[2025 Nanjing Attraction] Travel Guide for Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area (Updated Jan)

🍂 When the autumn breeze blows, Nanjing transforms into the ancient city of Jinling 🍂 When the ginkgo leaves on Liangzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake turn golden, the autumn scenery of Nanjing unfolds. The breeze blows, and the ginkgo leaves dance like golden butterflies, scattering all over the ground. The sunlight shines through the sparse branches and leaves, casting mottled shadows on the golden ground. It's a breathtaking sight. 📍 Travel tips: • Location: Liangzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake. This is the top ginkgo spot in Nanjing, and it's free! • Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Xuanwumen Station, Exit 3. It's convenient and direct. • Tickets: No tickets are required. Enjoy this gift from nature. 📸 Best photo spot: The end of the ginkgo avenue, Lansheng Tower, is the best place to capture the beauty of autumn. 🍂 Morning and evening: • In the morning, when the first rays of sunlight shine on the ginkgo forest, the whole world seems to be bathed in a soft golden glow. There are few tourists at this time, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. • In the afternoon, although there are more people, the tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle and the lively swaying of the ginkgo leaves in the wind are equally captivating. 🍁 Nanjing, the autumn of this city: • Nanjing is not just a city. It carries a rich history and culture, and in autumn, it becomes even more poetic and romantic. • Xuanwu Lake, a shining pearl of Nanjing, is made even more beautiful by the ginkgo leaves on Liangzhou Island. 🍂 Blessings: • May you find your own peace and beauty in the autumn of Nanjing. • May the ginkgo leaves on Liangzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake bring you endless warmth and memories. • Nanjing is a place worth visiting countless times. May you encounter the most beautiful scenery on every trip.

The guide to seven photo check-in spots in Nanjing is here.✅ 【Route Recommendation】 P1: Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake in the same frame The shooting location is inside a nearby building. Another check-in spot is on the Ming City Wall 200 meters ahead when you turn left at the exit of Jiming Temple. Transportation: Exit from Jiming Temple Station on Subway Line 3, about 1 kilometer walk. P2: Sunset of Xuanwu Lake There is a viewing platform 50 meters ahead after entering from the Lovers' Garden. This is a better place to watch the sunset and evening glow of Xuanwu Lake. Transportation: Exit from Nanjing Forestry University Station on Subway Line 3, about 500 meters walk. P3: Zifeng Tower and the streets and lanes in the same frame Located in Nanjing West Bridge, navigate to the north gate of Ninghai Middle School. Transportation: Exit from Yunnan Road Station on Subway Line 4, about 800 meters walk. P4: Nanjing Wutong Avenue Located on Lingyuan Road, Wutong Avenue is very long, with two main check-in points, one is the Lingyuan Road section, and the other is on the overpass to Ming Xiaoling, enter from the south gate of Ming Xiaoling, walk to the 5th gate, tickets are required. Transportation: Exit from Muxuyuan Station on Subway Line 2, turn left and walk to see Wutong Avenue. P5: Nanjing Yihe Road Beautiful in all seasons, the fallen leaves of Wutong in autumn blend with the ancient buildings, creating a better atmosphere. Transportation: Exit from Yunnan Road Station on Subway Line 4, walk and navigate. P6/P7: Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River The camera position in the picture is in the central location of the Confucius Temple scenic area, and you can see it after walking for a few minutes in the scenic area. Transportation: Exit from Confucius Temple Station on Subway Line 3. P8: Zifeng Tower The horticultural landscape of Gulou Square and Zifeng Tower are in the same frame. Transportation: Exit from Gulou Station on Subway Line 1, about 200 meters walk.

