Xuanwu Lake
Lake Urban lake and park in Nanjing city centre
Nanjing’s Xuanwu Lake offers islands, pavilions and boating against a backdrop of city parks; locals and tourists stroll promenades, rent rowboats, and photograph pagodas and sections of the old city wall.
Xuanwu Lake is an urban lake and park in Nanjing, Jiangsu, forming a large green space directly adjacent to the historic core of the city. It is one of Nanjing’s principal recreational areas.
The water bodies and surrounding gardens have been part of Nanjing’s urban landscape for centuries; they were managed and developed in successive imperial and municipal periods into the public park seen today.
Situated in central Nanjing, the lake sits immediately north of the old city wall in Xuanwu District and is within easy reach of the city center and major transport links.
- Central urban park: A network of lakes, islands and promenades sits immediately adjacent to Nanjing's historic city wall, offering accessible walking and boating close to the city center.
What to See #
- Five islands: Five interconnected islands within the lake are linked by stone bridges and causeways and contain pavilions, gardens and walking paths popular with city residents.
How to Get to Xuanwu Lake #
Xuanwu Lake is within central Nanjing and is easily reached by Nanjing Metro: Xuanwumen Station (Line 1 and 2) places visitors near the southern edge of the park. Buses also serve multiple stops around the lake. From Nanjing South Railway Station, take Metro Line 1 northwards; the ride is typically 20-30 minutes.
Tips for Visiting Xuanwu Lake #
- Walk the western promenade in late afternoon when the light slants across the water and the city skyline softens.
- Rent a pedal boat to see the island temples up close; small boats depart from piers by the north shore.
- Avoid the busiest weekend hours (late morning Saturdays) to find quieter paths among the willow trees.
Best Time to Visit Xuanwu Lake #
Best in spring for blossoms and in autumn for crisp weather and clearer skies; mornings and late afternoons avoid peak crowds.
Weather & Climate near Xuanwu Lake #
Xuanwu Lake's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1025 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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