Nanjing Travel Guide

Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing was once the largest imperial garden lake in China, known as one of the "Three Famous Lakes of Jiangnan" alongside Hangzhou's West Lake and Jiaxing's South Lake. Basic Information Admission: Xuanwu Lake Park is free to enter, but some special attractions like boat rides and the children's playground require additional fees. Opening Hours: Open year-round from 6:00–21:00, extended to 22:00 in summer. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to avoid crowds. Main Attractions Five Islets: Huanzhou features artificial waterfalls, Yingzhou blooms with cherry blossoms in spring, Liangzhou hosts autumn chrysanthemum exhibitions and historical relics, Cuizhou offers tranquil bamboo groves, and Lingzhou has a children's playground. Lakeside Scenic Belt: Xuanwu Gate is where history meets modernity; Lover's Garden boasts romantic floral landscapes; other notable spots include the Ming City Wall, Xuanpu, Wumiao Gate, Taicheng, Yuewu Terrace, Ten-Mile Long Embankment, and Hutian Pavilion. Recommended Routes Classic Route: Xuanwu Gate > Main Entrance of Xuanwu Lake Park > Lakeside Trail > Lover's Garden > Liangzhou > Xuanwu Lake Museum > Cuizhou > Xuanwu Lake Water Park > Main Entrance. In-Depth Route: Xuanwu Gate > Xuanwu Lake Museum > Liangzhou > Main Entrance > Lakeside Trail > Lover's Garden > Cuizhou > Xuanwu Lake Water Park > Xuanwu Lake Ecological Science Center > Main Entrance. Family-Friendly Route: Xuanwu Gate > Xuanwu Lake Zoo > Children's Playground > Main Entrance > Lakeside Trail > Lover's Garden > Xuanwu Lake Ecological Science Center > Xuanwu Lake Water Park > Main Entrance. Transportation Guide Metro: Line 1 to Xuanwu Gate Station, direct access. Bus: Multiple bus lines serve Xuanwu Lake Park. Driving: Parking is available nearby, but check details in advance. Dining Recommendations Sanpin Tang (Xuanwu Lake Branch): Located at 100 Longpan Road near Lover's Garden entrance, 633m away, specializing in authentic Huaiyang cuisine. Jinyuan Duck Blood Vermicelli & Potstickers (Central Road Branch): At 389 Central Road, famous for its duck blood vermicelli soup and potstickers. Jiming Soup Dumplings (Gaoloumen Branch): At 44 Gaoloumen, renowned for its delicious soup dumplings.