Flights to Nanjing, China

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, sits on the southern bank of the Yangtze River in eastern China. It served as China's capital under several dynasties and again in the twentieth century, and that long history is written into its city walls, imperial tombs, tree-lined boulevards and museums. Today it is also a major university city and business centre, within easy high-speed rail reach of Shanghai. People from Singapore book flights to Nanjing for business, study, family visits and to explore a city that feels more relaxed than the big coastal megacities. Traveloka lets you compare schedules and fares into Nanjing in one place.

About Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Location

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is located in Jiangning District, south of the city centre. It is one of the busiest airports in eastern China and serves the whole of southern Jiangsu, as well as nearby cities in Anhui province.

Terminals

The airport has more than one passenger terminal, with the modern Terminal 2 handling a large share of flights. Terminal assignments can change, so check your e-ticket or airline app before you go. Facilities include restaurants, shops, currency exchange and free Wi-Fi, which usually requires a local phone number or passport registration.

Getting to and from the airport

Metro Line S1 links the airport with Nanjing South Railway Station, where you can change to other metro lines or high-speed trains. Airport buses run to several points in the city, and taxis wait outside arrivals. Ride-hailing apps are widely used in China, but setting up payment in advance makes them much easier to use.

Direct and connecting flights to Nanjing

Nanjing Lukou handles a mix of domestic and international routes, including services to South-East Asia. Use the stops filter on Traveloka to see whether a nonstop option is available for your dates, and compare connecting itineraries through other Chinese or regional hubs if it is not.

Another popular option is flying into Shanghai and taking the high-speed train to Nanjing. Trains between the two cities are frequent and comfortable, and they arrive at Nanjing Railway Station or Nanjing South. Compare the full journey, including the train leg, before choosing the route that suits your trip.

When to fly to Nanjing

Nanjing has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies that suit walking along the city wall. Summer is hot and humid, and the city is traditionally known as one of China's furnace cities. Winter can be cold and damp, with occasional snow.

From Singapore, demand rises during the June and December school holidays and especially around Chinese New Year, when many people travel to China to visit family. In China, the October Golden Week and the Spring Festival period bring heavy domestic travel, which fills trains and attractions. Check the fare chart on this page and plan early for these busy windows.

Popular places in Nanjing

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Set on the slopes of Purple Mountain, this grand memorial to the founder of modern China is reached by a long, wide staircase. The views across the forested hills are worth the climb.

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing, this is the tomb of the first Ming emperor. Its Sacred Way is lined with stone animals, especially beautiful when the autumn leaves turn.

Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River

The Fuzimiao area combines a historic temple, traditional architecture and busy food streets. In the evening, lantern-lit boat rides glide along the Qinhuai River.

Nanjing City Wall and Zhonghua Gate

Much of the Ming-era city wall still stands. Zhonghua Gate is one of the largest castle-style gates in China, and sections of the wall can be walked for views over the city.

Xuanwu Lake

This large lake park beside the city wall has islands, gardens and walking paths. It is a favourite place for locals to relax, with the skyline and Purple Mountain as a backdrop.

Where to stay in Nanjing

Xinjiekou is the commercial heart of the city, with shopping malls, restaurants and excellent metro connections. The Fuzimiao and Qinhuai River area suits travellers who want historic streets and evening strolls. Hunan Road and the area around Xuanwu Lake offer a mix of shopping and green space, while Hexi, near the Olympic Sports Centre, is a modern district popular with business travellers. Jiangning, close to the airport, is convenient for early departures.

Food to try in Nanjing

Nanjing salted duck

The city's most famous dish is a tender, lightly salted duck with a delicate flavour. It is sold at specialist shops all over Nanjing and is often eaten cold.

Duck blood vermicelli soup

A comforting bowl of glass noodles, duck blood tofu, duck liver and gizzards in a clear, savoury broth. It is a classic Nanjing snack.

Beef pot stickers

Nanjing-style guotie are pan-fried dumplings filled with juicy minced beef, crispy on the bottom and soft on top.

Tangbao

Soup-filled dumplings, delicate and steaming, are served across the Jiangnan region. In Nanjing they are often enjoyed with a dip of vinegar and ginger.

History, food and a laid-back pace make Nanjing a rewarding city break. Compare flights to Nanjing on Traveloka, set a Price Alert for your dates and keep your e-tickets and Easy Reschedule options in one app.