I joined a Qinhuai River night cruise through Nomax and ended up exploring Fuzimiao's food stalls with new friends — unforgettable evening. Nomax made meeting locals and travelers so easy.
Wander Ancient Walls and Qinhuai Nights with New Friends in Nanjing
Nanjing blends imperial history and modern energy — from the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum to the lantern-lit Qinhuai River neighborhoods. Solo travelers love its walkable old streets around Fuzimiao and the peaceful trails on Purple Mountain. Use Nomax to connect with like-minded explorers and join city meetups or food walks.
Nomax is available in Nanjing, China with 11 venues including coworking spaces, hostels, cafes, and bars. Solo travelers can find companions, join activities like food tours, hiking, nightlife, and sightseeing, and chat with other travelers in Nanjing in real time. The app is free with verified profiles.
Explore Nanjing venues Curated for travelers
Explore Nanjing
Handpicked spots for digital nomads and solo travelers
Know before you go
City at a Glance
Population 8,505,000
Languages Mandarin Chinese (Standard), Jianghuai Mandarin dialect; English commonly spoken in tourist areas
Daily Budget 300-600 CNY per day
Best For Travelers Xinjiekou, Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple)/Laomendong, Gulou (Nanjing University area), 1912 Bar Street
Best Seasons March–May (spring) and September–November (autumn); avoid peak summer heat and Golden Week crowds
Vibe Historic & vibrant
Public Transport Good metro network, extensive buses, and major high-speed rail connections
Safety Rating 7/10
Popular Meeting Spots in Nanjing
Top-rated places to explore and meet fellow travelers
Attraction
The Gate of China (Zhonghuamen)
The southern gate of Nanjing's city wall; this massive gate is one of the best preserved parts of Nanjing's city wall, and one of the best remaining examples of early Ming defensive architecture extant anywhere. The wooden castle at top was destroyed by fire, but the immense masonry (each complete with the mason's name and home province by order of the emperor) substructure remains. Two courtyards contain an archery range and vegetable gardens. The main gate has three immense depots within where, long emptied of provisions, you can find some scale models and exhibits about the gate. In one depot you can find an air raid siren used during the Japanese attack on the city.
Attraction
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
A memorial for the hundreds of thousands of Chinese who died at the hands of Japanese troops in Nanjing during World War II. Two partially excavated mass-burial sites reveal victims remains in situ, accompanied by insightful information boards around the walkway. The elongated sites sympathetically restrained architecture and beautifully maintained gardens are interspersed with sculptures, murals and other artworks that inspire solemn meditations. Close to the entrance is the recently opened museum exhibiting multitudes of photos, videos and objects to tell the full story, somewhat even-handedly, that can easily occupy you for hours. Captions are in English, Chinese, and Japanese. Entrance lines can be long, so plan accordingly.
Attraction
Taiping Kingdom History Museum
A small museum focusing on the Taiping Rebellion (1843-1868), a piece of history not well known in the West. This was one of the bloodiest conflicts in recorded history — some estimates put the death toll higher than for World War I, and it was certainly much worse than the American Civil War at about the same time, even though the Chinese used more primitive weapons. It was a crucial moment in China's relationship with the West, modernity, and its relationship to its own imperial history. It was partly a religious movement; the leader claimed to be God's second son, Jesus' younger brother. The quasi-Christian, peasant-led rebellion overran an area greater than Texas with Nanjing as its capital. At different times it threatened both the foreign settlements in Shanghai and the Qing government in Beijing, though it did not take either. On exhibit are documents relating to Taiping history and the grinding reduction of their movement by enterprising Qing generals and their European auxiliaries, culminating in the siege of Nanjing. Next door are the beautiful Zhanyuan Gardens.
Attraction
Zifeng Tower
The tallest (450-metre, 89-story) building in the city and the seventh tallest building in the world. Hosts an expensive restaurant and a bar at 78th floor. Also there is a public observatory at the 72nd floor.
Find travelers visiting the same spots — open Nomax to see who's exploring Nanjing right now.
Find Travel Buddies — FreeWhat Travelers Say
Our Nomax group did a salted duck tasting around Laomendong and then walked the city wall at sunset — great way to discover Nanjing's flavors and history together. I loved the relaxed pace and local tips.
A last-minute Nomax hike up Purple Mountain turned into a full-day adventure visiting Ming Xiaoling and Xiaozhuang — I left with friends and plans for a tea house meet next week. The app connected me to people who love exploring as much as I do.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I meet other solo travelers in Nanjing?
Popular meeting points include Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) and Laomendong for night markets and river cruises, Xinjiekou for shopping and cafes, and Gulou near Nanjing University for a student crowd. 1912 Bar Street is lively after dark and Xuanwu Lake attracts daytime strollers, making all of these great spots to join Nomax meetups.
Is Nanjing safe for solo travelers?
Nanjing is generally safe, with a visible police presence around tourist sites like the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and busy districts such as Xinjiekou and Fuzimiao. Usual precautions apply — watch your belongings in crowded markets and late-night venues, and stick to well-lit streets when returning from 1912 bar area.
How can Nomax help me find travel companions in Nanjing?
Nomax connects you to verified locals and fellow travelers via city chat, event listings, and activity groups tailored to Nanjing — for example, Qinhuai River cruises, salted duck food tours, or Purple Mountain hikes. You can RSVP to organized meetups at clear landmarks like Fuzimiao or create your own event and invite nearby members.
What are the best hostels and social accommodation in Nanjing?
Look for social hostels and guesthouses clustered around Fuzimiao, Laomendong, Gulou (near Nanjing University), and Xinjiekou — these areas have the most walkable nightlife and meeting-friendly common rooms. Many backpacker-friendly stays advertise events and communal spaces on booking platforms, making it easy to find roommates or join local gatherings.
What is the best time of year to visit Nanjing?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for mild weather, blooming gardens, and clear views from Purple Mountain. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid and Golden Week in early October can be very crowded, so plan accordingly if you want quieter exploration.
Where can I find coworking spaces and free WiFi in Nanjing?
Coworking chains like Kr Space and local providers have centers in Xinjiekou and Hexi; major malls (Deji Plaza) and many cafes in Laomendong and Gulou offer free WiFi. Public options include Nanjing Library and some university libraries (Nanjing University) which provide good study spaces if you can access them.
What is the nightlife like in Nanjing for solo travelers?
Nanjing's nightlife ranges from relaxed riverfront strolls and Qinhuai River night cruises near Fuzimiao to lively bars and clubs on 1912 Bar Street. For a lower-key evening try tea houses or boutique bars around Gulou and Laomendong, where groups often form naturally and Nomax meetups are common.
Ready to explore Nanjing's walls, markets, and mountain trails with fellow travelers? Join Nomax and start your next city meetup today.
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