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Family-Friendly Attractions
Top 20 Family-Friendly Attractions in Nanjing [2025]
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Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo
4.6
/5
18306 reviews
8.3
From MOP 44.93
Nanjing Railway Station/Hongshan Forest Zoo | 5.8 km from downtown
Phone +8602585620178
Address: No.168 Heyan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Featured in 2025 Asia 100 - Family-Friendly Attractions
Highlights:
Over 3,000 rare wild animals
Monk-faced monkeys | Children's playground
Saved by 557 users12683 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The zoo is very close to the Xuanwu Lake Scenic Area. It is a large park that is still under expansion as the terrain rises. Therefore, some places were under construction this time. There are sightseeing trams (15 yuan one way) and parent-child electric cars for rent. If you have limited physical strength or are traveling with the elderly and children, you can consider using them. There are rich amusement facilities and convenient transportation. The ticket price is still 40 yuan, which is very cost-effective.
I went to Hongshan Zoo purely to check out what this popular zoo has to offer, but ended up being completely lost in the action. If I hadn't had an afternoon schedule, I could have spent the entire day there.
For those who struggle with walking but want to explore the entire zoo, I recommend renting a car.
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Zhongshan Mountain National Park
4.6
/5
9705 reviews
7.8
Zijin Mountain Scenic Area/Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum Area | 6.2 km from downtown
Phone +8602584437786
Address: No. 7 Shixiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Nanjing
Highlights:
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Music Stage holiday performances
Stroll through green tunnels and enjoy family time
Saved by 827 users6543 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The area inside is very large and the scenery is pretty good, but the only things you can really see are Ming Xiaoling and the Shinto Road. The rest are man-made attractions, and the ticket price is only worth forty or fifty yuan at most.
The former residence of the President of the National Government, commonly known as the Meiling Palace, is located at No. 9 Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. Built in 1931, it served as one of the Nanjing residences of President Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, Soong Mei-ling.
The former residence covers an area of 80,000 square meters, with a construction area of over 2,000 square meters. It comprises a main building, a guardhouse, a garage, and a garden. The main structure, facing north and south, is three stories high and includes a basement. Modeled after traditional Chinese palace architecture, it embodies a blend of Chinese and Western design concepts. It is the largest single villa in Nanjing during the Republican era and one of the most complete surviving Republican-era villas, possessing high historical and artistic value.
On June 25, 2001, the former National Government Site, including the former residence, was designated by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as a fifth-batch National Key Cultural Relics Protection Site.
In 1930, Chiang Kai-shek formally proposed to the Premier's Mausoleum Management Committee the construction of a villa on Xiaohongshan Hill within the mausoleum. On October 24 of the same year, the Mausoleum Management Committee held its 24th meeting, chaired by Sun Ke, and resolved to "do as instructed."
In 1931, construction began on the Xiaohongshan Villa. Designed by Zhao Zhiyou, Director of the Nanjing Municipal Government's Public Works Bureau, Chen Pinshan, Chief Engineer, and built by the Xinjinjikanghao Construction Company, the estimated cost was 261,410 yuan.
In 1932, the Xiaohongshan Villa was completed and designated as the official residence of the President of the National Government.
In 1934, the official residence of the President of the National Government was converted to the Xiaohongshan Official Residence, serving as a resting place for senior officials visiting the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
In 1947, after the National Government returned its capital to Nanjing, the Xiaohongshan Official Residence became Chiang Kai-shek's official residence. Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling often visited the residence to rest, worship, and vacation, earning it the nickname "Meiling Palace." In 1950, the former residence of the President of the National Government was taken over by the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Administration as public property and converted into a sanatorium for senior cadres of Jiangsu Province. In 1951, the former residence of the President of the National Government was converted into a sanatorium for cadres directly under the Nanjing Municipal Government, and later into the Dongjiao Hotel. On September 1, 1990, the former residence of the President of the National Government was merged into the Jinling Hotel by the Jiangsu Provincial Tourism Bureau. In March 2012, the former residence of the President of the National Government was re-assigned to the management of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Administration [4].
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Nanjing Museum
4.6
/5
3404 reviews
7.3
Based on 337 reviews
The Ming Palace and Nanjing Museum Area | 3.9 km from downtown
Phone +8602584807923
Address: No. 321, Zhongshan East Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Featured in 2024 Asia 100 - Family-Friendly Attractions
Highlights:
Nostalgic snacks & old streets
The earliest museum in China
Saved by 815 users1881 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Is it worth going? Nanjing Museum is definitely worth your special trip to make a half-day! As one of the earliest comprehensive museums created in China, its huge collection system, distinctive special exhibitions and unique cloth exhibition ideas will take you through a journey spanning hundreds of thousands of years. Whether for history lovers or ordinary tourists, this is an indispensable hall for Nanjing. Highlights one by one: the "Treasure of the Town Courtyard" in the historical museum: step into this main exhibition hall, and the long river of time slowly opens. The majesty of the Bronze Age (the bronze of the West Zhou Dynasty is the sage), the magnificent burial ceremony of the Han Dynasty (the silver wisp of the still radiant jade coat), the wind bones of the famous people of the Southern Dynasty (the lifelike "Bamboo Forest Seven Xian and Rong Qiqi Period" molded brick painting)...every treasure is like a star to embellish the long river of Chinese civilization. The art gallery's calligraphy and painting feast: For calligraphy and painting fans, this is a paradise. The authentic paintings and paintings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties on regular displays are breathtaking, and the oriental aesthetics conveyed by delicate brush strokes are still alive in time. Time flow in the Republic of China Pavilion: step into this re-engraved exhibition hall in the Republic of China block and "cross" in an instant. The railway station, post office, foreign banks, old teahouses, and real old objects create a sense of living and fragrant atmosphere. Every shot is a blockbuster of the times, immersed in it to experience the floating light of Jinling's old dreams. The living heritage of non-legacy: the charm of Jiangsu's native non-legacy blooms here. The exquisite Su embroidery, elegant and pleasant purple sand, the gentle singing of Kunqu... You can immerse yourself in the live pulse and life temperature of traditional culture.
