Dàpái Dàng

Top choice in Nanjing


This hectic, fun and vast place, decorated like a Qing dynasty eatery, with waiters scurrying around in period garb and lanterns hanging overhead, is deservedly packed out. There's a handy photo menu for ordering fried dumplings with pork, leek and mushroom (¥12 for three), sliced fish soup with preserved vegetables (¥48), Nánjīng fried noodles (¥16) and oodles of other tasty local dishes.

With eight branches in town, it's a big name in Nánjīng, but if you arrive during a busy period (such as weekends), you'll have to grab a ticket and wait in line outside. It's on the 7th floor of Deji Plaza just north of the Xinjiekou intersection at the heart of town: take exit 7 from the Xinjiekou metro station and take the lift or escalators upstairs.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nanjing attractions

1. Presidential Palace

0.72 MILES

After the Taiping took over Nanjing, they built the Mansion of the Heavenly King (天王府, Tiānwáng Fǔ) on the foundations of a former Ming-dynasty palace…

2. Nanjing University

0.84 MILES

This delightfully historic campus is worth a stroll to appreciate its traditional architecture, lovely trees and green spaces.

3. Nanjing Normal University

1.01 MILES

Established in 1902 and located in the centre of town; the lovely campus is well worth an exploration.

4. Jiming Temple

1.47 MILES

The most active temple in Nanjing, Jiming Temple was first built in AD 527 during the Three Kingdoms period and has been rebuilt many times since.

5. Zhan Garden

1.52 MILES

If you don't have time to get to Suzhou, visit this delightful Ming-dynasty garden complex that once housed Taiping officials. The on-site Taiping History…

6. Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall

1.55 MILES

The north section (北馆; ¥40) of this extensive subterranean museum, marked by the stunning reflection pool on Gongyuan Jie, has contemporary displays on…

7. Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum

1.56 MILES

Hong Xiuquan, the Hakka leader of the quasi-Christian Taiping, had a palace built in Nanjing (then named Tianjing or 'Heavenly Capital'), but the building…

8. Jiefang Gate

1.56 MILES

One of the original 13 Ming city gates, which allows access to the walls.