Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Nanjing

Dr. Sun Yat-sen was one of the pioneers at the forefront in the struggle to transform China from a dynastic feudal state to a republic for the people. He continues to be celebrated and the plan of his mausoleum is in a shape of an alarm bell, signifying the “perpetual ringing of the alarm bell to arouse people”. Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum is a classic building of the architectural style used during the early days of the Republic of China.

The tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming dynasty, is the first of the imperial tombs of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It took 38 years to complete the construction of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum which, through a history of over 600 years, was incorporated into the UNESCO World heritage list in 2003.

During the imperial times, Fuzi Miao was a place where scholars would come to take royal examinations, testing them on their knowledge of Confucius' teachings. Upon passing, the top students would go on to work in the royal courts and aides, and govern state affairs. This historical aspect is just one of the reasons why this newly reconstructed area is popular with visitors. Other attractions along the Qinhuai River include the Bailu Zhou Gard, Zhanyuan Garden, Zhonghua Gate and a boat ride on the Qinhuai River in the evening.

Qixia Mountain is located in northeastern Nanjing, 22 kilometres from downtown. A notable scenic spot, the Qixia temple has a carved Buddhist rock from the Southern Dynasty and dagoba (built in the manner of a solid hemispherical dome enshrining religious relics or the remains of kings) from the Sui Dynasty. The maple trees on the mountain are fiery red in the autumn, a fascinating treat for anyone daring the high climb to the mountain top.

The sixth highest in China and the fourteenth in the world, Zifeng Tower has reshaped the city's skyline. The skyscraper has an observation platform, from where you can get a panoramic view of this historical city. Dusk would be the best time of day to visit the tower. However, the number of tourists allowed in is limited, so it would be better to make a reservation before the visit.

This 600-year-old palace was once the office of Mr.Sun Yat-sen, President of the Republic of China. While the architecture is deeply influenced by western style, the garden of the palace was constructed in a classic Chinese way. The fusion of these two styles makes it the best representation of the Republic period's culture. Today, it has been transformed into China Modern History Museum.

More than 300,000 civilians were brutally killed during the second Sino-Japanese war. The Memorial Hall was built over the place where over 100,000 victims were hastily buried. The infamous events are preserved by photos, objects, and videos of survivors' testimony - a sombre reminder of the absolute importance of peace.

Nanjing Museum is the first national museum in China. The palatial architecture alone is breathtaking: the museum is composed of a historical area and art gallery with 12 exhibition halls in total. Some of the most precious ancient artefacts are exhibited here - you wouldn't want to miss them.

Qinhuai River runs through Nanjing ever since the very first days of the city, and through the years the area alongside the river has grown to become the busiest neighbourhood in Nanjing, as well as being the oldest one as well. Taking a touring boat would be the best way to appreciate the beauty of this historical city, especially at night. You can sample all the authentic traditional street food at once here, and find all the exotic souvenirs you need.

Zhan Yuan is a classic Chinese garden built under the Ming Dynasty. It includes halls and pavilions with ponds, flowers and rockeries. The space is internally separated by walls and trees, yet connected via windows and doors. Space utilisation is maximised, creating unique views from different points across the garden.

Lao Men Dong ( Literally means "Est of Old Door" ), was once the most lively commercial street in Nanjing. There have been several renovations yet all the classical wood structures are perfectly preserved. Lao Men Dong is a showcase of ancient southeast Chinese villages. When here, you will feel like you are taking a step back in time. This is also a commercial centre where you can find all sorts of specialities of Nanjing, such as stinky tofu, stick-pot, tiny steamed buns, as well as paper kites.

In 1374, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty decided to build a tower by the Yangtze River and named it Yuejiang (literally meaning "overlooking the river"). He called for all the authors in the country to write articles in order to praise the magnificent tower, even though it was not yet built. One of the articles became a classic, but the construction of the tower was never started until 2000. The reputation of the tower preceded its actual existence by 650 years.

Firstly constructed in the 14th century, Jiming Temple has gone through quite a few renovations over time (what we can see now was mostly reconstructed in the 1980s). It remains the most attended temple by worshippers in the region to-date. In spring, the blooming of sakura along the path dyes the temple into pink and attracts great numbers of visitors.

