[2025 Nanjing Stay] Travel Guide for Lakeview Xuanwu Hotel (Updated Apr)

I recently traveled to Nanjing for work and chose to stay at the Xuanwu Hotel. I didn't expect this accommodation experience to bring me so many surprises, adding to my wonderful impression of this city. From the moment I stepped into the lobby of the Xuanwu Hotel, I was attracted by its elegant and grand decoration style. The high ceilings are matched with exquisite chandeliers, the marble floor is as smooth as a mirror, and the walls are hung with artistic paintings with Jinling characteristics. The perfect fusion of traditional and modern styles creates a noble and warm atmosphere. The staff was enthusiastic and professional when I was checking in. They were always smiling sincerely, patiently answering my various questions, quickly completing my check-in, and thoughtfully introducing me to the hotel's facilities and surrounding attractions, making me feel at home. Walking into the room, the space was wide and bright, and it was very comfortable. The decoration of the room was simple yet stylish, the furniture was neatly arranged, and the bedding was soft and white, making people want to lie on it at first glance. The windows of the room had an excellent view, and you could see part of the beautiful scenery of Nanjing. Especially at night, when the lights were on, the night view of the city was amazing. The design of the bathroom was also very user-friendly, with good separation of wet and dry areas. The toiletries were of high quality and exuded a faint fragrance. The bathtub was clean and tidy, and it was a pleasure to enjoy the scenery outside the window while taking a bath. The hotel's dining left a deep impression on me. The breakfast was rich and varied, with not only traditional Nanjing snacks, such as duck blood vermicelli soup and steamed buns, but also various Western-style pastries, fruits and drinks. Each dish was well-made and delicious, making people very appetizing. In addition, the hotel's Chinese restaurant also offers authentic Huaiyang cuisine. I tasted classic dishes such as braised pork ball in clear soup and Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, and the purity of the taste is still unforgettable. In terms of facilities, the Xuanwu Hotel is equipped with recreational facilities such as a gym and swimming pool. The gym's equipment is complete and advanced, which is very convenient for people like me who like to work out. The water in the swimming pool is clear and the water temperature is suitable. Swimming a few laps can relieve the fatigue of the day. The hotel's location is also very good, with convenient transportation around it. It is close to Nanjing's major attractions such as Xuanwu Lake and Jiming Temple, making it very convenient to travel. Whether you take public transportation or a taxi, you can quickly get to where you want to go. I was very satisfied with my stay at the Nanjing Xuanwu Hotel, whether it was the service, environment, dining or facilities. It is like a peaceful harbor in a noisy city, providing me with a comfortable accommodation environment and thoughtful service, making my trip to Nanjing even better. I will definitely choose to stay at the Xuanwu Hotel next time I come to Nanjing.

