Practical tips for Nanjing
Getting around, when to come, what to say, and who to call.
Nanjing's metro covers almost every major sight and you can pay with the Alipay ride code or cash at ticket machines. From Lukou Airport take Line S1 to Nanjing South, then Line 1 into the centre. Spring and autumn are the best seasons; July–August is hot and humid. Emergency numbers: 110 police, 119 fire, 120 ambulance; Nanjing's 12345 non-emergency hotline offers English.
Updated
Getting around: the metro
Nanjing's metro is clean, cheap, signposted in English and reaches almost every sight in this guide. Lines you'll use most:
- Line 1: Nanjing Station · Xuanwumen (Xuanwu Lake) · Xinjiekou · Zhonghuamen (Zhonghua Gate) · Nanjing South Station.
- Line 2: Yunjinlu (Memorial Hall) · Xinjiekou · Daxinggong (Presidential Palace) · Minggugong (Nanjing Museum) · Muxuyuan (Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum).
- Line 3: Jimingsi (Jiming Temple) · Daxinggong · Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple).
- Line S1: Lukou International Airport ↔ Nanjing South Station.
How to pay
- Alipay ride code (easiest): in Alipay, find the Nanjing metro / transport code (set your city to Nanjing), then scan the QR code at the gate when entering and leaving.
- Ticket machines: choose your destination station on the touch screen, pay with cash, and take a single-journey token or ticket.
- Jinlingtong card (金陵通): the city's rechargeable transport card, sold at stations, if you're staying longer.
From Lukou Airport
Take Line S1 to Nanjing South Station, then change to Line 1 for Xinjiekou and the city centre. Taxis and DiDi run from the official ranks. Last trains run earlier than you might expect, so check the timetable if you land late.
Weather and the best time to visit
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Mild and pleasant. Plum blossom on Purple Mountain, then cherry blossom around Jiming Temple. A great time to visit. |
| Early summer (mid-Jun–Jul) | The “plum rain” (梅雨) season brings frequent, humid rain. |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | Hot and humid. Nanjing is traditionally counted among China's “furnace cities”. Sightsee early, rest at midday, drink plenty of water. |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Often the best weather: dry, clear and comfortable, with golden ginkgo and plane trees in November. Osmanthus scents the air in early autumn. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold and damp, with occasional snow. Fewer crowds; dress warmly as indoor heating varies. |
Language cards: show these
English is spoken in big hotels but less so elsewhere. Translation apps work well; these cards cover the essentials. Tap and hold to copy, or screenshot this section.
Emergency numbers
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 110 | Police |
| 119 | Fire and rescue |
| 120 | Ambulance / medical emergency |
| 122 | Traffic accidents |
| 12345 | Nanjing government service hotline (non-emergency), 24 hours, Chinese and English. From a non-local phone: +86 25 12345. |
When calling, say the city (Nanjing), your exact location (show the address in Chinese if you can) and what has happened. Your hotel front desk can also help call for you. Keep your passport, or a photo of it, with you; you'll need it for hotels, trains and sights.
Good to know
- Power: 220 V. Common sockets take two flat pins, two round pins, or three angled flat pins. A universal adaptor covers them.
- Water: drink bottled or boiled water; hotels usually provide a kettle.
- Tipping: not expected.
- Hotels: you'll be asked for your passport at check-in; this is normal registration.
- Temples and memorials: dress modestly and keep voices low.
FAQ
How do I get from Nanjing Lukou Airport to the city centre?
Take Metro Line S1 from the airport to Nanjing South Station, then change to Line 1 for Xinjiekou and the city centre. Taxis and DiDi are also available.
What is the best time to visit Nanjing?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) usually offer the most comfortable weather. Mid-June to July brings the plum rain season and July–August is hot and humid.
What are the emergency numbers in Nanjing?
110 for police, 119 for fire, 120 for ambulance and 122 for traffic accidents. Nanjing's 12345 non-emergency service hotline offers Chinese and English.
Can I pay for the Nanjing metro with my phone?
Yes. Alipay offers a Nanjing metro ride code that you scan at the gates; ticket machines also sell single tickets for cash.
Is English spoken in Nanjing?
Staff at large hotels and major sights often speak some English, but taxi drivers and small restaurants usually do not. Metro signs are bilingual; use a translation app and show Chinese text cards.
Last checked October 2026. Sources include the Nanjing Municipal Government English portal and Nanjing Metro.