Xuanwu Gate - Visiting the Diaoyucheng village in Chongqing, China. The day was very foggy and obscured. These photos are part of the climb to the top.
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Xuanwu Gate

4.6
·491k reviews·Nan Jing Shi, China

Xuanwu Gate: A historic portal to the ancient Nanjing City Wall, offering breathtaking skyline views and a glimpse into China's imperial past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Xuanwu Gate - Visiting the Diaoyucheng village in Chongqing, China. The day was very foggy and obscured. These photos are part of the climb to the top.

Xuanwu Gate

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Xuanwu Gate: A historic portal to the ancient Nanjing City Wall, offering breathtaking skyline views and a glimpse into China's imperial past.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Hike the ancient wall for sensational views of modern Nanjing and its skyline."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on the ancient city walls. :athletic_shoe:

🚶‍♀️ Hike South for Views

Climbing the wall and hiking south offers sensational views of modern Nanjing. :cityscape:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nanjing City Wall Views

Nanjing City Wall Views

Along the wall sections accessible from Xuanwu Gate

Hike along the ancient wall for sensational views of modern Nanjing and its skyline.

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Xuanwu Gate itself

Explore the gate, a site of historical events like the Xuanwu Gate Incident, a pivotal moment in Tang Dynasty history.

Festive Decorations

Festive Decorations

Xuanwu Gate entrance

Witness giant Spring Festival couplets and festive decorations, especially around Lunar New Year.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Xuanwu Gate

Xuanwu Gate is part of the ancient Nanjing City Wall. To avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the best views, aim for early mornings or late afternoons, especially on weekdays. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for a more serene experience.

Navigating the Nanjing City Wall

Xuanwu Gate is a key access point to the Nanjing City Wall. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing and walking, as sections can be extensive. Many visitors combine a visit to Xuanwu Gate with nearby Xuanwu Lake Park for a full day of exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring Festival period
Why
Unique festive atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Climbing the wall at Xuanwu Gate and hiking south, a section of wall runs for one mile, offering sensational views or Modern Nanjing. #xuanwugate #nanjingcitywall #citywall #travel #nanjing #china #KCAWchina #skyline #solottavel #viajes #viajeros #lakwatserongpinoy #travelsolo #gaytraveler #wowplaces #wanderlust #beautiful
takemetobeautyfulplaces
0 likes • 633 views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on the ancient city walls. :athletic_shoe:

🚶‍♀️ Hike South for Views

Climbing the wall and hiking south offers sensational views of modern Nanjing. :cityscape:

⚔️ 玄武門之變:兄弟間的權力鬥爭達到高潮! Xuanwu Gate Incident: Sibling Power Struggle Reaches Climax! #緯來育樂台 週一至週五 20:00 《#開創盛世》 #沈曉海 #鮑國安 #孫菲菲 完整影片https://reurl.cc/3x6QLl
vlmaxtv71
2 likes • 63 views
[ #直播精華 ] 唐族 玄武門 購買、試聽前要留意的事 能夠訊源、線材作出良好互動,如果手上器材夠多,能夠發揮的空間頗大 #唐族 #TangZu #玄武門 #XuanWuGate #1圈4鐵2靜電 #鋁合金外殼 #梯田設計概念 #GDAudioHK #耳機狂人MakCato
makcato
11 likes • 903 views

📸 Capture the Skyline

The wall provides a unique vantage point for capturing panoramic city skyline shots. :camerawithflash:

🏮 Check for Festive Events

Look out for special decorations like giant Spring Festival couplets during holiday seasons. :tada:

Look at these giant Spring Festival Couplets at Xuanwu Gate! Are you curious about the mysterious blessings? They’ll be unveiled just in time for the Spring Festival! Let's enjoy this joyful festive vibe! #HereisNanjing #SpringFestival
hereisnanjing
0 likes • 14 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on the ancient city walls. :athletic_shoe:

🚶‍♀️ Hike South for Views

Climbing the wall and hiking south offers sensational views of modern Nanjing. :cityscape:

📸 Capture the Skyline

The wall provides a unique vantage point for capturing panoramic city skyline shots. :camerawithflash:

🏮 Check for Festive Events

Look out for special decorations like giant Spring Festival couplets during holiday seasons. :tada:

🏞️ Combine with Xuanwu Lake

Many visitors pair their Xuanwu Gate visit with a stroll through the adjacent Xuanwu Lake Park. :park:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Xuanwu Gate for its historical significance and the stunning panoramic views of Nanjing from the city wall. It's seen as a great spot for photography and a key access point to explore the ancient fortifications. Some find the climb and walking extensive, recommending comfortable shoes.

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Historical city wall
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Can be extensive walk

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Xuanwu Gate is easily accessible by public transport in Nanjing. You can take the metro to Xuanwumen Station (Line 2) which is very close to the gate. Buses also frequently stop nearby, making it a convenient destination for exploring the Nanjing City Wall. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Xuanwu Gate is conveniently located near Xuanwu Lake Park, a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. It's also a good starting point for exploring other sections of the historic Nanjing City Wall. Instagram+1

Once you're on the wall from Xuanwu Gate, walking is the primary way to explore. Some sections are quite long, so comfortable footwear is essential. You can hike south for impressive city views. TikTok

While specific parking details can vary, it's generally recommended to use public transportation to reach Xuanwu Gate due to its central location and potential parking limitations. TikTok

Cycling is generally not permitted on most sections of the Nanjing City Wall, including those accessible from Xuanwu Gate, to preserve the historical structure and ensure visitor safety. Walking is the encouraged mode of exploration. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Xuanwu Gate itself is an access point to the Nanjing City Wall. While entry to the gate area is often free, there might be an admission fee to access and walk on the city wall sections. It's advisable to check current ticketing policies before your visit. TikTok

