China City Guide How to Travel Like a Resident in Nanjing

Nanjing isn’t just another Chinese city with ancient walls and steamed buns. It’s a living, breathing blend of imperial grandeur, revolutionary history, and modern-day chill. Want to explore like you actually live here? Skip the tourist traps and dive into the local rhythm. Here’s your real-deal guide to experiencing Nanjing like a true resident.

Start Your Day Like a Local: Breakfast is Serious Business

In Nanjing, mornings begin with shābāo (sausage wrapped in fried dough) and soy milk so thick it coats your spoon. Head to Lao Mén Xī Mén or Tianyinlu Morning Market around 6:30 AM. Locals queue for fresh nǎiróng (milk custard buns) and jiānbǐng (savory crepes). Pro tip: order yours with extra cilantro and crispy wonton strips.

History That Doesn’t Feel Like a Textbook

Sure, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is iconic—but skip the midday crowds. Go at sunrise when mist curls over Purple Mountain. Locals jog the stone steps, and the silence makes the history feel personal. Then wander through Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the tomb of the Ming Dynasty’s founder. Fewer tourists, more soul.

Ride the Metro, Not the Tour Bus

Nanjing’s metro is clean, fast, and packed with locals heading to work or market runs. Line 4 loops around historical sites, while Line 3 zips you straight to Xuanwu Lake. Buy a transit card at any station—just 20 RMB deposit—and ride like everyone else. Bonus: e-bikes are exploding in popularity. Rent one via Meituan or Hellobike and cruise along the Qinhuai River at dusk.

Eat Where the Office Workers Eat

Forget fancy restaurants. Real flavor lives in alleyway spots where white-collar workers line up at noon. Try:

• Wu Fang Zhai – Legendary rice dumplings, especially during Dragon Boat Festival.
• Chao Tian Palace Food Street – Not touristy yet. Try the guānbāo jī (Nanjing-style beggar’s chicken).
• Fuzimiao Snack Lane – Yes, it’s popular, but locals still come for sānhuángjī (three-yellow chicken) and sweet osmanthus cakes.

Evenings on the Qinhuai: Lanterns, Not Lines

The Confucius Temple area gets packed by 7 PM. Instead, arrive at 5:30 PM when golden hour hits the river. Take a small paddle boat—the kind locals rent for 30 minutes with friends. Watch lanterns reflect on the water as street vendors fire up skewers. This is Nanjing’s romantic side, no filter needed.

Insider Tip: Embrace the Tea Culture

Nanjing isn’t famous for tea like Hangzhou, but locals love their Yuhua Cha (Rain Flower Tea). Visit Yuhuatai Park and join retirees practicing tai chi before stopping at a tucked-away teahouse. Order a pot, sit quietly, and let the city hum around you.

Traveling like a resident in Nanjing isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about slowing down, eating messy breakfasts, and finding peace in ancient places before the tour groups arrive. This city rewards curiosity. So lace up your walking shoes, grab a shābāo, and start living like you belong.