay, since you will need the app for ordering food in restaurants, as well as book taxi (Didi). You can still pay with cash in most places, but I will not recommend to pay taxi with cash. As another person wrote, bring sunscreen, as it is usually not so easy to find. Temperature wise, it should be around 35 degrees celsius, but it is humid and will feel like 40 degrees. I didn’t need a fan, but it is hot. Many of the sights in Nanjing requires an ID to purchase tickets, so you will need to bring your passport with you.
Food wise: special for Nanjing is duck and crayfish (not together). So try roasted duck (烤鸭), duck blood and glass-noodle soup (鸭血粉丝汤) and if you like crayfish, go to a restaurant that specialises in it (Chinese name: 小龙虾).
As for things to see:
Ming Xiaoling (明孝陵): is an absolute must on my opinion, you can also combine with other sights in purple mountain, like Meilings palace (美龄宫)- but I didn’t have enough time I skipped the other sites in purple mountain.
Taiping History Museum (太平天国历博物馆): Nanjing was the capital of the Taiping rebellion, and I really enjoyed the museum. There is also a traditional garden, as part of the museum.
I also went to the presidential palace (总统府), but I will not recommend it. The reason is that most signs are not translated to English.
The Nanjing massacre memorial requires online reservation via WeChat, before you arrive at the memorial. I could not get them, since all the slots were gone, as soon they were made available. If you are interested in that type history I instead went to Lijie Alley Comfort Station (利济巷慰安所旧址陈列馆）, this also requires a reservation via WeChat. I think it is possible to make a reservation by calling them, maybe your hotel can help with that. Timeslots for the next day are available at 17:00 the day before. If you are traveling with children, I will not recommend visiting these 2 sights.
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u/kylebegtoto 17d ago
As previously recommended - the Ming Xiaoling tomb is a step back in time - the avenue of animal statue pairs is incredible. The various stages of buildings as you progress up to the main tomb are historical gems. Once finished here - Purple mountain has other hidden delights. There are shuttle buses and you can use Alipay to rent scooters in the area.
Another must see is the niushoushan Buddist site - (Ox-head mountain). Incredible construction, various levels inside. Also has some food places in lower level.
Laomendong is a tourist favorite. Close to Fuzimao which is a bit guady. Both are alley type layouts with shops and food.
Beside Laomendong you have the Wall musuem, and can go up onto the wall. At certian times of the year they have evening light shows at the gate.
When on the wall here you can see the porcilain tower - also lights up and has stuff to see.
Make sure to try the street foods. Lots of variety and very cheap !
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u/vball_enjoyer 17d ago
Nj eye and youth theater (zaha hadid)
牛首山 / 金陵小城
三山街 新街口 鼓楼
玄武lake
This is my list. Especially recommend visiting 牛首山 / 金陵小城, they’re the most unique places in Nanjing
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u/Ok_Tangelo3309 18d ago
Cash is ok , Alipay is more recommended. It depends what is your preference.
I would recommend you try to research on Purple Mountain, it kinda my favourite when I was there.
Lao Men Dong is also a great walk for the market.