Top Things to See and Eat on Hunan Road, Nanjing

Top Things to See and Eat on Hunan Road, Nanjing

Nanjing’s Hunan Road (湖南路) is a bustling commercial street that offers a vibrant mix of shopping, history, and local flavors. Unlike the more tourist-heavy Fuzimiao area, Hunan Road feels like a place where locals go to relax, eat, and explore. For international travelers, it’s an excellent window into modern Nanjing life, with plenty of classic sights and tastes to discover.

What to See on Hunan Road

1. The Hunan Road Pedestrian Street The heart of the area is the pedestrianized section of Hunan Road itself. Lined with department stores, boutiques, and electronics shops, it’s a great place to people-watch and see Nanjing’s youthful energy. In the evenings, the street comes alive with neon lights and street performers.

2. Gulou Square (Drum Tower Square) At the southern end of Hunan Road lies Gulou Square, named after the historic Drum Tower (Gulou) that stands nearby. The tower itself dates back to the Ming Dynasty and was used to keep time. While you can’t always go inside, the square is a popular gathering spot and offers a nice contrast between ancient architecture and the modern city skyline.

3. Nanjing University (Gulou Campus) Just a short walk from Hunan Road, the Gulou campus of Nanjing University is one of China’s most prestigious. The campus features beautiful, tree-lined avenues, historic buildings from the early 20th century, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a stroll. It’s a great spot to escape the shopping crowds and experience academic life.

4. The Lakeside (Xuanwu Lake) Hunan Road is only a 10-minute walk from Xuanwu Lake, one of Nanjing’s most famous natural attractions. You can see the iconic Zifeng Tower (Nanjing’s tallest building) reflected in the lake, or walk across the causeway to the islands within. It’s a lovely spot for a morning run or an evening walk.

What to Eat on Hunan Road

The real highlight of Hunan Road is its food scene. While it isn’t as famous for street snacks as Fuzimiao, the area is packed with small eateries and restaurant complexes serving authentic Nanjing cuisine.

1. Nanjing Salted Duck (Nanjing Yanshui Ya) You cannot leave Nanjing without trying its signature dish: salted duck. Unlike Peking duck, this is a cold, cured duck that is tender, moist, and delicately salty. Many small shops along the side streets off Hunan Road specialize in this dish. Look for shops with ducks hanging in the window – that’s a sign of a good place.

2. Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup (Yaxue Fensi Tang) Another Nanjing staple, this hearty soup combines duck blood cubes (a local delicacy), tofu puffs, and thin vermicelli noodles in a rich duck broth. It’s spicy, savory, and incredibly comforting. You’ll find street-side stalls serving it in paper bowls – a perfect quick lunch.

3. Soup Dumplings (Tang Bao) While Shanghai is famous for its xiaolongbao, Nanjing has its own style of soup-filled dumplings. These are typically larger and served in a plate with the soup poured over the top. The dough is thicker, and the filling is rich and porky. Head to a traditional dumpling house off the main drag to try them.

4. Local Snack Streets The most authentic food on Hunan Road is found in the narrow alleyways (called "hutongs") branching off the main street. Look for:

• Jianbing (Chinese Crepes): A crispy, savory pancake filled with egg, chili sauce, and often a crunchy fried wonton wrapper.
• Chuan’r (Grilled Skewers): Spicy lamb, chicken, or vegetable skewers cooked over charcoal – a classic evening snack.
• Stinky Tofu (Choudoufu): A polarizing but must-try snack. It’s fried fermented tofu served with chili and sweet sauce. The smell is strong, but the taste is surprisingly mild and crunchy.

FAQs for International Travelers

Q: Is Hunan Road easy to reach by metro? A: Yes. The easiest way is to take Metro Line 1 to Gulou Station (Exit 4B) or Xuanwumen Station. Both are within a 5-minute walk of the main street.

Q: What is the best time to visit? A: The street is busiest in the late afternoon and evening (5-9 PM) when the food stalls and shops are fully open. Morning is quieter, but fewer food vendors will be operating.

Q: Is it suitable for vegetarian travelers? A: Yes, but you need to look carefully. Many dishes contain meat or seafood broth. Look for vegetable-focused stalls selling fried tofu, grilled corn, and vegetable jianbing. The soup dumplings and duck dishes are not vegetarian.

Q: Can I pay with credit cards or mobile payment? A: Most larger shops and restaurants accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and major credit cards. Smaller street stalls often only accept cash or mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay). Always carry some small cash (10-50 RMB notes) for snacks.

Q: Is English widely spoken? A: Not widely on Hunan Road itself. While some younger staff in department stores may speak basic English, you’ll have an easier time using a translation app like Google Translate or a simple phrasebook for ordering food.

Conclusion

Hunan Road offers a more relaxed, local alternative to Nanjing’s more tourist-oriented attractions. It’s a place where you can sample the city’s famous salted duck, explore a historic university campus, and watch the city buzz with energy – all within a few blocks. For international travelers looking to taste the real Nanjing, this street is a must-visit.