Arriving in Nanjing

From NKG: Metro Line S1 (Airport Line) runs to Nanjing South station in about 25 minutes (¥23); connect to Lines 1/3 for most hotels. Taxis from NKG cost ¥80–120 to the city centre. From Nanjing South Station (HSR): Metro Lines 1/3 connect the city centre in 15–30 minutes. From Nanjing Station (north): Metro Lines 1/3 also connect; many hotels are within 20 minutes.

China Mobile and Unicom tourist SIMs are available at NKG arrivals. As a large and historically significant city, Nanjing's hotels are accustomed to international visitors and connectivity assistance. All standard VPN requirements apply — install your VPN app before landing in China.

Alipay and WeChat Pay are standard throughout Nanjing including at the Confucius Temple market vendors and main tourist sites. The metro system accepts both apps and contactless bank cards. Foreign card linking via Alipay International is functional; some street market vendors are cash-only.

ATMs at Bank of China and ICBC branches throughout the city centre accept foreign cards. The area near Confucius Temple has cash-preferred vendors. Keep ¥300–500 for the Confucius Temple food street and old-city market stalls.

Nanjing is UTC+8. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Purple Mountain opens at 06:30 and is best visited early before the midday heat and tour groups; jet-lagged early risers are well placed to enjoy the forested hillside at dawn.

Hotels in Xinjiekou and the Gulou university district have English-capable staff. The Nanjing Museum has English labelling throughout. The Massacre Memorial (a historically important but emotionally difficult site) has full English translation of all exhibits. In an emergency, dial 110 or 120; ask hotel staff to communicate in Chinese on your behalf.