This one is known to be the most beautiful bookstore in China. Unconventionally enough, it is built inside an underground parking lot. Apart from books, you can also enjoy some drinks and some desserts. The librairie is now in expansion and has 8 stores around Nanjing and 3 in other cities, each of them with a particular atmosphere.

Lao Men Dong ( Literally means "Est of Old Door" ), was once the most lively commercial street in Nanjing. There have been several renovations yet all the classical wood structures are perfectly preserved. Lao Men Dong is a showcase of ancient southeast Chinese villages. When here, you will feel like you are taking a step back in time. This is also a commercial centre where you can find all sorts of specialities of Nanjing, such as stinky tofu, stick-pot, tiny steamed buns, as well as paper kites.

Salted duck is one of Nanjing's most famous dishes. When it comes to salted duck, there is Han Fu Xing, and there are the rest. The restaurant was founded in 1866 and its 150 years of experience make it the absolute finest in the city. The meat is tender with fat yet not heavy. In autumn, when osmanthus blooms, they often add the flower into cooking so that the duck comes out with a particular scent. The duck fat bread (鸭油烧饼) is worth trying as well. Be aware that the restaurant is takeaway only.

This is Nanjing's version of Peking Duck. It's not as crispy as Peking Duck, and it doesn't come with all the garnishes. It's just duck, roast duck, tender and delicious. Locals have it with a special red sauce to add a bit of sweetness. This one is also a takeaway only restaurant.

Don't get intimidated by the name, this is actually a daily breakfast staple of locals (which gives you a taste of just how revered duck in all its forms is). The soup is made with duck bones, and served with - expectedly - duck blood and liver, rice noodles, and tofu. You can find a duck blood soup restaurant literally at every corner, but if you want to try the best, Yadebao is the one.

Wangjia is an old restaurant that may even appear somewhat shabby to the onlooker, but you can tell that it's good by the long waiting line outside the restaurant. The wonton here is slightly bigger than usual, which gives it an extra chewy texture. The chef boils hundreds of wontons at a time, his moves are clean and sharp, which makes the cooking process a beautiful performance.

You might have already tried potstickers before, but trust on this one: there is nothing like Jiangyouji. Potsticker shape and prparation style may vary by region or even restaurant; here at Jiang You Ji, the whole dumpling is fried until it turns gold and crispy, while ground beef stays juicy on the inside. Unlike with other fried dumplings, even if you order here for takeaway, it can retain its crispiness for a very long time.

If you are looking for a restaurant where all Nanjing specialities are gathered up, the answer is Nanjing Dapaidang. This is a chain of restaurants that are famous for making authentic Nanjing food. It is decorated entirely with wood and stone, which forge a vintage atmosphere. Traditional Nanjing Opera performance is available during rush hours; long waiting time is to be expected - reservation recommended.

Gaotuan refers to all kinds of traditional Nanjing desserts and street foods: red bean Tangyuan, Zongzi, sticky rice, deserts with names that you can not possibly translate nor find anywhere else - come and explore for yourself, these really are something special.

This is one of the best and oldest halal restaurants in Nanjing. It combines Islamic cuisine with local food, and the result is fascinating: beef fried bun, beef wonton, beef noodle and soup – the excellent taste makes up for the eatery's plain decor.

There are two Jiming Temple Vegetarian restaurants, one up on the hill, inside the Temple (and you need to buy a ticket to get in), the other is at the foot of the mountain and entrance is free. These two restaurants belong to the temple, and they are famous for making tofu taste like meat. From a simple bowl of noodles to sophisticated dishes, you shouldn't skip this one even if you are far from vegetarian.

This is an authentic American bar & restaurant, one of Nanjing expat favourites. They serve all western-style specialities one can possibly crave when feeling homesick: burgers, BBQ and pizza, along with a selection of imported and draft beers. Staff speak English.

UNiUNi is a café with a modern minimalist decor. Marble tables, metal chairs, cold lighting and a glass wall are all elements that contribute to the contrast between the café itself and the greenery that surrounds it. Their speciality is Nitrogen Cold Brew. The steeping procedure lasts 12 hours wherein nitrogen is bumped into the coffee before it is served, which keeps it cold and creates an abundant foam, which makes the drink look whimsically steamy.

Located next to the Jiangsu Art Museum, FishTank is more like an extension of the museum itself. It is famous for its coffee-making classes and various activities. You should definitely try their Savage Ice Cream (暴虐冰淇淋), a perfect combination of their in-house roasted espresso with ice cream.

