Nanjing City Wall

Introducing Nanjing City Wall

Nanjing's Ming City Wall, encompassing the four walls of the Palace City, the Imperial City, the Capital City, and the Outer City, was constructed during the Ming Dynasty. Today, it often refers to the well-preserved portion of the capital's walls. It is the world's longest, largest, and best-preserved ancient city wall, with a total length of 25.1 kilometers remaining intact. Construction began in 1366 (the 26th year of the Zhizheng reign of the Yuan Dynasty) and was completed in 1393 (the 26th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty). Construction took 28 years, mobilizing 280,000 workers from one ministry, three military prefectures, five provinces, 37 prefectures, and 152 counties nationwide, and using approximately 350 million bricks to complete the four-layered wall of Yingtian Prefecture, the capital of Nanjing.

The construction of Nanjing's Ming Dynasty City Wall departed from the traditional square or rectangular form of previous capital walls. Building on the foundations of the Jiankang City of the Six Dynasties, the city was constructed according to the alignment of Nanjing's mountain ranges and waterways. Taking advantage of the natural landscape and the proximity of rivers and lakes, the city is surrounded by the Qinhuai River to the south, a natural moat; Zhongshan Mountain to the east; Houhu Lake to the north; and hills to the west, which merge into the city walls. These form a uniquely defensive, three-dimensional military fortress. The Beijing City Wall, meandering for 35.3 kilometers, is the largest existing city wall in China and the world's longest, having been recognized by the World Records Association as the world's longest city wall. The outer city wall, extending beyond the capital, exceeds 60 kilometers, a world record.

Nanjing's Ming Dynasty City Wall stands tall and unrivaled in China. Built along the ridges of hills and nestled against the backdrop of mountains and rivers, it exemplifies the integration of Chinese rituals and ethics with nature, and stands as an outstanding example of ancient capital city construction. As a culmination of ancient Chinese military defense and city wall construction techniques, its historical, ornamental, and archaeological value, as well as its architectural design, scale, and functionality, is unmatched by any other city wall in China and abroad, making it a truly magnificent structure after the Great Wall of China.

Climate and best time to travel

With a subtropical monsoon climate, Nanjing's Ming City Wall was listed as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit in several sections in October 1956. In January 1988, the entire section was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. In November 2012, as the lead city of the "China Ming and Qing City Walls" project, it was included in the Chinese World Cultural Heritage Tentative List. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Zhonghua Gate, Xuanwu Gate, Xi'an Gate, Yifeng Gate, Yijiang Gate, Zhongshan Gate, Hanxi Gate;

It is recommended to play for 2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

---

Most Popular FAQs for Nanjing City Wall

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Nanjing City Wall dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and is one of the most significant examples of ancient military architecture in China. The wall stretches for over 33 kilometers and was built to protect the city of Nanjing during its time as the capital of the Ming Empire.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Nanjing City Wall is located throughout the central part of Nanjing, with key sections near the Zhonghua Gate. It is easily accessible by metro (Line 1, Line 2) or bus. Taxis are also a convenient option for reaching the area. Many parts of the wall are walkable, making it easy to explore on foot.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Nanjing City Wall is open every day, with the best times to visit being in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for a visit due to the mild weather.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for the Nanjing City Wall is generally free, but some sections, like the Zhonghua Gate, may require a ticket. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online for specific attractions within the area.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not usually required for general visits to the city wall. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions like the Zhonghua Gate, it is recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore the Nanjing City Wall and its key attractions, allow 2-3 hours. This includes walking along the wall, visiting the Zhonghua Gate, and taking in the views from various vantage points.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the Zhonghua Gate, the watchtowers along the wall, and the preserved city wall sections near the city center. The panoramic views of Nanjing from the wall are also a key feature.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides may be provided in English. It's best to check availability at the entrance or book in advance for a guided experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints for photography are along the ramparts, especially near the Zhonghua Gate and the watchtowers. These locations offer great panoramic views of Nanjing's skyline and the surrounding landscapes.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the Zhonghua Gate, then walk along the wall to explore different sections, stopping at the various watchtowers. You can follow the path that leads you through historical landmarks, taking breaks to enjoy the view and historical markers.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

The Nanjing City Wall is not typically open for night visits, but the Zhonghua Gate and surrounding areas are beautifully lit in the evenings. Special events and light shows may occur during festivals or holidays, so it's worth checking for updates.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The city wall can get crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays in the morning or late afternoon, especially during off-peak seasons like winter or early spring.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and small shops are available along the wall. You can find water and snacks at kiosks in the main tourist areas, and there are cafes and restaurants nearby in the city center.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The main pathways along the Nanjing City Wall are relatively accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, some of the ancient sections may involve steps or uneven terrain, which could be challenging for disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, and credit cards are also commonly used in major shops and restaurants. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you encounter vendors who do not accept mobile payments.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are several restaurants and cafes nearby offering Nanjing specialties like salted duck and duck blood soup. For international dining, head to the city center, where you'll find a wide variety of options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

There are vegetarian and vegan options available in the area, particularly in local Chinese restaurants. Halal food can be found in select restaurants around the city center.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are a variety of accommodations near the Nanjing City Wall, ranging from budget options to luxury hotels. The city center is home to many hotels, making it convenient for visitors to stay nearby.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Confucius Temple area. These can easily be visited together in a day trip from the city wall.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops are available near the wall and in the surrounding areas. Common souvenirs include postcards, traditional Chinese crafts, local artwork, and silk products.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the Nanjing City Wall, taxis, metro, and buses are convenient options for continuing your trip. The metro stations are well-connected to other parts of the city, making it easy to explore more attractions in Nanjing.