Nanjing is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Nanjing?
You should plan to spend around $116 (¥841) per day on your vacation in Nanjing. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $48 (¥351) on meals
- $38 (¥277) on local transportation
- $92 (¥669) on hotels
A one week trip to Nanjing for two people costs, on average, $1,623 (¥11,774). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$811
¥5,887
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,623
¥11,774
-
One Month
Per person
$3,477
¥25,230
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,623
¥11,774
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,245
¥23,548
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,954
¥50,460
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Nanjing cost?
A one week trip to Nanjing usually costs around $811 (¥5,887) for one person and $1,623 (¥11,774) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Nanjing on average costs around $1,623 (¥11,774) for one person and $3,245 (¥23,548) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Nanjing will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Nanjing on average costs around $3,477 (¥25,230) for one person and $6,954 (¥50,460) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Nanjing expensive to visit?
Nanjing is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Nanjing can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $51 (¥368) per day, mid-range travelers spend $116 (¥841) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $221 (¥1,606) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Nanjing.
Within Asia, Nanjing is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Wuhu or Benxi.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Nanjing Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Nanjing?
The average Nanjing trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Nanjing travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Nanjing cost?
Nanjing on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$20
(¥146)
|
$46
(¥334)
|
$88
(¥639)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$17
(¥121)
|
$38
(¥277)
|
$73
(¥530)
|
|
Food 2
|
$21
(¥154)
|
$48
(¥351)
|
$92
(¥671)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$4
(¥29)
|
$9
(¥67)
|
$18
(¥128)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(¥15-45)
|
$5-14
(¥34-103)
|
$9-27
(¥66-197)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Nanjing. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $51 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Nanjing, such as Zunjing Boutique Hotel Nanjing Confucius Temple. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in Nanjing are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $116 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $221 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Nanjing
The cost of hotels in Nanjing can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $0, but peak season () average prices jump to $0. Overall, prices range from $0 to $0. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Nanjing for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $92 (¥669). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $46 (¥334) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By skipping and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Nanjing
In Nanjing, the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $38 (¥277) per person, per day, on local transportation in Nanjing. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Nanjing is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$38
¥277
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Day Tour: Nanjing City Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer for $232 details
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park for $67 details
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing for $89 details
How much does it cost to go to Nanjing? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Nanjing will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Nanjing
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Nanjing can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Nanjing is $48 (¥351) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$48
¥351
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Nanjing is around $48 (¥351) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $92. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Nanjing are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $15 to $34
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Nanjing's greatest specialties are their thin skinned dumplings, there are two main types: xiaolongbao, which are filled with soup and meat, and tanbao which are filled with crab meat and soup. The city is also known for their yaxue fensi duck blood noodles.
You can find many of these specialties in the some of the smaller restaurants scattered about the city. Nanjing has an interesting mix of restaurants, ranging from classic Chinese to French and Italian.
Nanjing is known for their nightlife, with countless bars and clubs to explore. The 1912 district has the majority of clubs while the Shanghai Lu college area has more pubs and bars.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Nanjing, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation for $93 details
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option for $112 details
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option for $114 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Nanjing
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Nanjing typically cost an average of $9.25 (¥67) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$9.25
¥67
There's no shortage of sights to see in Nanjing, with everything from ancient tombs to presidential palaces, and much more. One of the most popular sights are the Ruins of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace which was built in 1366 by the first Ming Emperor. While it was destroyed in the Qing Dynasty, there are still fragments of the bridges, arches, and even megaliths with ancient carvings on them.
Head over to the Gate of China, which is actually a series of gates that allow entrance through the old city wall. The southern gate area has the best preserved parts of the wall while the main gate area has exhibits and scale models of the old town. From here, take a walk along the Qin Huai River, which is considered to be the life blood of the city. From the river, you can catch views of the Confucius Temple, Zhanyuan Gardens, and Zhonghua Gate.
As there are so many things to see in Nanjing, it is well worth purchasing a city pass that allows you free entry into 21 locations. Passes can be purchased at various tourist centers or online.
Take in the natural beauty of Nanjing with a hike and tour on the Purple Mountain. The mountain is scattered with ancient tombs, including those of a few important emperors such as Ming Xiaoling and Sun Quan. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular sites on the mountain. There are 9 parks throughout the mountain, so if you plan to visit 3 or more, it is worth purchasing a Purple Mountain Pass to get you into the parks at a discount.
After a day of hiking, take a relaxing dip in the Tangshan Regalia hot springs which offers vistas and sights of the Purple Mountain. Or, take a paddleboat ride on Xuanwu Hu Lake where you can ride to the three different islands to visit the zoo and amusement parks while enjoying views of the Purple Mountain.
A nice way to explore destinations in Nanjing is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour for $164 details
- Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour for $122 details
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service for $75 details
Nightlife Budget in Nanjing
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.45 (¥69) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Nanjing per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.45
¥69
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Traveling in Nanjing
Nanjing, China
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Nanjing experiences hot, humid, and rainy summers that often reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit tends to be in Autumn when temperatures cool to the 60's and are much dryer than summer months.
Neighborhoods & Around
Nanjing is divided into six districts, some of which are more intriguing to tourists than others:
Xuanwu: The old eastern district within the city wall and acts as the center of the ancient culture of Nanjing.
Gulou: Makes up the north and west parts of the old city where you'll find many of the major hotels.
Xiaguan: Known as the northern gate of the city and is predominately residential
Baixia: This is the shopping and business center of the city
Qinhuai: Located along the Qinhuai River, this district is famous for being home to the Confucius Temple
Jianye: Considered to be the new city center with a large science and technology park
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.