The Nanjing Museum, one of China's three major museums, boasts a rich historical heritage. Its "one academy and six museums," each with its own distinct characteristics, boasts a rich and diverse collection of cultural relics covering a wide range of fields. Its unique architectural style blends tradition with modernity. Here, visitors can journey through time and space to experience the charm of history and culture, a vital venue for the inheritance and promotion of Chinese culture.
No.
4
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The Oriental Metropolitan Museum
4.6
/5
4254 reviews
7.2
From MOP 30.33
Based on 22 reviews
Xinjiekou Area/Presidential Palace | 1.5 km from downtown
Phone +8602552326032
Address: No. 302, Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Nanjing
Highlights:
Design exhibit inspires children's creativity
Celadon Lotus Flower (Treasure-holding)
Saved by 231 users3105 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
There are many museums in Nanjing. I went to this museum on a whim. It has rich content and a quiet environment. I also experienced the AR explanation, which is at the forefront of technology. It was more comfortable with fewer people and the experience was strong.
The Six Dynasties Museum is renowned for its unique design and sophisticated exhibition layout. Its exhibitions not only showcase artifacts from the Six Dynasties period but also recreate the elegant atmosphere of the period through modern design techniques. The museum's use of light and shadow and spatial design are particularly outstanding, creating a sense of transporting back to an era of literati and scholars.
No.
5
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Imperial Examination Museum of China
4.7
/5
5667 reviews
6.7
From MOP 50.54
Based on 48 reviews
Confucius Temple/Qinhuai River Scenic Area | 2.4 km from downtown
Phone +8602552236971
Address: No. 1, Jinling Road, Confucius Temple, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Stroll through the examination cells and experience the imperial examination culture
Feel the charm of ancient literature at the Thousand Character Classic Wall
Saved by 317 users2593 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The China Imperial Examination Museum, Jiangnan Gongyuan, is a truly worthwhile place to visit. The name "Gongyuan" is so fitting!
I also played a puzzle game called "Golden List" this time, and I love the name!
I've already recommended it to my classmates!
This visit was finally more than just a quick tour! I had something to do. The whole experience was immersive, with puzzles that connected seamlessly, and it was a blast!
Starting in B4 and ending in B2, it was a truly rewarding experience! The puzzles were incredibly user-friendly and well-designed.
Our personal recommendation: We stopped and walked, solving puzzles while we explored, and even listened to the guided tours. The entire experience took about two hours!
🎈Visit Experience: Stepping into the China Imperial Examination Museum is like stepping back in time, embarking on a fascinating journey through imperial examination culture. The ramp, adorned with inscriptions of the Four Books and Five Classics and silhouettes of examinees, instantly captivated me. The museum uses interactive multimedia and scene-reconstruction techniques to vividly recreate scenes from the ancient imperial examinations, from the body searches of examinees entering the examination hall to the various scenes in the examination room.
📸Highlights: The museum boasts a rich collection of artifacts, including meticulously crafted authentic palace examination records and precious plaques honoring top scorers. The four underground floors lined with bamboo slips are truly impressive, and the Kuixing Hall, inscribed with a list of top scorers from past dynasties, offers a breathtaking sense of history.
💁♂️Service: The staff are enthusiastic and professional, and the volunteers are attentive, answering questions throughout the entire visit. The museum is well-equipped with rest areas and restrooms, a well-spaced nursing room, and accessible access, making it a very user-friendly experience.
🎉Overall Review: The China Imperial Examination Museum is truly excellent! It's perfect for exploring history on your own, or for taking children on an entertaining and educational trip, or for taking photos with friends. I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to experience the charm of the imperial examination culture.
No.
