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Located in Nanjing's Xuanwu District, Xuanwu Lake Park is the largest inner-city park in Jiangnan. Nestled between Purple Mountain to the east and the Ming Dynasty City Wall to the west, it is surrounded by the majestic Ming Dynasty City Wall, the beautiful Jiuhua Mountain, and the ancient Jiming Temple.
Xuanwu Lake is the largest royal garden lake in China. It mainly includes five oases, including Yingzhou, Liangzhou and Cuizhou. It is a gathering place for many scenic spots and historical sites. It is now the largest cultural and leisure park in Nanjing and is known as the "Pearl of Jinling".
The lake is divided into four large sections by five islands, each connected by bridges or embankments for easy exploration. The lake is no more than two meters deep, and fish are raised and lotuses are planted. In summer and autumn, the water is emerald green, shaded by pink lotuses, creating a fragrant and enchanting scene.
Recommended play time: 2-4 hours
free
All day
Xuanwu Lake Park, located in Nanjing, is a historic urban park with over 600 years of history. It combines natural beauty with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and serves as a cultural and recreational landmark for the city.
Situated in northeastern Nanjing near the city center. Accessible via Metro Line 1 (Xuanwumen Station), buses, taxis, or walking from nearby downtown areas.
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Early morning or late afternoon offers the most pleasant experience with fewer crowds.
General entrance is free, but specific attractions like boats or certain island gardens may have small fees. Tickets can be purchased onsite.
For boat rentals or island attractions, advance booking is optional but recommended during peak seasons.
2–4 hours depending on whether you explore the islands, rent a boat, or just walk along the lake.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and sometimes English; most visitors explore independently using maps and signage.
Start from Xuanwumen entrance, walk clockwise around the lake, visit the islands in order, enjoy boat rides, and finish at the lakeside gardens.
Night strolls are allowed; certain bridges and gardens are illuminated. Seasonal festivals or cultural events may be held on weekends.
Weekdays, early mornings, and late afternoons are least crowded. Weekends and public holidays can be busy.
Facilities include public restrooms, snack stalls, cafes near entrances, benches, and small souvenir shops.
Mostly accessible; flat paths accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, but some bridges and island steps may be challenging.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and credit cards are widely accepted; small cash is useful for minor fees.
Cafes, tea houses, and restaurants are located near the entrances and surrounding downtown streets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; vegan and halal options are limited but can be found in nearby Nanjing neighborhoods.
Several hotels, boutique guesthouses, and serviced apartments are near Xuanwu Lake and downtown Nanjing.
Souvenir shops sell postcards, traditional crafts, small statues, and local specialty snacks.
Metro lines, buses, and taxis provide easy access to downtown Nanjing or nearby attractions on Purple Mountain.
