Nanjin

Getting around

Nanjing is a large city with a well-developed public transport system, and you can reasonably expect to cover most of it without a car. The Metro is the backbone of the network and should be your default for longer cross-city journeys; it functions as a genuine citywide network rather than a single line, with stations distributed across the city serving a wide range of destinations. Because the network is extensive, check a map or app before you travel to identify the nearest station to your destination and any transfers you will need. Buses complement the Metro and are particularly useful for shorter trips, for reaching places without a nearby station, and for connecting to and from stations — feeder bus lines link neighbourhoods to the Metro. Bicycle park-and-ride facilities at stations mean cycling plus rail is a viable combination for some journeys. Bus routes can be numerous and less obvious to a first-time visitor than the Metro, so plan routes in advance or ask at your accommodation.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient for direct door-to-door trips, when you are travelling with luggage, or when public transport does not line up well with your route, and they are especially handy for the first and last legs of a journey, such as between a Metro station and your final destination. Having your destination written in Chinese characters can help drivers, and ride-hailing apps generally handle the language barrier for you. Walking is a practical way to cover the last stretch, particularly around Metro stations, where many nearby destinations will be within a comfortable walk. From the airport, the usual options into the city are the Metro where it serves the airport, a taxi or ride-hailing, or airport buses; check before you land which connects best to your accommodation and confirm current operating hours, since late-night arrivals may limit your choices. Plan your route around the Metro first, then use buses, walking, taxis or ride-hailing to reach the exact destination, and allow extra time for transfers, especially when combining bus and rail.

Three days in Nanjin

Day one: Start in Nanjing with a walk through the city's older streets to get your bearings, then use the Metro to reach the next cluster of sights rather than covering ground on foot. Because the city is spread out, plan your day around one or two areas and let the Metro link them. Buses fill the gaps the Metro leaves, and taxis are there when you would rather not wait.

Day two: Build the day around walking, since the most rewarding stretches are best seen slowly and on foot. A bicycle lets you cover more ground at your own pace, and the Metro or a bus will carry you back when your legs tire. Having a rough plan helps, but leave room to stop when something catches your eye.

Day three: From your base, use the Metro and buses to reach the parts of Nanjing you have not yet seen, and keep a taxi in mind for the final stretch back. Chinese signage on the transport network is worth noting as you go, and a little planning the night before saves time in the morning. End with a slow walk through a neighbourhood you have come to like.