Nanjing is a former imperial capital on the Yangtze, and its visitor sights are spread across a wide area rather than clustered in one downtown core. The historic monuments and museums sit in different parts of the city, so where you base yourself shapes how much time you spend moving between them.
For practical purposes, the city divides into a central commercial district around Xinjiekou, the Qinhuai riverfront and Confucius Temple area, the university quarter near Nanjing University, the railway station area, and the eastern side of town closest to Purple Mountain, Xuanwu Lake and the Nanjing Museum. This guide covers which of these areas suits which kind of trip, and what standard of accommodation you can expect at each price level.
Best areas to stay in Nanjing
1. Xinjiekou
Xinjiekou is the central business district and the most convenient single base for a first visit. It sits in the middle of the city, with metro connections that put most of the major sights within reach, and it has the widest choice of accommodation, from large international hotels to more modest places.
Choose it if you want to be central and to have restaurants, shopping and transport on your doorstep. The Confucius Temple is described as an easy walk from here, and the area around Xinjiekou Square is well served by subway stations.
2. Qinhuai District / Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple)
The area around the Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River is the most atmospheric part of the city for a leisure trip. It is right next to the most popular tourist street in Nanjing and sits in the middle of the city, with a riverside setting and plenty of places to eat and wander in the evening.
It suits visitors who want to step out of their accommodation into the historic riverfront district, and it works well for those who prefer to be in the middle of the action rather than in a business quarter. Accommodation here ranges from budget dormitory-style places to upmarket hotels within walking distance of the temple.
3. Around Nanjing University (Shanghai Road area)
The area near Nanjing University is central and well placed for the sights, described as less than five kilometres from most sites in all directions. It has a student character and a good supply of low-cost accommodation, including hostel-style places with shared bathrooms.
This suits budget travellers and longer-stay visitors who want a central location without paying central hotel prices. Note that some of the cheapest accommodation in the city does not accept foreign guests, so confirm this before booking in the sub-¥180 per night category.
4. Nanjing Railway Station area (Xuanwu)
The streets around Nanjing Railway Station in the Xuanwu area are a practical base if you are arriving or leaving by train, or using the city as a stopover. Mid-range accommodation is found here, close to the station.
It is less central for the historic sights than Xinjiekou or the Confucius Temple area, but it is convenient for onward travel and for the northern side of the city.
5. Eastern Nanjing, near Purple Mountain and Xuanwu Lake
The eastern side of the city, along East Zhongshan Road and towards Purple Mountain, is the best base if your main reason for visiting is the mountain, Xuanwu Lake and the Nanjing Museum. Both the mountain and the lake are reasonably walkable from this area, and the museum is immediately adjacent.
This suits visitors who prefer green space and museums over nightlife, and those doing business in the east of the city. It is further from the central commercial district, so expect to use transport for the Confucius Temple and Xinjiekou areas.
6. Tangshan Town
Tangshan Town lies out towards the hot spring area and is a resort-style base rather than a sightseeing one. Accommodation here is oriented around private villas with pools and hot-spring facilities.
It suits travellers who want a quiet retreat and are willing to trade central convenience for space and privacy. It is not a practical base for seeing the city's main sights on foot.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dormitory beds in hostel-style properties, often with shared bathrooms, and small private rooms in older buildings. Some of the cheapest places do not accept foreign guests, so check before you book.
- Mid-range: larger hotels with private rooms and full facilities, including properties near the railway station and on the eastern side of the city close to Purple Mountain.
- Splurge: international five-star hotels, largely concentrated in the central business district and around Xinjiekou, plus resort-style villas with private pools and hot springs out at Tangshan Town.
Best area for a first visit
Xinjiekou is the best base for a first visit. It is central, well connected by metro, and puts you within easy reach of the Confucius Temple and the rest of the city's main sights, with the widest choice of places to stay and eat. If you would rather wake up in the historic riverfront district itself, the Confucius Temple area is the alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Do all accommodation providers in Nanjing accept foreign guests?
No. Many providers, especially those in the cheapest category, do not accept foreigners, and some budget chains that operate elsewhere in China will not take foreign guests in Nanjing. Confirm this directly before booking.
Which area is closest to Purple Mountain and Xuanwu Lake?
The eastern side of the city, along East Zhongshan Road. Both Purple Mountain and Xuanwu Lake are reasonably walkable from there, and the Nanjing Museum is right next to it.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the Confucius Temple?
The Qinhuai District around Fuzimiao puts you right beside the temple and the most popular tourist street. The area around Xinjiekou is also within walking distance of the Confucius Temple.
Is it worth staying out at Tangshan Town?
Only if you want a resort-style stay with private villas and hot springs. It is away from the city's main sights and is not a convenient base for sightseeing.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit your trip using the booking tools on this page.