6
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Nanjing Municipal Museum (Chaotian Palace)
4.6
/5
1843 reviews
6.5
From MOP 25.83
Based on 30 reviews
Xinjiekou Area/Presidential Palace | 1.3 km from downtown
Phone +8602584466460
Address: No. 4, Chaotian Palace, Wangfu Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No. 9 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
Explore Nanjing's history at the Longpan Huju Exhibition
Admire traditional architectural art at the Dragon Sculpture
Saved by 139 users1137 positive reviews
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The Nanjing Museum and Chaotian Palace are among the highest-ranking, largest, and best-preserved ancient architectural complexes in the Jiangnan region. Beyond the exhibits, the architecture is a must-see. Its red walls, yellow tiles, and flying eaves and brackets reveal the unique charm of Ming and Qing architecture. Strolling through its walls feels like traveling back in time, and you'll experience the majesty and solemnity of the ancient imperial family.
It's well worth a visit, with affordable tickets and gardens dotting the landscape. The rear of the building features an exquisite garden, winding paths, and winding corridors, creating a truly fascinating experience. The high-quality, historic buildings are well-preserved, and their grandeur and imposing presence inspire awe. It houses the Nanjing Museum, a Song Dynasty clothing exhibition hall, a chime bell exhibition hall, and other rich exhibits, showcasing Nanjing's history, its transformations, its people, its planning and layout, its architecture, major historical events, and other historical and cultural events, fully showcasing the charm of ancient culture.
No.
7
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Nanjing Happy Valley
4.5
/5
1773 reviews
6.4
From MOP 211.17
Xingang Development Zone | 24.2 km from downtown
Phone +8602583091666
Address: 江苏省南京市栖霞区经济技术开发区欢乐谷北路8号
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No. 6 of Night Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
Five family-friendly dessert attractions
Flying-wing roller coaster | 6 theme parks
Saved by 304 users1557 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Super good, the ticket price is great, the project can be brushed twice or three times a day, the service is very good, the consumption is low, suitable for students, families and children to travel, the evening program is also very rich, the NPC is so handsome that it makes people daydream
Although it rained when I went there in the morning, it cleared up later. I played a few projects, but they were too exciting and I didn’t dare to play more. My body couldn’t handle it. The scenic area is very large and it’s a bit tiring to walk. Overall, it’s still very good and worth a visit.
No.
8
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Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-sen
4.7
/5
3108 reviews
6.4
From MOP 16.85
Based on 41 reviews
Zijin Mountain Scenic Area/Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum Area | 4.6 km from downtown
Phone +8602584347036
Address: No.1, Qianhuhou Village, Zhongshan Gate, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
Cherry blossom | Maple views
5 areas | Various science education
Saved by 223 users2410 positive reviews
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It's beautiful and well worth a visit. There are many Republican-era-style buildings, and any photo opportunity is stunning. We went to see the hydrangea exhibition, which was absolutely stunning, a true sea of endless summer flowers.
The roses and wild roses were also in bloom, so beautiful!!! It's absolutely stunning! Nanjing is truly wonderful!!!
Botanical gardens often feature a variety of flowers, trees, and other plants, whose forms, colors, and textures offer visitors a visual delight. Furthermore, botanical gardens often feature unique aesthetic elements, such as garden layout and architectural forms. Therefore, from a landscape aesthetics perspective, botanical gardens can be considered exceptionally beautiful places.
No.
9
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Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum
4.5
/5
2492 reviews
6.3
From MOP 30.33
Based on 28 reviews
Xinjiekou Area/Presidential Palace | 946m from downtown
Phone +8602583416802
Address: No. 123, Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing (opposite the Presidential Palace)
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 15 of Best Things to Do in Nanjing
Saved by 176 users1442 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Since we didn't have an appointment to go to the Presidential Palace, we just took the kids to visit this museum. It was a pleasant surprise. It talked about Jiangning Weaving, Chinese silk, cheongsam exhibition, Cao Xueqin, and Dream of the Red Chamber. Overall, it is worth a visit.
A must-visit attraction in Nanjing. The ticket is not expensive, and it is really a must-visit for fans of the Dream of Red Mansions. It is very quiet inside, very suitable for wearing ancient costumes, preferably Hanfu from the Dream of Red Mansions to take photos and check in! I have to go there every time I go to Nanjing. The last time I went there was in 2019.
No.
10
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The Garden Expo Park
4.4
/5
1082 reviews
6.3
Tangshan Hot Spring Resort | 21.8 km from downtown
Phone +8602552766789
Address: 江苏省南京市江宁区汤山街道圣湖路8号
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No. 7 of Night Attractions in Nanjing
Highlights:
4 exquisite gardens | Underwater botanical garden
Explore Jiangsu's classic gardens
Saved by 177 users908 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Jiangsu Garden Expo Park is a dance of time and craftsmanship. A former mining pit has been transformed into a cliffside garden, with a glass plank walkway suspended at the edge. Beneath the emerald waters, above, lush greenery graces the landscape. Thirteen urban gardens, each showcasing its own unique charm, showcase Su-style pavilions and Hui-style black tiles. Cherry blossoms scatter along the path in spring, and the fragrance of osmanthus permeates the garden in autumn. Step through the charm of Jiangnan, and gaze through the emotions of the past and present.
The overall environment and design style of the hotel are good. You can also take a hot spring bath in the courtyard, which makes people feel quiet and relaxed. The staff are very professional, especially Miss Yana, who is super nice and helps us properly handle related issues.
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