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Living in Nanjing, China

The Hopkins-Nanjing Center is located in the heart of Nanjing, China–a bustling metropolitan city with a population of more than 8 million people. It is China’s 13th largest city, capital of Jiangsu province, and former capital of many Chinese dynasties and kingdoms. Living in this vibrant, lush, and culturally-significant city provides an authentic Chinese experience for students seeking to advance their Chinese language skills and to better understand Sino-Global relations.

Hopkins-Nanjing Center

Through academic and social activities, and by pairing international and Chinese students as roommates, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center facilitates expanded cultural awareness. Its modern facility in historic Nanjing makes students feel at home while living in China. Features include wireless internet access, modern classrooms and residence hall facilities, study spaces, and places to unwind.

Library

The school is committed to free and open academic exchange, and houses a research library considered one of China's top collections on international relations. As a student, you will have access to more than 120,000 volumes in Chinese and English, 400 periodicals, and electronic assets of both Johns Hopkins University and Nanjing University.
 

Johns Hopkins SAIS students talking in a dorm room

Student Housing

Students have the option to find their own apartment off campus. Students in the one-year certificate program who choose to live on campus are required to live in the student dormitory with a roommate–typically an international and Chinese student pairing. Students in the Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) program may choose to live without a roommate in a single dorm room. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and western amenities. If you plan to live with a spouse or dependent, you will be responsible for arranging your own off-campus housing.

Chinese Visas

You will receive information regarding China's student visa application and next steps shortly after being admitted to the school. Student affairs professionals will be available to advise you on the visa process, however, you are responsible for making arrangements and acquiring your own student visa.

Explore

Between visiting ancient cultural sights, gorgeous natural parks, and regional delicacies, you will experience an authentic Chinese experience while living in Nanjing.

  • Hop around Xuanwu Lake's five connected islands to explore temples, tea houses, and restaurants.
     
  • Design your own culinary tour and feast on Nanjing's delicacies with classmates and friends.
     
  • Behold the hundreds of lanterns lighting up the night sky at the ancient Confucius temple Fuzimiao.
     
  • Take a step back in time and visit the Nanjing Wall which was built in the 1300s by the Ming Dynasty.

Getting Around

With efficient public transportation, options for ridesharing, and fast trains to Shanghai and Beijing, getting around Nanjing and across China is quite convenient.

  • Walk
    Walking around Nanjing is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city. Whether your destination is the gorgeous Xuanwu Lake located in city center or to nearby Chinese and western-style restaurants and coffee shops, the city is quite easy to navigate on foot.
     
  • Bike
    Biking is one of the easiest ways to explore the city while getting some exercise. Bike-share companies provide an inexpensive way to rent a bike. There is also is a large secondhand market if you wish to purchase a used bike.
     
  • Metro
    The Nanjing metro runs very frequently making it easy to access certain areas of the city and surrounding suburbs. The metro boasts ten lines and over 150 stations–including one a short walk from the Hopkins-Nanjing Center.
     
  • Taxi & Ride Share 
    Taxis are easy to flag down anywhere in the city. You can also use an app-based ridesharing service to coordinate an inexpensive ride.
     
  • Rail
    Nanjing is a major stop on the Beijing-Shanghai train line. High speed trains travel to Shanghai in one hour and to Beijing in three and a half hours.
     
  • Air
    Nanjing Lukou International Airport is the main airport serving Nanjing. It takes approximately 45 minutes (via taxi) to travel from the airport to the school.

Student Affairs

Resident faculty and staff are readily available to support your academic and student life needs. They are eager to help you navigate life as a graduate student in China.

Contact Us

Hopkins-Nanjing Center
Washington Office
1619 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
+1.202.663.5800