New Arc Brunch & Bistro, just a short stroll from Xuanwu Lake, left a lasting impression on my family and I. The staff's friendliness and accommodation made our visit special, and the swift arrival of our delicious food only added to the experience. Among the standout dishes, the steamed fish was a definite highlight—so good that we forgot to capture it in a photo. It's a must-try when you visit. The restaurant's location is a major plus, with a nearby metro station and various transport options, making it easily accessible. After savoring a delightful brunch, we took a leisurely walk around Xuanwu Lake, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. A perfect combination of great food and a beautiful setting. #nanjing #NewArcBrunch #Xuanwu Lake #restaurant #food #china

Went to Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing with my family and stumbled upon Hula Shave Ice. The lady who helped us was really nice, and the service was excellent. We decided to try a few things, and out of everything, I absolutely loved the rainbow shave ice – it's a flavor explosion! Definitely recommend trying it if you're in the area. Besides the delicious shave ice, there are also lots of shops around, and the lake itself is beautiful to explore. It's a perfect place to spend a relaxing day, enjoying tasty treats and the lovely surroundings. #nanjing #HulaShaveIce #Xuanwu Lake

#timetotravel A peaceful oasis moments from Nanjing's heart, greeted us with open shores. 🍃 🧺 Our morning unfolded with a serene picnic by the lakeside, the tranquil waters reflecting the sky's calm. While our leisurely walk revealed amusement parks, cafes, and inviting restaurants, we chose to save boat rides and city tour buses for another day. 🎡 ☕️ Although we left some stones unturned, our time at Xuanwu Lake gifted us a morning of tranquility and cherished memories. 💕 📍 No.1 Xuanwu Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210042, Jiangsu, China 🚘 Just a few minutes' drive from downtown and the train stations. 🛍️ Explore nearby shopping options. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #nanjing #xuanwulake #watersidecharm #parkandlakelife

Getting There: Xuanwu Subway Station, 2 stops from Nanjing Railway Station. Attractions: Lake and Park. Food and Restaurants: Various restaurants in Splendor Mall which is about 10 minutes away from the park. You can take a walk around the park for free or pay for the tour bus ride around the park. You can also enjoy other attractions, such as taking a boat ride on the lake. Great place to relax and have a picnic. #urbanexplorer #nanjingtravel #xuanwulake

#tripblazers #couplestrip #nanjing There are lots of things to in the Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area. Whilst this place is usually a quiet place for a walk and contemplation, during March, or Sakura season, it is bustling with activity as people come from all over the country to view they beautiful blossoms. I really enjoyed taking a stroll on the old Nanjing wall within the scenic area. There we could see a view over the whole lake, as well as nearby Jiming temple. A really great family activity on a warm afternoon.

A nice place to go specifically on night which you can see the beauty of Lightning reflected on Lake. For those who like photography this place is a must to visit when you stay Nanjing. Xuanwu Lake is located in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, adjacent to the city wall in the east, Nanjing Station in the north and Zhoushan in the south. Recommended also to explore during Day time. Local People are walking around and other tourist from different places.

Location: Xuan Wu Hu (Xuan Wu Lake) in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Getting there: Take the metro or get a didi. It's in the center of the city. The lake is huge and part of the city wall of Nanjing surrounds it. A super place for an afternoon picnic. You can also sail a boat in the lake and enjoy the scenery. We enjoyed walking around it at sunset time to take wonderful photos of the classic Nanjing skyline. #nanjing #jiangsu #xuanwulake

Located in Xuanwu district near Jiming temple, Xuanwu lake is the perfect Saturday date! The lake is surrounded by a beautiful park filled with people playing outdoor sports, skating, and having picnics but most importantly you can rent the cute boats and have a romantic ride in the sunset. Getting There - You can take a cab or the subway as the station is not too far. Attractions - Canoeing, boats, temples, the City Wall of Nanjing, Ziiin Mountain and pop up stores. Hotels - you can find hotels in the city and nearby. Food & Restaurants - there’s plenty of food available and of course a KFC and McDonalds for the fast food lovers.

No matter which time you visit the lake, it's always magnifecent. The lake is spacious enough, a lot of people are jogging mostly in late afternoon till evening. Views are nice with lots of tress and different flowers. You can even hear the birds chirping. It's a peaceful place good to calm your mind. Picnic is recommended too, I even see people singing , bringing their own Karaoke. Definitely one of the nice places you should visit in Nanjing. The place is free of charge. A whole day stay with friends and family is worthwhile. 📍Location : No. 1 Xuanwu Lane, Xuanwu District, Nanjing #awesomepic #naturalwonders #themepark #lakes

