Layover Guide

Nanjing

Welcome to Nanjing, the majestic 'Southern Capital' and a cornerstone of Chinese history. Your journey through Jiangsu Province begins at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG), the city's primary aviation hub. Whether you are stopping over for a few hours or a full day, Nanjing offers a seamless blend of ancient Ming Dynasty heritage and bustling modern urban life. With 1 airport(s) serving the region, navigating your way into the heart of the city is straightforward, allowing you to maximize every moment of your transit.

By James Windsor
32,000+ layovers planned
10 curated experiences for Nanjing
Avg itinerary: 23s

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Home to These Airports

Airports in Nanjing

NKG
Nanjing Lukou International Airport

NKG is well-organized with two main terminals. For short layovers, enjoy the local boutiques and tea houses within the terminal. If you have more than 6 hours, utilize the Metro Line S1 for a fast connection to the city. Be sure to check your eligibility for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.

Getting There

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Flights to Nanjing

Explore the City

Top Things to Do During a Nanjing Layover

10 experiences to discover

Niushoushan Cultural Park in Nanjing
013-4 hours

Niushoushan Cultural Park

Located relatively close to NKG, this stunning park features the Usnisa Palace, a breathtaking architectural marvel built into a mountain side, dedicated to Buddhist culture.

28 km (30 mins) from airport

Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) & Qinhuai River in Nanjing
022-3 hours

Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) & Qinhuai River

The spiritual heart of old Nanjing. Walk along the historic riverbanks, visit the temple, and enjoy the vibrant market atmosphere and traditional snacks.

40 km (45 mins) from airport

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing
032-3 hours

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Situated at the foot of Purple Mountain, this site is a pilgrimage for history buffs, offering grand architecture and sweeping views of the lush landscape.

45 km (50 mins) from airport

Nanjing Ming City Wall in Nanjing
041-2 hours

Nanjing Ming City Wall

Walk along one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in the world, specifically the Zhonghua Gate section, which showcases ingenious Ming Dynasty military engineering.

42 km (45 mins) from airport

Xuanwu Lake Park in Nanjing
051.5 hours

Xuanwu Lake Park

A massive imperial lake park perfect for a quick escape into nature. You can take a boat ride or stroll through the five islands connected by bridges.

45 km (50 mins) from airport

The Presidential Palace in Nanjing
062 hours

The Presidential Palace

A deep dive into China's 20th-century history, this complex served as the headquarters for the Republican government and features beautiful traditional gardens.

42 km (45 mins) from airport

072-3 hours

Nanjing Museum

One of the largest museums in China, it features a unique 'underground' street recreating old Nanjing and an incredible collection of imperial treasures.

43 km (50 mins) from airport

081 hour

Jiming Temple

One of the oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples in Nanjing, famous for its yellow walls and its location overlooking the city wall and Xuanwu Lake.

44 km (50 mins) from airport

092 hours

Xinjiekou Business District

Experience the modern pulse of Nanjing. This massive intersection is surrounded by high-end malls and underground shopping tunnels.

41 km (45 mins) from airport

102 hours

Laomendong Historic District

A beautifully restored area showcasing traditional architecture, local crafts, and some of the best street food in the city.

39 km (40 mins) from airport

Viator selectionLive recommendations
Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour
View on Viator
Fits your layover6+ hours layover

Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour

Visit the top attractions of the old capital city Nanjing in a half-day sightseeing tour with your personal local guide. Itinerary can be customized based on your interests. See famous spots, such as Chaotian Gong (Heaven Palace), Zhonghua Gate (ancient city wall), Confucius Temple, Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum, Qinhuai River or other city attractions. Private transfer is included, and your meeting point can be either from your Nanjing Hotel or Nanjing Railway Station.

Duration

4 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 6h total

Admission

NO

What you'll see

Attraction stop (1h)

Meet your guide at hotel lobby in Nanjing city or Nanjing Railway Station at 9:00am or 1:00pm based on your booking option and have a short discussion with your guide for your things to do list. You can either following the sample itinerary or go with your 100% customized itinerary. Typically, Start the tour by seeing the castle-style ancient city gate on a giant scale with massive masonry walls, deep arched gateways and multiple courtyards. Learn how the military defense the enemy and protect the city in the ancient times.

Attraction stop (1h)

A must visit place in Nanjing. Hike to the top of the purple mountain, learn about the China's history in 20th century, appreciate the elegant design of the mausoleum, have a panoramic view of the city, and close up look of mausoleum itself.

Attraction stop (1h)

See how people worship the great educator and philosopher in the temple, taste the local snacks on the old street. If time allows, take a 50 minutes boating along the mother river Qinhuai River through the old buildings. If you want to make your own itinerary, feel free to discuss with your guide and choose other attractions based on your interests and schedule from following: • Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty: a historic site that lies at the southern foot of Purple Mountain, located east of the historical center of Nanjing. See the impressive ancient architecture, learn the history of Ming dynasty and take a nice walk along the ways with numerous animal statues and beautiful trees. • Chaotian Gong: View the ancient palace building and learn the Chinese history and art in the municipal museum. • The Memorial of the Nanjing Massacre • Presidential Palace of Nanjing • Nanjing Museum • Xuanwu Lake • Purple Mountain • Jiming Temple After your tour is finished, your guide will send you back to your hotel in Nanjing or see you off at Nanjing Railway Station.

