Changjiang Road

Introducing Changjiang Road

Changjiang Road, located in the southwest of Nanjing's Xuanwu District, was formerly known as Guofu Road. It is a renowned street steeped in Republican-era culture and a distinctive cultural district in the ancient capital. Nanjing, the capital of six dynasties, boasts palaces from the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods. This gave rise to the Ming Dynasty's "ci and qu culture," the Qing Dynasty's "Red Mansions culture," the Republican-era "architectural culture," and a modern center for humanities and arts.

Changjiang Road runs east-west, is 1,821 meters long and 43 meters wide, with six lanes. It runs from Zhongshan Road in the west to Hanfu Yayuan in the east, roughly parallel to Zhongshan East Road in the south and Zhujiang Road in the north, and intersects with north-south roads such as Hongwu North Road and Taiping North Road.

Changjiang Road was known as Dacangyuan during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1927, after the Nationalist government established its capital in Nanjing, it was located in the former Liangjiang Governor-General's Office. In 1930, the road was widened to 28 meters and renamed Guofu Road, with plane trees purchased from Shanghai planted. During the Wang Puppet Reform Government, it was renamed Weixin Road. After 1945, it was renamed Linsen Road, and after 1949, it was renamed Changjiang Road.

Climate and best time to travel

With a subtropical monsoon climate, the Yangtze River Road, known as "Half of Nanjing's History," is a familiar "Cultural Street" to Nanjing residents. Besides the Presidential Palace, it also boasts numerous testimonies of Nanjing's rise and fall over the Six Dynasties. The palace itself, a haven for travelers in all seasons, has witnessed the city's rise and fall.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Along Changjiang Road, there are a series of cultural relics and cultural attractions such as Pilu Temple, Meiyuanxincun Memorial Hall, Six Dynasties Museum, Presidential Palace, Zhongshan Square, Nanjing Library, Jiangning Weaving House, Jiangsu Art Museum, Nanjing Great Hall of the People, and Jinling Library. It can be said that there is a landscape every three steps and a relic every five steps.

It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Changjiang Road

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

Changjiang Road is one of Nanjing's historic streets, with a long-standing significance in the city's commerce and culture. The road is named after the Yangtze River (Changjiang), and has witnessed the city's transformation over the years, from traditional markets to modern shopping districts.

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

Located in the heart of Nanjing, Changjiang Road is easily accessible by metro, bus, or taxi. The closest metro station is the "Changjiang Road" station, which is just a short walk from the street. Taxis are also a convenient option for direct access.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Changjiang Road is an open street with no specific opening hours. However, the best times to visit are during the daytime for shopping and sightseeing, or in the evening when the street comes alive with lights and street performances.

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

There is no entrance fee for visiting Changjiang Road. The area is free to walk through and explore, though you may need to pay for purchases in stores or eateries along the way.

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

No booking is required to visit Changjiang Road as it is an open street for public access.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Exploring Changjiang Road can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in shopping and sightseeing.

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

Key highlights include the traditional shops selling local crafts, street food vendors, and the historical buildings along the road. The vibrant markets and nearby attractions such as Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge add to the experience.

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

Guided tours are available, but they are not commonly offered directly on Changjiang Road itself. You can book a general Nanjing city tour that includes this street. Audio guides in Chinese and English are available for other local attractions nearby.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Best photography spots include the picturesque bridge views from the road, street scenes with historical buildings in the backdrop, and lively market areas with street vendors.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start your walk from the west end of Changjiang Road near the river and explore the street's shops and restaurants. If you have time, head to nearby attractions like the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge or the Nanjing Museum for further sightseeing.

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

There are no specific night tours, but Changjiang Road is especially lively in the evening with street performances and lights. It’s a popular spot for evening walks, shopping, and dining.

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

Changjiang Road can be quite crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. Weekday mornings and late evenings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.

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

There are plenty of facilities, including toilets in shopping centers, food stalls, and cafes. Rest areas are available in some parks and public spaces along the road.

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

The street is accessible, though it can be busy and crowded. There are ramps and sidewalks, but elderly or disabled visitors should be prepared for some uneven terrain in certain parts of the street.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted in stores and restaurants. Cash is still acceptable but not as commonly used.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are many local restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors along Changjiang Road, offering a variety of Chinese and international cuisines.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available at certain eateries along the road and nearby markets, though specific halal restaurants can be found in designated areas of Nanjing.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Hotels such as the Jinling Hotel Nanjing and the Nanjing Central Hotel are located near Changjiang Road, offering convenient access to the area.

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

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Nanjing Museum, and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. These can be easily combined into a day trip from Changjiang Road.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops along Changjiang Road selling local crafts, artwork, traditional Chinese tea, and small trinkets. Popular items include silk products and Nanjing’s famous saltwater duck.

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

After visiting, you can take a taxi, metro, or public bus to continue exploring Nanjing or head towards the Nanjing Railway Station for further travel.