The Correct Way to Enjoy a 3-Day Trip to Nanjing

Here is a comprehensive guide to traveling in Nanjing, combining attractions, food, itinerary planning, and practical tips to help you efficiently plan your trip: ------ 🏯 1. Must-Visit Attractions Historical and Cultural Core 1. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum ◦ The tomb of Mr. Sun Yat-sen; climb 392 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Nanjing city, where architecture and nature blend perfectly. ◦ Tips: Free but requires reservation. It is recommended to purchase the Zhongshan Scenic Area combo ticket (includes Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Meiling Palace, etc., about 100 RMB). 2. Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River Scenic Area ◦ Take a painted boat cruise on the Qinhuai River at night (ticket 80-100 RMB) to enjoy the lights and ancient buildings on both banks; the pedestrian street offers snacks and creative shops. ◦ Nearby: Jiangnan Examination Hall (Imperial Examination Museum), Wuyi Lane (former residences of the Wang and Xie families). 3. Presidential Palace ◦ A modern history epitome with a blend of Chinese and Western architecture, witnessing the transition from the Qing Dynasty’s Governor-General Office of Liangjiang to the Republic of China government. Ticket 35 RMB, recommend reserving 3 hours. 4. Nanjing Museum ◦ One of China’s top three museums, featuring a "one museum, six halls" layout (History Hall and Republic of China Hall are most popular), with over 430,000 artifacts. Free but requires reservation; closed on Mondays. Nature and Historic Sites 5. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum ◦ The tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, with a sacred stone elephant road beautiful in all seasons, especially stunning with ginkgo and red leaves in autumn. Included in the Zhongshan Scenic Area combo ticket. 6. Qixia Mountain ◦ A top spot for autumn maple viewing (best in mid to late November), ticket 40 RMB; Qixia Temple on the mountain is a thousand-year-old ancient temple. 7. Nanjing City Wall (Zhonghua Gate section) ◦ Climb the "World’s Largest Fortress City" for a bird’s-eye view of the old city. Ticket 50 RMB; night sessions open until 10 PM, with lighting enhancing its grandeur. Off-the-Beaten-Path Deep Experiences • Dabaosen Temple Ruins: A fusion of modern technology and Buddhist culture, with a stunning glazed pagoda night view. Ticket 90 RMB. • Yihe Road Mansion Area: Republic of China-era buildings shaded by plane trees, perfect for photography and strolling. • Xianfeng Bookstore (Wutaishan Branch): Transformed from an underground parking garage, known as "China’s Most Beautiful Bookstore," a must-visit for literary youth. ------ 📅 2. Itinerary Planning Suggestions Classic 3-Day Tour • Day 1 Zhongshan Cultural Line Morning: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (Stone Elephant Road) → Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Afternoon: Music Stage (feed pigeons) → Meiling Palace (view of the plane tree necklace) Evening: Confucius Temple Qinhuai Night Tour + Laomendong snacks. • Day 2 City Highlights Morning: Nanjing Museum (focus on Republic of China Hall and special exhibitions) Afternoon: Presidential Palace → Jiangning Weaving Museum (optional) Evening: Xinjiekou Shopping District (Deji Plaza, Nanjing Famous Food Court). • Day 3 History and Nature Morning: Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders (reservation required, maintain solemnity) Afternoon: Qixia Mountain / Niushou Mountain (Buddha’s Summit Palace underground palace is impressive). Compact 2-Day Tour Compress the Zhongshan itinerary, focusing on the four core sites: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, Nanjing Museum, and Presidential Palace. ------ 🍜 3. Food Map Must-Try Local Specialties 1. Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup: Xiao Pan Ji (fresh soup and generous ingredients), Huiwei Duck Blood Vermicelli. 2. Salted Duck / Roast Duck: Zhang Yun Salted Duck (crispy skin and juicy), Jin Hongxing (rich old marinade). 3. Soup Dumplings: Jiming Soup Dumplings (unique chrysanthemum leaf dumplings), Xu Jianping Soup Dumplings (heritage chicken broth). 4. Qinhuai Eight Delicacies: Jiang Youji Beef Potstickers, Qifangge Duck Oil Pancakes, Lianhu Pastry Shop Red Bean Lantern Festival Dumplings. Recommended Food Streets • Laomendong: Jiang Youji Potstickers, Lu’s Plum Blossom Cake, Xiao Zheng Crispy Pancakes. • Kexiang: Aunt Xu’s Pastry Shop (salted egg yolk green dumplings), Tao’s Lotus Root Cakes (crispy bestseller). • Nanhu Night Market: Live Pearl (for the brave), Fatty’s Clay Pot (local late-night snack). Michelin Bib Gourmand Recommendations • Fangpo Pastry Shop: Black rice balls + marinated egg, top breakfast choice. • Li Ji Halal Restaurant: Juicy beef potstickers, excellent with wontons. ------ 🚆 4. Transportation and Accommodation Tips Transportation Guide • Airport/High-Speed Rail: From Lukou Airport take Line S1 then transfer to subway; Nanjing South Station (high-speed rail hub), Nanjing Station (near Xuanwu Lake). • Within the city: Subway covers major attractions (get electronic card via Alipay); electric scooters can be rented between scenic spots (Zhongshan Scenic Area about 50 RMB/day). Accommodation Recommendations • Around Confucius Temple: Convenient for night tours, concentrated homestays (e.g., Night Stay Qinhuai Junting Hotel). • Xinjiekou: City center business district, high-end hotels (Jinling Hotel), subway hub. • Near Xuanwu Lake: Quiet environment (e.g., Shangri-La), suitable for leisure trips. ------ 🌸 5. Seasonal Highlights and Notes • Best Seasons: ◦ Spring (March-May): Plum blossom viewing at Plum Blossom Hill, cherry blossom avenue at Jiming Temple (late March). ◦ Autumn (September-November): Qixia red leaves, Ming Xiaoling ginkgo. • Notes: 1. Monday closed attractions: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing Museum, Presidential Palace (check opening times in advance). 2. Bring sun protection and rain gear in summer; dress warmly and avoid damp cold in winter; wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking. 3. Popular venues (such as Nanjing Museum, Memorial Hall) require reservation 3 days in advance; avoid holidays to escape crowds. ------ Nanjing is a city worth savoring slowly, where the misty waters of the Six Dynasties meet the winds of the Republic era. Take this guide and experience the oars and lights of the Qinhuai River, the brilliant autumn leaves of Zhongshan, and let your taste buds dance in the aroma of duck and the sweetness of glutinous rice!