Cheapest fares to Nanjing
Round trip
¥43,658〜
cheapest of any date
One way
¥43,658〜
cheapest of any date
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Nanjing is a major city in eastern China with a dense urban core, significant historical weight, and genuine cultural presence that extends beyond tourism infrastructure. It functions as a working metropolis rather than a theme park, which means you'll encounter both authentic experiences and the friction points of visiting mainland China. Nine million people call it home, making it quieter than Shanghai but far from small.
When to Visit
Nanjing has four distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) brings mild temperatures between 10-20°C and moderate crowds. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, regularly exceeding 30°C, with occasional heavy rain. Autumn (September to November) offers the best overall conditions: clear skies, temperatures between 10-25°C, and fewer tourists. Winter (December to February) is cool and dry, ranging from 0-10°C, with occasional snow but generally manageable weather.
The city fills noticeably during Chinese New Year (late January or February) and National Day holidays (early October). Mid-summer and deep winter see lighter crowds. If you dislike humidity and heat, skip June through August entirely.
Getting There
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) sits about 35 kilometers south of the city center and handles both domestic and international traffic. Direct international flights operate from multiple Asian hubs including Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore. A handful of European cities including London, Paris, and Frankfurt offer connections, as do some American west-coast airports, though these typically involve one stop. The airport express bus runs to the city center in about 50 minutes and costs roughly 25 RMB. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Didi) also serve the airport, though prices vary by time of day.
What the City Is Known For
Nanjing's identity rests on several concrete anchors. It served as the capital of China multiple times across dynasties, and this history remains visible in the Ming City Wall—portions of which still stand and are walkable—and the presidential palace from the Republican era. The city has significant cultural museums and historical sites that attract scholars and history-focused travelers.
The food scene centers on specific regional dishes: duck prepared in the local style (a different preparation than Peking duck), glutinous rice balls, and distinctive noodle dishes found in small restaurants across the Confucius Temple neighborhood. The Confucius Temple area itself (Fuzimiao) operates as a living district with restaurants, small shops, and waterfront views, though it caters openly to tourists.
Nanjing functions as a technology and manufacturing hub for companies in software, semiconductors, and consumer electronics. This industrial reality means the city attracts business travelers and maintains modern infrastructure but doesn't market itself heavily on this fact. The Xuanwu Lake park and Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan) offer green space and temples within the urban footprint.
Practical Tips
Currency is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB). Cash still exists and is accepted everywhere, but the city runs on digital payment systems. Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate; most vendors, restaurants, and transport systems accept these. Foreign credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) now work at many merchant terminals and ATMs, but carrying a backup payment method is sensible. Street food vendors may still be cash-only.
Public transport is excellent. The metro system covers the city with 10 lines and continues expanding. Tickets cost 2-5 RMB depending on distance and are purchased via touchscreen kiosks (English available) or mobile app. Taxis are plentiful and metered; ride-hailing via Didi is cheaper and more transparent. Walking neighborhoods like the old town near the Confucius Temple is straightforward and safe.
Internet Reality
Before you board your flight, understand clearly: Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), ChatGPT, and nearly all major Western social media and search services do not work in China due to the Great Firewall. This applies across all of Nanjing and the entire country—it is not a local quirk but national policy.
Set up a virtual private network (VPN) on your phone and laptop before arriving. Do this at home with a reputable paid service; do not attempt to download or configure a VPN after you land. Most mainstream VPN applications are blocked once you're inside China. A working VPN allows you to access your normal email, messaging apps, and web services. Without one, you will be unable to use these tools for the duration of your stay.
One-Line Summary
Nanjing rewards travelers interested in Chinese history, regional food, and functional urban exploration rather than postcard-famous landmarks.
Direct flights from Japan to Nanjing
| From | Airline | From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIX Osaka (Kansai) | Japan Airlines (JL) | ¥43,658〜 | Search → |
| KIX Osaka (Kansai) | China Eastern Airlines (MU) | ||
| NRT Tokyo (Narita) | Japan Airlines (JL) | Search → | |
| NRT Tokyo (Narita) | China Eastern Airlines (MU) |
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Internet reality in China
Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, ChatGPT, and most Western news sites are blocked. Set up your VPN and test it BEFORE you fly — installing one inside China is much harder.