Xuanwu Lake Park, located centrally in Nanjing near the International Exhibition Center, was the largest imperial lake garden in China’s history. It’s one of the most popular places to run in Nanjing. You’ll find many joggers doing the 9 km loop around Xuanwu Lake, enjoying the city and skyline views. A bonus is that the paths are pedestrian only (no bikes!). Our thanks to Joylin Nodwell for suggesting this route!
A good place to enter the park is at Jiuhuashan Park (South Gate). The full loop around the lake is 9.2 km, and there are views along the whole way. There are a few shaded sections.
Longer & Shorter Options: To make the run longer or to vary it, take Sisters Bridge, which goes over the lake to Lingzhou Island and then Liangzhou Island. You’ll pass Lianhua Square, with its views to the sculptures on the lake, and then bonsai and willow gardens on Liang Isle. It’s 2 km from the south to north. For a run of half the full lake loop, take the path across the lake via Huanzhou, Cherry Island, Liangzhou and Cuizhou.
Add-Ons: A section of the City Wall of Nanjing is in this area. The cobbled path along it is good for running.
Xuanwu Lake Park, located centrally in Nanjing near the International Exhibition Center, was the largest imperial lake garden in China’s history. It’s one of the most popular places to run in Nanjing. You’ll find many joggers doing the 9 km loop around Xuanwu Lake, enjoying the city and skyline views. A bonus is that the paths are pedestrian only (no bikes!). Our thanks to Joylin Nodwell for suggesting this route!
A good place to enter the park is at Jiuhuashan Park (South Gate). The full loop around the lake is 9.2 km, and there are views along the whole way. There are a few shaded sections.
Longer & Shorter Options: To make the run longer or to vary it, take Sisters Bridge, which goes over the lake to Lingzhou Island and then Liangzhou Island. You’ll pass Lianhua Square, with its views to the sculptures on the lake, and then bonsai and willow gardens on Liang Isle. It’s 2 km from the south to north. For a run of half the full lake loop, take the path across the lake via Huanzhou, Cherry Island, Liangzhou and Cuizhou.
Add-Ons: A section of the City Wall of Nanjing is in this area. The cobbled path along it is good for running.
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