Weather's just perfect today, I went to the lake and spent the whole day there. Though a lot of peole but the lake is spacious for the crowd. The beauty of this lake is timeless. Every season has something to be proud of. Now's spring time, different flowers are all over the lake. You'd expect to see cherry blossoms, tulips, roses, and many more. There are small motor powered boats that you can rent 140rmb/hour + 500 deposit, can accommodate 6 people. The are a lot of shops too where you can buy snacks and souvenirs. KFC/McDonalds and other snack bars are present. And the place is free of charge. Good for a picnic, sightseeing, taking photos, hangout with friends and family. Definitely worth your time~

Xuanwu lake is located in Xuanwu District, Nanjing. It is near to Ji Ming Temple and Nanjing Railway station. The lake is pretty huge, the 444 hectare lake is 15 kilometers in circumference. 📍No entrance fee 📍A lot of shops where you can buy snacks and souvenirs. There is the KFC and McDonald's too. There are many places you can rent small motor powered boats on the lake for 140 RMB an hour + 500 RMB deposit , good for 4 to 6 people. The duck and swan boats were nice because you can have 4 to 5 people seated facing each other but the bird head will block the beautiful view. At Xuanwu lake, you can spend the whole day by walking and resting for a while.

#summervacation One of the famous lakes in Nanjing. It is located in Xuanwu District. You can take subway Line 1 and get off at Xuanwu station. take exit 3 and walk few metres you can see the entrance gate. It is free to get in the lake. Usually you can different species of plants in this park. There is also a boating area. You can take the shuttle bus to tour you around the area and it cost 10rmb.

Xuanwe lake area is so big so that it's difficult to cover in one day. If you're visiting this city 🏙 for short days it's better to go for the train so that you can easily cover a part of the park 📸. This is one of the beautiful lake Park in Nanjing and the main highlight is there is no entrance fee 💴. Still they maintained the park so clean and beautiful. #summervacation#urbanexplorer

Seasonal Beauty 🌺 Every time when I go to xuanwu lake I am so excited to explore the new seasonal flowers 🌹🌺🌷 which is adding an extra beauty to the park as well as our hearts 💕. A nice place for an evening stroll and relaxation. The nearest metro station to this scenic spot is Nanjing forestry university (exit 2). 🚇 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

Seasonal flowers give xuanwu lake an added beauty 🌷🌺🌻. This is a place were both adults and kids enjoy equally. Kids playing with kites , bubbles and bicycles 🚴🏻 are a very common view during summer 🌞. This area of the lake is near Nanjing exhibition Centre and can easily reach from the metro station Nanjing forestry university (exit 2). 🚇 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

After a long walk through xuanwu lake this area (entrance to kids park) have a very beautiful food booth 🍱🍖. Before it was only for the ones coming to the park but now they opened it for every one. They have some ready to eat foods, some Chinese cuisine and drinks shop. 🍤🍲🌯🌭🍳🍧🍡. Sunset time is the best time to spend there to get an aesthetic ambiance. 🌄 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

Xuanwu lake is a place which never fails to impress.🌟 It's a big area and maintained very beautifully. Each time it's of different beauty. With seasons it's beauty is also changing. Walking in this park with bird's chirping is a feeling. Good place for relaxation as well as walking. 🌞🌿🎍🌺 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

📍 Getting There -  Nearest subway station is NFU/XINZHUANG. Take exit 2 and walk to the destination (around 500m) 🚝 📍 Hotels -  Lot of hotels nearby and some of them have the lake view. 🏨 📍 Food & Restaurants -  Small snack shops can seen while walking. KFC and. McDonald's are also inside but bit away from entrance. 🍧🍡🍔🍟 📍 Shopping -  Kites, bubbles, fishing nets for kids can buy from inside stalls. 🎈🛍 #summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

The best time to visit Nanjing is the spring time.🌺🌷🌹🌸💐 Starting from March last to may First ❤️ These are some pictures that I took in Xuanwu lake 🌅 I am not sure how many entrances this lake have. I have lived in 3 areas of Nanjing and from all these areas it has entrances . it's a big lake and they maintained each area very beautifully. ✨ Bus number 304 can take you to this area where I click these pictures. 🚌 #xuanwulake #springblossoms #spring #lake #jiangsu #nanjingtravel #urbanexplorer

