Timeline
16:52
Walk to Jiefang Gate to claim a spot on the City Wall. This section offers panoramic views of Xuanwu Lake and Jiming Temple, positioning you perfectly to watch the sun set toward the west.
17:32
Watch the sunset. The light fades quickly, but the view of the lake and distant mountains is stark and beautiful against the darkening sky.
17:57
Head west to Hunan Road. This street runs between the lake and Zhongshanbei Lu and hosts the Phoenix International Bookstore. It is a low-key alternative to the main shopping districts, perfect for a calm evening stroll.
18:12
Visit the Phoenix International Bookstore. The description notes it has a whole floor of English books, making it a reliable place to sit, browse, and have a quiet drink or coffee after dark.
Local tip
The walk from the City Wall to Hunan Road is short, but the bookstore can get busy with students. If you want a quieter seat, head to the upper floors.
Check before you go
- Jiefang Gate is part of the City Wall; check if there are specific entry fees or closing times for the wall section.
- The bookstore is open late, but verify its exact closing time for the day you visit.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Nanjing (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).