Transport · Stations · Nanjing
Nanjing South Railway Station
南京南站. Nanjing's primary high-speed hub and one of China's largest stations, an interchange for the Beijing–Shanghai line with Metro Lines 1 and 3.
About this station
Nanjing South Railway Station opened in 2011 and was built to a scale that reflected Nanjing's status as Jiangsu's provincial capital and one of the most historically significant cities in China. The building's design references the traditional curved-ridge roof lines of Jiangnan architecture, though at a size that makes the classical referent feel like a detail.
The station is the main hub for the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed line's passage through Nanjing, handling more than 100 high-speed services daily during peak periods. The interchange function is significant — travellers connecting from Beijing or Shanghai to Hangzhou, Wuhan, or points further west or south typically pass through here.
Nanjing is one of China's richest cities for historical visitors: the city walls (the most complete surviving Ming city wall in the world), the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace from the Republican period, Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum all represent major historical periods that shaped modern China. Most are accessible by metro from South Station.
Entry tips
One of China's largest stations by passenger throughput. Allow 40 minutes from arrival to platform. The building has two main halls (north and south) — confirm which side your departure gate is on from the ticket or departure board. Queues are longest near Chinese New Year and October.
Security flow
Three-stage entry. Large station with multiple security lines — the east and west ancillary entrances are often faster than the central hall. English signage is comprehensive.
Food inside the station
Extensive: Nanjing salted duck (packing boxes available), duck blood vermicelli soup stalls, noodle bars, Jiangsu-style braised pork, and all standard chains. One of the better-stocked stations for local specialities.
Food nearby
The Yuhuatai district around the station has modern commercial development. For Nanjing's traditional dining streets, take the metro to the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) area — Line 1, about 30 minutes.
Transit to the city
Metro Lines 1 and 3 serve the station directly, connecting to the city centre and the historic Xuanwu Lake area. Line 1 reaches Nanjing Railway Station (the older city-centre station) in about 25 minutes. Taxis on the north plaza.