For a foreign passport holder, the 4-day Nanjing plan is to sleep all four nights in one central base — Xuanwu (by Purple Mountain and the lake) or Qinhuai (by the Confucius Temple and the old city wall). Both districts sit on the Metro and host licensed hotels that register foreigners without fuss, so you check in once and ride the lines to the rest.
One base, two distinct districts
Nanjing is a sprawling former capital, but its sights cluster around the city wall and the Purple Mountain ridge. Staying in Xuanwu puts you near the lake, the mausoleums, and the museum; staying in Qinhuai puts you in the lantern-lit old town by the river. Either works as a single base because the Metro connects them in minutes, and one registration is simpler than moving.
Hotels must register foreign guests with public security. Licensed Nanjing hotels — the international and large Chinese brands — do this at check-in; small lane guesthouses may not be licensed for foreigners. Confirm before paying — see can foreigners stay in Chinese hotels. For card acceptance by tier, see foreign credit card hotels in China.
Day 1 — Arrive and base in Xuanwu or Qinhuai
Fly into Nanjing Lukou (NKG) or take the high-speed train to Nanjing South. Settle in a Xuanwu hotel near the lake or a Qinhuai hotel by the Confucius Temple. Evening walk along the Qinhuai river. Sleep in your base for four nights.
Day 2 — Purple Mountain and mausoleums
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Ming Xiaoling Tomb, and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall (a sobering, important visit). Return to your base. Sleep in Nanjing.
Day 3 — City wall and the lake
Walk a stretch of the Ming city wall, visit the Nanjing Museum, and relax at Xuanwu Lake. Option: a half-day to the nearby water town of Gaochun. Sleep in Nanjing.
Day 4 — Depart or a side trip
A slow morning, then your flight or train. Four nights, one base. If you want a side trip, the nearby Yangzhou or Zhenjiang make easy day returns by train.
Night-by-night base plan
| Night | Base area | Why here | Transfer note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xuanwu or Qinhuai | Lake or old town | Metro/taxi from NKG |
| 2 | Same base | Purple Mtn, museum | Metro 2/3 |
| 3 | Same base | Wall, lake | On foot or metro |
| 4 | Same base | Depart or day trip | Train to airport |
Picking your Nanjing district
Xuanwu suits travelers who want the lake and the mountain sights on the doorstep, with a calmer feel. Qinhuai suits those who want the old town, the food streets, and the lantern night life. Both have strong foreigner-licensed hotel supply and good Metro access.
Payment and booking notes
International and upscale hotels take foreign cards at the desk; smaller places may not. Confirm via confirm hotel accepts foreign guest before paying, and carry a backup card plus cash. Book through best OTA for foreigners so the foreigner policy shows in the listing.
Frequently asked questions
Is four nights enough for Nanjing?
For the core sights — Purple Mountain, the wall, the museum, and the old town — yes. Add nights for Yangzhou or the Yangtze ferry.
Which base is better?
Xuanwu for the lake and mountain; Qinhuai for the old town and food. Both register foreigners at licensed hotels.
Do budget hotels take foreigners?
Some do, many don’t. Always confirm. The bigger brands near the lake are the safe bet.
Will my card work?
At international hotels, usually yes. At smaller ones, often no. Keep cash.
Is the Metro foreigner-friendly?
Yes, bilingual and easy. A physical card or Alipay works fine.
Should I book now or on arrival?
Book before you fly; Nanjing is popular and the best central hotels fill up. Pre-booking confirms the foreigner policy in writing.
When is best to visit?
Spring (cherry blossom at the mausoleum) and autumn are ideal. Summer is hot; winter is cold but quiet.