Ready to book for your Nanjing layover

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Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience
View on Viator
Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience

Spend a fun night to visit Nanjing Confucian Temple Area and enjoy a romantic boat ride on Qinghuai River where you will see the amazing light as well as the well-preserved old architectures. Followed by a tasty dinner at a local popular restaurant. Private guide, private transfer and entrance fee are all-inclusive.

Duration

3 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 5h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (1h 30m)

Meet your friendly private guide at hotel lobby in Nanjing city at 6:00pm, and hop on your private car to the local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, continue your night tour to Confucius Temple Area where you can see many local vendors and shop. You can enjoy some shopping or try some local food if you like.

Attraction stop (1h)

Then, take a 50 minutes boating along the mother river Qinhuai River through the old buildings, and your guide will share with you some interesting local histories and the nowadays life of Nanjing people. After your tour is finished, your guide will send you back to your hotel in Nanjing.

Ready to book for your Nanjing layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations

* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Nanjing.

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Nanjing

Nanjing Impressions (Nanjing Da Pai Dang)

Traditional Nanjing/Huaiyang$$Deji Plaza / Fuzimiao

Ma Xiang Xing

Halal / Pan-fried Beef Dumplings$Gulou District

Guyi Restaurant

Nanjing Salted Duck$$Near Confucius Temple

Lao Zhan Ji

Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup$Laomendong

Jinling Hotel Dining

High-end Cantonese & Huaiyang$$$Xinjiekou

Yinshi Jiming Tangbao

Soup Dumplings (Tangbao)$Various Locations

Shop & Browse

Best Shopping Spots

Deji Plaza

A luxury shopping mall in Xinjiekou featuring international designer brands and an upscale food court.

41 km

Aqua City (Shuimincheng)

A modern lifestyle mall near Fuzimiao with a mix of international brands and local boutiques.

40 km

Taipingyang Department Store

A classic shopping destination for fashion and electronics in the city center.

42 km

Fuzimiao Market

The go-to spot for traditional souvenirs like Yunjin brocade, rain flower pebbles, and local crafts.

39 km

Navigate

Getting Around During Your Layover

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is well-connected to the city. The most efficient way to travel is the Metro Line S1 (Airport Line), which runs from the airport to Nanjing South Railway Station in about 35 minutes; from there, you can transfer to Line 1 or Line 3 to reach the city center. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are readily available at the airport gates, taking roughly 45-60 minutes to reach downtown depending on traffic. Additionally, Airport Shuttle Buses operate several routes to major hotels and the Nanjing Railway Station, providing a cost-effective alternative for travelers.

Good to Know

Practical Tips for a Nanjing Layover

01

Check if you qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit if you are from an eligible country and have a confirmed onward ticket.

02

Download Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your international credit card, as China is largely a cashless society.

03

Nanjing Lukou Airport offers free Wi-Fi, but you may need a Chinese SIM or a roaming plan to access many global sites without a VPN.

04

Store your heavy luggage at the airport's 'Left Luggage' counters located in the departure halls of Terminal 1 and 2.

05

Nanjing can be very hot and humid in summer; stay hydrated if you are exploring the Purple Mountain area.

06

Carry a printed copy of your destination in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers.

07

Allow at least 2 hours for check-in and security when returning to NKG for an international flight.

08

The Metro Line S1 stops running around 10:00 PM, so plan accordingly for late-night flights.

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Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

T
TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

A
AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

Make Every Minute Count

Layover Time Management

For a 2-4 hour layover in Nanjing, it is best to stay within Lukou Airport (NKG). Explore the dining options in Terminal 2 or relax in a lounge. If you have 4-8 hours, take the Metro S1 or a taxi to Niushoushan Cultural Park (the closest major attraction) or head to the Confucius Temple area for a quick meal and a walk by the river. For a layover of 8 hours or more, you can comfortably visit two major sites, such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum followed by a traditional dinner at Xinjiekou or Laomendong, before heading back to the airport via the Metro.

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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for a layover in Nanjing?

+

Many nationalities can utilize the 144-hour visa-free transit policy if they have a confirmed ticket to a third country. Always verify with your airline or the Chinese embassy before travel.

How far is the airport from the city center?

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Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is approximately 35-40 kilometers from the city center, taking about 45-60 minutes by taxi or 35 minutes by metro to the South Railway Station.

Is there luggage storage at NKG?

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Yes, both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have luggage storage facilities where you can securely leave your bags for a few hours or days.

What is the best way to get to the Confucius Temple?

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Take Metro Line S1 from the airport to Nanjing South Railway Station, then transfer to Metro Line 3 and exit at Fuzimiao Station.

Can I use US dollars in Nanjing?

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No, you will need Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Most vendors prefer mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat), but major hotels and malls accept international credit cards.

What is the signature dish to try in Nanjing?

+

You must try Nanjing Salted Duck (Yanshuiya) and Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup—they are the city's most famous culinary specialties.

Is English widely spoken in Nanjing?

+

While airport staff and high-end hotel employees usually speak English, it is less common among taxi drivers and local shopkeepers. Using a translation app is highly recommended.

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