Nanjing life simulator

Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province and sits along the Yangtze River. Daily life moves at a scholarly pace under avenues shaded by London plane trees, with dozens of universities and historic Ming Dynasty walls. Residents take the metro, walk around lakeside parks, and line up in the afternoon to buy takeout roast duck or salted duck.

Lin, 20, moves to Gulou District to study at Nanjing University. Lin writes two life goals: make close friends on campus and visit the Gate of China.

In week one, Lin searches the map for Kexiang Food Street to eat soup dumplings before class. A classmate texts Lin to invite them for a walk around Xuanwu Lake Park. They talk in their own words, and the classmate remembers the chat the next day.

In week three, a karaoke night happens near Xinjiekou, and Lin joins a group of students. By the end of the month, Lin has a group text thread with three friends. They plan an outing to hike up Purple Mountain together.

In the real Nanjing, the Nanjing Metro is the main way to travel. Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 connect the urban core, while Line S1 goes to the airport. People also walk under the London plane trees in Gulou or ride shared bikes and e-bikes in bike lanes.

Drivers use the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and cross-river tunnels to reach Pukou north of the river. In LifeSim, you do not ride subways or drive vehicles. You use place search to find a metro station, Jiming Temple, or Zifeng Tower on the 3D map and go there.

You start as a 28-year-old software developer living in Jianye District near the Yangtze River. In the morning, you search the map for a local shop to get duck blood and vermicelli soup. At the shop, you chat with a neighbor who asks if you want chili oil, a common local question.

In the afternoon, your boss texts you about a project. After work, you plan an outing with two coworkers to the Nanjing 1912 District next to the Presidential Palace. You walk there together on the 3D map and talk as a group. The day ends with a recap of your moments.

People in Nanjing use the Chinese yuan, which locals often call kuai. Most residents pay for daily items with QR code apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. You use these apps at street food stalls, shops, and metro stations. Shops and restaurants also take UnionPay bank cards and cash.

Housing costs depend on the district. Modern towers in Jianye and central flats in Gulou are the most expensive. Central districts like Xuanwu and Qinhuai have mid-range living costs. Outer districts like Jiangning, Pukou, and Luhe offer cheaper apartments.

LifeSim does not charge rent or pay a regular salary. You do not pay utility bills or metro fares in the game. Instead, your cash changes directly through the activities you do and the chats you have.