Timeline
06:25
Walk up to the head of Tuo Ling to find a clear eastern view. The climb takes you above the tree line where the sky begins to lighten over Purple Mountain.
07:05
Watch the sun break the horizon. In January the light is low and crisp, casting long shadows across the valley below.
07:35
Stay until the golden light fully settles. The park is open early, but check the route for the descent if you prefer not to walk back up immediately.
08:50
Head down to Nanjing Underwater World. It opens at 08:30 in winter, giving you just enough time to grab a quick coffee or light snack inside before the crowds arrive.
Local tip
The walk from the anchor to the viewing spot is short (30 min), but the ascent is steep. Wear sturdy shoes. The aquarium opens at 08:30 from November 26th to February 25th, so time your arrival to avoid waiting outside in the cold.
Check before you go
- Nanjing Underwater World hours: 08:30-17:00 (Feb 26-Nov 25), 09:00-16:30 (Nov 26-Feb 25).
- Sunrise on Jan 15 is 07:05.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Nanjing (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).