China Visa-Free Transit Nanjing: How to Use 144 Hours Wisely

Three hours. That's how long my clients waited at the transit counter last month, just to confirm one thing: yes, Nanjing does offer the 144-hour visa-free policy. The officers were polite, but the crowd had no clue. Here's the truth I tell every traveler who lands at Nanjing Lukou International Airport: if you hold a passport from one of the 53 eligible countries (check the official list), you can walk right into the city for six full days—no visa appointment, no embassy visit, just a valid onward ticket and a bit of planning.

Now, let me save you the headache. Forget the generic online guides that tell you to "just go to the transit area." I've personally escorted over 200 transit passengers through Nanjing, and I can tell you the two biggest mistakes: not having a printed itinerary, and assuming your credit card works everywhere. I'll cover all that—and exactly where to go with your precious 144 hours.

Who Qualifies for China Visa-Free Transit in Nanjing?

Not everyone gets the green light. Here's the checklist I run through with every client:

• Passport from one of the 53 eligible countries – includes most European nations, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and more. Full list on the National Immigration Administration site.
• Valid onward ticket to a third country – a flight leaving China within 144 hours. The destination must be different from where you came from. Example: Fly in from Paris → fly out to Tokyo? OK. Fly in from Paris → fly back to Paris? Denied.
• Arrive and depart from designated ports – in Nanjing, that's Lukou International Airport. You are allowed to stay anywhere in Jiangsu province, not just Nanjing city. But let's be real: Nanjing is the star.
• No negative immigration history – if you've previously overstayed a Chinese visa, you might be rejected.

How to Use the Transit Without a Visa – Step by Step

You do not need to apply in advance. The process happens at the airport.

Arrival at Nanjing Lukou International Airport

After deplaning, follow signs to "Transit" or "Visa-Free Transit" (they're in English and Chinese). Fill out the blue Arrival/Departure Card – you can grab one near the counters. Note that the form asks for your hotel address in Nanjing. I always tell my clients: have that written down somewhere, even on your phone.

At the counter, the officer will stamp your passport with a 144-hour permit. Don't lose that slip – you'll need to hand it back when you leave.

Departure Check

When you fly out, go to the same transit counter. The officer will collect the slip and let you through. Easy, but I once had a traveler whose slip was lost in his laundry. He had to fill out a report—took an extra 45 minutes. Keep it in your passport.

144 Hours in Nanjing: My Tried-and-Tested Route

Most clients have 5 nights, 6 days. Here's a plan I've refined over dozens of trips—designed to give you the full Nanjing experience without burnout.

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Stroll at Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)

Address: 317 Gongyuan Street, Qinhuai District
Best time: 6 PM onwards – the lights on the Qinhuai River are magical.
Admission: Free to enter the pedestrian street. The Confucius Temple itself is ¥30 (adult).
Getting there from airport: Take Metro Line S1 to Nanjing South, then transfer to Line 3 to Fuzimiao Station (Exit 2). Total time ~70 min. Taxi costs ¥150-180.

I always recommend starting here. Grab dinner at Da Pai Dang (大牌档) – a local chain serving classic Nanjing food. Address: 48 Jiyuan Street, right on the river. My must-order: xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and salty duck. Payments: They accept WeChat Pay, Alipay, and cash. Most cards don't work, so carry enough yuan. No English menu, but they have pictures.

Day 2: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum & Purple Mountain

Address: 7 Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Road, Xuanwu District
Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30). No entry after 16:30 even if you're inside the park.
Ticket: Free for the mausoleum itself, but the scenic area charges ¥100 for a combo ticket (includes Linggu Temple, Botanical Garden). Avoid the combo unless you have 6 hours.

Arrive by 8 AM – I mean it. The tour buses start rolling in at 9:30, and the queue for the shuttle bus from the entrance to the mausoleum can hit 40 minutes. I walk my clients up the 392 steps instead. It's a workout, but you earn the view. Pro tip: bring water – the vendors at the top charge ¥8 for a small bottle.

After the mausoleum, take a 10-minute walk east to Meiling Palace (¥30 entry, beautiful gardens). The best photo spot is from the north side, where the cherry blossoms frame the blue roof.

Day 3: Nanjing Museum & City Wall

Nanjing Museum (南京博物院) – Address: 321 Zhongshan East Road. Free entry but you must reserve in advance on their WeChat mini-program (search “南京博物院”). I hate this system – it's entirely in Chinese. Ask your hotel receptionist to book it for you. If you can't get a reservation, go to the Nanjing City Museum (Chaotian Palace) which is less crowded and costs ¥20.

City Wall: The best section for foreign tourists is the Zhonghua Gate (Gate of China). Address: 98 Zhonghua Road. Entry ¥50. Walk along the wall for about 1 km to the next gate. It's a great way to see the old city layout. Sunday mornings are crowded with locals flying kites – lovely atmosphere.

Day 4: Day Trip to Xuanwu Lake and the Presidential Palace

Xuanwu Lake: Free park, 5 km around the lake. Rent a pedal boat (¥80/hour) or just stroll. The best entrance is Gate 1, near Metro Line 1 Xuanwumen Station.

Presidential Palace (总统府): 292 Changjiang Road. Entry ¥40. Opens at 8:30. Go early – the queues at 10 AM stretch around the block. You'll see where Sun Yat-sen worked. The gardens are quieter in the back.

Day 5: Confucius Temple Revisit or Lao Men Dong

If you want more local flavor, skip the touristy Fuzimiao and head to Lao Men Dong (老门东). Address: West of Zhonghua Gate, Qinhuai District. It's a restored historic area with narrow alleys, craft shops, and street food. Must-try: duck blood vermicelli soup (¥15) at the small stall near the main arch.

Day 6: Last-Minute Souvenirs & Departure

I usually tell clients to stay near the airport on the final day. The Nanjing Lukou International Airport Outlet Mall (15 min taxi from airport) is decent for last-minute gifts. Or just relax at the airport – the lounge in Terminal 1 has showers.

Where to Stay for Transit Travelers

Location matters. I recommend three areas:

Frequently Asked Questions About Nanjing Visa-Free Transit