Don't just stay anywhere in Nanjing! | A test of high-value areas within 2 kilometers of 4 types of transportation hubs, a list to avoid pitfalls for early morning flights/overnight arrivals/transfers
After transiting through Nanjing multiple times, I encountered many pitfalls: going to the wrong plaza at Nanjing South Railway Station and dragging my suitcase around, staying near Lukou Airport and being woken up by the noise of takeoffs and landings, and finding the Xinjiekou area in the center to be both expensive and noisy. Later, I revisited all the accommodations within a two-kilometer radius of Nanjing's four major transportation hubs, selecting areas truly suitable for high-speed rail transfers, early morning flights, late-night arrivals, and transfers. This guide doesn't discuss tourist attractions or guesthouses; it's categorized by high-speed rail stations, passenger transport centers, airports, and core transfer subway stations. Each area includes walking or taxi times, subway first and last train references, suitable demographics, and tips to avoid pitfalls.
Nanjing South Railway Station (High-Speed Railway): Mingfa Plaza/Metro Area
Based on my personal experience, the distance from the North Square of Nanjing South Railway Station to the Mingfa Plaza/Metro area is approximately 1.2 to 1.8 kilometers, a 15 to 20-minute walk or about a 5-minute taxi ride. The area has many chain hotels and mid-range apartments, making it more convenient for dining and supplies than inside the station. The first train on Metro Line 3 departs from Mingfa Plaza Station around 6:00 AM, and the last train departs around 11:20 PM. It provides direct access to Nanjing Railway Station and Daxinggong Station, and also facilitates transfers to the Airport S1 Line. This area is suitable for those arriving by high-speed rail at night, those taking an early high-speed rail the next day, and those transferring.
Tips to avoid pitfalls: Nanjing South Railway Station is divided into North Square, South Square and underground arrival level. When you exit the station, make sure you know the direction of your hotel. Going the wrong way will add almost a kilometer to your journey. Some apartment entrances are not obvious, so if you arrive at the hotel late at night, be sure to check the entrance in advance. If you are a light sleeper, be sure to avoid rooms on the side facing the railway.
Nanjing Railway Station/Xiaohongshan Bus Station: Hongshan-Maigaoqiao Area
Hongshan-Maigaoqiao is about 1.5 to 2 kilometers from the North Square of Nanjing Railway Station. It takes about 10 minutes by shared bicycle and 5 to 8 minutes by taxi. Metro Line 1 is just one stop from Maigaoqiao to Nanjing Railway Station, with the first train departing around 6:20 AM and the last around 11:40 PM. This area is a traditional residential area in the old city north, with many mid-range chain stores and established business establishments. Prices are more moderate than in Xinjiekou. There are numerous soup dumpling, roast duck, and noodle shops nearby, and small restaurants also operate at night. It's suitable for people arriving by long-distance bus, arriving at Nanjing Railway Station at night, and planning to visit Hongshan Zoo or Xuanwu Lake the next day.
Tips to avoid: Older hotels near Maigaoqiao may have outdated facilities, so check the year of renovation and cleanliness rating before booking; rooms facing the street may be disturbed by traffic noise in the morning; Hongshan Road is prone to traffic jams during the morning rush hour, so taking the subway is recommended for a smoother ride if you are catching an early train.
Lukou Airport: Airport New City/Lukou Town Area
Lukou Airport is about 35 kilometers from the city center, making it impractical to stay in the city center for early morning flights or flights landing in the early morning. Within 2 kilometers of the airport, options are concentrated in the Airport New City and Lukou Town, about a 20-30 minute walk to the terminal. Most options offer scheduled airport shuttles, and a taxi ride takes about 5 minutes. This area mainly features budget chain hotels and airport apartments, which are generally cheaper than in the city center for the same brand. The last subway line S1 (Airport Line) departs around 22:40. If landing after this time, you'll need to take a taxi or arrange a shuttle in advance. This area is suitable for those with early morning flights, red-eye flights, or connecting flights.
Tips to avoid pitfalls: There are few dining options around the airport, so rely mainly on hotel restaurants or takeout; rooms near the runway or taxiway may experience takeoff and landing noise, so choose a room away from the airport or make sure it has soundproof windows when booking; free airport shuttles depart at fixed times and are not available on demand, so be sure to confirm the schedule in advance if you are arriving in the early morning.
Core subway interchange at Xinjiekou: Zhangfuyuan-Fengfulu area
The heart of Xinjiekou is expensive and noisy. Based on my own experience, it's about 1.2 to 1.5 kilometers from Xinjiekou towards Zhangfuyuan, a 15-minute walk, or you can take Line 1 from Zhangfuyuan to Xinjiekou (just one stop). Trains run from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM. This area retains the atmosphere of old Nanjing, with many affordable chain restaurants, designer guesthouses, and local eateries concentrated in the alleys. The value for money is significantly higher than in the core area of Xinjiekou. It's suitable for people who need to transfer to Lines 1 and 2 at Xinjiekou, shop during the day, and enter the city from Nanjing Railway Station or Nanjing South Railway Station at night.
Tips to avoid pitfalls: Zhangfuyuan area has many old residential areas, some guesthouses do not have elevators, and you need to check the floor if you have large luggage; the alleys are narrow, so it is recommended to take a taxi to the main road intersection; popular restaurants have long queues, so if you want to eat quietly, you can go to off-peak hours or go towards Shengzhou Road.
The blogger concludes: Accommodation near Nanjing's transportation hub isn't necessarily better the closer it is. You need to check the exit direction, the last subway train, and soundproof locations in advance. All four areas mentioned above are personally tested and reachable, offering much better value for money than the core tourist areas.
Practical Tips: 1. Before booking, check the hotel's location relative to railway tracks, runways, and main streets on a map. Lower your expectations for rooms near railway tracks or main streets. 2. The S1 airport line closes early; don't plan your trip based on city subway schedules if you land late at night. 3. Both Nanjing Railway Station and Nanjing South Railway Station have multiple plazas; confirm which plaza your hotel is located in beforehand. 4. For early morning flights or high-speed trains, try to choose accommodations within one kilometer of a subway station or those that include shuttle service. Taxis may not be readily available in the early morning.