Visited Nanjing around the end of March, which is the best timing for cherry blossom viewing, we headed to the most famous site for such and it didn’t let us down. XuanWu Lake (玄武湖) used to be the largest royal garden lake and it’s still a very important leisure spot for people who live in the city. It’s free to walk around the lakeside and islands on the lake. Be noted that there are only a few designated entrance to the park and it can be quite a walk if you started from a wrong spot (that’s what happened to me, walked for like 30mins to find the entrance). Cherry trees were blooming all over the park, very pleasant to enjoy the color of spring. #urbanexplorer #nanjing #nationalpark

Meanwhile in Nanjing, China.😘🥰🤩 #holidayvacation#merryxmas

spring 2020

Xuanwu lake is the bestest place to choose if you like for a long walk. The main attraction is how they maintained the park. it's so neat and clean. They also have lot of areas to relax. you can also bring your tent and relax. They also have a park for kids inside. which we have to pay. but it's worth for kids. #triplocal

Something local and great to do in Nanjing! I love to go to Xuanwu Lake with friends to enjoy a walk during sunset. It is really an amazing place to just relax and enjoy something cold on a hot day - We LOVE getting on the little peddle boats - #triplocal #triplocal

Such a great day to just relax and enjoy the nature, fresh air and good company ... 😊☺️🌾🦋🍂💐 btw... its all me (cant find the pictures of my friends lol) 😂 opsss 😆😂 #dayoffbelike #nature #xuanwulake

Overall, it was pretty good. But birdwatching is a matter of luck (The brochure for the cruise shows the migratory birds that have wintered here over the years. If you want to see more birds, you still have to look for them on the shore.) Taking photos is not particularly easy (Because the boat moves, the birds move, and the Maritime Safety Administration regulations and the many children on board mean that for safety reasons, the open-air area on the second floor is not accessible. Even with one of the best camera phones available, the 200 Pro, the telephoto end is very limited. If you have the means, you should bring a telephoto camera. I was unlucky today, I brought a 75–300, but I accidentally dropped it and it broke, so I had to use my phone as a backup.) However, there are some birds that you can almost always see with the naked eye: Cormorants: You can also see them at the Nanjing Station gate on land. In winter, the fountain show is not open for them. They are the earliest birds to winter at Xuanwu Lake every year. They are not afraid of people, so you can take pictures of them as you like. Moorhens: There are quite a few of them. You can see them on land at the Jiming Temple gate as you walk towards the Sun Palace. They are good swimmers, the best swimming chickens, and they can fly. You can squat down to take pictures of them swimming and flying on land. Grebes: There are many of them, and they are everywhere, but they are very small, so you need to look carefully. Black swans, tufted ducks, and other waterfowl raised in the park. (You can also see them by rowing a boat yourself.) I was moderately lucky today and saw a black kite, a Class II protected species. Tour (cruise) duration: 1 hour. The cruise basically goes around the lake, and goes to some areas that you can't reach by rowing a boat yourself. In addition to birdwatching, there is also a simple science lecture about Xuanwu Lake Park itself. Ticket price: CNY 80. You can book for one person. You can also buy tickets on site if the boat is not full, so I recommend it to friends traveling alone with a generous budget. This winter is not cold, and the air conditioning on the boat is quite good. Children under 1.5m: CNY 40 (must be accompanied by a parent). There are some binoculars on the boat, but they are given to children first, so I suggest that adults bring their own, although I don't think they are very useful. The cruise is only available on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), with one departure in the morning (10:30) and one in the afternoon (2:30). However, the piers in the morning and afternoon are slightly different. They are actually in the same place, just on the left and right. It is convenient to get there, as it is at the Xuanwumen Station on Metro Line 1. Finally, the Xuanwumen Incident did not happen here!

