Top 50 Best Things to Do near Nanjing
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Top 50 Best Things to Do near Nanjing

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  • Slender West Lake
    󰺂8.5
    45.41
    Yangzhou.Slender West Lake Tourist District72.5 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󱨜Stamp art shows 24 Bridge's beauty
    Five Pavilion Bridge with five pavilions
    󱨠Saved by 358 users󱨠44496 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    峰一样的好男子峰一样的好男子

    Here are some descriptions of Slender West Lake: Poetic Scenery Willows and painted bridges, winding waterways and covered corridors—if Jiangnan is a poem left behind by heaven, then Yangzhou's Slender West Lake is the most exquisite stroke on that poem. The 4.3-kilometer waterway, like a flowing ribbon, connects twenty-four scenic spots, each step echoing the rhymes of Tang and Song poetry. The Five Pavilion Bridge presents a temporal fold; the five pavilions, supported by lotus flowers, resemble Beijing's Beihai Park when viewed from the north, and the Jiangnan water towns when viewed from the south. This bridge, a fusion of northern and southern architectural styles, was praised by Mao Yisheng as "China's most beautiful bridge." The White Pagoda in the clear clouds—legend has it that the White Pagoda was formed overnight by piled salt. Its design resembles a scripture cylinder; when the wind blows, 108 copper bells softly chant the Heart Sutra, the chanting resonating with the blue waves. Historical and Cultural Description Slender West Lake is not only a landscape painting, but also an epic tale inscribed with the stories of Emperor Yang of Sui's canal construction, salt merchants' garden building, and the emperor's southern tours. Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, this place has been a favorite haunt of literati and scholars. During the Qing dynasty, due to the six southern tours of Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong, salt merchants competed to build gardens, creating a magnificent scene of "flowers and willows lining both banks, pavilions and terraces stretching all the way to the mountains." From Li Bai's "fireworks in March" to Jiang Kui's "ripples on the water, the cold moon silent," generations of literati have infused the Slender West Lake with their souls through poetry, making it a "walking embodiment of Tang and Song poetry." Four Seasons Features The Slender West Lake is a natural theater that never closes, where different aesthetic scripts unfold with the changing seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms fall like rain, forming a rainbow bridge; pink snow drifts down the cherry blossom avenue, overlapping with the crimson railings of the rainbow bridge. In summer, the lotus breeze carries the fragrance of Guangling San, and thousands of acres of lotus ponds sway gently, while painted boats illuminated by palace lanterns shine at night. In autumn, ginkgo leaves gild the pavilions; the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees in front of the scenic waterside pavilions scatter gold leaf, reflecting the yellow glazed tiles of the Five Pavilion Bridge. In winter, snow falls, creating the most poetic scene of Jiangnan; snow-covered white pagodas resemble jade palaces.

  • Daming Temple
    󰺂7.4
    21.14
    Yangzhou.Slender West Lake Tourist District72.6 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󰋄Temple garden with rockeries & pavilions
    9-story Qiling Tower with nanmu Buddha
    󱨠6668 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    This is a very tranquil temple in the Jiangnan region, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, with beautiful scenery. A few black swans and koi fish swim in the pond, adding a touch of wild charm. There's also Ouyang Xiu's Pingshan Hall, its interior simple and elegant, and the calligraphy works are of high artistic quality. In addition, there are iconic buildings such as the Jianzhen Monk Memorial Hall and Qiling Pagoda, personally designed by Liang Sicheng. Bamboo, wasabi, water lilies, osmanthus trees, pines, and other trees and shrubs stand in a harmonious and orderly fashion, with cats sitting or lying among them, adding to the lively atmosphere. In short, it's a very elegant temple, well worth a visit!

  • He Garden
    󰺂7.6
    Yangzhou.Dongguan Street/Pishi Street73.3 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󱨜Renowned as the Finest Garden of the Late Qing Dynasty
    A Marvel of Architecture with Double-Level Corridors
    󱨠Saved by 108 users󱨠7418 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    霍尔顿考尔菲德霍尔顿考尔菲德

    A highly recommended attraction, it offers a unique blend of classical Chinese gardens and Western decor. While strolling along the 1.5km covered walkway, visitors can also learn about the history of the He clan. This educational and entertaining three-dimensional garden is truly excellent.

  • Geyuan Garden
    󰺂7.7
    21.92
    Yangzhou.Dongguan Street/Pishi Street73.7 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󰋄Unique Rockeries Depicting the Four Seasons
    󱨜An Exemplary Fusion of Merchant Mansion and Classical Garden
    󱨠Saved by 112 users󱨠9878 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    可可兔纸可可兔纸

    Although it was a bit late, I didn't see much of the intricacies of the gardens. I think we should have hired a guide. However, the design of these gardens is indeed ingenious. They must be very beautiful in late autumn and early spring.

  • China Dinosaurs Land
    󰺂8.0
    125.25
    Changzhou.Universal Dinosaur Park/Changzhou Olympic Sports CenterMore than 100 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󱓊Seven themed areas for dinosaurs
    󱓊Dinosaur-themed musical & stunt show
    󱨠Saved by 480 users󱨠33349 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Some interesting attractions were cancelled, as were the nighttime attractions; the park closes at 5 PM, and this wasn't mentioned when purchasing tickets. The rides are just so-so, typical of all theme parks, nothing special. I won't be coming back.

