Cherry Blossom Viewing in Nanjing | Guanyin Gate: A Local Secret for Free Night Cherry Blossoms

Guanyin Gate, one of Nanjing's eighteen outer city gates, is the only one with historical photographs. Today, the reconstructed gate and its surrounding park feature abundant cherry trees, making it Nanjing's newest Instagram-worthy cherry blossom spot this spring. Best of all, it's free! Free! Still relatively unknown, we recommend visiting right away. Highlights 1️⃣ Cherry Blossom Stairway The zigzagging walkway along the riverside slope resembles a pink stairway to heaven leading to the gate tower! Wear hanfu or light-colored dresses for stunning "celestial palace" photos. 2️⃣ Tower Views Climb the Guanyin Gate tower for panoramic views of the Yangtze River Second Bridge and Baguazhou Island, where cherry blossoms frame the river scenery in a perfect blend of old and new. 3️⃣ Night Market Under the Blossoms After 18:30, the lights come on and you can explore the handcraft market under the cherry trees, try cherry blossom ice cream (15 RMB) and traditional Nanjing yogurt (10 RMB). 📸 Photography Tips - Timing: 7-9am for soft light and fewer crowds, or after 18:30 for blue hour shots of night blossoms. - Capture the stairway panorama from the bottom, showing clear layers of cherry blossoms and the tower. - Take overhead shots of the winding flower path from the second floor, with the Yangtze River as backdrop. - Close-ups of night blossoms under streetlights create star-like light effects through petals. 🚗 Transportation - Subway: Exit 4 of Mufu Mountain Station (Line 7), then walk 1.2 km or bike-share (about 8 minutes). - Driving: Navigate to "Guanyin Gate Scenic Area parking lot," arrive before 9am on weekends (5 RMB/hour). Tips - 👟Wear non-slip shoes! Steps are steep; proceed with caution when wet. - 🌸Visit before late March! Early April visitors can also check out the free 3.5 km cherry blossom belt at Muyan Riverside. - 🦟Bring insect repellent! Mosquitoes are common by the river, especially at night. - 🪭Nearby attractions: Five-horse Ferry Square - Dharma Cave - Muyan Riverside Area - Guanyin Gate night cherry blossoms. Stroll along the river, admiring the cloud-like cherry blossoms while waiting for the stunning sunset, for maximum atmosphere.