Plan at a glance
Choose the north or south section
Nanjing City Wall is made up of several independently operated sections. The north Taicheng section and the south Zhonghua Gate section offer different views, entrances and visit styles. The north section starts at Jiefang Gate and takes about 1–1.5 hours for Xuanwu Lake, Jiming Temple and the city skyline; the south section starts at Zhonghua Gate and takes about 2–3 hours for the barbican, defensive structures and old south-city views.
For city views and sunset, choose the north section. For military architecture, wall history and an evening around Laomendong, choose the south section. The two sections are far apart and do not form a short walkable loop.
Tickets, combination tickets and hours
The south Zhonghua Gate section costs about CNY 50, the north Taicheng section about CNY 30, and the combination ticket about CNY 70. Visitors under 18, those aged 70 and above, active-duty military personnel, people with disabilities, Nanjing Park Card holders and certain blood-donation award holders usually qualify for free entry under the day’s rules.
The official ticket channel is the Nanjing City Wall WeChat mini-program. The north daytime section usually runs 08:30–17:00. The south daytime section is usually around 09:00–20:00, but final entry may differ from closing time, so follow the day’s official ticket and on-site instructions. From April to October, selected areas may offer night visits until around 22:00 with a separate ticket.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
View Visit Optionsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
North section: lake and skyline
The Taicheng section looks over Xuanwu Lake on one side and city roads and towers on the other. The view of Jiming Temple and Zifeng Tower together is one of the city’s most recognisable combinations, especially around sunset.
The walkway is relatively broad and suits visitors who want an easy stroll, a sunset photo or a route that combines the wall with Xuanwu Lake. A 1–1.5 hour visit is enough for the main north-section experience; you do not need to hurry south to complete a longer stretch.
South section: barbican and military structures
The main attractions of the Zhonghua Gate section are its three-layer barbican, hidden troop chambers and defensive layout. The City Wall Museum can provide background before you climb the wall and look over Laomendong and the south city.
The south section suits visitors interested in historic military architecture or a route combining the wall, Laomendong and Grand Baoen Temple. Some night shows are sold separately; decide based on the day’s schedule and your interest.
Build your day
A 1–1.5 hour north-section route
Climb at Jiefang Gate and walk along the wall to descend at Xuanwu Gate, without backtracking. You can see Xuanwu Lake, Jiming Temple and the city skyline along the way; if you start at Jiming Temple, walk to Jiefang Gate after leaving the temple.
This route works well for daytime city views and sunset. After descending, continue through Xuanwu Lake or return to the metro and city centre for food instead of trying to transfer immediately to Zhonghua Gate.
A 2–3 hour south-section route
Start around 16:00 with the City Wall Museum, then climb the wall at Zhonghua Gate, look over Laomendong and descend towards the Chishiji or Laomendong exit. This sequence combines wall history, the gate’s defensive structure, the light near sunset and the old south-city evening scene.
If you plan to see a night show, confirm whether the daytime ticket is valid, where the night entrance is and whether the show is sold separately. After descending, eat in Laomendong or continue towards Grand Baoen Temple, leaving time for evening crowds and walking.
Get there
North-section entrances
Jiefang Gate is the most convenient entrance for the Taicheng section and connects naturally with Jiming Temple. Xuanwu Gate, Taiping Gate and Shence Gate can also serve as north-section entrances or exits, but the walking distance changes with each choice.
After the north section, continue into Xuanwu Lake if you have time. If you also want the south section on the same day, use city public transport or a ride-hailing car and include the transfer time.
South-section entrances
Zhonghua Gate is the main entrance for the south section. Dongshuiguan, Wuding Gate and Jiqing Gate provide access to other wall sections; navigate to Zhonghua Gate if you want the main barbican and gate structure.
The south section combines well with Laomendong, Grand Baoen Temple and the 1865 Creative Industrial Park, but each attraction has its own entrance and hours. The wall has few shops, so prepare water and sun protection before climbing.
Know before you go
Day tickets, night tickets and the museum
North and south daytime tickets do not automatically cover night visits. After 17:00, selected areas may use separate night-visit rules and tickets. From April to October, night visits usually cover the Jiefang Gate–Linhu Hall section and the Zhonghua Gate section until around 22:00; confirm the day’s areas, ticket type and entry time.
The City Wall Museum is usually closed on Mondays, so treat the museum and the wall climb as separate parts of the south route. The south daytime closing and final-entry times may be stated differently, so follow the official ticket page or on-site staff.
Shoes, water and walking safety
The wall has uneven stone paving and steps. Wear flat, non-slip walking shoes and avoid high heels. Shops and water points are limited, especially in summer, so bring enough drinking water and adjust your time in strong heat, wind or rain.
When leaving after sunset or a night visit, confirm the exit and return route in advance. Do not approach unguarded edges for photos or stop in narrow stairways; if you combine the wall with Laomendong and Grand Baoen Temple, keep enough time for the final return trip.