With these past few days marking the transition into the second half of 2020, so plans have been revealed detailing days on which there shall be free entry to 18 of Nanjing’s scenic spots between now and the end of the year.
Needless to say, tickets permitting free entry are much in demand, while measures addressing epidemic prevention and control are still in place. Technically, any gathering of more than 100 people is considered a risk, and therefore, scenic spots are taking steps to limit the number of free tickets, while also putting in place a reservation system so that there not be excessive numbers of people visiting at any one time.
Free or otherwise, the following list also serves for additional inspiration for things to do for the foreign community mostly remaining in Nanjing this year. Readers may also be interested in The Nanjinger’s recently published “20 Days’ Out Ideas for Families Stuck in Nanjing this Summer”.
Niushou Shan Cultural Tourism Zone
Derives its name from two peaks resembling buffalo horns. Includes Zheng He’s tomb and Niushou Shan Hongjue Temple Pagoda.
Free Ticket Day: 11 July
Address: Intersection of Focheng Xi Lu and Ningdan Lu, Jiangning District (江宁区佛城西路与宁丹路交汇处)
Zheng He Treasure Ruins Park
A fusion of tourism, commemoration, exhibition and leisure in the former shipyard of China’s celebrated mariner, Zheng He.
Free Ticket Day: 11 July
Address: 57 Lijiang Lu, Gulou District (鼓楼区漓江路57号)
Stone Pillar Forest of Guizi Hill
Volcanic activity has left us with this 30 mere high “wall” of “stone trees”, each with a diameter of 40-60 centimetres.
Free Ticket Day: 22 July
Address: Guizi Mountain Scenic Spot, Yeshan Town National Geological Park, Liuhe District (六合区冶山镇国家地质公园桂子山景区)
Nanjing Dajinshan Scenic Area
Lakes and forests, together with military sites and national defense education. Described as a jewel in the Nanjing-Hangzhou eco-tourism belt.
Free Ticket Day: 1 August
Address: 99 Jinshan Lu, Dongping Town, Lishui District (溧水区东屏镇金山路99号)
Nanjing Youzishan National Forest Park
84 square kilometres of lush pine and bamboo-covered mountains, with Gucheng Lake also therein. Highest peak is Mount Dayou at 188 metres above sea level.
Free Ticket Day: 1 August
Address: 6 Huanshan Lu, Dongba Jie, Gaochun District (高淳区东坝街道环山路6号)
Mochou Lake Park
Home to an annual dragon boat race, and great for boating or a walk in a peaceful environment. Downtown location accessible on Metro Line 2.
Free Ticket Day: 4 August
Address: 132, Shuiximen Street, Jianye District (建邺区水西门大街132号)
Hongshan Forest Zoo
Carries the childhood memories of many a Nanjinger; a first choice for family fun! Accessible on Metro Line 1.
Free Ticket Day: September; specific dates to follow
Address: 168 Heyan Lu, Xuanwu District (玄武区和燕路168号)
Nanjing Liuhe Pingshan Forest Park
Seven mountains and eight lakes, all interconnected. Main location for the shooting of the blockbuster movie “War Wolf” in summer, 2013.
Free Ticket Day: 10 September
Address: Pingshan Scenic Area, Ma’an Town, Liuhe District (六合区马鞍镇平山风景区)
Nanling Erling
Two mausoleums, built between 943 and 962 CE, that are the final resting places of Li Sheng, the first King of the Southern Tang, and Li Jing, a later king, together with their wives.
Free Ticket Day: 8 October
Address: South Foot of Zutang Mountain, Jiangning District (江宁区祖堂山南麓)
Baima Park
A showcase of Nanjing’s profound and unique stone carving culture, built in 2000. Accessible on Metro Line 4.
Free Ticket Day: 25 October
Address: 1 Baima Manor, Xuanwu District (玄武区白马山庄1号)
Yuejiang Tower Scenic Area
A 52-metre-high, seven-floor replica of one of the four famous buildings in Nanjing when it went by the name of Jiangnan. Offers fantastic views of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and Purple Mountain.
Free Ticket Day: 25 October
Address: 202 Jianning Lu, Gulou District (鼓楼区建宁路202号)
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge Park
Third bridge over the Yangtze River and the first built without foreign assistance. Completed in 1968; museum in the small park tells the bridge’s story.
Free Ticket Day: 11 November
Address: No. 7 Baotaqiao Dong Jie, Gulou District (鼓楼区宝塔桥东街7号)
Nanjing Yangtze River Guanyin Scenic Area
Themed on Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) culture and home to six of the 48 original scenic spots of Nanjing when it was known as Jinling in the early Qing Dynasty.
Free Ticket Day: 13 December
Address: North Foot of Mufu Mountain, Gulou District (鼓楼区幕府山北麓)
Dharma Ancient Cave Scenic Area
Natural stone cave, located on a mountainside cliff; deep and winding with its mouth facing the Yangtze River.
Free Ticket Day: 13 December
Address: East of Wumadu Square, Nanjing Yanyan Riverside Scenic Area (南京幕燕滨江风貌区五马渡广场以东)
Yanziji Park
With the title of “The First Rock of the Yangtze River”, the sunset from Yanziji is one of the 48 original scenic spots of Nanjing when it was known as Jinling in the early Qing Dynasty.
Free Ticket Day: 13 December
Address: 3 Linjiang Lu, Qixia District (栖霞区临江路3号)
Dabao’en Temple Park Scenic Area
Not so much a temple; more a collection of Buddhism, technology, modern and classical beauty, and art all in one.
Free Ticket Day: December; specific dates to follow
Address: 1 Yuhua Lu, Zhonghua Menwai, Qinhuai District (秦淮区中华门外雨花路1号)
Nanjing Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom
Thousands of wild animals from all over the world and zero-distance interaction with many.
Free Ticket Day: 16 December
Address: Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom, Liuhe District (六合区金牛湖野生动物王国)
Nanjing Jinniu Lake Scenic Area
Known as a “natural oxygen bar”, the turquoise waters of the lake were home to the sailing disciplines of the 2014 Youth Olympics.
Free Ticket Day: 20 December
Address: Jinniu Lake Scenic Area, Babaiqiao Town, Liuhe District (六合区八百桥镇金牛湖风景区)
