Timeline
06:50
Arrive at Jiming Temple. The grounds open before sunrise, giving you time to find a quiet spot near the main hall or the gate to watch the sky lighten. The temple is located near Xuanwu Lake, accessible by Metro Line 3 at Jimingsi Station or by bus.
07:05
Watch the sunrise. In winter (January), the sun rises at 07:05. In spring (April), it rises earlier at 05:36. In summer (July), the earliest sunrise is 05:08. In autumn (October), it is 06:07. The temple’s position offers a clear view of the horizon to the east.
07:35
Walk 15 minutes to Shatangyuan Restaurant for breakfast. This Chinese restaurant opens at 07:00, making it a reliable choice after a winter sunrise. In warmer months, you can enjoy a leisurely meal as the morning light fades into full day.
08:20
Walk 3 minutes to Jiefang Gate. This access point to the Taicheng section of the City Wall offers panoramic views of Xuanwu Lake and Jiming Temple. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the full context of your morning.
Local tip
Tickets for Jiming Temple are ¥10 and include 3 free incense sticks. Prices may rise during popular seasons like Spring Festival. Check the route for bus or metro access if you are staying downtown.
Check before you go
- Shatangyuan Restaurant opens at 07:00 daily. If you are visiting in July when sunrise is at 05:08, you will need to wait for the restaurant to open or find an alternative early option.
- In January, sunrise is at 07:05, so the restaurant will be open by the time you finish watching the sun rise.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Nanjing (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).