Nanjing City Wall (Ming City Wall)

The Nanjing City Wall, also known as the Ming City Wall, is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China, stretching approximately 35 kilometers around the historic core of Nanjing. Built during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the wall was designed to protect the capital and is a masterpiece of military architecture. Today, visitors can walk along restored sections, particularly around Xuanwu Lake and the Zhonghua Gate, where the wall offers panoramic views of the city skyline, lush greenery, and the lake's shimmering waters. The wall's construction used a unique interlocking brick system, with bricks stamped with the names of their makers for quality control. Walking the wall is a popular activity for both tourists and locals, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle. The wall is punctuated by massive gates like Zhonghua Gate, which features a complex system of drawbridges and hidden passages. It's a must-visit for history buffs and anyone wanting to appreciate Nanjing's imperial past.

Don't miss

• Walk the section near Xuanwu Lake for stunning water and city views
• Explore the massive Zhonghua Gate (Gate of China) with its multi-layered defenses
• See the brick inscriptions with names of ancient craftsmen
• Visit the Nanjing City Wall Museum to learn about its construction and history

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Nanjing City Wall (Ming City Wall)

Cheapest way inAll-inclusive Day Tours: Tiananmen Sq, Forbidden City, Great Wall4.9★ · 2,159 travelers10–11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$9 per personSee dates →Best full dayAll-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall5★ · 3,731 travelers9–11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$98 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleFlexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour5★ · 64 travelers6–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$150 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; the wall can be uneven and long.
• Bring water, as there are limited vendors on the wall.
• Sunscreen and a hat are recommended, especially in summer.
• The best photo spots are at Zhonghua Gate and near Xuanwu Lake.

A bit of history

Construction of the Nanjing City Wall began in 1366 under the Hongwu Emperor, first ruler of the Ming Dynasty. It took 21 years to complete, using over 3.5 million cubic meters of stone and brick. The wall originally had 13 gates, of which only a few remain today.