Costs nothing · Nanjing, China
15 Free Things to Do in Nanjing
The best budget in travel is zero. These Nanjing spots have verified free entry.
Only places with a confirmed free-entry policy make this list. Ranked by traveler review volume. Updated monthly.
Xuanwu lake
Park & natureXuanwu Lake is a large freshwater lake located in the northeastern part of Nanjing, adjacent to the historic Ming City Wall.
Read our full guide →Nanjing City Wall (Ming City Wall)
LandmarkThe 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.
Read our full guide →XuanWu Park
Park & natureXuanWu Park is a sprawling urban oasis in the heart of Nanjing, centered around the picturesque Xuanwu Lake.
Read our full guide →Qin Huai River
Park & natureThe Qinhuai River is a cultural and scenic heart of Nanjing, winding through the historic Qinhuai District.
Read our full guide →Laomendong
NeighborhoodLaomendong, meaning 'Old East Gate,' is a charming historic district in the heart of Nanjing. This area preserves the city's ancient layout with winding alleyways, traditional courtyard houses, and stone-paved streets.
Read our full guide →Nanjing City Museum
MuseumNanjing City Museum, located at No.4 Chaotiangong in the Baixia District, is a comprehensive museum that chronicles the long and storied history of Nanjing, one of China's ancient capitals.
Read our full guide →FuZiMiao XiuXian Jie
LandmarkFuZiMiao XiuXian Jie, or Confucius Temple Leisure Street, is a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of Nanjing's historic Qinhuai River district.
Read our full guide →Librairie Avant-Garde (Wutaishan)
MarketLibrairie Avant-Garde (Wutaishan) is a distinctive bookstore located on the ground floor of the Wutaishan Stadium complex in Nanjing's Gulou District.
Read our full guide →John-Rabe House
MuseumThe John-Rabe House is a poignant museum located in the former home of John Rabe, a German businessman who saved thousands of Chinese civilians during the Nanking Massacre in 1937-1938.
Read our full guide →Site of Nanking University
LandmarkThe Site of Nanking University refers to the original campus of the University of Nanking, a Christian missionary university founded in 1888.
Read our full guide →GuQinHuai FuZiMiao BuXingJie
LandmarkGuQinHuai FuZiMiao BuXingJie, commonly known as the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River area, is one of Nanjing's most iconic cultural and commercial districts.
Read our full guide →Techi Plaza
MarketTechi Plaza is a multi-story electronics market located in the heart of Nanjing, right next to Xinjiekou metro station.
Read our full guide →ShiZiQiao BuXingJie
LandmarkShiZiQiao BuXingJie, or Lion's Bridge Pedestrian Street, is a bustling shopping and entertainment district located on Hunan Road in Nanjing, China.
Read our full guide →Nanjing Eye
LandmarkThe Nanjing Eye is a modern architectural marvel and a beloved landmark in the Hexi area of Nanjing.
Read our full guide →Nanjing St. Paul's Church
LandmarkNanjing St. Paul's Church is a historic Protestant church located on Taiping South Road in the Baixia District of Nanjing.
Read our full guide →
How we pick these
Every place here is genuinely free to enter. We filter the 37 Nanjing places we track down to those with no admission charge, then rank them by traveler reviews. Updated monthly.
Good to know
A few museums are free only on set days — check opening info before you go.
Entry is free, but transport, snacks and lockers in Nanjing still add up.
Free attractions draw crowds; mornings are usually the calmest.
Common questions
What can you do for free in Nanjing?+
This list ranks the best no-cost things to do in Nanjing, from parks and viewpoints to museums with free entry.
Are there free museums in Nanjing?+
Some museums are free all the time and others on specific days. The verified-free ones are included above.
Is Nanjing expensive to visit?+
You can see a lot of Nanjing on a tight budget by leaning on the free attractions here and eating where locals do.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.