Pukou Railway Station

Introducing Pukou Railway Station

The former site of Pukou Railway Station is located in Pukou District, Nanjing. It was built in the 34th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1908) and covers an area of ​​20 hectares. It is the only railway station in China that retains the characteristics of the Republic of China. It is listed as one of the nine most artistic railway stations in China and is a national key cultural relic protection unit.

In the third year of the Republic of China (1914), Pukou Railway Station was officially opened for operation. It is an important transportation hub connecting 11 provinces including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Henan and Anhui. In October 1968, with the opening of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Pukou Railway Station stopped passenger service. In 1985, some passenger service was resumed and it was renamed "Nanjing North Station". The freight business of the station continued to expand and the scale of the station continued to expand. In October 2004, passenger service was stopped.

Pukou Railway Station is an old-fashioned British-style three-story brick and wood structure with a beige exterior and a large red roof. A single-column umbrella-shaped corridor extending directly to the platform and an arched rain corridor connecting to the ferry terminal connect to a three-story beige main building. The red roof is inscribed with the characters "Nanjing North Station." Opposite the main building stands the "Sun Yat-sen's Coffin Platform," dedicated to the resting place of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's coffin. Pukou Railway Station is unique in that its main and supporting buildings, including the waiting building, platforms, rain corridor, ticket office, VIP building, and senior staff quarters, have been systematically preserved, making it the most complete "century-old station." The roof is clad in blue-gray machine-made flat tiles, and the exterior is painted in an ochre cement mortar, giving it the appearance of a "small two-story villa." The platforms, rain corridors, and other ancillary structures within the Pukou Railway Station complex are constructed of reinforced concrete.

Climate and best time to travel

The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The former site of Pukou Railway Station.

It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Pukou Railway Station

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

Pukou Railway Station is an important transportation link in Nanjing, connecting the northern and southern parts of Jiangsu province. It serves as a hub for trains heading to major cities, providing both high-speed and regular train services. The station's modern infrastructure has significantly improved travel in the region.

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

Pukou Railway Station is located in the Pukou District of Nanjing. It is easily accessible by metro (Line 1, Pukou Railway Station), bus, and taxi. The station is well-connected to the city center, making it convenient for travelers arriving by public transport.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Pukou Railway Station operates 24/7, with trains running throughout the day. However, for those interested in observing the station or exploring the surrounding area, the best time to visit is during daylight hours, especially in the morning and afternoon when trains are frequent.

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

There is no entrance fee to visit the station itself. Train tickets can be purchased either online via official train ticket platforms or offline at the station’s ticket counters. Ticket prices vary depending on the destination and class of service.

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

For long-distance or high-speed trains, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Tickets can be booked up to 30 days in advance, though last-minute tickets may still be available depending on the route.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Since Pukou Railway Station is primarily a transit hub, it is not a typical tourist destination. A visit typically lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether you are just passing through or waiting for a train.

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

The station’s modern architecture and the surrounding urban area are the main highlights. There are also local shops and food stalls around the station, providing a glimpse of local life.

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

Guided tours are not available at Pukou Railway Station, as it is primarily a functional transportation hub. However, you can explore the area on your own.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best spots for photography include the station's large open platforms, the train tracks, and the surrounding views of the Pukou district. You can capture the movement of the trains and the station's modern design.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

There is no fixed itinerary at Pukou Railway Station. Visitors can explore the station’s platforms, observe train activity, and then walk around the surrounding neighborhood for a local experience. The station's main purpose is transit, so the focus is on convenience rather than tourism.

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

There are no special tours or light shows at Pukou Railway Station. However, the station is illuminated at night, and visitors can observe the trains and the station's activities after dark.

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

Pukou Railway Station can be busy during peak travel hours, especially during holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are typically early mornings or late evenings during weekdays.

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

The station offers standard amenities such as toilets, food stalls, water dispensers, and resting areas. There are also a few shops selling snacks, magazines, and travel essentials.

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

Pukou Railway Station is generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with elevators and ramps available. However, the large size of the station may be overwhelming for young children or those with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted at Pukou Railway Station. Cash may still be accepted for some purchases, but digital payments are more commonly used.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the station, there are a few food stalls offering quick meals. Nearby, you will find local restaurants serving Jiangsu cuisine and other Chinese food options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food options are available in some of the local restaurants near the station. Halal food options are limited, and it may be better to travel to central Nanjing for more diverse food choices.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are a few hotels near Pukou Railway Station, including budget hotels and mid-range accommodations. For a wider selection, it is recommended to stay in central Nanjing and travel to the station if needed.

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

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and the Nanjing Yangtze River National Park. These can be visited on the same day as a trip to Pukou Railway Station.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops near the station sell local snacks, postcards, and small trinkets. However, for a larger selection of souvenirs, you may need to visit central Nanjing.

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

After visiting Pukou Railway Station, you can take the metro, taxi, or bus to explore more of Nanjing. The metro is the most convenient way to continue your journey within the city.