Budget Assumptions and Key Travel Factors

For the most up-to-date details, check Lonely Planet Nanjing Guide before you go.

Learn more at Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (Ming Xiaoling).

Several factors can change your total spending while you are visiting. Peak seasons like spring and autumn usually see higher hotel prices. Booking your accommodation early can help you secure the best rates. Staying in central areas like Xinjiekou will cost more than suburbs.

The exchange rate between your currency and the Yuan is important. Most places in Nanjing now use digital payment apps like Alipay. You should link your international card to these apps before arriving. This makes paying for small items and transport much easier today.

Day trips to nearby cities will also increase your daily spending. Cities like Suzhou or Wuxi are close but require train tickets. We focus on staying within Nanjing to keep the costs low. Walking is a great way to see the city for free.

• Factors that influence your total travel spending
  • Spring and autumn peak seasons
  • Choice of central neighborhoods
  • Current currency exchange rates
  • Use of digital payment apps
  • Booking lead time for hotels
  • Frequency of regional day trips

Top Free Nature Spots in Nanjing

Xuanwu Lake is a top choice for all nature lovers visiting. It is one of the best free parks in Nanjing for walking. You can walk along the scenic water for many miles today. The park is open to the public without an entry fee.

Learn how to visit Xuanwu Lake to maximize your time there. The park has five main islands connected by beautiful arched bridges. You should wear comfortable shoes for this long scenic walk. Most paths are flat and offer great views of the wall.

Purple Mountain also has many free areas for you to explore. You can learn how to hike Purple Mountain on the free trails. Some specific temples or tombs in the area require a ticket. However, the vast forest paths are free for everyone to enjoy.

Qingliangshan Park is another quiet spot that costs nothing to enter. It is famous for its beautiful gingko trees in the late autumn. The park offers a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. You can find many historical stones and quiet pagodas there.

Gulin Park is a local favorite for its colorful flower displays. It is especially beautiful during the plum blossom season in spring. Entry is free and it is located near the city center. This is a perfect spot for a quick afternoon nature break.

• Popular free nature spots in Nanjing city
  • Xuanwu Lake scenic loop
  • Purple Mountain forest trails
  • Qingliangshan Park gingko trees
  • Gulin Park flower gardens
  • Mouchou Lake public areas
  • Nanjing City Wall parks

Estimated Daily Costs for Every Budget

We have broken down the costs into three clear spending tiers. This helps you plan based on your own personal comfort level. Even a tight budget allows for a great Nanjing nature experience. Most of the best outdoor sights do not cost any money.

Budget travelers can stay in clean hostels and eat street food. Transport is cheap if you use the metro and public buses. You can see the major sights for under forty dollars daily. This tier focuses on free activities and local neighborhood markets.

Mid-range travelers can afford private rooms in comfortable local hotels. You can enjoy sit-down meals at popular local chain restaurants. This budget allows for some paid attractions like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Taxis or ride-sharing apps are also affordable at this price level.

Comfort travelers can enjoy international hotels and high-end dining options. You might hire a private guide for your mountain hiking tours. This tier includes more shopping and frequent use of private cars. Even at this level, Nanjing is cheaper than Shanghai or Beijing.

• Average daily costs for different travel styles
  • Budget tier daily totals
  • Mid-range hotel price ranges
  • Street food meal costs
  • Metro and bus fare prices
  • Paid attraction entry fees
  • Private transport daily rates

Sample Daily Nature Itinerary

Start your morning with a refreshing walk at the lake area. Follow a Xuanwu Lake walking route Nanjing for the best views. This area is very peaceful in the early morning hours today. You will see many locals doing their daily morning exercises.

After your walk, find a local shop for a cheap breakfast. Try the famous Nanjing steamed buns or a bowl of noodles. These meals usually cost less than three dollars in local areas. This will give you energy for a hike in the afternoon.

Head to Purple Mountain for a hike through the dense forest. Stay on the free paths to keep your daily costs low. The air is fresh and the views of the city are great. Bring your own water to save money on the mountain.

Finish your day with a stroll near the ancient city walls. The parks along the wall are free and very well maintained. You can watch the sunset over the historic stone structures. This is a perfect way to end a budget-friendly day.

1. Sample itinerary for a nature day trip
   • Morning walk at Xuanwu Lake
   • Local breakfast of steamed buns
   • Afternoon hike on Purple Mountain
   • Evening stroll by city walls

How to Save Money in Nanjing

Timing your visit can save you a lot of money overall. Check the best time for Nanjing foliage to avoid peak prices. Spring and autumn are popular and hotels charge much more then. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for the best deals.

Using the metro is the best way to save on transport. The trains are fast, clean, and very easy to navigate today. Most major nature spots have a metro station very close by. A single ride usually costs less than one dollar.

Eat your meals at local university canteens or small shops. Nanjing has many students, so cheap food is everywhere to find. Look for busy places where locals are eating their lunch. Avoid tourist restaurants near the main gates of the parks.

Carry a reusable water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles. Many parks have free water stations for visitors to use. This saves money and helps protect the local environment too. Small savings like this add up over a long trip.

• Practical tips to reduce your daily costs
  • Use the Nanjing metro system
  • Eat at local university canteens
  • Carry a reusable water bottle
  • Visit free museums on weekdays
  • Book hotels in suburban areas
  • Use free public park entries