Xuanwu Lake is the largest park in Nanjing, and a must-see tourist attraction for visitors right in the downtown area. Hundreds of people, both visitors to Nanjing and locals, visit the park each day to enjoy the trees and flowers, go boating, visit the amusement park, or simply feed the birds. Made up of five islands, Xuanwu Lake covers 444 hectares (1,100 acres). With a large recreational area surrounding the lake, that isn't officially part of the park, it is the largest green spot in the city and extremely popular. Since the entrance fee was removed in 2010, this tourist attraction has become even more inviting.
When visiting the park most first-time visitors are impressed by the scenery, both natural and man-made. The main gate, Xuanwu Gate goes through the Nanjing City Wall which, standing at a height of about 18 meters (59 feet) and 14 meters wide (46 feet), is most impressive. Purple Mountain is just to the east of the park, the forested hills contrasting with the Nanjing skyscrapers. The area between Xuanwu Lake and the city wall is forested with multiple paths and small buildings for visitors to have picnics, jog, walk their dogs, or simply sit by the water.
Xuanwu Lake Entrances
The park itself is based on the islands in the middle of the lake. There are three bridges to the islands; the main bridge is at Xuanwu Gate. The large bridge provides a perfect view of the lake and Nanjing Railway Station which is on the north-east bank. A second bridge is 10 minutes west of the Nanjing Railway Station at Lovers Garden, a popular area for wedding photos. The third entrance is to the south-east and is called Taiping Gate. These gates are generally less crowded but the views are not quite as good.
Things to Do at Xuanwu
The park has many attractions for Nanjing visitors. Throughout the park various kinds of boats from paddle boats, four-person motor boats and larger boats are available for rent. They can be rented for half an hour or longer. The motor boats have weak motors so you should pay attention to the time.
The most popular attractions at the park are the various plants. Despite being known as the "City of Trees", Nanjing has few trees. As a result, people will spend hours walking through the willows, pines and other trees that cover the islands. Cherry blossoms, sunflowers and lotus flowers are also prime attractions for visitors when they're in bloom.
There are three amusement parks at Xuanwu Lake. One is for children and is close to the main entrance. Prices for these rides are about 10 rmb ($1.50 US). The two other amusement parks are for adults and children. They feature merry go-rounds, swings, a water slide, and various other rides. These range in price from 10 rmb to 20 rmb ($3 US). In the summertime when there can be several hundred people at the park, there may be a wait for the most popular attractions. In winter when there are far fewer people, the ride operators will often let people ride for longer.
Throughout the park there are places to sit down and watch the world pass by, either in hidden spots amongst the trees, or in large open fields. Statues dot the islands and the water, providing beautiful photo opportunities.
In the summertime there are many street vendors at the Xuanwu Gate, selling cotton candy, coconut milk, kites, children's toys, and other things. The prices are a little high, but not too bad for a scenic spot. Inside the park itself there are no street vendors, but prices at the park store and restaurant are extremely high. Bringing your own food and drinks is recommended.
During the Chinese New Year Xuanwu Lake Park is the prime location for firework displays. Thousands of people will go to the park and buy fireworks from dozens of vendors that line the road leading to the park. The fireworks will then be set off dangerously close to the vendors and spectators. Visitors to Nanjing will find this shocking at first, but the excitement of seeing fifty or more fireworks set off all at once from only a few meters away, and the chance to light your own, tends to make most people forget about the danger.
Getting to Xuanwu Lake
The main park gate is located at the intersection of Hunan Road (Hunan Lu) and Central Road (,Zhonyang Lu), two of the busier sections of Nanjing. It is possible to get to Xuanwu Lake by taking Bus #1. There are other buses but they change routes frequently, so if you wish to take a bus other than #1 you should ask your hotel which one to take. Xuawumen Subway Station, which is on line 1, will get you within a one minute walk of the park. To get there by taxi ask your hotel to write the directions for you in Chinese characters. Few taxi drivers can read pinying, and unless you can speak Chinese fairly clearly they'll have trouble understanding your accent.
Several Nanjing hotels are located close to the park. tLakeview Xuanwu Hotel directly opposite is the closest. Orange Hotel is located a 5 minute walk away, and Jin's Inn is about 8 minutes away. Being in the downtown area there are a several other hotels within walking distance or only a short bike ride away.
Xuanwu Lake is one of the most relaxing tourist attractions in Nanjing. For visitors wishing to get away from the city for a few hours it is a must-see attraction and the free entry is an added bonus. The shore of Xuanwu Lake is open at all hours, and the park itself is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Some other tourist attractions for visitors to Nanjing are the Nanjing Massacre Memorial or the Martyr's Cemetery, which according to workers is haunted by restless spirits buried there.
Daniel Clarke - Dan Clarke is a freelance writer and English teacher living happily with his wife and daughter in Nanjing, China. He moved to China 4 ...
Join the Conversation