Presidential PalaceTravel guide

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Presidential PalaceItinerary

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Presidential PalaceVisitor guide

I. Overview
The Presidential Palace is located at No. 292 Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, and is an unmissable landmark in modern Chinese history. More than just an attraction, it is a history book written in brick and tile. From Ming and Qing dynasty mansions to the Heavenly Palace of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, from the Viceroy's Office of Liangjiang to the Provisional Government of the Republic of China, and finally the Presidential Palace of the Nationalist Government, six centuries of change are condensed into this 50,000-square-meter complex.

II. Getting There
By metro (recommended): Take Metro Line 2 or Line 3 to Daxinggong Station. Exit via Exit 5 and walk about 250 meters west along Changjiang Road. This is the fastest and most hassle-free option, with no worries about traffic jams or parking.

By bus: Take Bus 29, 44, 65, 95, or 304 and get off at the Presidential Palace stop. Bus 95 terminates at the Presidential Palace, runs from 6:00 to 22:30, costs ¥2, and accepts IC cards and mobile QR codes.

From the airport/train stations: From Nanjing Lukou Airport, take Metro Line S1 and transfer. From Nanjing Railway Station or Nanjing South Railway Station, transfer to the metro to Daxinggong Station. The entire trip takes about 40-50 minutes.

III. Highlights
Architecture: An "architectural museum" blending East and West
The buildings of the Presidential Palace are themselves a massive cultural relic. Strolling through, you'll marvel at the wonderful coexistence of Chinese gardens and Western office buildings. This isn't deliberate design but the natural result of layers of history.

Presidential Palace Gatehouse: The most iconic structure of the Presidential Palace. Although no longer used as an entrance, this gatehouse remains a must-have photo backdrop for every visitor.

Central Axis: Entering from the gatehouse (now a viewing and photo area), the central axis leads past the Main Hall, Second Hall, Eight-Shaped Hall, Qilin Gate, and Political Affairs Bureau Building, all the way to Zichao Building at the northern end.

Xu Garden (West Garden): The most soothing corner of the Presidential Palace. Taiping Lake ripples gently, and by its shore sits the Buxizhou stone boat, built in 1750 by Yin Jishan, the Viceroy of Liangjiang, and personally named "Buxizhou" (Unmoored Boat) by Emperor Qianlong. Uniquely shaped, the stone boat has stood quietly in the water through centuries of wind and rain, making it a superb photo backdrop.

East Garden: Compared to the delicate West Garden, the East Garden is more spacious. It houses the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Exhibition Hall, the former site of the Executive Yuan, and other buildings, along with restored stables and a Republic of China military band scene—perfect for a slow, detailed stroll.

FAQ

Since December 17, 2024, the scenic area entrance has moved to No. 288 Changjiang Road (about 100 meters west of the original gatehouse, next to the 1912 Block). The classic gatehouse (No. 292 Changjiang Road) is no longer the entry point but remains as a photo spot. Visitors can take great photos there before heading to the new entrance. After your visit, the exit is directly opposite the ticket gate.
Subway (recommended): Take Nanjing Metro Line 2 or Line 3 to Daxinggong Station, leave via Exit 5, and walk about 200 meters west along Changjiang Road. Bus: Take bus 29, 44, 65, 95, or 304 and get off at Presidential Palace Station. Driving tip: Parking near the Presidential Palace is extremely limited, and wait times can exceed 30 minutes on weekends and holidays. Public transportation is strongly recommended.
Allow 2-3 hours for your visit. Recommended route: Central axis (Gatehouse → Main Hall → Auditorium → Zichao Building) → West axis (Xu Garden / West Garden → Stone Boat → Sun Yat-sen's Provisional Presidential Office) → East axis (Executive Yuan → Fu Garden / East Garden → Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Exhibition). Each area has its own highlights: the central axis shows where Republic of China officials worked, the west axis features classic Jiangnan gardens, and the east axis explains how government agencies operated.
Nearby attractions: The Nanjing 1912 Block, connected to the exit, is a famous leisure district with Republic of China-style architecture where you can dine and rest. Opposite it is the Jiangning Imperial Silk Manufacturing Museum; 50 meters east is the Six Dynasties Museum (exquisitely designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the Presidential Palace). Food recommendations: At Nanjing Impressions (Nanjing Dapaidang) in the 1912 Block, you can try authentic Jinling dishes like Meiling porridge and salted duck. A 10-minute walk takes you to Kexiang Market, a hub for authentic Nanjing snacks such as Aunt Xu's Pastry Shop and Hongfu Noodle Restaurant.
Self-service audio guides are available for rent. You can arrange one on the right side just inside the main gate for ¥20 per 2.5 hours. It covers the main attractions and is perfect for independent travel. The site also offers human-guided tours; please inquire on-site for pricing. Important note: The site has not authorized any third-party agencies to provide guide services. Please do not trust touts soliciting business along the road.