Nanjing Xuanwu Lake Travel Guide: History and Poetry Amid Lakes and Mountains Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing, a "Pearl of Jinling" that combines natural scenery with thousands of years of cultural heritage, is one of the three famous lakes in China's Jiangnan region and an urban oasis beloved by both Nanjing residents and tourists. Whether viewing cherry blossoms in spring, boating in summer, bird watching in autumn, or seeking plum blossoms in winter, Xuanwu Lake always showcases its unique charm in different ways. Here is a detailed travel guide to help you deeply explore the natural beauty and cultural essence of this lake area. --- I. Basic Information and Transportation Guide Location and Opening Hours Xuanwu Lake is located at No. 1 Xuanwu Lane, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, covering approximately 4.4 square kilometers. It consists of five islands - Huanzhou, Yingzhou, Liangzhou, Cuizhou, and Lingzhou, forming a unique "Five-Island Star Pattern." - Opening hours: Open year-round, 24 hours (some attractions like boat rides operate from 6:00-18:00, extended to 20:00 during holidays). - Admission: Free (some activities like boating require fees, electric boats start from 60 yuan/hour). Transportation - Subway: Take Line 1 to Xuanwu Gate Station, Exit 3, 5-minute walk to the main entrance. - Bus: Take routes 30, 33, 35, etc. to "Xuanwu Lake Park South" station. - Driving: Multiple parking lots around the scenic area, such as Xuanwu Gate parking lot and Lovers' Garden parking lot. --- II. Seasonal Activity Recommendations Spring: A Dual Feast of Flowers and Culture 1. Flower Viewing Routes - Plum Blossom Island (Liangzhou): February to March, thousands of plum trees bloom on Liangzhou's "Plum Blossom Island," highlighted by the "Plum King" (Ming Dynasty ancient plum tree). - Cherry Blossom Season (March-April): Yingzhou and Lovers' Garden feature 4,300+ cherry trees of 36 varieties. Early cherries like "Rouge" and "Flying Winter Cherry" create a "Cherry Blossom Tunnel." Recommended route: Liberation Gate → Yingzhou → Fang Bridge → Ten-Mile Long Dyke. - Other flowers: Magnolias, tulips (Lovers' Garden Flower Avenue), and apricot blossoms (Ten-Mile Long Dyke) dot the lakeside. 2. Cultural Experiences - Yellow Register Archive Guard Patrol: Weekend role-playing in Ming Dynasty armor, immersive experience of the Ming Dynasty national archives. - Intangible Cultural Heritage Performances: Weekend saxophone and erhu solo performances add artistic atmosphere. Summer: Boating and Night Tours - Lotus Viewing by Boat: Rent electric or traditional boats (from 60 yuan/hour) in summer and autumn to navigate through lotus ponds. - Night Tour: Brilliantly lit lakeside, a must-visit on "Nanjing Night Tour List," perfect for walking or cycling. Autumn: Bird Watching and Fall Colors - Bird Paradise: Rich aquatic plants attract mallards and swans; bird-watching boat tours available. - Ginkgo Avenue: Golden ginkgo leaves carpet the ground from Liangzhou to Xuanwu Gate in November. Winter: Tranquility and Romance - Winter Dry Landscape: Bare trees, benches, and lake surface create minimalist scenes, especially at sunset. - Orchid Exhibition: Annual spring orchid show at Jinling Bonsai Garden in February-March. --- III. Must-Visit Spots and Activities 1. Five Islands Tour - Liangzhou (Cultural Island): Plum viewing center, Ming Dynasty Yellow Register Archive exhibition. - Yingzhou (Romantic Island): Cherry blossoms in spring, shady trees in summer. - Lingzhou (Family Island): Features Lingzhou Playground for families. 2. Special Activities - Bird Watching Boat Tour: Explore bird islands, encounter rare birds. - Ming Culture Experience: Weekend Yellow Register interactive activities. --- IV. Nearby Dining and Accommodation Dining Guide - Nanjing Dapaidang (Fuzimiao Branch): Average 74 yuan/person, famous local dishes. - Wanghu Xuangong Buffet: In Xuanwu Hotel, lake views, average 171 yuan/person. Accommodation Suggestion Yushe Art Inn (Nanjing Fuzimiao Branch), 200m from Line 1 Zhangfuyuan Station Exit 2, near Fuzimiao, one subway stop from Xinjiekou --- V. Practical Tips 1. Photo Spots: Benches near Fang Bridge, Pioneer Bookstore cherry tunnel. 2. Peak Hours: Avoid weekends and holidays, visit early morning or evening. 3. What to Bring: Windbreakers in spring/fall, sun protection in summer, binoculars for bird watching. 4. Pet Policy: Small pets allowed on leash. --- Xuanwu Lake is not just a lake but a flowing history book. Here, nature intertwines with culture, classical meets modern. Whether sitting alone by the lake experiencing the "20-minute effect" or spending weekends with family, this water body always touches the soul in different ways. Plan a trip to Xuanwu Lake and let its scenery become an irreplaceable page in your Jinling memories.

