Nanjing Solo Travel Map | A 3-Day, 2-Night Safety Checklist Based on My Three Solo Trips (Suitable for Women/Solo Men)

I've traveled to Nanjing alone three times. The first two times, I stayed near tourist attractions for convenience, but the streetlights were dim and the crowds were chaotic when I returned at night. I was also always deterred from sharing a table at the food streets when I was dining alone. The third time, I moved to a local residential area and discovered that the comfort of traveling alone in Nanjing was hidden in the alleys and in the early morning.

I. Safe Accommodation Areas: Daxinggong is the first choice, with Gulou and Yunnan Road as alternatives.

When choosing accommodation for solo travelers, prioritize "safety when returning home at night" and "return route after the last subway train." I highly recommend the Daxinggong-Changjiang Road area. This area is in the heart of the city, but not as noisy as Xinjiekou. Even after 10 PM, there are still convenience stores and office building security guards. The main roads are well-lit, and it's close to the Presidential Palace and the 1912 Street area. Here, you can choose mid-range business hotels or chain apartments with access control. Hostels are also concentrated nearby.

An alternative is the Gulou-Yunnan Road old community, close to Nanjing University's Gulou campus. It has many students and older residential areas, giving it a lively atmosphere at night. This area is suitable for solo travelers who prefer artsy alleyways. The guesthouses are mainly converted old houses, ranging from budget to mid-range. It's not recommended for solo travelers to stay in the Confucius Temple core area, as some side alleys become quiet quickly after the tourists leave at night, which can actually reduce the feeling of security.

II. No more awkward dining alone: Pay the bill without taking up a large table, and enjoy the local pace of the meal.

Nanjing is great for solo dining, provided you avoid large, elaborate meals. The restaurants I frequent all have something in common: fast table turnover, small portions available, and comfortable sharing tables. The first type is duck blood and vermicelli soup; I recommend "Jin Yuan" or "Xiao Pan Ji." A bowl is generously filled, and the restaurant is mostly frequented by solo diners, so you can just enjoy your meal. The second type is potstickers and wontons. The long-established "Li Ji Halal Restaurant" may have a queue, but their beef potstickers are sold by weight, and their wontons are served in small bowls, so you can easily order two dishes by yourself.

For breakfast, head to "Fangpo Rice Cake Shop" for takeout black rice balls with red bean dumplings; the wait is short, and you can eat and leave standing on the street. For noodles, try "Xiangji Noodle Shop's" pork belly noodles; the small portion is perfect for solo travelers. For dinner, if you prefer something quieter, try a Japanese ramen shop near Gulou or a small canteen around Nanjing University; the counter seating is ideal for solo diners. When ordering alone, don't force yourself to create a "must-order" list; opt for smaller portions or snack combinations for more freedom.

3. Taking photos without asking for help: Camera position + tripod, you can take great photos even when you're alone.

Nanjing offers many good spots for low-obstruction photography. My top recommendation is the Stone Elephant Road at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum before 7:30 AM. With fewer tourists, the stone statues and morning mist create stunning images. You can set up a tripod on the wooden railings along the path and use a timer for continuous shooting. If you go in autumn, the changing colors of the leaves on both sides will make for even better photos. Another good option is the Republican-era mansion area on Yihe Road. The intersections and the interplay of light and shadow on the plane trees here are perfect for low-angle shots. Simply lean your phone against the basket of a shared bicycle to create a sense of depth.

Thirdly, the Xuanwu Lake Taicheng section offers excellent opportunities to photograph the city walls and skyline during the evening blues hour. Simply place your phone on the brick platform using your own tripod. Fourthly, the Xiaguan Train Theme Park features nearly deserted old carriages and platforms, making for naturally friendly framed compositions. When taking solo photos, remember to keep your tripod close to your bag and keep valuables within sight. Before and after framing your shot, always glance around.

IV. Reliable Group Buying Partners: Platform Small Groups and Hostel Announcement Boards are More Stable

If you plan to visit places like Niushou Mountain, Qixia Mountain, or Laoshan Mountain the next day, where public transportation is a bit of a hassle, I recommend joining a small day tour through a reputable platform. Before booking, check two things: whether the group size is "no more than a dozen people" and whether it's "pure sightseeing with no shopping." These small groups usually meet at a fixed subway station, making it inconspicuous for solo travelers, and you can even take photos of each other along the way.

If you're looking for dining buddies or nighttime outing companions, the most reliable options are the notice boards in hostels' common areas or the guest groups posted by guesthouse owners. You can use local travel buddy posts on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), but only if you adhere to the principles of "meeting in public places, no sharing accommodations, and no lending each other money." For both men and women, it's recommended to meet for the first time in a shopping mall, subway station, or in front of a 24-hour convenience store.

V. Three-day, two-night itinerary reference and 10 safety checklist

On the first day, arrive at Daxing Palace and stay overnight. In the afternoon, visit the Presidential Palace or the Six Dynasties Museum. In the evening, go to Xuanwu Lake and Taicheng. Have duck blood and vermicelli soup for dinner. On the second day, walk along the Stone Elephant Road at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in the morning. Have noodles at Gulou for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Yihe Road and Xiaguan Railway Park. In the evening, you can join a small night tour or go to the Nanjing Eye Pedestrian Bridge. On the third day, visit the Old City South Street and Fangpo in the morning. Have potstickers before checking out at noon. Return home in the afternoon.

Below is a list of 10 safe tips for solo travelers in Nanjing, compiled by the blogger. It's recommended to screenshot and save it to your phone: 1. Choose accommodations along main roads with 24-hour front desks and access control. 2. Avoid walking through side streets near tourist attractions at night; prioritize main roads leading to hotels from subway stations. 3. Check taxi license plates before getting in, and share your itinerary with family. 4. Wear your backpack in front of you, and keep your phone strap on your wrist. 5. Don't reveal your solo travel plans or room number to strangers on the street. 6. When dining alone, prioritize brightly lit restaurants with fast table turnover. 7. When taking photos with a tripod, keep valuables in front of you or in your shoulder bag. 8. Only use reputable group-buying platforms; don't participate in private, temporary solicitations. 9. Meet up in public places; don't share accommodations or borrow money. 10. Leave early and return early each day, trying to be back in your accommodation area after 10 PM.