The opening hours for Xuanwu Gate and the accessible sections of the Nanjing City Wall can vary. Generally, they are open during daylight hours, but it's best to confirm the specific times closer to your travel date, especially for any special events. TikTok

Information on discounts for the Nanjing City Wall is not widely publicized. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket office or check official Nanjing tourism websites for any available concessions for students, seniors, or group bookings. TikTok

Online ticket purchasing options for the Nanjing City Wall may be available through official tourism platforms or third-party booking sites. This can often save time compared to buying tickets on-site. TikTok

To avoid queues, purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended. If buying on-site, arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays can help minimize wait times. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Xuanwu Gate is a historical gateway to the Nanjing City Wall. Visitors can climb the wall for panoramic city views, learn about its historical significance, and enjoy the surrounding architecture. It's also a great spot for photography. TikTokInstagram

A visit to Xuanwu Gate and a moderate walk along the adjacent city wall can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how far you choose to explore. TikTok

While official guided tours specifically for Xuanwu Gate might be limited, you can often find local guides or join general Nanjing City Wall tours that include this access point. Informational plaques are usually available. TikTok

The top of the city wall offers excellent vantage points for capturing the Nanjing skyline. The gate itself, with its historical architecture, also makes for a great photo subject. Look for the festive couplets during holidays. TikTokInstagram

Xuanwu Gate and the city wall can be explored with children, but caution is advised due to the heights and uneven surfaces. Ensure children are supervised at all times. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are during the 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon. The soft light enhances the historical architecture and the city skyline views. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. TikTokInstagram

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both the grand scale of the wall and details of the gate. A wide-angle lens can be great for the skyline, and a tripod can help with low-light conditions. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and urban areas in China. It's highly unlikely that drones are permitted for photography at Xuanwu Gate or on the Nanjing City Wall. Always check local regulations. TikTok

The imposing historical architecture of the gate itself, the expansive views of the Nanjing skyline from the wall, and any seasonal decorations like Spring Festival couplets are highly photogenic. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are often historical inscriptions and architectural details on and around Xuanwu Gate and the city wall that make for interesting close-up photographs. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Xuanwu Gate and the Nanjing City Wall can be an engaging experience for families. The sheer scale of the wall is impressive for children, and the opportunity to walk on history can spark their imagination. Wear comfortable shoes is paramount, as little legs will be doing a lot of walking. Supervise children closely due to the heights. Consider a shorter walk along the wall to avoid fatigue. TikTokInstagram

Pairing the visit with the nearby Xuanwu Lake Park offers a great way to balance historical exploration with more relaxed activities like boating or playing in open spaces. Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly on the wall can be limited. Instagram+1

🚶 Solo Travelers

Xuanwu Gate is an excellent destination for solo travelers looking to explore Nanjing's history and enjoy scenic views. The accessible sections of the city wall allow for independent exploration at your own pace. Hike south for impressive cityscapes and great photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

It's a safe and well-trodden path, making it easy to navigate. Consider downloading offline maps or using a translation app. Engaging with the historical context of the gate and the wall can be a deeply rewarding solo experience. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Xuanwu Gate and the Nanjing City Wall offer a wealth of opportunities. The panoramic views of the Nanjing skyline from the wall are particularly stunning during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTokInstagram

Capture the intricate details of the ancient architecture, the textures of the brickwork, and the juxtaposition of old and new. During festive seasons, the decorative couplets provide unique subjects. Remember to bring a versatile lens and perhaps a tripod for low-light conditions. TikTokInstagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Xuanwu Gate Incident: A Tang Dynasty Turning Point

Xuanwu Gate is not just a physical structure; it's a name etched in Chinese history, most notably for the Xuanwu Gate Incident (626 CE). This pivotal event saw Li Shimin, the future Emperor Taizong of Tang, orchestrate a coup at the Xuanwu Gate of the imperial palace in Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an, though the name is also associated with Nanjing's gate). The incident involved the assassination of his brothers and secured Li Shimin's succession to the throne, ushering in a golden age for the Tang Dynasty. Instagram+1

While the historical incident occurred in Chang'an, the name 'Xuanwu Gate' resonates with historical significance across China. In Nanjing, the gate serves as a reminder of this tumultuous period and the power struggles that shaped imperial China. Visiting Xuanwu Gate offers a tangible connection to this rich and often dramatic past, allowing visitors to reflect on the events that unfolded centuries ago. Instagram+1

Exploring the Nanjing City Wall from Xuanwu Gate

Xuanwu Gate is a significant access point to the Nanjing City Wall, one of the longest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. From Xuanwu Gate, you can ascend the wall and embark on a journey through history. A popular route is to hike south, which offers sensational views of modern Nanjing alongside the ancient fortifications. TikTokInstagram

The wall itself is a marvel of ancient engineering, constructed primarily from bricks and stone. Walking along its ramparts provides a unique perspective on the city, blending the old with the new. Wear comfortable shoes, as sections can be extensive, and take your time to appreciate the scale and historical weight of this impressive structure. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors combine their exploration of Xuanwu Gate and the city wall with a visit to the adjacent Xuanwu Lake Park. This offers a perfect balance of historical exploration and natural beauty, making for a fulfilling day trip in Nanjing. Instagram+1

Festive Vibrancy at Xuanwu Gate

Beyond its historical importance, Xuanwu Gate comes alive with festive spirit, particularly during major Chinese holidays. During the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), the gate is often adorned with giant Spring Festival couplets and other vibrant decorations, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. Instagram

These decorations are not just for show; they carry cultural significance, symbolizing good fortune and blessings for the year ahead. Visitors during this period can experience a unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary festive traditions. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography and to immerse yourself in local celebrations. Instagram+1

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