The Ten-Mile Qinhuai River

• Confucius Temple – Qinhuai Scenic Belt
  The Confucius Temple stands on the bank of the Inner Qinhuai River and is one of China's Four Great Confucian Temples. The Confucius Temple–Qinhuai Scenic Belt is a 5A-rated national scenic area that integrates ancient sites, classical gardens, ornate boats, historic streets, pavilions, and folk customs. With the Qinhuai Lantern Festival, folk heritage sites, and local delicacies, it enchants visitors from around the world. Centered on the ancient Confucius Temple complex and aligned along the Ten-Mile Inner Qinhuai, key attractions include the Dacheng Hall, Zhan Garden, Jiangnan Imperial Examination Museum, Li Xiangjun's Former Residence, Wang-Xie Ancestral Hall, and Wuyi Lane.
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  Dacheng Hall

  Dacheng Hall is the main building of the Confucius Temple and serves as the venue for Confucian ceremonies. Inside, the hall displays China's largest portrait of Confucius, the "Portrait of Confucius Teaching." It is the premier destination for experiencing the Confucian and folk culture of the Confucius Temple area.

  Address:

  152 Gongyuan Street, Qinhuai District

  Admission:

  30 RMB/person

  Opening Hours:

  9:00–22:00

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  Zhan Garden (Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum)

  Zhan Garden, located on Zhanyuan Road north of Laiyan Bridge, is a nationally significant cultural heritage site with over 600 years of history. Built by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang for his top military general, Xu Da, the Prince of Zhongshan, it was also a lodging place for Emperor Qianlong during his southern tours and is celebrated as the "Finest Garden in Jinling."

  Address:

  128 Zhanyuan Road, Qinhuai District

  Admission:

  Daytime 30 RMB/person, Evening (no show) 50 RMB/person, Evening (with show) 70 RMB/person

  Opening Hours:

  Daytime 8:30–17:00, Evening 17:00–20:30; Closed Mondays (open Mondays in July & August)

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  Nanjing China Imperial Examination Museum (Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall)

  Founded in 1168, the Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall was once China's premier civil examination venue. Expanded into the Nanjing China Imperial Examination Museum, it features underground exhibition zones and above-ground attractions including Mingyuan Tower, the examination cell ruins, and the South Garden folk experience area — comprising 33 exhibition halls that integrate display, research, education, exchange, and tourism. It serves as China's center for imperial examination research, cultural exhibition, and heritage preservation.

  Address:

  1 Jinling Road, Qinhuai District

  Admission:

  50 RMB/person

  Opening Hours:

  9:00–22:00

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  Bailu Island Park

  With water as its central theme, this park offers a diverse array of lake views that embody the elegance of the Jiangnan region. Serving as the back garden of the Confucius Temple and frequently used as the main venue for the Qinhuai Lantern Festival, it allows visitors to enjoy lantern displays and garden strolls while immersing themselves in traditional culture.

  Address:

  1 Bailu Village, Qinhuai District

  Admission:

  Free (fee charged during Qinhuai Lantern Festival)

  Opening Hours:

  6:00–20:00

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  Mendong Historic Cultural District (Old Mendong)

  Mendong Historic Cultural District carries the ancient memories of Nanjing and is celebrated as the "Root of Nanjing." For those accustomed to the noise and rush of city life, this is a place to slow down, wander through charming old alleyways, savor the authentic flavors of old Nanjing, and glimpse the genuine life of the historic city……

  Address:

  South of Gutong Lane, Qinhuai District

  Admission:

  Free

  Opening Hours:

  All day

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  Jieziyuan Garden

  Jiangnan gardens are celebrated as the pinnacle of Chinese classical garden design. Jieziyuan Garden was created in 1668 by Li Yu, a Ming–Qing literary figure, playwright, and garden architect. Covering less than three mu (approximately 0.2 hectares), it is a masterpiece of Chinese miniature garden design. The compact garden is surrounded by layered rockeries draped in greenery, exquisitely refined and complete in every detail.

  Address:

  32 Sansanying, Qinhuai District (within Mendong Historic Cultural District)

  Admission:

  15 RMB/person

  Opening Hours:

  9:30–16:30 (Closed Mondays)

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  Qinhuai Painted Pleasure Boat

  Departing from the Confucius Temple's Pan Pond and sailing to Xishuiguan, these ornate boats glide through a dreamlike world of oar sounds and lantern reflections along the Ten-Mile Qinhuai, unrolling the scenic splendor captured in timeless paintings such as "Shangyuan Lantern Festival" and "Jinling Scenic Views." A boat ride along the Qinhuai offers views of more than 40 attractions including the former residences of historical figures, heritage sites, famous bridges, renowned Jiangnan gardens, and Qinhuai lantern displays.

  Address:

  Wende Bridge Pier, Confucius Temple, Qinhuai District

  Admission:

  Daytime 100 RMB/person, Evening 120 RMB/person, West Route Night Cruise 140 RMB/person

  Opening Hours:

  9:00–22:00