Moke is red, a vivid Chinese red, the kind of red that would jump right at you upon entering the café. The barista gives customers the option to pick one coffee bean out of dozens to make that one cup of coffee that suits each individual client. The signature coffee is Mo White (墨客咖啡), decaf, which takes all the bitterness out (not at the expense of flavor).

Victoria Bay Cafe is a classic British afternoon tea place. The coffee here might not be the most outstanding but the British royal-style decoration and the countless choices of desserts can definitely remind you of London.

Yue Shi is an innovative Chinese dessert restaurant. It is separated from the street by bamboo growing all around the perimeter. The wood structure and decor create a Zen ambience, but the desserts here are like nothing you've ever seen. Oolong Tea Ice cream with a hint of ginger sugar, omelette with cream, mango and caramel lotus root – the recipes are beyond imagination. For the seasonal menu, reservation is obligatory.

This tea house inside the Nanjing Museum is also a Chinese theatre. There are professional opera artists that perform traditional regional operas every day from 14h to 16h for a 10 RMB entrance fee. So order a pot of tea and some peanuts and sit back enjoying an amazing show.

The café is located inside the palace where Sun Yat-sen's wife, Song Meiling – First Lady of the Republic of China – used to live. The café used to be the dining room and the saloon, both of which remain largely untouched. All the decor remains in its semi-westernised vintage style. Perhaps, the most popular drink here is Meiling tea. It is said to be served the exact way the first lady herself used to have it.

This one is known to be the most beautiful bookstore in China. Unconventionally enough, it is built inside an underground parking lot. Apart from books, you can also enjoy some drinks and some desserts. The librairie is now in expansion and has 8 stores around Nanjing and 3 in other cities, each of them with a particular atmosphere.

Named after the legendary book by the Irish writer James Joyce, this might just be the most authentic Irish bar in Nanjing. You can have many choices of European beers that are relatively hard to find in China, as well as some typical European food such as lasagna and tuna sandwich. Staff can speak English, some are native speakers.

Situated right next to the Presidential Palace, the 1912 block used to be a neighbourhood for the social elites during the Republic of China. It has now been transformed into a commercial area with all kinds of bars and pubs, the traditional architecture remaining preserved.

Zuo Bar is a hidden Japanese bar in the 1912 Block run by a Japanese owner. The bar is not big, yet quiet, warm and cosy, and makes one feel at ease, much like being at a friend's home. Walls are adorned with vintage Japanese posters, which create an ambience of an Izakaya. Tell the bartender more about your tastes and let him surprise you with an improvised cocktail, all but guaranteed not to let you down.

The Bottle Bar features an entire wall display of different whiskey varieties. The regular menu is available via an iPad, while the hidden menu is written in a notebook where a collection of over 400 whiskeys are listed.

This is an authentic American bar & restaurant, one of Nanjing expat favourites. They serve all western-style specialities one can possibly crave when feeling homesick: burgers, BBQ and pizza, along with a selection of imported and draft beers. Staff speak English.

Situated inside the 1912 Block, Mix Club is the best and the most popular nightclub in Nanjing. It has great DJ sets and street dance performances, as well as the occasional theme nights. The entrance fee can be a little expensive (from 300 to 1000 RMB according to the areas) but a great vibe is guaranteed.

MiuClub is not just another nightclub. What's unusual about it is that it has Trampolines installed inside the club! So if dance is not enough, come here and jump to the beats as high as you can.

In this shopping centre you'll find everything you need and more. Stop by for the latest fashion, sporty shoes and shiny jewellery. Moreover, the cafes within provide the perfect opportunity to rest your feet and enjoy a hot beverage.

Qinhuai River runs through Nanjing ever since the very first days of the city, thus the area alongside the river has naturally become the busiest neighbourhood in Nanjing, and the oldest one as well. Taking a touring boat would be the best way to appreciate the beauty of this historical city, especially at night. You can have all the authentic traditional street food at once here, and find all the exotic souvenirs you need.

Lao Dong Men ( Literally means Old Est Door ), was once the most lively commercial street in Nanjing's history. There have been several renovations yet all the classical wood structures are perfectly preserved. Lao Dong Men is a showcase of ancient southeast Chinese villages. When here, you will feel like you are taking a step back in time. This is also a commercial center where you can find all sorts of specialities of Nanjing, such as stinky tofu, stick-pot, tiny steamed bun, as well as paper kite.

