Parent-tested Nanjing Spring Tour | Xuanwu Lake + Green Expo Garden Flat Route

Considering parents' travel needs and the 2025 March-April flower forecast, here's a comfortable 3-day, 2-night flower viewing itinerary covering transportation, attractions, dining, and accommodation. The route minimizes walking stress and ensures comfort for traveling with parents. I. Trip Planning Principles 1. Convenient Transportation: Choose attractions accessible by subway or within short walking distance to reduce transfer stress. 2. Flat Terrain: Prioritize lakeside paths and parks with well-maintained accessibility facilities, avoiding hills and stairs. 3. Off-peak Visits: Avoid weekends and peak hours after 10am, opt for morning or evening visits. 4. Balance with Rest: Plan 1-2 main attractions per day with 1-2 hours rest time at noon. II. Recommended Itinerary (3 Days 2 Nights) Day 1: Xuanwu Lake Park (Full Day) Morning Focus Area: Lovers' Garden Tulip Field (peak bloom in late March) Take subway Line 1 to Xuanwu Gate Station Exit 3, directly to park's north gate. Rent electric cart (CNY 60/hour), tour tulips, magnolias, and cherry blossoms along the lake road. Photo spots: White magnolias by Fang Bridge with city wall, Liangzhou Plum Garden (early plums finished, late plums viewable mid-March). Noon Join "Century-old Brand Food Festival" at Caolong Square (Mar 10-Apr 6), taste Jinming soup dumplings, Qijiawan pot stickers and other Nanjing specialties. Ample seating available. Afternoon Focus Area: Liberation Gate Cherry Blossom Avenue (peak bloom mid-March) Take park shuttle to Liberation Gate, walk 500m flat path along city wall to view cherry blossoms, avoiding Jiming Temple crowds. If energetic, take boat ride (CNY 50/person) around lake for photos of cherry blossoms with Zifeng Tower. Accommodation Recommend hotels near Xuanwu Lake (like Jinling Hotel Xuanwu Lake), 5-minute walk to subway, some rooms overlook lake. Day 2: Green Expo Garden + Wuchaomen Park (Full Day) Morning Green Expo Garden Dutch Tulip Festival (Mar 15-Apr 6) Take subway Line 10 to Green Expo Garden Station Exit 2. Flat paths throughout, free wheelchair rental (deposit required). Focus Area: Dutch Friendship Garden by windmill, 22 tulip varieties in mass plantings with daffodil sea, perfect for photos. Noon Picnic in garden or dine at nearby Yangzi River Ecological Park riverside restaurant, try Yangtze River fresh fish soup and bamboo shoots with dried tofu. Afternoon Wuchaomen Park hydrangeas (early April, white blooms, quiet scenery) Take subway Line 2 to Minggugong Station Exit 1, 10-minute walk to park. Ming Dynasty stone bases with wooden hydrangeas frame, perfect for traditional style photos. Stroll along Ming City Wall Fugui Mountain entrance, no stairs, suitable for sitting and flower viewing. Accommodation Recommend hotels near Confucius Temple (like Nabo Qinhuai Junting Hotel), evening boat rides on Qinhuai River, walking distance to Laomendong Food Street. Day 3: Zhongshan Botanical Garden + Nanjing Agricultural University Community (Flexible Return) Morning Zhongshan Botanical Garden South Garden Orchid Show (until Mar 30) Take subway Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, transfer to Bus 20. Flat paths in greenhouse, displaying 60+ tropical orchids, constant 25°C. North Garden Plum Valley for late plums, some stairs, recommend viewing from distance. Noon Dine at "Zijin Mountain Villa" in botanical garden, try soft osmanthus taro shoots and steamed red carp. Afternoon Nanjing Agricultural University Community (6 Tongwei Road) 10-minute taxi ride, February orchids and tulips scattered among buildings, flat paths, occasional encounters with gardening experts. If energy permits, 10-minute walk to "Huanya Catherine Plaza" for weeping crabapple photos with Zifeng Tower background. III. Alternative Options (Adjust Based on Energy) Alternative Site: If Zhongshan Botanical Garden is too tiring, visit "Yiliu Flower Market" (largest flower market in north city), take subway Line 3 to Nanjing Station, 5-minute taxi ride, indoor flat paths for potted plant shopping. Shortened Itinerary: Day 3 only Zhongshan Botanical Garden, return after lunch for adequate rest. IV. Travel Tips 1. Transportation Tips Prioritize elevator access in subway, use electric carts in Xuanwu Lake and Green Expo Garden. 2. Equipment Preparation Bring lightweight folding chairs (recommend carbon fiber), knee pads and thermos. Download "Nanjing Metro" APP for real-time crowd info, avoid busy carriages. 3. Ticket Discounts Seniors over 60 get half-price admission to Zhongshan Botanical Garden (original CNY 45) with ID, free entry to Xuanwu Lake and Green Expo Garden. V. Flower Season Reference (March-April 2025) Cherry Blossoms: Peak bloom mid-March to early April | Recommended: Xuanwu Lake Liberation Gate, Green Expo Garden | Walking difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (flat) Tulips: Peak bloom late March to mid-April | Recommended: Green Expo Garden Dutch Garden, Zhongshan Botanical Garden | Walking difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (flat) Hydrangeas: Peak bloom early April to May | Recommended: Wuchaomen Park, Qingliangshan Park | Walking difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (few stairs) February Orchids: Peak bloom March-April | Recommended: Nanjing Agricultural University Community, Jiangxinzhou Misty Forest | Walking difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (flat) VI. Risk Warnings 1. Elderly physical conditions vary, proceed according to ability. 2. Crowd warning: Xuanwu Lake and Jiming Temple Road may restrict entry on weekends, recommend visiting on working days. 3. Weather changes: Spring brings rain, prepare light raincoats and non-slip shoes (park stone paths become slippery).