Nanjing is a thoroughly enchanting city and the capital of China's Jiangsu province - a city of tree-lined streets and canals, ancient palaces and temples, and warm, friendly people. For lovers of Chinese history and culture, Nanjing is a must-see destination on any trip to China, and it's worth spending at least five days in the city to appreciate all that Nanjing has to offer. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure to Nanjing, take the time to visit Nanjing's gorgeous Confucius Temple area, walk the old city walls, and grab a bit of the city's iconic culinary delight, Nanjing Salted Duck. The best way to experience Nanjing is with a stay in a hotel close to the mighty Yangtze River.
Centrally located in Nanjing's Jianye district, Nanjing's CBD, Fraser Suites Nanjing is your ideal Nanjing hotel offering 210 fully-furnished luxury serviced apartments designed to cater for guests travelling to Nanjing for long or short stays. Nanjing's status as a major commercial city in China informs the property's location, close to major economic and commercial developments, and a subway station on the doorstep.
Nanjing is a wonderful city filled with plenty to see and do. The city of eight million people in China's east is a major economic and commercial hub, yet at the same time is alive with history and authentic Chinese culture. Nanjing was China's capital during the Ming dynasty, and echoes of its imperial past still remain today. Some temples in the city date back to as early as the 8th century, while others have been lovingly restored to their former glory or built in modern times to reflect Nanjing's admiration for Buddhist culture.
For lovers of nightlife and getting out and about, Nanjing has a well-established bar and dining scene, offering everything from local haunts to international eateries. Some of the more quirky sights include the Confucius Temple area (which has very little to do with religion) and the garish neon-lit Fashion Lady Mall.
Your hotel in Nanjing is conveniently close to many of Nanjing's top things to see and do. Take the time to explore Nanjing's fascinating sights.
From the days of the Ming dynasty to the modern age, Nanjing has been the site of some of China's most momentous historical happenings. One of the most important in modern times is commemorated at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. The site remembers the approximately 300,000 people who lost their lives during WWII. Although a grisly reminder of the toll of war, the museum provides an excellent summary of the events leading up to - and after - the occupation. It's informative and well worth your time, especially as the site is so close to your apartment hotel in Nanjing's Jianye district.
Another must-see historical note to Nanjing is the old city walls, located only a short drive from your serviced apartments. Dating back to the very start of the Ming dynasty, the walls took over 200,000 workers and 21-years to complete. The best time to see the walls is in the morning as during summer the heat can be intense late in the day, and in the winter mornings, mists roll in and give the place a magical feel.
The Nuishoushan Cultural Centre, located to the south of your hotel in Nanjing amid lush mountain greenery, is a modern marvel that needs to be seen to be believed. Take the funicular up to the top of the mountain to see the newly built Buddhist temple complex. While the 9-story pagoda impresses, the Usnisa Palace enchants and the views from the mountain top are spectacular, however the most surprising part of the site lies beneath the ground. From the Chan State Scenery Room under the nearby dome of the Usnisa Palace, take the escalator down six stories beneath the ground to see the Thousand-Buddha Hall. The hall is like something out of a dream with paintings, jewelled decorations and carvings of Buddhas strewn across the entire length and breadth of the dome-like interior.
Where other parts of China could be distinct in their culinary traditions, Nanjing manages to be more of a melting pot where southern and northern styles of Chinese cuisine meet. Duck is often the star protein on the plate in Nanjing and the local salted duck (served cold) is well worth a taste. One of the best places in Nanjing to try some local favourites is Lao Dong Men (pedestrian street). Take a seat at traditional restaurants and teahouses amid the restored splendour of one of Nanjing's oldest districts, with some buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
For the original Nanjing dining, book a table at Dàpái Dàng, about a 25-minute drive from your serviced apartments in Nanjing's CBD. Designed to look like a Qing-era restaurant, the venue serves straight-up Jiangsu cuisine in a lively setting. Grab a bowl of the Nanjing noodles; they're outstanding.
Going out in Nanjing is a fun and safe experience. The city has a well-established bar, cafe and nightlife scene and there's plenty of variety depending on your taste and budget. Expats and visitors travelling to Nanjing for the first time will inevitably call by the Nanjing 1912 entertainment precinct, a purpose-designed space inhabited by bars, cafes and clubs. Most of the bar's kick off after 10pm at night, so arrive later if you can. While waiting for the club set to get ready, why not call by Hunan Lu street near the city's ancient walls. The street is a popular nighttime shopping destination, with bucket loads of boutique shops and dining including Shiziqiao Food Street, where you can wander and snack on a variety of dishes. The area around Confucius Temple, with its gorgeous canals and traditional boats plying the waters filled with nighttime revellers, is also a great place to hang out and enjoy some people watching.
Visitors to Nanjing looking for a dose of nature, should make tracks for the green surrounds of Purple Mountain. Don a daypack and step outside your apartments in Nanjing and into Olympic Stadium East Station, taking metro line 2 to Muxuyuan station. The area of Purple Mountain features some must-see historical sites, including the Ming Xiaoling - the mausoleum of the Hongwu Emperor and the founder of China's Ming dynasty. Take the time to wander the area and stop by the peaceful shore of Zixia Lake. To the south of the mausoleum, marvel at over 13,000 plum blossom trees on Plum Blossom Hill. Further to the east along the metro line, discover the Linggu Scenic Area and Linggu temple, which rises above the surrounding greenery like a scene from a Chinese watercolour painting.
Nanjing is connected to China's ever-expanding and futuristic rail network, as well as by air and road routes. If arriving from Singapore, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Malaysia, your flight will most likely land at Linggu Scenic Area. For international long-haul flights, many land in Shanghai first and then a domestic flight or a short train journey will connect you to Nanjing. If arriving at the airport, the quickest way into Nanjing's CBD and to your serviced apartments is to take subway line S1 (Airport) to Nanjing South Station then change over to alight at Olympic Stadium East Station. A fast train to Nanjing from Shanghai will pull in at Nanjing Station, from there transfer to the metro to reach your hotel in the CBD.