Nanjing

Nanjing is a city that perfectly blends deep historical heritage with the lively feel of everyday street life. Whether you are strolling along plane-tree-lined avenues or exploring ancient temples, you can sense its distinctive “Jinling flavor.” Here is a classic three-day itinerary to help you enjoy Nanjing with ease.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Classic History and City Landmarks
  • Morning: Head to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to experience the atmosphere of modern Chinese history, then stroll along the Sacred Way at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and take in the weathered grandeur of this Ming-Qing imperial burial complex.

• Afternoon: Visit the Presidential Palace to learn about the shifts of modern history; then go to the Yihe Road Republican-era district to photograph its yellow walls, green tiles, and plane trees.

• Evening: Explore Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River, take a nighttime painted-boat cruise, and feel the bustle of the “Ten-Mile Qinhuai.”

• Day 2: Cultural Museums and Relaxing Nature
  • Morning: Visit the Nanjing Museum (advance reservation required) and travel through time in the History Hall and Republican-Era Hall.

• Afternoon: Go for a walk or bike ride around Xuanwu Lake, then in the late afternoon visit Jiming Temple to pray for peace and enjoy the beautiful sunset over Taicheng.

• Evening: Head to Laomendong for food, sample all kinds of authentic Nanjing snacks, and soak up the atmosphere of this traditional neighborhood.

• Day 3: Revolutionary Memory or Natural Zen Calm
  • Option A: Visit Yuhuatai to honor the martyrs, then go to Niushou Mountain to see the spectacular Usnisa Palace.

• Option B: Head to Hongshan Forest Zoo to see adorable animals, then spend the afternoon cooling off with tea at Qingliang Mountain and enjoy a slower pace.

Must-Try Food Recommendations

Nanjing’s cuisine is known for duck dishes and sweets, with surprises tucked away in streets and alleys throughout the city.

Recommended Areas to Stay

• Xinjiekou Commercial District: Located in the city center, with extremely convenient transport links where Metro Lines 1 and 2 meet. It is surrounded by shopping malls and is ideal for travelers who like shopping and easy access around the city.
• Confucius Temple/Qinhuai District: Close to major attractions, with beautiful night views and plenty of food options, though prices are higher during holidays and the area can be relatively noisy.
• Around Xuanwu Lake/Gulou: Quiet and pleasant, suitable for travelers who enjoy natural scenery and a calmer atmosphere, with universities and parks nearby.

Transport and Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• Transport: Nanjing’s metro system is very well developed, and most major attractions can be reached by metro. It is recommended to download the “Nanjing Metro” app or use the Alipay transit QR code.
• Reservations: Be sure to reserve popular attractions such as Nanjing Museum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Presidential Palace in advance through their official WeChat accounts, especially during holidays.
• Food Pitfalls: Try not to buy vacuum-packed salted duck in the core Confucius Temple area. Any local street shop with a queue will usually taste better. Nanjing Impressions is good for experiencing the atmosphere, but the flavor is fairly standard, so order lightly.