park that started it all overXuanwu Lake Park Recommanded:
Taking a walk along the edge of Xuanwu Lake is an activity in itself, but if you seek something more specific read on.
Jogging
For the serious jogger, Xuanwu Lake is a suitable place to jog year round. There are still a few cars on the road, but compared with the busy city streets, it is far superior and safer. The roads and street lamps were upgraded in 2006, so the park is an excellent place to jog after sunset.
During the summer, the best times to go for exercise are in the early morning and late evening, because that is when temperatures are the coolest. In fact, in the middle of the summer the morning is noticeably cooler than the evening.
See more about Nanjing’s climate
Paddle Boats
Four person paddle boats cost 25 yuan per hour and require a 50 yuan deposit. Paddle boats can be rented to the east and west of Nanjing Train Station or to the north of the Xuanwu Gate.
Walk, Relax, Etc.
Xuanwu Lake Park is a popular place to take a romantic walk. In the evening Chinese couples fill up the benches overlooking Xuanwu Lake. Some more adventurous couples park their cars (which include tinted windows, wink, wink) or set up tents.
Cycling
The roads along Xuanwu Lake form the ideal setting for a ride around Nanjing. Unfortunately it seems that cycling is not allowed as the guards often try to prevent people from taking bicycles within the park. However, if a visitor is persistent, makes an excuse, or enters through a nearby gate, the guards usually let it slide.
The entire northeast side of the lake is not actually part of the park. This means that there is no gate to go through if you just want to bike in that area, but it also means that if you want to bike around the entire lake, you may be hassled by guards twice (once to enter and once to re-enter).
Fireworks
During Chinese New Years Festival, hundreds, if not thousands of people flock to Xuanwu Lake to set off fireworks – some bring boxes of fireworks the size of refrigerators. Be warned, setting off fireworks is far from safe. In many countries, fireworks of this caliber are only legally used by professionals.
Fishing
A popular fishing spot in Xuanwu Lake is on the north side, just to the east of Nanjing Train Station. However, people can be seen fishing at many places around the outside of the lake and inside the inner islands.
