I. Match your travel rhythm
1 Recommendations for independent travel
| Travel type | Recommended Travel Options | Benefits of the Recommended Combo |
|---|---|---|
|
Within 3 days |
Subway + ride hailing |
|
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More than 3 days |
Subway + shared bikes + bus |
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Family/sen ior tour |
Ride-hailing services + subway |
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2 Distinctive transportation experience
| Modes of Transpo rtation | Use Tips | Special Experiences |
|---|---|---|
|
Qinhuai River cruise |
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Feel the flickering lights of the Qinhuai River, admire the ancient buildings and light and shadow show of Jiangnan along the way, and immerse yourself in the charm of the ancient capital of six Dynasties. |
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Sun Yatsen Mausole um Scenic Area sightseei ng bus |
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Shuttle between the paulownia avenue and historical buildings, and easily reach the top to overlook the entire city of Nanjing. |
3. Payment methods and tools
Alipay/wechat
Scanning code payment is supported for subways, buses and ferries (international credit card binding is required, and some require the activation of “Nanjing Public Transport Ride Code”).
City-specific apps
Nanjing Metro: The official APP supports route inquiry and QR code boarding (English interface).
Didi International: The first choice for ride-hailing services, supports English interface and overseas credit card payment.
Jinling Pass: Physical transportation cards can be purchased/refunded at subway stations and are only recommended for long-term stays
II. Guide to Public Transport Systems
Subway
① Recommendation level: ★★★★★
10 routes covering the city, connecting major attractions
② Payment method
Alipay/wechat scan for direct entry, and some turnstiles support international credit card binding.
The automatic ticket vending machines in the station support cash (5/10 yuan notes) and Alipay scanning for ticket purchase. International credit cards need to be bound to mobile payment for use
TOPS:
Language barrier: The ticket vending machine has an English interface, but the announcements are only in Chinese. It is recommended to use a navigation APP for simultaneous translation.
Rules and Etiquette: No food or drink, no large luggage during peak hours (7:00-9:00, 17:00-19:00).
Accessibility: All stations are equipped with elevators and wheelchair access, and platform staff are available for assistance
Bus
① Recommendation level ★★★☆
Starting at 2 yuan, suitable for short trips (e.g., from Confucius Temple to Laomen East)
some routes are vintage trolleybuses (e.g., Route 202).
② Payment method
Alipay/wechat scan code for boarding
PRACTICAL TIPS:
The morning rush hour is congested from 7:30 to 9:00. It is recommended to choose sightseeing buses or the subway.
Buses around the Confucius Temple area (such as Route 202) are crowded from 18:00 to 19:30 during the evening rush hour. It is recommended to avoid the rush hour or switch to Metro Line 3.
Ride-hailing services (Didi/ Didi Taxi)
① Recommendation level: ★★★★
② Payment method
Alipay/wechat bound card payment, international credit card binding is supported within the App (an additional handling fee may be charged)
PRACTICAL TIPS:
Language barrier: The driver may not be able to speak English. Enter the destination in the APP in advance and send the location.
Peak fare increase: The price increases by 20%-50% during the evening rush hour (17:00-19:00), and it is recommended to call during off-peak hours
Shared bikes
① Recommendation level: ★★★
Suitable for short rides within 3 kilometers (such as the Xuanwu Lake Ring Road)
② Payment method
Alipay’s “Hellobike” mini-program requires no deposit to scan the on-board QR code, and passport verification only takes 30 seconds
Hands-on process:
① Download HelloRide→ Passport verification (photo of the visa page) → Deposit 298 yuan (refundable)
② Scan to unlock → Must park within the blue electronic fence
Parking rules:
Park in the white line area. A fine of 10 yuan will be imposed for illegal parking around the scenic area (such as Confucius Temple)
Safety tips:
No passengers are allowed while riding
III. Must-read City Tips
1. Avoid pitfalls with frequent questions
Avoid taking unmarked “black cars” at train stations and give priority to ride-hailingservices.
