You've got to visit Nanjing at least once! A two-day, one-night summer travel guide
"The golden-powdered land of six dynasties, the imperial capital of Jinling"
You've got to visit Nanjing at least once—feel the evening breeze along the Qinhuai River, admire the historical treasures at the Nanjing Museum, stroll through the Republic-era charm of Yilu Road, and experience the unique allure of Jinling. This ultra-detailed two-day, one-night Nanjing travel guide will immerse you in the city's magic!
【Transportation Hacks: The Subway is Faster Than Takeout】
Nanjing's metro is like a "time machine." Line 1 connects the three major hubs—Xuanwu Lake, Confucius Temple, and Xinjiekou—while Line 2 takes you straight to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and Nanjing Museum. Pro tip: Avoid Line 1 during rush hours unless you want to experience "face-to-glass intimacy." For a more artistic adventure, rent a shared bike and ride along Lingyuan Road—the dappled sunlight filtering through the plane trees makes for better photos than any filter.
【Itinerary Highlights: 48 Hours of Time-Traveling Fun】
**DAY 1: The Hidden Lives of Emperors and Generals**
**07:30 - Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (Early Bird Edition)**
Sneak in before 6:30 AM for free access to this 5A-rated wonder! The stone statues glisten with morning dew, and the sika deer at Changsheng Deer Garden await your treats (¥30 for a grass bundle = Instagram-worthy shots). Insider tip: A 10-minute walk from Gate 5 leads to Meiling Palace, the "No. 1 Republic-era Villa," adorned with 340,000 glazed tiles—Chiang Kai-shek’s ultimate "rustic love letter" to Soong May-ling.
**10:00 - Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Climb Challenge**
The 392 steps are worth it! The panoramic view of Nanjing from the top explains why it’s called the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" city. Head down to Music Terrace (¥10 entry) to watch flocks of white doves—bring breadcrumbs, and you’ll feel like a Disney princess.
**12:30 - Kexiang Food Raid**
The locals’ secret foodie paradise! Xu Aunty’s salted egg yolk and pork floss mochi burst with flavor, Fenghuangyuan’s pan-fried dumplings gush with juice, and Xiaopanji’s duck blood and vermicelli soup is mind-blowingly fresh. Pro tip: Skip the vacuum-packed salted duck at Confucius Temple—Kexiang’s freshly sliced version is unbeatable.
**14:30 - Nanjing Museum Time Travel**
Book 7 days in advance! Head straight to the Republic of China exhibit—pose in a cheongsam with an oil-paper umbrella for a *The Flowers of War* vibe. Don’t miss the star exhibit, the "Pink Mini Stove" (Qianlong’s hibiscus stone incense burner)—its pastel hue is pure Insta-bait.
**19:00 - Qinhuai River Night Cruise**
Choose the West Route! The light show at Panchi Wharf brings *Mooring on the Qinhuai* to life. Avoid the ¥298 Hanfu rental in the scenic area—Lao Mendong’s "Jinling Dream" package (¥198 with makeup) lets you roam in Ming Dynasty-style skirts for maximum likes.
**DAY 2: From Zen to Cyberpunk**
**08:30 - Niushou Mountain’s Buddha’s Crown Palace**
This ¥4 billion "golden durian" architecture houses sacred relics. Wear a solid-color maxi dress—the spiral staircase’s depth will make you feel like *Inception*’s heroine. Time-saver: Enter via the West Gate (shuttle to the core in 2 minutes), exit via East Gate, and grab Starbucks’ "Zen Latte Art."
**11:30 - Deji Plaza Luxury Feast**
The ¥12 million restroom is a must-see! But don’t stop there—the 8th-floor "Jinling Dream" banquet (¥487/person) immerses you in *Han Xizai’s Night Revels* with archery, zither music, and crab roe yellow croaker rice—true "time-travel dining."
**14:00 - Hongshan Zoo Adventure**
A cruelty-free zoo! Koala "Lemon" naps on eucalyptus, while the hilariously ugly "Dudu" the white-faced saki monkey melts hearts. Hidden gem: Buy a "Banana" ice pop and toast with the monkeys.
**17:00 - Lao Mendong Food Crawl**
Dodge Confucius Temple crowds—Jiang Youji’s dumplings, Lan Laoda’s sweet lotus root porridge, and Lu’s plum blossom cakes will stuff you for ¥50. Culture bonus: The carved gate at Pioneer Bookstore’s Junhui branch outshines the flagship—grab *The Story of Nanjing* and stamp it for instant intellectual cred.
【Sleeping Like Royalty】
- **Xuanwu Lake Poetry**: Xuanwu Hotel’s rotating restaurant offers sunset views. Lake-view rooms showcase "endless lotus leaves"—but pick a high floor to avoid square-dance music.
- **Xinjiekou Vibes**: Jinling International’s rooftop pool overlooks the city skyline. Bose speakers play *Qinhuai Scenery*, and floor-to-ceiling windows add a metropolitan filter.
- **Lao Mendong Time Warp**: Hidden South Gate East Hotel blends Ming Dynasty aesthetics with smart toilets. Sip tea in Hanfu—caption: "Sleeping in the 21st-century Ming Dynasty."
【Foodie Frenzy】
- **Duck Trinity**: Zhangyun’s roast duck (crispy skin), Jin Hongxing’s salted duck (perfectly savory), Da Ji’s duck parts (binge-watching snack).
- **Carb Bombs**: Li Ji Halal’s juice-exploding beef dumplings, Fang Po’s sweet fermented rice balls, and the ¥5 egg burger (crispy outside, tender inside).
- **Creative Ice Cream**: Yangtze finless porpoise (Zhongshan Wharf), human-face tile (Six Dynasties Museum), and Pharmacist Pagoda (Jiming Temple)—collect all for ¥15 each!
【Ultimate Pitfall Guide】
1. **Booking Obsession**: Nanjing Massacre Memorial requires tickets 3 days ahead; Nanjing Museum, 7 days. Miss it, and you’ll cry at the "sold out" screen.
2. **Taxi Traps**: Avoid black cabs at Zhongshan Scenic Area—bikes + shuttle buses are king.
3. **Dialect Decoder**: When asked "A yao la you?" (Want chili oil?), say "Yao!" to unlock duck blood soup’s soul.
Nanjing—where history simmers in duck broth and art is etched into plane trees—proves in 48 hours how "tradition elopes with trendiness, and classics party with modernity." Pack your bags and go—after all, even Nanjing’s summer heat carries the misty romance of six dynasties!