Nanjing In-Depth Travel Guide (2025 Latest Edition)

【3-Day Essential Itinerary】🔥 Day1️⃣ Cultural Immersion Route ☀️Morning: 📍Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Free but requires reservation) → Music Terrace for pigeon feeding🕊️ (10 CNY) 📸Must-visit Stone Elephant Road at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (70 CNY) Stunning in spring/autumn~ Wutong Necklace Scenic Platform & Meiling Palace (30 CNY)🌳 🌙Evening: Explore and eat at Laomendong (Lu's Plum Blossom Cake/Jiang Youji Pan-fried Dumplings) Lanterns light up at 19:00📸Perfect for photos! Day2️⃣ Old Town Time-Travel Route ☀️Morning: Free exploration of Confucius Temple👀 Imperial Examination Museum (50 CNY to experience ancient exams) Wuyi Alley check-in at Wang-Xie Ancient Residence (8 CNY) 🌙Evening: Time-travel photos at Nanjing Museum's Republic of China Hall (Book 3 days in advance!) Qinhuai River Night Cruise - choose West Route (80 CNY) Best lighting at 20:00💫 Day3️⃣ Zen & Nature Route 📍Niushou Mountain all-day visit (160 CNY) Buddhist Palace Underground Hall is absolutely breathtaking✨ Wear plain colors! Evening Hanfu experience at Jinling Xiaocheng (50 CNY + 110 CNY costume rental) Lights turn on at 19:30 - stunningly beautiful😭 ✨【5-Day In-Depth Tour Plus】✨ ➕Xuanwu Lake cycling (Free bike rental 30 CNY/day) ➕Qixia Mountain maple viewing (Must-visit in October! 40 CNY) ➕Presidential Palace modern history check-in (35 CNY) 🍜【Nanjing Must-Eat Guide】🍜 🌟Top 3 Legendary Eateries: 1️⃣ Li's Halal Restaurant (1 Dading Lane) 🐮Beef pan-fried dumplings 10 CNY/5 pieces! ㊙️Perfect with vinegar+chili oil - less crowded after 15:00 2️⃣ Fangpo Cake Shop (50 Wangfu Street) 🔥Limited black rice balls 5 CNY! Sweet Taro Soup 8 CNY with osmanthus fragrance~ Expect queues 7-9am! 3️⃣ Xiaopanji Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup Hidden way to eat: add crispy rice (3 CNY)! Soaks up broth perfectly💥 💎Hidden Gems: ▫️Jintongji Pan-fried Dumplings: Crispier skin! Less crowded than Li's ▫️Wang's Wonton: Firewood flavor + chili oil = perfection ▫️Xiangji Pig Skin Noodles: 22 CNY double toppings - heavenly 🚇【Smart Nanjing Travel Tips】🚇 ✔️Download "Nanjing Metro" APP for 45 CNY 3-day pass ✔️Book Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum/Nanjing Museum 3 days ahead! Niushou Underground Hall needs separate reservation ✔️Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum free before 6:30am! Enjoy crowd-free scenery ✔️Laomendong Pioneer Bookstore 2nd floor window view + Rainflower Tea Latte 38 CNY☕ 🏨【Where to Stay】🏨 ▪️Xinjiekou: Golden Eagle International (400-600 CNY) Direct metro access ▪️Laomendong: The Verse Luxury Inn (500-800 CNY) Gorgeous ancient-style courtyard ▪️Budget: Home Inn Neo Confucius Temple (200-300 CNY) 5-min walk to attractions 🌸【Seasonal Specials】🌸 Mar-Apr: Plum Blossom Hill + Jiming Temple Cherry Blossoms Jul-Aug: Gaochun Fireworks + Grape Picking Dec: Qinhuai Lantern Festival - breathtaking! ⚠️Local's secret: Xu Aunty's Green Rice Balls at Kexiang Lane 4 CNY each! Starts selling at 6am!