🌈👣Xuanwu Lake, why visit 18 times❓ ✨It is a historical treasure—a royal lake with imperial records🏞️ ✨Located in the heart of Nanjing, open all day for free🎫 ✨Spring flowers💐, summer lotus🌸, autumn chrysanthemum🌼, winter plum🌟, beautiful all year round, perfect for kids, photos📸, and relaxation🌅, who wouldn't love it❓ 🔺🚪Tips for entering and exiting Xuanwu Lake🔑: 🍃Xuanwu Gate: Direct access to the subway🚇, first choice 🌸Couple's Garden Gate: Great for flower viewing🌸, convenient parking, accessible by subway 🕌Jiefang Gate: Visit Jiming Temple 🏰Heping Gate: Close to Nanjing Station 🔺🏞️Attractions to see👀: 🌱Huanhu Road: 10 km of beauty 🌳Huan Island: Huan Island in the smoke and willows🌳, rose garden and Avant-garde Bookstore await you 🌸Sakura Island: Great place for camping in the sea of flowers🌸 🍂Liang Island: In memory of Prince Liang Zhaoming, autumn chrysanthemums🌼 bloom 🌿Ling Island: Summer lotus🌸 blooms, vast lake 🌅Cui Island: Lake and mountain scenery under the sunset 🌹Couple's Garden: Romantic dating spot, Cupid Square, Western-style church, and other romantic attractions 🚣‍♂️🔺Fun on the lake: 🚢4-person electric boat: CNY 140/hour, boating on the lake 🛺🔺Sightseeing car route recommendations: 🔁Xuanwu Gate/Jiefang Gate Loop: 20 minutes per loop, CNY 30/person all-inclusive 🏞️Inner Loop: Through rockeries and islands, CNY 40/person, free to get on and off 🌹Couple's Garden Line: Romantic trip, CNY 20/person, easy walk 🌸🔺Xuanwu Lake Flower Guide🌸: 🌼Camellia🌼, magnolia🌼, tulip🌼, wisteria🌼, apricot blossom🌼, cherry blossom🌼, February orchid🌼, begonia🌼, lotus🌼, plum blossom🌼, flowers bloom all year round, worth the wait 🚇🔺Transportation Guide🚗: 🚇Subway Line 1: Xuanwu Gate Station, Exit 3 🚇Subway Line 3/4: Nanjing Forestry University·Xinzhuang Station/Gangzicun Station, easy access

🍂 Xuanwu Lake in autumn is the perfect place to relax! 😌 Take a leisurely stroll along the lake and enjoy the chill vibes. 🚶‍♂️ 🌟 Here are some carefully selected routes for you to explore Xuanwu Lake. No matter which gate you enter, you can enjoy a smooth journey. ✌️ ✅ Here's a guide to the entrances: 👇 1. Xuanwu Gate (Exit 3 of Xuanwumen Station on Metro Line 1 🚇) 2. Lovers' Garden (Exit 3 of Gangzicun Station on Metro Line 4 🚇) 3. Jiefang Gate (Exit 5 of Jimingsi Station on Metro Line 3/4 🚇) 🚣‍♂️ Want to go boating on the lake? Head to Xuanwu Gate! 🌅 Want to watch the sunset? Lovers' Garden is waiting for you! 🏯 Want to visit Jiming Temple and the Ming City Wall? Start from Jiefang Gate! ✅ Recommended routes: 1. Xuanwu Gate - Huan Island - Ying Island - Liang Island - Cui Island - Lovers' Garden 🏞️ 2. Jiefang Gate - Ling Island - Ying Island - Liang Island - Cui Island - Lovers' Garden - Shili Longdi 🌳 3. Lovers' Garden - Cupid Square - Shili Longdi 🌳 🚌 Sightseeing bus: Inner circle CNY 30, outer circle CNY 50, CNY 10 per stop 💰 🚣‍♀️ Boat: 4-seater CNY 140/hour/boat, 6-seater CNY 160/hour/boat 💰 🌈 Huan Island: Avant-garde Bookstore, Rockery Waterfall, Little Blue Heart Coffee 📚🏞️ The big blue heart seat in front of Little Blue Heart Coffee is perfect for taking photos! It's a must-visit in summer. 📸 The matcha drinks are also a favorite for those on a diet! 🍵 🌸 Ying Island: A bridge photography paradise, with cherry blossoms in spring 🌸 and great for camping all year round ⛺️ 🌸 Liang Island: A great place to relax, with occasional flower shows 🌸 🌄 Cui Island: Picturesque scenery and wide views 🌄 🌸 Lovers' Garden: A dating paradise, with Cupid Square, a Western-style church, pigeons, and a flower garden... 👫 🌅 Shili Longdi: The best spot to watch the sunset 🌅