This is known to be the most beautiful bookstore in China. Unconventionally enough, it is built inside an underground parking lot. Apart from books, you can also have some drinks and some desserts. The librairie is now in expansion and has 8 stores around Nanjing and 3 in other cities, with each of them a particular atmosphere.

Yunjin, also known as cloud brocade art, originated in Nanjing under the Song Dynasty. This specific weaving art is now on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO. Nanjing Brocade Institute is the place where you can find some authentic, certificated cloud brocade.

As the name indicates, this building gathers all kinds of traditional Chinese craft art from all around the Jiangsu Province and even greater China. From giant Chinese Cloisonne vases to a tiny walnut carving, it would be no stretch to call it a craft art museum.

Be amazed by the number of arts and crafts, calligraphy works and Chinese ink paintings on sale. Souvenirs stores line up along the street. Maybe it will cost you a little more, giving that it is a touristic site, but it is convenient to find all you need in one stop.

Nanjing Lukou International Airport is located in the southeastern corner and 35.8 km from Nanjing city. The Airport Express leaves every 30 minutes between 6:00 and 20:30 at the Zhonghuamen long-distance passenger depot which is next to the Zhonghuamen metro station. To get there by metro, get off at Zhonghuamen metro station or take bus services 2, 38, 16, 39, 49, 111 or 116 to Xijie Street stop or Runtai market stop. Taxi cabs are offered 24 hours on the first floor of the Arrival Terminal.

For citizens of the following countries, the visa is not requested for short term stays : - 90 days: Bosnia and Herzegovina, San Marino - 60 days: Mauritius - 30 days: Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Tonga, United Arab Emirates. - 15 days: Brunei, Japan, Singapore. Holders of passports issued by the following 49 countries do not require a visa for a 144-hour stay if they are transiting through Hangzhou Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. However, passengers need to provide ticket showing their first destination, which should be outside China, nor could it be in the same country as the inbound flight. - All European Union citizens, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Japan, Macedonia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, United States. - Messengers who enter China by Shanghai, Hangzhou, or Nanjing Airport under transition condition cannot leave the area of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai.

Due to the Internet policy of China, certain websites and applications are not accessible from the mainland, which includes those very commonly used in the west (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google, Skype and more). Some travellers have been able to gain access to those via a VPN service (installed prior to arrival in China). Make sure you comply with local laws and regulations when deciding on whether or not to employ a VPN, and which one to choose (if you do, only use those explicitly allowed by the Chinese government, and only use them for authorised purposes to avoid any trouble). There have been reports of foreigners in China getting their cell service cut off in response to unauthorised use of VPN being detected; restoring cell service required a trip to the local police station where contents of the device were investigated and certain apps removed. Giving that Google is banned in China, Google Maps might not be the most accurate and reliable source of information. Some local apps such as Baidu Maps and AutoNavi tend to work better than Google Maps.

Late spring or early autumn would be the best times to visit Nanjing and get the best picture of its natural beauty. Nanjing is a typical subtropical city where four seasons are distinguishable. Winter is cold and dry while during the summertime, temperatures can go up to 35 degrees or even higher, along with abundant rainfall. Try to avoid Chinese public holidays such as between October 1st and 7th, during which the city could be flooded by local tourists.

Nanjing metro is not only environmentally friendly but also convenient. The tickets are sold in the metro stations. The daily operating hours are from 05:40 to 23:10. The public bus system is extensive but may be a little difficult for those who do not speak Chinese. Most buses run between 06:30 and 23:00.

It is convenient and simple to travel by taxi in Nanjing. The taxis are all painted in green. There are some taxi stands on the main streets in Nanjing but the simplest way is just to hail a taxi near the train station, the airport, bus stops, scenic spots or the hotels. It is also advised to use the meter instead of bargaining with the cab driver, however, if you travel to suburban areas of Nanjing, then you should bargain with the driver before you get in the taxi. You can also use the taxi cab hailing service with WeChat or Alipay (like the Chinese version of Uber).

China Post has many branches around Nanjing. Post boxes are relatively easy to locate and are dark green in colour. Here's the information of Nanjing Xinjiekou Post Office

Baixin Pharmacy (clerks can only speak Chinese)

Country code: +86 Area code: 025

220V / 50HZ Adapter needed