
Jiangning Housing and Urban-Rural Development Department has begun closed renovations on Dongshan Cultural and Leisure Plaza. As one of Jiangning's earliest urban cultural and leisure plazas, the plaza, covering approximately 30,000 square meters, has been open for 20 years and has hosted nearly 100 mass cultural events. It serves as a vital venue for Jiangning residents' cultural and sports activities, science education, and fitness and leisure activities. This renovation focuses on addressing the dilapidated condition of some of the plaza's facilities while also comprehensively upgrading the plaza's landscape, providing citizens with a more comfortable, convenient, and beautiful leisure venue.
The renovated square maintains its dual functions of culture and leisure, with many features reflecting a more humane and contemporary design concept. As a distinctive anti-corruption cultural square in Jiangning, the renovation has enhanced the square's cultural atmosphere by replacing the original anti-corruption warning lights with over ten new and updated cultural lights reflecting "family traditions, family rules, and family education."
The subtropical monsoon climate makes the square a great venue for large-scale mass performances after it opens, and it is also suitable for morning exercises and leisure, making it a good place to travel in all seasons.
The newly repaved floor tiles, featuring alternating warm and cool tones, create a joyful and lively atmosphere. Benches in the flowerbeds offer a place for residents to rest while exercising.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
The Dongshan Cultural and Leisure Plaza is a modern cultural hub in Nanjing, designed to promote local arts, culture, and leisure activities. It represents the blending of traditional Chinese culture with contemporary leisure trends, making it a great place to explore Nanjing’s local cultural scene.
Dongshan Cultural and Leisure Plaza is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The most convenient way to reach the plaza is by taxi or bus. Alternatively, you can take the metro to a nearby station and walk for about 10 minutes.
The plaza is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon, when the area is less crowded and the weather is cooler.
The entrance to the plaza is free. However, some special events or exhibitions may have a separate fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the event entrance or via local tour operators.
Advance booking is not necessary for general visits, but for special events or performances, it is advisable to book tickets a few days in advance.
You can fully explore the plaza in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the activities you choose to engage in.
The must-see highlights include the outdoor art installations, the cultural performance areas, and the traditional tea house. Don’t miss the exhibitions showcasing local Nanjing crafts.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and sometimes in English during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides may be available in multiple languages.
The plaza’s central courtyard and its outdoor sculptures provide excellent spots for photos. The surrounding greenery and art installations also make for great backdrops.
Start by exploring the cultural exhibition area, then head towards the performance space if you're interested in live shows. Finally, stroll around the open-air sections for some relaxation and photo opportunities.
Night visits are available, and the plaza is beautifully lit up in the evening. Special cultural performances or events may also take place during the night, depending on the schedule.
The plaza can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays, especially in the mornings.
The plaza offers clean restrooms, water refill stations, several rest areas, and a small selection of shops. There are also cafes where you can enjoy a drink or snack.
The plaza is accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. It is well-maintained with ramps, smooth paths, and accessible restrooms.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Credit cards may be accepted in larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions.
Inside the plaza, you will find a few cafes serving coffee, tea, and snacks. Nearby, there are several restaurants offering traditional Chinese food, as well as international cuisine.
There are vegetarian and vegan options available in the nearby restaurants. Some places may also offer halal food, particularly in the more tourist-oriented areas.
Several hotels are located near the plaza, including mid-range options like the Nanjing Grand Hotel and budget hotels in the vicinity.
Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the Nanjing Museum, and the Confucius Temple, all of which can be easily combined for a day trip.
There are souvenir shops offering traditional Chinese arts and crafts, such as tea sets, calligraphy items, and local Nanjing specialties like salted duck and silk products.
After visiting the plaza, you can take a taxi or use the Nanjing Metro to continue your trip. Public buses are also a convenient option for exploring the nearby attractions.