10 Essential Dishes to Try in Nanjing
1. Salted Duck (盐水鸭) is a Nanjing specialty. Delicately seasoned and tender duck, it is marinated with a blend of spices and salt, embodying centuries-old traditions. Recommended restaurant: Plum Garden (梅苑）
2. Duck Blood Soup (鸭血粉丝汤) is a heart-warming soup of duck blood, glass noodles, tofu, and offal in a savory, umami-rich broth. Recommended restaurant: Xiao Pan Ji Ya Xie Fen Si Tang （小潘记鸭血粉丝汤）
3. Nanjing Roast Duck (南京烤鸭) is less sweet than its Beijing counterpart, but this variation delivers crispy skin and succulent meat with a distinctive Jiangsu flair. Recommended restaurant: Xiao Pan Ji Ya Xie Fen Si Tang （小潘记鸭血粉丝汤），Guang Ying Ju · Lao Zheng Xing （广迎居 · 老正兴）
4. Lion’s Head Meatballs (狮子头) is basically oversized, juicy pork meatballs stewed in a rich broth, sometimes topped with decadent crab roe. Recommended restaurant: Jiangnan Wok · Yun (江南灶·云府), Pin Ning Fu (品宁府)
5. Steamed Bun Stuffed with Juicy Pork (汤包) is Nanjing’s answer to soup dumplings. These delicate buns burst with flavorful broth and tender pork filling. Recommended restaurant: Hao Po Tang Bao (好婆汤包) and Xu Jian Ping Tang Bao (Rehe South Road) (徐建萍汤包(热河南路)
6. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) is a street-food staple. A fermented delicacy features a crispy exterior with a uniquely pungent yet addictive flavor. Recommended restaurant: Pin Ning Fu (品宁府)，Qiang Ye Fan Dian (Changbai Street) 强烨饭店(长白街) and Guang Ying Ju · Lao Zheng Xing （广迎居 · 老正兴）
7. Pan-Fried Beef Dumplings (牛肉锅贴) are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and are a popular local snack. Recommended restaurant: Li Ji Qing Zhen Guan (李记清真馆)
8. Sesame Pancakes (鸭油烧饼) are flaky, golden pastries often enriched with duck fat for extra indulgence, sometimes filled with sweet or savory flavors.
9. Nanjing-style Pickled Vegetables (酱菜) are a crunchy, tangy accompaniment that highlights the city’s tradition of preserving seasonal produce.
10. Sweet Osmanthus Rice Cakes (桂花糕) are a light and fragrant dessert made with glutinous rice and infused with the delicate floral aroma of osmanthus syrup. Recommended restaurant: Fang Po （芳婆糕团店）
Dining 101: Restaurant Hacks to Keep Up Your Sleeve
Dining in Nanjing is a communal experience, so make sure to be down on your local customs with our roundup of golden rules below.
1. Dishes are usually placed in the center of the table for everyone to share—so be sure to use shared cutlery when serving yourself.
2. If you find yourself in a small, local eatery where English isn’t widely spoken, take a cue from the locals and order what looks good from their tables.
3. Having a translation app on hand can also be a lifesaver for communication, though hotel restaurants tend to have English-speaking staff for a smoother dining experience.
4. With the upcoming release of our first Jiangsu selection, foreign visitors will soon have a trusted guide to navigate the region’s diverse flavors and find dishes that best suit their tastes.
10 Must-Visit Places in Nanjing
Wander through the misty pathways of Purple Mountain at dawn, where the ancient Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum stands in solemn tribute, its marble steps leading to panoramic views of the city. Feel the weight of history as you walk atop the Nanjing City Wall, its stones whispering stories of dynasties past. At night, let the glow of lanterns guide you through the Confucius Temple district, where the Qinhuai River shimmers with reflections of centuries-old architecture and the buzz of a vibrant night market fills the air. Here are our top 10 draws to put on your list, so you don’t miss a thing.
1. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: Offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its hilltop perch, it's a must-visit.
2. Nanjing City Wall: One of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, where you can walk through history while enjoying sweeping views of the city.
3. Confucius Temple: A vibrant cultural hub along the Qinhuai River, filled with traditional lantern-lit boats, historic architecture, and a bustling night market.
4. Presidential Palace: A fascinating landmark showcasing Nanjing’s pivotal role in China’s political evolution, including Sun Yat-sen’s government office.
5. Purple Mountain: A lush retreat perfect for hiking, where historical sites and breathtaking landscapes converge.
6. Xuanwu Lake: A serene oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for a scenic boat ride, photography, or a leisurely stroll.
7. Nanjing Museum: One of China’s finest museums, home to ancient artifacts, intricate calligraphy, and Ming and Qing Dynasty treasures.
8. Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre: A sobering but essential historical site honoring the memory of those lost in the 1937 tragedy.
9. Qixia Mountain: Especially stunning in autumn, this mountain is home to Buddhist temples, tranquil hiking trails, and vivid seasonal foliage.
10. Laomendong: A charming old street where traditional architecture, artisan boutiques, and irresistible street food come together.
In Nanjing, history is savored as much as it is seen. Whether indulging in its culinary masterpieces or wandering through its ancient streets, the city offers an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
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