2.Rush hour
Subway: Xinjiekou Station and Daxinggong Station are crowded during morning and evening rush hours. It is recommended to travel one hour apart
Taking a taxi: Heavy traffic congestion at the Yangtze River Bridge from 17:00 to 19:00 on Friday evening. The fare is significantly higher during the evening rush hour (17:00-19:00), and it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
3.Easily lost hubs
Xinjiekou Station (where Lines 1 and 2 intersect) : 24 exits complex, follow the colored guiding signs for positioning.
Nanjing South Station: Interlaced high-speed rail, metro and bus hubs, view the stereoscopic navigation map in advance through the “Nanjing Metro” APP.
4.Keep cash on hand
Some scenic area shuttle buses (such as Niu Shou Mountain) only accept cash tickets. It is recommended to carry no more than 100 yuan in change with you.
Ⅳ. Emergency and safety tips
Emergency phone:
Call: 110 (I need English service).
Travel information/complaints: 12301 (24-hour service in both Chinese and English). Medical aid: 120 (communication with an interpreter is required).
Useful sites:
Nanjing Metro official website (www.njmetro.com.cn) : real-time operation information and route map.
Medical treatment in China
Emergency medical treatment scenarios
📞 Emergency call
🚑 Call 120 immediately, stating your condition, location and nationality.
Tip: It is recommended to communicate with the hotel front desk or a passer-by to ensure the information is conveyed accurately
Tip: Purchase travel insurance covering medical care in China and confirm whether it includes emergency medical transfer.
🏨 Go to the hospital on your own (emergency or outpatient)
General medical Procedure
Hospital selection
*Public hospital International Department/Special needs Outpatient Clinic
Many large public hospitals in China have international medical departments or special clinics (such as the International Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital and the International Medical Center of Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai), which offer services in both Chinese and English and are suitable for handling complex conditions.
Advantages: The cost is relatively lower than that of private hospitals, and the medical resources are abundant.
Disadvantages: Queues may be required and English services are limited in non-first-tier cities.
*Private/international hospitals
Such as Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital, etc., all English services throughout, procedures closer to Western standards, suitable for emergencies or situations with significant language barriers.
Advantages: No need to queue, comfortable environment, and support for direct
Disadvantage: Relatively high cost.
*Clinics and pharmacies
For minor symptoms such as a cold or a scratch, visit chain Clinics like United Family
Clinics or large pharmacies like Tong Ren Tang, where some pharmacists can
communicate in simple English
Over-the-counter drugs (such as fever-reducing drugs) can be purchased directly, while prescription drugs require a doctor’s certificate.
While medical expenses in China are generally cheap, even if you don’t have medical insurance, it’s still cheap to see a doctor in a public hospital (about $1-5 for a consultation and $10-20 for an X-ray), but if you need to go to an international hospital with English communication, medical expenses can easily be 100 times more expensive.
The average response time of emergency departments in China’s top three hospitals is 8 minutes (faster than the average in the US), but it is recommended to choose the international medical department for non-emergency situations to improve the experience
It may be necessary to confirm with the insurance company in advance whether the hospital supports direct international insurance payments Cost comparison references.
Carry materials
Original and photocopies of passport, international travel insurance policy (covering medical expenses within China), and previous medical records (if any)
If you need medicine, bring the English prescription and ingredient description (avoid prohibited ingredients).
Medical treatment flowchart
Triage system
Triage is common in Chinese hospitals. Patients cannot enter the consultation room directly. They need to be triaged by a nurse first
Waiting habits
The calling system may allow “squeezing in” patients for follow-up visits at the same time, and kindly remind nurses if they haven’t been called for a long time.
Ask for medical certificates, invoices (stamped), and prescriptions in both Chinese and English for insurance reimbursement or for reference in subsequent treatment.
List of city hospitals
Nanjing
Emergency First Choice
Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital International Medical Center (24-hour emergency)
Address
No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing (Gulou Campus)
Features
Grade-A tertiary general hospital, English service provided, international insurance direct payment supported.
Nanjing Benq Hospital International Medical Center (24-hour emergency)
Suitable for
Night trauma, acute gastroenteritis, high fever shock in children
Address
71 Hexi Street, Jianye District
Features
Taiwan joint venture hospital, emergency department provides bilingual services in Chinese and English, foreign doctors account for 30%
CT/MRI scans are completed within 30 minutes, and overseas credit card payments are supported (Visa/Mastercard, no handling fee).