  • Nianhua Bay
    󰺂7.5
    61.84
    Wuxi.Mashan Scenic AreaMore than 100 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    8 scenic areas for Zen life experience
    󰀆Lake 3D water screen movie show
    󱨠Saved by 593 users󱨠17469 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    julia11julia11

    Today I had a day trip to Nianhua Bay in Wuxi, a 5A-level scenic area, and I really enjoyed it. First of all, the scenery is beautiful; every step reveals a new view. Entering the park immediately evokes a poetic and picturesque atmosphere—truly a Zen-like town. Secondly, there are many simple interactive activities, such as reciting ancient poems, practicing Tai Chi, and copying scriptures. There are also many performances, with a list available on a mini-program, including Sichuan opera face-changing performances, Kunqu opera, musical fountains, and a tower-lighting ceremony. There are shows along the way. What impressed me most was the combination of iron flower fireworks, releasing sky lanterns, and an AI drone show. These three activities were perfectly integrated, offering both interactivity and visual appeal, while also being environmentally conscious (the sky lanterns are not disposable but recycled and reused). The entrance fee is a bit pricey at 150 yuan per person. I recommend staying inside the scenic area for multiple entries and to enjoy the evening shows later. Parking is very cheap at 15 yuan per visit. Nianhua Bay also offers an annual pass, but unfortunately, I live a bit far from the area; otherwise, I would have gotten one and visited more often.

  • Tai Hu Yuantouzhu Scenic Spot
    󰺂8.2
    66.54
    Wuxi.Taihu Yuantouzhu/Liyuan Scenic AreaMore than 100 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󱓊Lake view & bridge experience
    󱓊Taoist & Buddhist statues on Taihu Island
    󱨠Saved by 802 users󱨠19061 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Yuantouzhu is truly a fantastic place, and I highly recommend everyone visit! Last time I went with my family, we were immediately captivated by the scenery. The shimmering lake and the distant, rolling mountains combined to create a breathtakingly beautiful scene. We took a boat trip on Taihu Lake, enjoying the gentle breeze. Walking along the lakeside paths, the air was filled with fresh scents, making us feel incredibly relaxed. The island boasts many ancient buildings with a rich historical feel, and you can easily discover interesting things just by wandering around. There weren't many tourists, so it wasn't noisy, allowing us to quietly appreciate the scenery. We brought some snacks, found a shady spot under a tree, and chatted while eating—it was incredibly pleasant. I'll definitely tell my friends about this wonderful place, and I'd love to come back again sometime!

  • Hello Kitty Park
    󰺂7.3
    147.95
    Anji.Hello Kitty ParkMore than 100 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󱓊46-foot Ferris wheel overlooking park
    󱓊Pink London street at Kitty courtyard
    󱨠Saved by 2425 users󱨠6227 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    This was my second visit. Overall, it was alright, but there were too few rides to do (only seven or eight were open). The Ferris wheel was closed, and I finished everything in two hours that morning.

  • Xiyou World of Adventure
    󰺂7.3
    156.07
    Huai'anMore than 100 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󰀆Classic Journey to the West scenes
    󱓊46 immersive Journey to the West experiences
    󱨠5762 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Chinese-style horror is indeed amazing, but it's more suitable for older children. It's not very friendly to children under 120cm, as there are many height restrictions, which is a bit of a shame. The park is very large, and there are many very friendly NPCs. I'll definitely come back when my child is older.

  • Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area
    󰺂7.9
    46.97
    Suzhou.Suzhou Railway Station DistrictMore than 100 km from Nanjing
    Highlights:
    󱨜Tiger Hill Pagoda (World's 2nd leaning tower)
    󱓊Spring Art Flower Show: Rare Blooms
    󱨠Saved by 1700 users󱨠19861 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Delfina董董Delfina董董

    Take a walk, climb the mountain, and enjoy the scenery. There aren't many steps, and the path isn't very wide. You can take an electric cart up the mountain from the outer edge. Inside, there are many unique shops selling paper cutting, hand-painted items, and more. The autumn scenery is perfect for taking lots of photos. It'll be really cold this weekend; your hands will be freezing!

Best things to do in Nanjing (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Nanjing? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Nanjing offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Nanjing

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Nanjing experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Slender West Lake

• Yangzhou.Slender West Lake Tourist District | 72.5 km from Nanjing

• : Stamp art shows 24 Bridge's beauty,Five Pavilion Bridge with five pavilions

Daming Temple

• Yangzhou.Slender West Lake Tourist District | 72.6 km from Nanjing

• : Temple garden with rockeries & pavilions,9-story Qiling Tower with nanmu Buddha

He Garden

• Yangzhou.Dongguan Street/Pishi Street | 73.3 km from Nanjing

• : Renowned as the Finest Garden of the Late Qing Dynasty,A Marvel of Architecture with Double-Level Corridors

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Nanjing

If you want to explore attractions just outside Nanjing, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Nanjing, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Nanjing special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Nanjing

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Nanjing

Ready to explore the best of Nanjing? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are some Best Things to Do near Nanjing?
Some Best Things to Do near Nanjing include:Slender West Lake, Daming Temple, He Garden, Geyuan Garden, China Dinosaurs Land
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Nanjing?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Nanjing include:Slender West Lake:4.7, Daming Temple:4.6, He Garden:4.7, Geyuan Garden:4.7, China Dinosaurs Land:4.6
Where are Best Things to Do near Nanjing located?
The Best Things to Do near Nanjing are mainly located in:Slender West Lake:Yangzhou, Daming Temple:Yangzhou, He Garden:Yangzhou, Geyuan Garden:Yangzhou, China Dinosaurs Land:Changzhou
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