NANJINGNOW

Getting to Nanjing Train Station:

You can get there by bus this way: go to the nearest bus stop and figure out which bus to take.
Or you can wave down the taxi.

From Nanjing Train Station:

If you see this…

then the lake has to be behind you. The whole area’s really well done, and if you turn around, you’ll see a newly constructed boardwalk. This is a great people-watching area, so take your time…

and my impression of the Famous Five…

Now, you’re facing the lake and the islands that hang out in the lake itself. Continue walking along the boardwalk by turning right. You’ll see many things engraved in wood, from forlorn lovers to forsaken employees. Here’s one which I don’t really get…

“Can you tell me if my request is too much? Can you do it? I hope you can. Don’t you tell me that you’re just gonna try. If you can’t do it, then I will.”

Keep walking along the boardwalk with the lake on your left. You’ll begin to proceed anti-clockwise around the lake (marked in red below). At some point, perhaps 30-45 minutes later, you’ll arrive at the entrance point to the islands (marked in blue below). At this point you can decide to turn left and enter the islands (20rmb per entry at point of writing); or turn right and head toward Zhongyang Road 中央路[zhong1yang1lu4] from whence you can find your way home.

This is one way to enjoy the Xuanwu Lake during your free time. Of course, there are other things you can do while in Nanjing.