Xuanwu Hotel Address: No. 193, Zhongyang Road, Hunan Road Subdistrict Opened: 1986, renovated: 2017. The hotel is luxurious, with elegantly decorated rooms and suites, complete facilities, and reasonable design. Guests can enjoy city views or Xuanwu Lake views, which are refreshing and comfortable. The hotel has dozens of restaurants, including Jindie Xuan, Wenhua Hall, Lijing Gallery, and Baoshi Xuan, offering Chinese cuisine. Guests can enjoy authentic Chinese delicacies. Lakeside revolving restaurant - Wanghu Xuangong. This trip to Nanjing was to see the red maple leaves in Qixia Mountain. I wanted to stay in a hotel near Qixia Mountain, but it was far from the city center and the train station. I finally decided to stay near Xuanwumen. My husband chose two hotels: Xuanwu Hotel and Jinmao Westin Hotel. He said that Xuanwu Hotel might be similar to the Ocean Hotel in Shanghai. I thought the Ocean Hotel looked good, but it was old and small inside. So I chose Jinmao Westin Hotel. The two hotels are separated by a road and are close to the subway station. After dinner today, I went to Xuanwu Hotel. Unexpectedly, the lobby was magnificent and luxurious (Chinese style, with a small museum on the first floor), much better than the Ocean Hotel. I regretted it a little.

Nanjing, an ancient yet modern city, always surprises people. Recently, I had the pleasure of staying at Nanjing Xuanwu Hotel by Xuanwu Lake, and I was impressed by the experience. In the morning, when I stepped into the hotel, I was greeted by a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere. The lobby was spacious and bright, with dazzling crystal chandeliers. The collision of retro and modern elements created a unique spark. The golden revolving door was like a time tunnel, taking me into a world of elegance and classicism. When checking in, the front desk staff was warm and courteous, making me feel at home. My room was spacious and bright, with a beautiful view of Xuanwu Lake outside the window. The rippling lake and the majestic Purple Mountain were breathtaking. The room was well-equipped, with a comfortable bed, soft bathrobes, and high-quality toiletries. Every detail showed the hotel's dedication. To my surprise, the room was equipped with smart devices, allowing me to control the lights and air conditioning with a simple tap on the screen. The hotel's dining options were also not to be missed. The Chinese restaurant "Jindie Xuan" had an elegant environment, with a butterfly-themed decoration. The menu was rich and varied, from Huaiyang cuisine to Cantonese cuisine, each dish was mouth-watering. I especially recommend their squirrel fish, with a crispy skin, tender fish, and a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The Western buffet restaurant on the 20th floor was another highlight, offering a variety of international cuisines and a stunning view of Xuanwu Lake. The fitness center and spa area were great places to relax. After a workout at the fitness center on the 20th floor, I enjoyed a soothing massage at the spa area, leaving me feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The hotel also had an indoor swimming pool, with large floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the pool, allowing sunlight to pour in. Swimming while enjoying the view of the lake and mountains was a great pleasure. The revolving restaurant was the most memorable part of my stay. The monthly rotation not only provided a novel dining experience but also offered a panoramic view of Nanjing. This unique design was rare worldwide. Each rotation brought a different view, making me feel like I was traveling through time. Nanjing Xuanwu Hotel was conveniently located in the core business district of Zhongyang Road, just a few minutes' walk from the subway station. The nearby Hunan Road Commercial Street and various entertainment and leisure venues made shopping and sightseeing extremely convenient. The hotel also offered free parking, which was a great convenience for self-driving travelers. Nanjing Xuanwu Hotel was a luxury hotel worth experiencing repeatedly. Its superior location, exquisite dining, luxurious room facilities, and rich leisure facilities left me very satisfied. If you are traveling or on a business trip to Nanjing, Xuanwu Hotel is a must-visit.

Address - Lakeview Xuanwu Hotel is located in Nanjing city very near to the entrance of Xuanwu Lake. Ambiance/Facilities - I stayed here for 3 nights and had breakfast every day and I must say it was absolutely amazing. The hotel room was quite spacious and always cleaned every day. Highlights - Having breakfast at the revolving restaurant was wonderful. The Chinese and western options were a welcomed site. Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #foodie #breakfast #2023trip