Nanjing Branch of China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Special Emergency at night)
Address
No. 41 Longpan Middle Road, Qinhuai District
Features
Japanese doctors on duty, skilled in handling digestive system emergencies (such as food poisoning) Japanese and English interpreters are available
General outpatient service
International Department of Public Hospitals: Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital International Medical Center
Address
No. 321 Zhongshan Road (Gulou Campus), No. 359 Puzhu Middle Road (Jiangbei Campus), Nanjing City.
Official website
Features
TERTIARY general hospital, English language service, international insurance direct payment.
Notes
Passport is required. Make an appointment 7 days in advance through the official website/wechat official account.
Special outpatient services are more expensive. It is recommended to confirm the insurance coverage in advanc
International Department of Public hospitals: International Medical Department of Nanjing First Hospital
Address
68 Changle Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing City
Official website
Features
Offers multidisciplinary treatment and supports English communication.
Notes
You can register directly at the outpatient manual window. It is recommended to consult by phone in advance
Private international hospital: Nanjing Hengxin Hospital · Nanjing International Hospital Affiliated to the Medical School of Nanjing University
Address
Intersection of Jiangdongnan Road and Yiyue Street, Jianye District
Official website
https://njgjyy.com/
Features
Bilingual accompaniment throughout the journey, international remote consultation, priority appointment with experts.
Nanjing Climate and Dress Guide
Climate Characteristics
Nanjing has a subtropical monsoon climate.
Spring and autumn are splendidly picturesque, where historical heritage blends harmoniously with natural scenery. Spring rain nourishes lush greenery, summer breezes from the Yangtze River offer a refreshing coolness, deep autumn is marked by the golden foliage of the French sycamore trees, and winter snow lightly dusts the city’s ancient charm.
Seasonal Temperature Range
| Season | Time Range | Average Temperature | Extreme Temperature Range | Perceived Temperature | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spring |
Mar – May |
8℃～20℃ （46°F – 68°F） |
-3℃～30℃ （27°F – 86°F） |
Gentle breezes and occasional light, cool showers. |
||
|
Summer |
Jun -Aug |
24℃～32℃ （75°F – 90°F） |
18℃～41℃ （64°F – 106°F） |
Abundant sunshine and refreshing lake breezes alleviate the muggy heat |
||
|
Autumn |
Sep – Nov |
14℃～22℃ （57°F-72°F） |
2℃～28℃ （36°F – 82°F） |
Clear skies and high clouds, with a slight chill in the mornings and evenings. |
||
|
Winter |
Dec – Feb |
-4℃～5℃ （25°F～41°F） |
-9℃ ~ 16℃ (16°F ~ 61°F) |
Crisp and clear, with a lingering warmth from the sun on clear days. |
||
Essential Clothing Tips for Each Season
Spring :
- Clothing: Lightweight windproof jacket + long-sleeved T-shirt (for temperature variations and willow catkins).
- Footwear: Non-slip, breathable sneakers (suitable for damp surfaces).
TIP
People with sensitive skin should wear washable face masks (willow catkin concentrations can reach 3800 particles/m³ during peak season).
Summer :
- Clothing: Quick-drying short-sleeved shirt + breathable shorts (dark colors provide better sun protection).
- Footwear: Water shoes with drainage holes (for rapid water drainage during heavy rain).
TIP
Children should wear sun-protective neck scarves (ground temperatures can exceed 50℃ (122°F) in 42% of the area).
Autumn :
- Clothing: Layered shell jacket + wool sweater (flexible adjustment for daily temperature swings of 15℃ (27°F)).
- Footwear: Non-slip boots with deep treads (to prevent falls on leaf-covered paths).
Tip for visitors:
Older adults visiting stone stair attractions should wear knee supports (daily step counts can exceed 15,000 steps).
Winter (All-Day Sightseeing):
- Clothing: Down jacket with 300g+ fill power + windproof outer layer (to resist damp cold).
- Footwear: Non-slip snow boots (with a friction coefficient ≥0.3 for icy surfaces).
Tip for visitors:
People who wear glasses should carry anti-fog wipes (indoor-outdoor temperature differences of 40℃ (72°F) can cause fogging).
